Home on RL180 Reef

ChessmanMark (Mark Hegenauer) 90 Gallon Tank - 01-20-2008

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

ChessmanMark (Mark Hegenauer) hosted a club meeting when I was a member of the Hudson Valley Reef Club in New York.

Midiman (John Keller) - 06-17-2006

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

John Keller hosted a club meeting when I was a member of the Hudson Valley Reef Club in New York.

Penn State (Sanjay Joshi) 500 Gallon Tank - 07-22-2001

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Sanjay Joshi with the help of his students maintains the amazing 500 gallon reef tank at Penn State University.

Peter Weis 500 Gallon Tank - 06-22-2006

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Peter Weis had an amazing 500 gallon reef tank and happened to be my next door neighbor when I lived in New York.

Po-Vegas Reefer (Todd Sackett) - 08-18-2007

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Todd Sackett hosted a club meeting when I was a member of the Hudson Valley Reef Club in New York.

Reef & Fin 500 Gallon Tank - 01-08-2005

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Reef & Fin was a retail store located in Stamford, CT that I used to visit once a week. When you first eneteed the store was a large 500 gallon tank that was pure eye candy.

Scott Curran - 03-30-2008

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Scott Curran had a really nice LPS dominated aquarium.

Seaham358 (Bob Hodor) - 09-16-2006

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Bob Hodor had a beautiful LPS dominated display tank.

Ted Ziff - 07-22-2001

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Ted Ziff had one heck of a Xenia problem. Awesome tank if you love that coral.

Atlantis Marine World 20,000 Gallon Tank - 5-10-2007

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Atlantis Marine World is now known as Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center is a commercial tank located in Riverview, New York (Long Island) maintained by fellow hobbyist Joe Yaiullo

FishyChick (Louise Lynch) - 10-20-2007

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

FishyChick (Louise Lynch) hosted a club meeting when I was a member of the Hudson Valley Reef Club in New York.

Jay Wager - 04-25-2009

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Jay Wager hosted a club meeting when I was a member of the Hudson Valley Reef Club in New York.

John Link (Reef Central) - 03-01-2002

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

I was able to visit John Link’s (founder of ReefCentral.com) to see his amazing Acropora dominated tank and grab a few frags from him.

Mack Messner - 07-22-2001

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Mack Messner’s beautiful acropora dominated tank.

Bytor (Tim) 200 Gallon Tank - 08-30-2003

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

These pictures are from Tim, who used the alias “Bytor” on various reef fourms and IRC channels. These were taken from his 200 gallon reef tank in August 30th, 2003 located in Mt. Pleasant, PA.

Mail Order Clam Acclimation

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A mail order shipment of three Tridacna crocea clams from Clams Direct, showing the packaging, inspection process, and drip acclimation procedure used to safely introduce the clams to the tank.

Display Tank Videos

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Collection of YouTube videos showcasing the 180 gallon in-wall display tank.

Halloween Urchin - Tripneustes gratilla

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a Halloween urchin captured in the middle of a tug-of-war with a Xenia colony. It’s a short-spine multi-color urchin with striking Halloween-like colors. Tripneustes gratilla is known for its vibrant coloration and is a popular urchin in the reef hobby.

Ocean Nutrition Formula One

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Ocean Nutrition Formula One is a general purpose marine flake food which states it has high protein content and claims to improve coloration and vitality of your fish. Key ingredients include fresh fish protein, fresh seafood, plankton, brine shrimp, minerals, vitamins, and carotenoids. I won this as part of a reef club raffle — fish seemed to enjoy it.

Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef Flake

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef Flake is another good quality flake food that many fish which already accept flake will go after very well. Key ingredients include fresh fish protein, salmon, squid, clams, plankton, and brine shrimp. Give the container a sniff — it might remind you of the smell of seafood.

ORA Glo Pellets

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Rumour has it that ORA Glo Pellets is what Vibra-Grow became — if true, it was one of the best pellet foods available and both products are now discontinued. This was a great food to feed via my automatic pellet feeder.

Pink Disc Coral - Fungia danai

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Fungia was actually cut in half on a table saw as part of a coral propagation demonstration by Anthony Calfo. The coral completely healed and showed new growth and excellent polyp extension several months later.

Propagated Maze Brain

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This coral had its left side cut off using a tile saw at a local reef club meeting. The coral healed very well and showed no negative side effects to having a chunk cut off. Over a year later it grew significantly thicker but did not re-encrust around the edges.

SeaVeggies - Mixed Green Flakes

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

SeaVeggies Mixed Green Flakes from Julian’s Two Little Fishes is essentially shredded nori — can’t really call it a flake food. Most fish which enjoy nori will enjoy this as well. Before this product was on the market I used to chop up nori myself so the smaller fish not willing to compete with the large tangs at the feeding clip could also enjoy some nori. The container contents look just like chopped nori — good seaweed without fillers found in common flake foods.

Xenia

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Xenia is known for being hard and easy to keep at the same time. It can be hard to get a colony established, but once established it is very easy to keep – to the point it will take over the entire display. The author found it spread like wildfire and had to remove it completely.

4 Gallon Silent Surge Device By Lavoie Technology

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is the unit taken right out of the box. The tiles on the floor are 1 square foot in size. That should help you judge how big the unit actually is.

Failed Sump Attempts

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

To the left is a picture of the sump under construction on my dining room table. You can see the Rubbermaid sump used (25 gallons).

Final Sump Design

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is the final sump design - a 55 gallon acrylic sump configuration. This is pretty close to my current sump configuration, showing the protein skimmer, heater, and other equipment.

Blue Linkia Sea Star - Linkia laevigata

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Linkia sea stars are among the few sea stars acceptable for reef aquariums. They are non-selective surface grazers from the Indo-Pacific and can survive on a diet of aquarium detritus and debris. However, they are known to ship very poorly with high mortality rates. Extra careful acclimation is recommended.

Green Brittle Sea Star - Ophiarachna incrassata

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is the notorious green brittle star - considered non-reef safe. With arms about 8 to 10 inches long, it spirals its arms around its body and lifts off the substrate to create a trap. When a shrimp or fish swims into the trap, the arms slam shut and long spike-like teeth dig into the prey. This one now lives in the sump after eating several peppermint shrimp.

Red Serpent Sea Star - Unknown sp.

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a typical serpent star fish sold in the aquarium trade. They are great scavengers feeding on uneaten food, detritus, and debris. Usually they stay hidden during the day with just the arms exposed, but when food is present they come running out. While direct feeding may not be needed if the tank is fed enough, these sea stars will readily accept small chunks of silversides.

White Brittle Sea Star - Unknown sp.

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a really neat sea star with a body about the size of a US penny but arms each close to 1 foot long - rare to find such long arms on a sea star. Like other brittle stars, it’s a scavenger that helps clean up detritus and leftover food.

3/4 Inch SeaSwirl

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This actually is not a powerhead because by itself it does not move any water. This is a ¾ inch version of the SeaSwirl made by Aquarium Current’s, Inc.

Abalone Snail - Haliotis asinina

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Pictured here is a rather odd snail called an Abalone - one of the most expensive snails in the hobby. They have an unusually strong bond with a surface, and trying to remove them even from the plastic bag is likely to damage the animal. They look like flattened snails with a very low profile. The holes in the top of the shell are respiratory pores connected to the gill chamber. Although they lack a brain, they do have a pumping heart usually located on the left side of the animal.

Bumble Bee Snail - Engina mendicaria

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a grouping of Bumble Bee Snails when they were first introduced to the aquarium hobby. At first it was claimed they were ‘Reef Safe’ which is partly true in that they likely will not bother corals. However they are predators, not detrivores. The shell shows a white or yellowish background with a few black bands which resembles the yellow and black pattern of wasps and bees.

Caulerpa Macroalgae - Caulerpa peltata

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Pictures show Caulerpa peltata macroalgae grown in the sump, which required trimming and showed excellent growth under 100w+ lighting. After several weeks it went sexual (switched to reproductive mode), expelling its contents and dying out, which is typical for caulerpa species.

Columbellid sp. Snails

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is an example of a Columbellid snail. They have a shell shape very similar to Nassarius snails but look and act very different. These snails are interesting additions to the reef tank, often coming in as hitchhikers on live rock. They play a role in the tank’s cleanup crew.

Gemini Circulation Powerhead

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a very powerful powerhead made by Aquarium Products called the Gemini. It is a powerhead rated at 960 GPH and it sure does move a lot of water.

Halimeda Macroalgae

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Halimeda macroalgae sprouted from rocks after being in the system for 2 years. As a calcareous macroalgae, it can rapidly remove calcium from the water, making it unsuitable for tanks without calcium reactors despite its nutrient export potential.

Knobby Sea Rod Propagation

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The branches of my Knobby Sea Rods were getting so long they started to sweep against SPS corals. Two long branches got about seven inches cut off and were propagated. Gorgonians respond very well to propagation.

Margarita Snail - Unidentified sp.

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a closeup of a Margarita snail which is a very good diatom algae eater and does a very good job at reducing short turfs of hair algae on rocks. However, this snail doesn’t stay on the rocks and mainly stays on the glass. These snails stay fairly small - the snail pictured is about the size of a U.S. Nickel coin, and they’ve never been seen to get as big as a U.S. Quarter.

MaxiJet 1000 Circulation Powerhead

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

I used to provide water motion in my tanks with four Maxijet 1000 powerheads made by Aquarium Systems. All of these powerheads were switched on and off to create wave movement via the WaveStrip.

Monthly Macroalgae Pruning

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This image shows the typical volume of macroalgae pruned from the refugium each month as part of nutrient export maintenance, placed in a container for scale reference.

Mushroom's Attack!

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Mushroom Attack.

Naked Hermit Crab - Clibinarius tricolor

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A common tri-color blue leg hermit crab captured on camera just before it tried on a new shell. These funny-looking critters hide their skinny bodies in shells, which is why this photo of a ’naked’ hermit is unusual.

Sargassum Macroalgae

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Sargassum macroalgae is very common in newer tanks but was rare when the hobby began, as live rock today typically comes pre-loaded with it. It grows into towering plant-like structures until reaching the water surface, requiring months of manual removal until limiting nutrients are depleted. While it’s great for nutrient export (doesn’t go sexual like caulerpa), it needs significant light levels such as Metal Halide, HPS, or Mercury Vapor lighting.

Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp - Lysmata amboinensis

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Lysmata amboinensis is often confused with Lysmata grabhami due to similar appearance, but they have distinct color differences and come from different parts of the world. L. amboinensis is from the Indo-Pacific and has a white line running from the rostrum to the beginning of the tail fan, usually ending in a ‘T’. The tail fan on either side of the white line are red and usually has white blotches. L. grabhami from the Caribbean has a white line running all the way from the tip of the rostrum to the tip of the tail fan.

SPS Propagation

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

SPS (Stony Corals) are among the easiest of corals to propagate. This article covers the four main methods for mounting frags: wedging in rock crevices, using CrazyGlue Gel, marine epoxy putty, and fishing line. Key tip: keep frags in strong water flow to blow off the slime that develops after propagation.

Tiger Trochus Snail Spawning

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

On May 10th, 2000, the tank looked a little cloudy. After a few minutes of observation, a snail was seen at the water surface releasing sperm - a spawning event. Seeing snails reproduce in the home aquarium is always exciting and indicates good tank conditions. This is a sign that the tank environment is healthy enough to support the complete life cycle of these algae-eating snails.

Tiger Trochus Snails - Trochus sp.

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a nice close-up of the face on a Tiger Trochus snail. These snails are excellent algae eaters and are popular in the reef hobby. Tiger Trochus snails are known for their striking patterned shells and their ability to consume various types of algae, including diatoms and green algae. They are generally reef safe and make excellent members of a cleanup crew.

Tigertail Sand Eating Cucumber - Holothuria impatiens

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Sand Eating Cucumbers play an important role in sand bed maintenance. They eat sand particles with minimal destruction to the fauna living in the sand. This tigertail eats sand and digests the bacteria off of it, leaving piles of clean sand behind. After digestion, the sand is ready to be recolonized by bacteria. Sand cukes tend to hide during the day and only come out at night.

Tube Worms - Sabellidae sp.

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Tube worms are members of the class Polychaeta of the phylum Annelida. The tube worms are relatively immobile and stay in one spot and wait for food to drift by. They build protective tubes from which they extend their colorful fan-like feeding tentacles. These are fascinating filter feeders that add color and interest to the reef tank.

Turbo Snail - Unidentified sp.

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Pictured is the underside of a typical Mexican Turbo Snail. This one is rather small. Larger adult snails have shells several inches across. These snails are excellent algae grazers in reef tanks, known for their ability to consume large amounts of algae including macroalgae.

Unidentified Decorator Crab

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This decorator crab is masters of camouflage - it’s nearly impossible to locate on the rock and some people have trouble even finding it in the picture. The crab decorates itself with pieces of its environment to blend in perfectly with its surroundings.

Unknown Species Snail Eggs

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is an egg track photographed the day after a massive tank spawn. While the exact species is unknown, it may have been from one of the Trochus or Astraea snails in the tank. Finding snail eggs in a home aquarium is always exciting as it indicates successful breeding conditions. These egg cases will hopefully develop into baby snails that will join the cleanup crew.

Valonia Bubble Algae

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Valonia Bubble Algae is one of the largest single-cell organisms, typically growing as individuals but also observed in small clusters, attached to surfaces via strong rhizoids that make removal difficult.

Blue Coralline Algae

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This blue coralline algae species is a slow grower that exists primarily low in the tank near the sand bed level, where it’s often overgrown by faster-growing coralline types.

Blue Tuxedo Sea Urchin - Mespilia globulis

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The Blue Tuxedo Urchin is an excellent algae eater that helps control algae growth in the reef tank. It’s covered in spines but is generally considered reef safe. These urchins are popular in the hobby for their striking blue coloration and algae-eating capabilities.

Bryopsis Eating Nudibranch - Elysia crispata

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is one of the few animals that will eat Bryopsis, a toxic form of hair algae that all fish will stay away from and most snails will die from if they try to eat it. Elysia crispata is a specialized feeder that can help control Bryopsis outbreaks in the reef tank. These nudibranchs are striking with their ruffled appearance and vibrant colors.

Chaetomorpha sp. Macroalgae

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Chaetomorpha sp. macroalgae is by far the best for refugium nutrient exporting - it doesn’t go sexual, grows rapidly in dense clusters, lacks problematic holdfasts, and is enjoyed by tangs as an occasional treat.

DMI Metal Halide Pendant

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

When I first started using Metal Halide lighting I used the pendant style pictured left. I found them to be poor reflectors. I then changed them out to PFO reflectors which worked much better for me.

Green Emerald Crab - Mithrax sculptus

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Green emerald crabs are questionable additions to reef tanks. While primarily algae eaters, they have been known to capture small fish and pick at coral polyps. They typically don’t grow larger than 3 inches. The larger the tank, the safer they tend to be due to increased grazing area.

PFO Dual 250w Metal Halide Ballast

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Pictured here is the PFO Dual 250w Metal Halide Ballast. It’s actually two separate ballast in a common enclosure.

Reddish and Orange Coralline Algae

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This reddish and orange encrusting coralline algae has really started taking off in the past year, forming several very large patches that are considered prettier than typical purple coralline.

Scavenging Fireworm - Pareurythue sp.

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is an example of a bristleworm, also known as a fireworm. They come in many different colors. These are harmless scavengers, not coral and clam eaters as commonly believed. Bristleworms are often misunderstood - while their bristles can irritate skin, they play an important role in the reef tank by scavenging detritus and leftover food.

Unidentified Amphipods

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Unidentified Amphipod - small crustaceans commonly seen crawling on rocks at night, readily eaten by fish if caught.

DIY Temporary Lighting Hood

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A temporary DIY lighting hood built for the 180 gallon tank during the initial setup phase. Shows the top of the hood with the light fixtures mounted.

IceCap Digital Timer

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

I used to control my metal halide lights with the IceCap, Inc. digital timer. If you have been in this hobby for a while, I’m sure you have blown several timers.

IceCap Electronic Metal Halide Ballast for 250w Iwasaki Halide Bulbs

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Pictured left is one of my electronic ballast that I used to use for powering my Metal Halide lighting system. This ballast is specifically optimized to power a 250 watt Iwasaki 6500K bulb. IceCap, Inc.

IceCap Model 430 Electronic VHO Ballast

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This was my first electronic ballast used on my 55g tank when I first started in this hobby. I was so impressed with this unit I decided all my ballast were going to be electronic ones.

Metal Halide Cooling Fan

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Pictured to the left are the fans I used to cool my Metal Halide lights. These are AC fans which are rated for 101 CFM. (Cubic Feet per Minute).

DIY Nilsen Kalkwasser Reactor

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This was my first attempt at constructing a Nilsen Reactor. I converted an old Second Stage from a Calcium Reactor into a Nilsen Reactor. This unit held just over a gallon of water.

Live Rock Curing with AETech ETS 800 Gemini Skimmer

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is the ETS 800 Gemini skimmer used on my 180g reef tank when it was brand new.

Reef Science Dual Beckett Injector Replacements

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Over the years I had a few issues with my original beckett injector housings.

Reef Science Dual Beckett Injector Skimmer Extension

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This shows the skimmer after being super sized!

Waste Collector Container with Auto-Shutoff and Air Filter

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is waste collector which will hold the skimmate which exits the skimmer.

WaveStrip WS-1 Wave Maker

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Water motion in a reef tank is a critical element in a successful tank. Many tanks have been setup successfully without the use of a wavemaker device.

Closed Circulation Loop

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In my never ending quest to squeeze more water movement into my tank I originally tried to use dual return pumps (Iwaki MD70RLT and MAK4) from my sump to the display tank.

Custom GFCI Electrical Box

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Pictured here is a custom made GFCI electrical box. GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. This device was fairly easy to make.

Foxface Rabbit Fish - Lo vulpinus

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Foxface Rabbit Fish is an active, fast-growing fish with venomous spines on its dorsal and anal fins. During its first week in the tank, it appeared skinny with visible bones but quickly gained weight once it developed an appetite. The fish changes color when stressed and tends to get outsmarted by tangs in the tank.

Green Mandarin - Synchiropus splendidus

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Green Mandarin fish is one of the most beautiful but challenging species to keep, requiring a mature large reef tank with specific live food needs like amphipods and copepods. After nearly 3 years of care, the fish dried up on the tank divider but was re-hydrated and lived another 2 days before being found dead in May 2000.

Lawnmower Algae Blenny - Salarias fasciatus

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Lawnmower Algae Blenny was purchased as a typical hair algae eater but showed little interest in actively munching on rocks and tank glass, though it did eat prepared foods without issue. The fish disappeared without a trace during February 2002.

Lyretail Anthias - Pseudanthias squamipinnis

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

I added six juvenile Lyretail Anthias on June 29th, 2002. While initially losing one to MIA and another to death, the remaining four did well - three were aggressive eaters while one hid in the rocks and needed a special frozen slurry mix of fresh table shrimp and various frozen foods to eat properly. These fish act as dither fish, helping other fish feel safe to come out in the open tank.

Red Sea Algae Blenny - Aidablennius sphynx

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Red Sea Algae Blenny was purchased to help eat hair algae but showed little interest in it, preferring to wait to be fed instead. It did nip at clean glass and rocks, and was about 5 inches long before being found dead under the tank stand in March 2000 after jumping out the previous night.

Red Sea Blonde Naso - Naso lituratus

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Red Sea Blonde Naso tang is a very active fish constantly swimming, even at night. It has two streamers on its tail (close to 2 inches each) and distinctive forward and backward pointing ‘scalpels’ on its face. While its body is about 6 inches long, the species can reach up to 20 inches in the wild.

Striped Sailfin Tang - Zambrasoma veliferum

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Striped Sailfin Tang is from the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea regions (though not a Red Sea Sailfin Tang specifically). It’s known for its large sail-like dorsal fin and matching anal fin, and was already eating Spirulina Flake Food when acquired. Within 5 minutes of acclimation it finished off any green macro algae in the tank, and within an hour was eating Spirulina Flakes. The fish changes colors based on its mood and is nearing its adult size of 6-7 inches.

Twospot Hogfish (Twospot Wrasse) - Bodianus bimaculatus

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Twospot Hogfish was an impulse purchase that immediately ate when offered food. The next day it was aggressively eating everything offered, including Spirulina flake food. While other fish expected cleaning services from it, this wrasse showed little interest in cleaning and instead slept directly on the sand bed near rocks without creating the typical silky cocoon of many wrasses. Unfortunately, it lasted only 2 days before being eaten by a Corkscrew Long Tentacle Anemone in the tank.

Chevron Tang - Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Chevron Tang has a bright orange base body color with red and purple stripes and brilliant purple fins. It exhibits unique feeding behavior, scraping rocks and glass in a cross between head banging and kissing while flaring its lips. The fish was about 4 inches when first added and quickly accepted by other tangs in the tank.

Raw Water to Saltwater

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

All reef tank water starts from the tap. And it is rare that tap water is good enough quality for a reef tank. My house had a deep artesian well so chlorine was not an issue.

Sand Filtration

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

My 180-gallon reef tank sand bed ranges from 2-3 inches thick with multiple sand layers. The infauna (worms, bacteria) process detritus and provide biological filtration. Sand should mix coarse and fine grains from multiple live sand sources.

Sharknose Goby - Gobiosoma evelynae

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Sharknose Goby was about 1.5 inches long and proved difficult to spot and photograph, as it didn’t stay still long enough for crisp images. Despite being seen for only about 3 days, it’s known as a cleaner goby though it wasn’t observed performing cleaning services in this tank.

Additives Costs for my 180g Living Room Reef Tank

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

AETech ETS 800 Beckett Modification

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A venturi is a device that uses a change in pressure to draw in air into a water stream to create air bubbles.

AETech ETS 800 Gemini Skimmer

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Pictured to the left is my ETS 800 Gemini Skimmer that I used to use.

Hardware Costs for 180g Living Room Reef Tank

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The price list below is for the dry goods cost of my tank. It does not cover any of the livestock or additives used.

How skimmers work

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

-How skimmers work A skimmer is one of the most important pieces of equipment when starting a new tank.

Livestock Cost for my 180g Living Room Reef Tank

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The price list below is for the cost of live “items”, this covers fish, inverts, live rock, live sand, or any or odd critters.

Pocillopora damicornus

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Purchased January 16th, 2000, this Pocillopora damicornus coral has very fine, hair-like polyps that give it a fuzzy appearance. It has shown significant growth over time, growing wider rather than taller, and has traveled through multiple hands before reaching the author’s tank.

Psammocora contigua

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Obtained October 11th, 1999, this Psammocora contigua colony is growing in the dark shadows of a Sea Rod Gorgonian from Jim Fox. It has shown slow but steady growth over time, constantly battling to survive against mushrooms that have been taking over the tank.

Seriatopora sp.

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Pink Birds Nest Coral frag purchased January 16, 2000 showed strong growth with almost a dozen new tips starting, reaching nearly 3 inches tall and 5 inches wide after 6 months. However, it suddenly began releasing chunks of flesh with bare skeleton, requiring removal from the tank.

Total Hobby Cost for my 180g Living Room Reef Tank

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The information below is a summary of total cost I laid out for this wonderful hobby. I’m not particularly proud of the price tag.

Unidentified SPS Coral #1

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This unidentified SPS coral was a survivor from the original live rock cure process. Originally bleached and left in the cure tube for over a week with no lights or filtration, the author noticed fuzzy white growth and decided to see what would happen. Within days it started turning light brown and showing polyp expansion, and has since been doing rather well in the tank.

Unidentified SPS Coral #2

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This unidentified SPS coral came as a hitchhiker on rocks from Tampa Bay Saltwater in the Caribbean. While it’s a slow grower, it has done well in the tank despite regular challenges with hair algae growing within its branches, requiring regular feeding of flake or frozen foods to maintain its health.

Yellow Scroll Coral - Turbinaria reniformis

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This wild Turbinaria reniformis colony was about 5 inches wide and 5 inches high when obtained for free in January 2000. After three months of attempting to remove hair algae that had established in the coral’s folds, the coral was declared a loss and removed from the tank to prevent further damage.

Montipora sp. Unidentifed Scroll Coral

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Obtained July 23rd, 2001 from Rich Knecht (aka RichK), this very bright Montipora scroll coral has a yellow base with green polyps. It showed excellent growth and coloration over time, eventually overgrowing nearby Porites and Green Montipora Digitata colonies.

Orange Montipora capricornis

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Obtained July 23rd, 2001 from Rich Knecht (aka RichK), this Orange Montipora capricornis has a nice bright orange color and was placed on the sand due to limited better locations. It showed impressive growth over the first four months and continued to do fantastic after four more months, though space became limited requiring shuffling of other items.

Orange Montipora digitata

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Orange Montipora digitata has been a fairly slow grower for montipora species. Obtained May 20th, 2000 from Rich Knecht, it gradually encrusted a nice base over its first three months and showed continued, though slow, growth over two years, requiring occasional fragging and often getting shaded by corals positioned higher on the rocks.

Purple Montipora digitata

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a frag of Montipora digitata commonly called a Velvet Finger Coral from Jim Fox’s tank (aka MiNdErAsR).

Green Montipora Digitata

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Green Montipora Digitata was one of the author’s first SPS corals, purchased in June 1999. It started on a cement plug, was broken off and mounted with epoxy, and has shown excellent growth and coloration over the years, requiring frequent fragging to prevent it from overgrowing neighboring corals like gorgonians.

Acropora micropthalma

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is one of my first SPS corals I have attempted to keep. When mounted vertically it grows like a twig, but when mounted horizontally it grows more like a bush. This coral survived a total bleaching and took several months to regain its color.

Horn Coral - Hydnophora pilosa

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Given to me on December 12th, 1999 by Jim Fox (aka MiNdErAsR), this Hydnophora pilosa is an SPS coral one has to be careful with. It’s a quick grower that started in an encrusting form (unusual for this species) and has nick-named ‘Snail Killer’ due to its ability to sting snails that fall into it.

Montipora aequituberculata Scroll

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Obtained March 11th, 2000 from Jim Fox (aka MiNdErAsR), this Yellow Scroll Coral fragment was about 1.5 inches tall and 1 inch wide. It was a fast grower that changed color in the tank (possibly due to different ballasts), was totally lost during January 2001 from hair algae overgrowth, but recovered and looked better than the original colony 9 months later. By February 2002 it was starting to overgrow nearby clams and was traded back to the LFS for dry goods.

Acropora loripes

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Pictured here is my first colony of a Solomon Aquacultured Acropora. It was a very dark green color showing signs of bright blue growing tips. In February 2001, this coral had to be fragged to save it as algae got a foothold in the center branches.

Acropora nasuta

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This frag was given to me from Jim Fox (aka MiNdErAsR). It was an accidental frag made while removing another coral. The author happened to be in the right place at the right time and got this nice looking Acropora frag.

Acropora samoensis

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a frag of Acropora samoensis just after being mounted. It started as a neon yellow color and darkened slightly over time, turning to a nice green shade. The coral bleached out in 2001 but removed branches encrusted a new base and has several new branches growing.

Acropora tortuosa

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a frag of Acropora tortuosa just after being mounted.

Blue Branched Acropora

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Acquired on March 2nd, 2002 This is a real nice looking coral I picked up from John Link (owner of Reef Central).

Bluetip Acropora Staghorn Coral

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Obtained January 12th, 2002 from Greg Scheimer Greg happen to be dropping off a fairly large frag of this coral to the LFS I was at.

Green Acropora Table Coral

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Obtained December 8th, 2001 from John Link (owner of Reef Central). This coral was mounted in the dark after lights out and appeared to be a fast grower, encrusting a new base with what looked like 12 new branches starting in the first month.

Green Table Acropora with Small Branches

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Acquired on March 2nd, 2002 I got this coral from John Link (Owner of Reef Central).

Purple Tip Acropora

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This coral was never documented early on because it seemed unlikely to make it. However, after changing lights from 400w 10kk Ushio to 250w 10kk HQI, it showed excellent growth. The original branches showed no new growth but the base encrusted and sent up new branches, successfully fending off encroaching green montipora.

Unidentified Blue Acropora Coral

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Obtained October 20th, 2001 from John Link (owner of Reef Central). This unidentified blue Acropora has a blue base with brown polyps - not the ideal color combination but still a nice coral that isn’t getting enough light in its current tank position.

Unidentified Blue Tip Acropora

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This unidentified frag was given by Jim Fox (aka MiNdErAsR). It has nice bright blue growing tips. This coral was lost in December 2000, overgrown by Bryopsis.

Colt Coral - Cladiella sp.

Sat, 09 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

When first added to the tank this coral refused to open up and slumped over. As a trial, it was moved dead center of the tank under direct metal halide lighting and quickly began to open up. It grew so large it could no longer balance on its rock and had to be moved to the sand bed.

Octobubble Coral - Plerogyra sp.

Sat, 09 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The sack-like structures on this bubble coral can swell up in size to increase surface area for light. At night they contract and tentacles grow. This coral seemed to be splitting, a rare occurrence for bubble corals. The coral grew significantly over the years, reaching about 10 inches wide.

Orange Sponge

Sat, 09 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This orange sponge was added to the tank in March 1999 and has shown little growth since then. Note that touching sponges with bare hands can cause tissue damage - areas where the hand touched it have died back a little. Sponges are filter feeders that help with water quality in the aquarium.

White Ball Sponge

Sat, 09 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is an unidentified white ball sponge common to most reef tanks. This one is growing in the refugium area of the sump. Sponges are filter feeders that help with water clarity in the aquarium.

Yellow Ball Sponge

Sat, 09 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This yellow sponge was added to the tank in March 1999 and showed noticeable growth. Sponges are filter feeders that help with water clarity. Some internal structures appeared to turn black over time, which can be normal aging in sponges.

Branching Hammer Coral - Euphyllia ancora

Fri, 08 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This coral started out hard - the bag lost all water during shipping. Within minutes it showed polyps and went on to show excellent growth. After 20 months it had become a monster coral that was constantly battling nearby corals.

Green Disc Coral - Fungia danai

Fri, 08 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This coral is about 5 inches round and likes low to moderate water flow with bright light. It’s a free-living coral with the ability to walk around the tank by tissue inflation and deflation. It also spawned in the author’s tank, releasing streams of sperm from its oral opening.

Blue Mushroom Anemones & Blue Eggs

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

These Blue Mushroom Anemones (Phylum Cnidaria, Class Anthozoa, Order Corallimorpharia) were added January 19th, 1998 and have multiplied slowly. When disturbed, they eject hundreds of tiny blue spheres believed to be eggs, smaller than 1/32nd of an inch.

Blue Spotted Tridacna crocea Clam

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This clam arrived in poor condition (dry in a wet box) but recovered and did well placed high in the tank under intense 400w lighting.

Brown Button Polyps - Zoanthus pulchellus

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Brown Button Polyp colony is excellent for beginners, adapting well to all light types and being closely related to anemones as colonial organisms connected by coenenchyma or stolon extension and polyp budding.

Corkscrew Long Tentacle Anemone - Macrodactyla doreensis

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Corkscrew Long Tentacle Anemone (Macrodactyla doreensis) was purchased April 27, 1997 and has grown to near 17 inches tall and 15 inches wide. It has hosted mated pairs of Percula Clownfish that spawn twice monthly, releasing thousands of eggs that the clownfish and other fish feed on.

Golden Tridacna derasa Clam

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

T. derasa can reach up to 20 inches in the wild with a smooth shell. This clam showed remarkable growth, going from 5 inches to just over 8 inches in 14 months, and changed color from blue to golden yellow.

Green Frilly Mushrooms - Rhodactis cf. indosinenis

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

These mushrooms were purchased on January 1st, 1998. With regular full spectrum lighting they have a faint green tint, but under actinic lighting they display a brilliant bright metallic green color that’s almost blinding. They reproduce slowly, with the original colony of 3 growing to 6 in a little over a year.

Orange Mushroom Anemones - Actinodiscus spp.

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

These orange mushrooms were hitchhikers on a rock purchased for blue mushrooms. They have thrived and can be seen growing alongside the original blue mushroom in the top left of the photo. Easy to care for, they prefer low water currents and intense lighting.

Parasitic Pyramidellid Snails

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The last thing you want to see on your clam shells. These parasitic snails are difficult to spot, appearing mainly at night or early morning, and can produce several hundred offspring per week.

Red Mushroom Anemones - Discosoma spp.

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This colony started with less than 20 mushrooms covering 40% of the rock in 1997. They have since multiplied to uncountable numbers with 100% coverage and spread to nearby rocks throughout the tank. Easy to care for, they prefer low water currents and intense lighting.

Silver Quill Gorgonian - Muricea laxa

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This coral has been a fairly slow grower but has shown steady growth. It tends to bush outwards more than upwards. This trend is changing since being placed under Metal Halide lighting.

Three Tridacna maxima Clams from Above

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Three Tridacna maxima clams as viewed from above, showing their colorful mantles. The sailfin tang and two anthias can also be seen swimming above the clams.

Unidentified Polyps

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

These unidentified yellowish zoanthid polyps started as hitchhikers on live rock. They proved to be rapid growers forming thick mats. While they look nice flowing in strong currents, they eventually spread to cover several square feet of rock and began overgrowing corals, becoming more of a pest.

Blue Tridacna maxima Clam

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Tridacna maxima clam preferred to settle on the sand rather than higher in the rock work. These clams can reach 12-16 inches in the wild and are considered a high-light species with blue and green mantles.

Little Bitty Blue Tridacna crocea

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This tiny 1.5-inch ‘super’ grade crocea clam died within 3 days, never having a chance to show its true colors in the tank.

Little Blue Tridacna spp. Clam

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Originally a dark blue color, this clam lost its blue coloring under VHO lighting. After moving to a 180g tank with metal halide lighting, the clam died within two weeks, apparently unable to cope with the lighting change.

Reed Mariculture - Roti-Feast

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A plankton feed which needs to be kept refrigerated. Five million fully intact marine rotifers (Branchionus plicatilis), enriched with Instant Algae. Also includes high egg count.

Tiger Stripe Tridacna squamosa Clam

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

T. squamosa can reach 20-24 inches and doesn’t need as much light as crocea or maxima. Unlike the author’s other clams, this one showed minimal growth over 3 years and eventually died after breaking its shell hinge.

Algae Wars: A New Hope

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The algae battle began in July 1999 with small patches of cyanobacteria in a 7-month-old tank. Despite various treatments including chemical additives, snail introductions, and manual removal, the problem persisted with algae coverage reaching up to 85% before eventually being brought under control.

Drip Acclimation For Sensitive Critters

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Drip acclimation is essential for sensitive marine invertebrates like snails, clams, and corals. This method slowly adjusts water parameters over time, reducing stress from temperature and water chemistry differences between the shipping bag and the tank. Pictured are four bags of snails floating in the sump being drip acclimated during mid-winter shipping.

Featured Aquarium - Sept 2002

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A detailed look at Richard Durso’s 180-gallon reef tank featured in Advanced Aquarist September 2002. Covers system design, water circulation, lighting, filtration, additives, inhabitants, feeding regimen, maintenance, and chemistry.

KORALlith Calcium Reactor Medium

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

I used KNOP KORALlith brand medium for my calcium reactor mainly because it was part of a package deal with the reactor. :c)

The medium used in the calcium reactor is very important. It’s quality determines the degree of success in using a calcium reactor. Two important things to consider about the medium are: 1) chemical composition and 2) particle size of the media.

PVC Needle Valve

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

When I hooked the calcium reactor to my secondary return pump, something I did not plan for happen.

Quick Disconnect Compression Valve

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a Quick Disconnect Compression Valve.

Reefkeeping.com - Asexual Reproduction of Catalaphyllia jardinei

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Mirrored from Reefkeeping.com July 2005. An article documenting the asexual reproduction of Catalaphyllia jardinei (Elegance Coral) through natural splitting and fragging techniques.

Second Stage Calcium Reactor

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a second stage chamber that I added to my K2R Calcium Reactor.

Shipping Corals for the Winter Months

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A comprehensive guide to shipping live corals during winter months. Covers FedEx shipping options, preparing coral frags, bagging techniques, heat pack usage, packaging methods, and special considerations for shipping live marine life.

Tank Room Video Tour

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a video tour of my back tank room showing all the automation, cooling, heating, reactors, controllers, etc.

Book - Reef Keeping Basics

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Reef Keeping Basics by Eric V. Van Der Hope is a collaborative work done by many reef aquarist including myself. My previous tank is documented in this book.

Disaster Readiness

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A comprehensive guide to reef tank disaster preparedness covering battery-powered air pumps, DC/AC converters, UPS units, generators, kerosene heaters, and a detailed disaster prevention checklist.

IRC Chat - www.reefs.org - September 22, 2002

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A live IRC chat from www.reefs.org September 22, 2002 where Richard Durso (aka Reefland) discusses his 180-gallon reef tank covering hardware setup, livestock selection, refugium, feeding regimen, spawning events, frag trading, future upgrades, and audience Q&A.

EcoSystems Reef Solution Additive

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

EcoSystems Reef Solution is an all-natural additive made from 22 different types of plants, providing multiple minerals and multi-vitamins for corals and invertebrates. The formula includes essential vitamins (A, C, D, E, B12) and minerals (calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium).

Reed Mariculture - Oyster Feast

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Oyster-Feast is a mix of both oyster eggs and ovarian tissue (1-200 microns). Oyster-Feast is naturally size-appropriate for the smallest SPS corals (Acropora & Montipora).

Salifert Calcium Test Kit

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Salifert calcium kit is among the simplest to use: add 2ml of tank water, indicator powder, and 8 drops of reagent, then slowly titrate until the color changes. The whole process takes just a few minutes and the color change endpoint is clear and easy to identify. It is a reliable choice for routine reef tank calcium monitoring.

Salifert Iodine Test Kit

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This kit is not difficult to perform but several steps must be completed within seconds of each other, making it more stressful than other test kits. Reading the results is also tricky — the longer you wait to interpret the color, the darker it becomes, compounding the difficulty. Iodine is no longer tested or dosed in this system.

Salifert Magnesium Test Kit

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This kit gets the job done but the endpoint color change is not very distinct and the directions leave something to be desired. Magnesium testing becomes important when calcium levels are stubbornly low, since magnesium and calcium maintain a roughly 4:1 ratio — a target of around 1,450 ppm magnesium is maintained in this system. A LaMotte kit would be preferred but LaMotte does not make a straightforward magnesium test.

Salifert Nitrite Test Kit

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Nitrite testing is mainly needed during initial tank cycling; during normal operation it should always read undetectable. This kit uses a powder reagent with a 3-minute wait before comparing the color to a chart, making it one of the simpler Salifert kits to use. During healthy tank operation it can be performed very infrequently.

Salifert Phosphate Test Kit

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This test is simple to carry out — add tank water, one reagent, and a powder indicator — but interpreting the results is frustrating. The color chart gradations are so faint that distinguishing values below 0.5 ppm is nearly impossible. It works adequately for confirming very low or elevated phosphate, but is not reliable at trace levels.

SeaChem Magnesium Test Kit

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This SeaChem kit can test three different parameters but is used here only for magnesium, which is reasonably easy to measure with it. It is accurate and includes a reference sample, which is helpful for verifying the procedure is being followed correctly. The overall kit is more complex than the Salifert equivalent, but the magnesium portion is manageable.

SeaChem Strontium Test Kit

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This test kit takes hours to complete and has consistently returned 0 ppm strontium even when strontium additives were being dosed. The procedure is complicated, requiring careful reading and precise timing throughout. Strontium testing and supplementation have since been abandoned entirely.

SeaTest Low & Medium Range Nitrate Test Kit

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

SeaTest brand test kits are made by Aquarium Systems (makers of Instant Ocean brand salt). This is a low and medium range nitrate test kit which measures in mg/l of Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO3-N).

Wardly Nitrite Test Kit

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Well I’m not sure I would call this a professional test kit – but it is a very easy one to use if all your interested in is a “Yes” or “No” result to “Is Nitrite present in my system?”.

Display Tank Videos

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Full tank sweep of this coral reef aquarium from 2002. Video footage taken back in 2002 of my “Coral Row” and many of the fish.

ELOS Expert Line Aqua Test - Calcium

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

ELOS test kits have a good reputation and are comparable to Salifert in accuracy. This calcium kit uses a two-stage process — a coarse approximation (50 ppm per drop) followed by a precision refinement (10 ppm per drop) — making it roughly twice as long to complete as the Salifert equivalent. Note that Reagent A contains Potassium Hydroxide, which can burn skin.

ELOS Expert Line Aqua Test - KH

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

ELOS test kits have a good reputation and are comparable to Salifert in accuracy. This KH kit is straightforward — count drops of reagent until the sample changes from cyan to yellow, with each drop equal to 0.5 dKH. Note that the included printed instructions incorrectly state 1 dKH per drop; the cheat sheet on the back of the card has the correct value.

ELOS Expert Line Aqua Test - Mg

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

ELOS test kits have a good reputation and are comparable to Salifert in accuracy. This magnesium kit measures in 50 ppm increments and involves two separate sub-tests using four reagents. Like most magnesium kits it requires more steps than calcium or alkalinity testing, but the instructions are clear.

ELOS Expert Line Aqua Test - PO4

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

ELOS test kits have a good reputation and are comparable to Salifert in accuracy. This phosphate kit uses 10ml of tank water with two reagents, shaken for 2 minutes before comparing the resulting color against a chart. Results are read by looking down through the open vial held above the included white chart.

Hach Phosphate PO-19 Color Wheel Test Kit

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a very high quality, accurate and easy to use test kit. It’s a rather large test kit, the size of a small tool box and its easy to get scared by all the parts.

Hand Held Optical Refractometer

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This has got to be one of the neatest toys, err, piece of equipment I have. It provides a very accurate temperature compensated reading of both Salinity and Specific Gravity.

LaMotte Alkalinity Test Kit

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

LaMotte test kits are among the most accurate and high-quality options available for reef tank water testing. The alkalinity test is quick: add 5ml of tank water, drop in a titration tablet, dissolve it, then titrate with a syringe to find the endpoint. Starter kits are pricey but refills are very affordable.

LaMotte Calcium Test Kit

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

LaMotte test kits are among the most accurate and high-quality options available for reef tank water testing. This calcium kit uses a simple titration process: add tank water, dilute with deionized water, add reagents, dissolve a color tablet, then titrate with a syringe. Starter kits are pricey but refills are very affordable.

LaMotte Nitrate Test Kit

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

LaMotte test kits are among the most accurate and high-quality options available for reef tank water testing. This nitrate kit takes about 15 minutes and involves cadmium powder (a carcinogen listed on the included MSDS), so proper handling is required. Starter kits are pricey but refills are very affordable.

LaMotte Salinity Test Kit

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

LaMotte test kits are among the most accurate and high-quality options available for reef tank water testing. This salinity kit has been replaced by a handheld optical refractometer, but it remains highly accurate and includes MSDS sheets noting its toxic reagents (Potassium Chromate and Silver Nitrate). Starter kits are pricey but refills are very affordable.

Red Sea Ammonia Test Kit

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Ammonia is mainly a concern during the initial tank cycling process or when a fish death is suspected. This kit uses three reagents added in sequence followed by a 15-minute wait before comparing the sample color against a chart. It is inexpensive and accurate enough for routine reef tank ammonia checks.

Red Sea pH Test Kit

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This simple test kit adds a few drops of reagent to a water sample and immediately shows a color to compare against a chart. It always seemed to read 8.2 regardless of actual conditions, so it was eventually replaced by a PinPoint digital pH probe for more reliable monitoring. The procedure is essentially identical to the Red Sea Alkalinity test.

Salifert Ammonia Test Kit

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Ammonia testing is mainly needed during initial tank cycling or when something may have died in the tank. This straightforward kit uses a two-part reagent with a 5-minute wait before comparing results to a color chart. Overall it is a decent and easy-to-use kit for occasional ammonia monitoring.

Salifert Carbonate Hardness & Alkalinity Test Kit

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Salifert kit measures both Carbonate Hardness (dKH) and Alkalinity and is one of the simplest test kits to use. The process is quick: add 4ml of tank water, two drops of KH-Indicator, fill the syringe, then slowly add drops until the color changes. It is a reliable choice for routine alkalinity monitoring.

55 Gallon Reef Tank

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The 180 gallon tank was not my first reef tank. This 55g tank was my first attempt. This tank was taken down in April 1999.

Aquascaping and Tank Setup

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is the tank after 1 year of operation. It is just about fully stocked minus a few SPS corals I have an eye on. The tank is on the finishing end of a hair algae outbreak.

Display Tank Setup

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

As you can see above the tank was sitting in my garage, still wrapped as I waited 8 weeks for the stand to arrive. If your interested, HERE is the story on why the stand took so long.

My Tanks has Cracks ?!?!?

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Once the tank was installed onto my stand, and everyone left. I took a close look at the tank. It was a bright sunny, but cold December day.

Progressive Full Tank Pictures

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This shows the display at 42 Months with only the URI Super Actinic bulbs on. The tank is in the process of being taken down as I had to relocate for work.

Progressive Full Tank Pictures

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Here is the tank after 2 months of using the AB Aquaspace light. You can see how many of the coral colors have gotten more intense.

Random Tank Shots

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Collection of random overview pictures of the 180 gallon in-wall reef tank from January 2008 and other dates, showing the tank’s progression and coral growth.

Random Tank Shots

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Fish are just always hungry, always thinking they are going to feed them and very frequently doing a photo-bomb like this one.

Tank Stand Delay

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

It took eight weeks for my stand still to arrive. Boy was that a hassle. I do not normally shop at PetCo.

Aquascaping the Reef Tank

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Aquascaping in the reef aquarium is primarily the design of the live rock formations the hobbyist creates. The goal is to create something natural looking in the limited space of the aquarium.

Asterina Sea Star - Asterina sp.

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a fairly common star found in many reef aquaria, coming as hitchhikers on live rock. They are very small (size of a US Penny) cushion stars nearly always white or gray and irregular looking due to asexual reproduction by dropping legs. It’s very rare to see a symmetrical looking Asterina - typically they have 1 to 3 fully developed legs. The identification as Asterina sp. is commonly used but not confirmed.

Orange Linkia Sea Star - Linkia sp.

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Linkia sea stars are among the few sea stars acceptable for reef aquariums. They are non-selective surface grazers from the Indo-Pacific that can survive on a diet of aquarium detritus and debris. However, they are known to ship very poorly with high mortality rates, so careful acclimation is essential.

Pink Brittle Sea Star - Ophiomastix sp.

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is a fairly rare pink brittle sea star that is an excellent addition to the reef tank. Like other brittle stars, it helps with tank maintenance by scavenging for detritus and leftover food. Belongs to Order Ophiurida, Family Ophiocomidae.

Tank Room Construction

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is behind the pre-existing 2x4 stud wall where I expect to construct a stand to hold the tank. I do not plan on reusing my tank stand as I want the tank higher than the height of the stand.

Tank Installation

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Room construction is just about finished. Just minor work still needs to be done such as molding and a flip up door above the reef tank.

Tank Viewing Room Construction

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This shows the room before any construction had started. This is the basement of my house. Poured concrete walls with a concrete slab floor.

Tank Wall Frame & Trim Construction

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The tank frame and trim are professionally built custom cabinet carpentry performed by First Cut Custom Woodworks. This shows the trim being assembled at the wood shop.

Astraea Snail

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Astraea snails are excellent algae eaters and are among the most popular snails in the reef keeping hobby. They are known for their ability to consume various types of algae including diatoms, green algae, and even some types of cyanobacteria. These snails have a distinctive cone-shaped shell and are generally reef safe.

Astraea Snail Spawn

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This photo captures a rare moment in the home aquarium - an Astraea snail releasing sperm. These snails belong to Class Gastropoda, Subclass Orthogastropoda, Superorder Vetigastropoda. Astraea snails are excellent algae grazers in reef tanks.

Baby Trochus - unknown species.

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Finding baby snails in the aquarium is always exciting for a reef keeper. These baby Trochus snails were discovered in one of the overflow chambers, indicating successful breeding in the home aquarium. The one pictured was one of the larger ones found, measuring about 1/16 inch across (1.5mm). Trochus snails are excellent algae eaters and their ability to reproduce in captivity is a good sign of tank health.

Cerith Snail - Cerithium sp.

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Cerith snails are long-lived and do well in reef aquaria. They typically stay on the glass and frequently rest buried in the sand bed. They are excellent algae grazers and help with tank maintenance.

Heteractis crispa - Sebae Anemone

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This anemone’s identification is uncertain - it resembles a white Sebae (Heteractis crispa) but wasn’t bleached like those typically sold. The store was also unsure of its identification. Unfortunately, it wandered to the back of the tank and under the rock work, disappearing after three months.

Limpet - unknown species

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Limpets are animals known for their ability to cling to rocks. They don’t use suction - instead they have a very strong muscular foot that grabs onto small imperfections in the rock. They have a distinctive oval shaped shell with the peak more-or-less near the center. Limpets are primarily algae grazers including coralline algae.

Peppermint Shrimp - Lysmata wurdemanni

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Peppermint Shrimp tend to be clear or opaque with reddish colored stripes. They were originally added to the tank to take care of Aiptasia Anemones after the Copperbanded Butterflyfish died. Many novices confuse this Caribbean shrimp with the Camelback Shrimp (Rhynchocienetes uritai) which does not eat Aiptasia anemones.

Red Bugs - Tegastes acroporanus

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Red bugs are tiny copepods that are nearly impossible to see without macro photography. They typically hide in shaded areas under coral branches. The first signs of infestation are loss of coral color and reduced polyp extension. While a few won’t kill an Acropora, they multiply rapidly in closed systems without predators and can devastate coral health.

Red Leg Hermit Crab - unknown species

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This red hermit crab was sold as a scarlet hermit but unlike true scarlet hermits, it doesn’t have the characteristic yellow face. Generally not a fan of hermit crabs in reef tanks due to their diet of small crustaceans, worms from the sand, and even snails.

Trochus Snail Spawn

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This photo captures Trochus snails releasing sperm during a spawning event. Observing reproductive behavior in home aquariums is always exciting and indicates that the tank conditions are healthy enough to support the complete life cycle of these snails. Trochus snails are excellent algae eaters and their successful breeding is a testament to good tank management.

Yellow Sea Sand Cucumber - Holothuria sp.

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This yellow sea cucumber belongs to the Holothuroidea class of echinoderms. Sand cucumbers are important for sand bed maintenance as they process sand particles and help with nutrient cycling in the aquarium.

Zoanthid sp. - Orange Center Zoanthids

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Zoanthid sp. These are very tiny polyps. The entire rock pictured here is under an inch long.

Coralline Algae - Articulated Coralline Cluster

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This red calcareous algae (Rhodophyta) shows a branching or articulated growth form that is much less common than encrusting coralline algae species.

Glass Anemones - Aiptasia sp.

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

These anemones can grow up to 4 inches tall with long tapered tentacles and reproduce through pedal laceration, where damaged base tissue can regenerate into entire new anemones.

Green Bubbletip Anemone - Entacmaea quadricolor

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This green bubbletip anemone was added to the tank in 2006, initially hiding under rock work before showing itself in the upper third of the display. By April 2007, at least five anemone clones could be identified in the rock work and were being given away to fellow hobbyists as they could be removed.

Purple Coralline Algae

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Pictured here is a form of non-articulated (encrusting) crustose corraline algae.

Red Algae

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This unidentified algae sample was found growing in one overflow chamber, exhibiting a firm, sponge-like texture and relatively rapid growth, but was not detected in other chambers or the main tank.

Blue Mandarin - Synchiropus splendidus

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Blue Mandarin fish is one of the most beautiful but challenging marine fish to keep, requiring a mature tank with live food like copepods and amphipods. The author had previously kept a mandarin for several years before it jumped out of the tank.

Clownfish - Amphiprion percula

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

These clownfish have been with the author longer than any other marine critter, surviving four tank moves. The female (larger) and male (smaller) were purchased in April 1997 and demonstrate the species’ unique sex-changing abilities. While they no longer host in their original Long Tentacle Anemone, they have taken up residence in a Pink Tipped Elegance Coral.

Clownfish spawning - Amphiprion percula

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

On April 1st, 2000, the first bright orange eggs were spotted, confirming the clownfish were a mated pair. The male carefully guards the eggs from predators like peppermint shrimp, and the pair has been observed spawning regularly, typically in the back of the tank where observation is difficult.

Engineer Gobie, Convict Blenny - Pholidichthys leucotaenia

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Engineer Gobie (Convict Blenny) is a unique fish that swims with an undulating movement, can swim backwards, and is known for digging tunnels under rock work and moving significant volumes of sand. It’s a mouth brooder showing parental care for several weeks, with juveniles developing adult coloration around 9 months and potential lifespan of up to 17 years.

Red Sea Purple Tang - Zembrasoma xanthurum

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Red Sea Purple Tang is a hardy fish from the Red Sea that reaches around 8 inches in size. It tends to be shy and quickly hides when someone approaches the tank. The fish has proven resilient, clearing itself of ich when it occurs, and has been kept for seven years at the time of this picture.

Ruby Head Fairy Wrasse - Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Ruby Head Fairy Wrasse had a difficult start when first added to the tank, repeatedly jumping out within seconds of introduction. After being rinsed and added back multiple times, it remained in the overflow chamber for nearly a month before eventually being ignored by resident tangs and allowed to roam freely. Unfortunately, it was lost in January 2006 after jumping out again and being found dried out on the reef room floor.

Scopas Tang - Zembrasoma scopas

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Scopas Tang frequently changes colors, often showing a white head with dark body. When introduced to the display tank, it exhibited territorial behavior toward the existing Purple Tang, resulting in extensive chasing (though no bodily injury) that eventually settled into peaceful cohabitation.

Yellow Corris Wrasse - Halichoeres chrysus

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Yellow Corris Wrasse was very difficult to photograph as it was only seen 3 times during the first two weeks, consistently hiding under the sand in a mucous cocoon day and night. Unfortunately, it was found dried up on the reef room floor in October 2005.

Allen's Damsel - Pomacentrus alleni

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Allen’s Damsel is a beautiful, elongated fish that’s just under 1.5 inches long as a juvenile and grows to about 2 inches as an adult. It’s known for its brilliant neon colors, hardy nature, and tendency to be an open water fish that doesn’t hide much, though it’s best kept as a single specimen in captivity.

Bellus Angelfish - Genicanthus bellus

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Bellus Angelfish is a mid-water planktivore that moves with rapid jerks using its pectoral fins, creating a stop/go swimming motion. It’s the author’s third Angelfish from this genus and does not appear to pick on corals.

Copperbanded Butterfly - Chelmon rostratus

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Copperbanded Butterfly fish was added to address an Aiptasia problem. While it’s peaceful overall, it can defend itself by pointing its spines at aggressive tangs. It primarily eats worms from the sand bed and showed reduced Aiptasia populations, though it eventually died after being dragged under a rock by a starfish in July 2006.

Japanese Swallowtail - Genicanthus melanospilos

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This female Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish is a planktivore that won’t bother corals or clams. The male is white with dark vertical stripes (Zebra Angel). It adapted quickly to captivity, eating various foods within days, and serves as a dither fish that helps smaller fish come out in the open. Unfortunately, it was found dead on the tank room floor in November 2007.

Lamarck's Angelfish - Genicanthus lamarck

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This female Lamarck’s Angelfish is a reef-safe Angelfish that stays in small groups in shallow water. Males have a yellow forehead marking, and while less brightly colored than other angelfish, they won’t nip at corals or clam mantels.

Pajama Cardinal - Sphaeramia nematoptera

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This Pajama Cardinalfish is a nocturnal hunter with distinctive coloration that shelters under ledges or among Acropora branches during daylight hours. At night or early morning, it emerges to look for food, selectively picking at items in the homemade frozen mush such as Mysis. It’s just under 3 inches long and often seen hovering above orange montipora coral.

Acropora polystoma