Fish

2013 is shaping up to a big year for fish tank canister filters with no fewer than five new models from four different manufacturers becoming available for the first time, or for the first time in America. Some of the usual suspects like Sicce, Hydor and Fluval are now offering completely new filters or upgraded versions of popular models, and newcomer Cobalt Aquatics is introducing a canister filter with a couple unexpected twists.  Hydor Professional External Canister Filter Hydor’s new line of fish tank filtering boxes borrows some of the best features and design elements from Japanese style canister filters and turned them into their Professional External series of canister filters. With zero bypass, a filled flow rating, extreme quiet and many models to choose from, we think Hydor has a great new line for the aquarium hobby this year. ~ Cobalt Aquatics EXT Canister Filter Though Cobalt Aquatics is a relatively new name in fish tanks and aquariums, they’ve busted out the gate with a whole stable of innovative products, not the least of which is their EXT Canister FIlter. The EXT has a remote feed pump that keeps flowing even when you remove the media-filled body for cleaning and maintenance. ~ Hagen Fluval FX6 Canister Filter The Fluval name is synonymous with big bad burly canister filters with the power and volume to handle the dirtiest fish tank. A big suite of innovative features like maintenance dials, electronic self-monitoring and integrated water changing ports make the FX6 the King of the Hill to beat. ~ Sicce Whale Canister Filter The Sicce Whale canister filter is one of the most attractive canisters we’ve yet seen. This little wonder has a small footprint and vertically gifted media section which is suited for aquarium with very little area in their stands. With Sicce’s legendary pump making skills, we expect the Sicce Whale to be extremely quiet and reliable for years. ~ Sicce Green Reset 100 Giant Pond Canister Filter If your tank is that big or that dirty, then you may need to get the comically large Sicce Green Reset. Designed primarily for ponds, the Green Reset has an integrated mechanism for cleaning the mechanical pads and backwashing the unit without ever taking it apart. If you’ve got a pond sized aquariums or lots of big fish with big loads of waste to boot, take a look at the Green Reset. Readers also viewed: Fluval FX6 canister filter for the extremely dirty fish tanks GreenReset 100 Canister filter from Sicce makes grown men look like children Hydor’s Professional External Filter is a whole new class of canisters Cobalt EXT Canister keeps water flowing while it’s being cleaned New Sicce Whale canister filter API Nexx filter merges the best of power and canister filters Fluval G3 canister gets reviewed on camera by Practical Fishkeeping Fluval G3 and G6 canister filters get priced for US Market and you won’t believe how much

Welcome to the Memorial Day weekend edition of the Friday Smorgasbord. With summer right around the corner, here is your friendly reminder to check your chiller and cooling fans to help keep your tank nice and cool. No on to the Smorgasbord! Scientists studying the DNA of the  Latimeria chalumnae, AKA “Living Fossil”, have found its genes have evolved more slowly that genes of other fish and vertebrates. In the paper, published April 18 in the journal Nature, the researchers speculate that the coelacanth’s relatively unchanged deep-sea habitat, and an apparent lack of predation over thousands to millions of years, means this ancient fish didn’t need to change much to survive. [via NatGeo] Volcanoes and shifting tectonic plates play a heavy hand in the coral diversity in reefs across the Indian and Pacific oceans according to a new report in the Proceedings of the Royal Society. The coral triangle is home to some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world, yet similar conditions in other areas lack the diversity fo species. This study found corals used the volcanically made island as stepping stones to colonize across the region, but saw wholesale groups of corals failing to make the jump.  The discovery also has serious implications for coral reefs in the face of climate change  noting how long it takes for corals to create the rich reefs that are being decimated by warming. [via ABC Science] Who remembers their first time seeing the ocean? Besides when I was a toddler, it was during a family vacation to Florida in the seventh grade and that time was magical and memorable. This video showcases a baby elephant’s joy as it gets its first glimpse of the ocean in Phuket, Thailand, before participating in a wedding ceremony. If this doesn’t put a smile on your face, we don’t know what will. Summer is almost here and as hundreds of thousands of tourists flock towards the ocean for fun in the sun, we thought this story would be fitting. Even before the summer blockbuster Jaws hit the theaters in 1976 we had a fear of sharks. This fear has propelled great movies like Jaws as well as terrible movies like Sharktopus. Over at HamptonRoads.com, they have compiled a list of the “Best of the Worst” shark movies ever…enjoy! [via HamptonRoads.com] Readers also viewed: Friday Smorgasbord: Monster goldfish, fish stripes, swimming with sharks and more Friday Smorgasbord: Tracy Morgonian gets Incognito Sofa Love, gray whales, atolls and more Friday Smorgasbord: Fish Tank Kings, help save a species and more Friday Smorgasbord: Oyster restoration, testing seabirds and more Friday Smorgasbord: Coralbots, shark-stalking robots and a tongue-eating louse Friday Smorgasbord: Phytoballs, more two-headed sharks and clear blooded fish Friday Smorgasbord: “You might be a redneck…” edition Friday Smorgasbord: Two-head sharks, squid bombs and more

Have we mentioned how much of a commitment Reef Octopus is making to the direct current controllable water pumps? Well, if you haven’t been following along, we will sump it up with saying that Reef Octopus is become well entrenched in the world of DC pumps and they are only digging in deeper by the day. Their latest DC pump powered products are a pair of cone shaped protein skimmers in the Diablo lineup. The Diablo DCS-150int and DCS-170int will be hitting stores soon and they have plenty of nice features that will make them solid performers for any reef setting. The 150 and 170 internal skimmer models are rates for 125 and 200 gallons respectively, which are somewhat conservative numbers in our opinion. They differ only in come diameter and height, witht the 170 being an inch larger in both height and come diameter. Both skimmers have all of the standard features of any cone skimmer, with a Diablo DCS 3500 pinwheel pump powering both. Diablo DCS 150 In-Sump Protein Skimmer Rated for Aquariums up to 125 Gallons Footprint: 13? x 8.27? Body Diameter: 6? Height: 22.45? Powered by: Diablo DCS 3500 Pinwheel Pump Max Air: 900 L/H (31.5 SCFH)* Power Consumption: 25watts Diablo DCS 170 In-Sump Protein Skimmer Rated for Aquariums up to 200 Gallons Footprint: 13? x 9? Body Diameter: 7? Height: 23.45? Powered by: Diablo DCS 3500 Pinwheel Pump Max Air: 900 L/H (31.5 SCFH)* Power Consumption: 25watts Common Features: Solid Constructed Hybrid (half cone) Skimmer Body for Greater Foamate Stabilization Over Sized 6″ Collection Cup with Drain Bubble Dispersant Plate Precision Control Output Valve 6 Controllable Speed Settings Detachable Controller with Integrated Memory High Air Intake Efficient & Quiet Slow Startup

Some weeks ago Oceanlife presented his new test kit line. We have just seen the nitrites test kit, and now we take a look at Oceanlife Aqua Test Nitrates. As you can see from the picture the test is composed of a box of generous dimensions that contains the folding carton with the reference colors, a glass test vial, a powder container called NO3-1 and a flask containing the reagent called NO3-2, a syringe and a measuring spoon. Here below we can see the reference card with instructions in English and designed for each step. The test is given for 100 measurements, and the scale of detectable nitrite has the following values: 0 – 1 – 2 – 5 – 10 – 20 -30 – 40 – 50 – 60 – 70 – 80 – more than 90 mg/l. The test is really quite simple. We have to fill the vial with 5 ml of aquarium water. Then we have to put a spoon of the powder contained in the container named NO31 making sure it get directly into the vial. The measuring spoon provided is really very practical. Then we have to add 6 drops of reagent NO32 and we have to gently shake the vial for 10 seconds and put the vial for 5 minutes before reading the value. Reading is done, as usual, from the top, holding the vial on a white card reference, being careful not to make a shadow with the same vial on the card. The test is extremely simple, also the identification of the color is rather simple, the problem is that there is little space for white reference between the colored squares, and therefore it is not too easy to choose the right color. Another aspect that I don’t liked a lot is that the drops are not too precise, and sometimes the drops are larger, or there is air that blows. That said, the test is cheap as it costs 16.07 € in Europe, especially when compared with the Elos test costs 22.90 € and I still think one of the best on the market. In fact, with 3/4 of the price you get a test that supposedly uses the same reagents, with worst drops maker, but all in all enough to detect problems in the aquarium. Given the price the value that emerges is very good. We remember that all tests, although they have a high number of measurements, should be used not more than 6 months from their first use, in order to prevent incorrect storage can ruined the reagents. Considered the 6-month reference period and 100 measurements means that with this test we can make about four reading a week for a period of six months, at a cost of about 16 eurocents per measurement. Readers also viewed: Oceanlife presents their new aquarium Nitrite test kit LAQUAtwin probes by Horiba Scientific are mighty interesting Do you test for O2? JBL’s new TestLab Marin kit suggests you should Nyos Nitrate test kit has easily read scale and takes only two steps Oceanife Aquariums and matching stands are sweet Italian products Italy’s Oceanlife debuts hi-tech, automated fish display system Oceanlife food line includes Amin Extra Powder, Coral Food Powder and Skim Stop Omega 3 AquaSpec aquarium testing computer a high-tech approach to testing water parameters

Click through to see the images. From 3reef.com member 'evolved' (click link to go to his thread ): My johnsoni pair spawns several times a week. This has been going on for months now. It happens every evening; the male goes into nuptial display around 9:30. This is at the end of the ramp down of the whites, which shut off at 9:30 and then it's all blues until they ramp down and off at 10:30. The male will be in nuptial display for up to an hour. While he courts the female every night, she generally complies and does the dance with him, but she isn't able to produce eggs every day, and never on consecutive days. So some days are just a "dry run" it seems. However, last night I was finally watching AND recording at the right time. Take a look. You'll note the rhomboid come over and wait for the feast when the pair start their routine. Then him and the male johnsoni are clearly eating eggs from the water column. I don't think the male was quite ready for the female here; he usually swims right along side her when she releases, and you see a quick cloud behind them both.

Want to clean off aquarium equipment but don’t have time to scrub built up coralline algae and other crud? Well, there are common substances you probably already have laying around the kitchen or garage that can help. Vinegar, muriatic acid, and other slightly acidic substancs all work great at dissolving unwanted gunk and grime off of aquarium equipment. Vinegar is the most popular choice, as it is more readily available and can be purchased for cheap at your local grocery store. Simply place the aquarium equipment into a bucket, add in some RO/DI water (or really any freshwater will do), then add in some vinegar. The more vinegar you add, obviously the more acidic the solution will be. Which means be careful and make sure it won’t damange O-rings and other materials. Scrub lightly after soaking and rinse with freshwater until the vinegar smell is no longer detectable. Then the equipment is ready to use.

We started our tour inside the italian pet show Zoomark starting from Sicce stand in Hall 19. With this article we are here to tell you about it. After the last few years we have been accustomed to seeing Sicce together with LGMAquari, italian brand dedicated to skimmer, calcium reactor and so on, this year we found only Sicce to greet us, and the lack of Neapolitan coffee was heard. Sicce has not brought to the fair big novelties from the hardware side, according to them, but instead there were many things to see. The first exhibitor that we found showed the products LGMAquari, where Sicce is distributor, and a small but great news! The new feed proposed by Sicce. To date, the new series, which is called AkuaBlu comes in 3 forms: Algae Premium, Premium and Premium Color Artemia & Calanus, the latter rich in astaxanthin to further develop the color of our fish. Along with these was presented the new K & V SPS Extra-Color a liquid feed specifically designed for SPS corals as is evident from the name itself. In this picture we can appreciate the texture and color of the Premium Color food. The proposed dimensions are in two variants, a particle size from 0.9 to 1.4 mm and a larger from 1.4 to 2.2 mm. Of course there were all the other products that are already famous, such as the Organic Control, the acclaimed food for corals Calanus and H & O Corals. The new line of chemical filter media in full force was also present, however, already presented at the Zoomark two years ago. We arrive at the end in the corner of the stand which was set up with a MiniReef showcasing the beautiful Sicce Minù, just appreciated on our pages, and the new small powerhead right fit for Nanoreef. Here we see the new small Sicce in shows, it is still in prototype version, but soon will on the market, there are only a few details still to be decided, as confirmed by Federico,  Sicce sales manager. Here a view of the beautiful Minù. a detail of MiniReef And finally the prototype of new small centrifugal pumps in all-white livery… but of which we have no other information for now. References: Sicce Zoomark 2013 commentary Readers also viewed: Italian Zoomark International 2013 in Bologna in review Zoomark 2013 International Pet Show in Bologna Italy LGMAquari releases new fluidized bed filter and phytoplankton reactor LGMAquari shows off new HOB skimmer at Zoomark AquaMaxx adds JNS ConeS Protein Skimmer to product line Royal Nature test kits launching at Zoomark GreenReset 100 Canister filter from Sicce makes grown men look like children New Sicce Whale canister filter

Click through to see the images. “We’re looking at human vision and trying to recreate the same sort of experience in remote locations. The more we can put the scientist’s or pilot’s or observer’s brain down in a remote location, the better the experience for everyone,” states William Lange at WHOI’s Advanced Imaging and Visualization Laboratory. The new camera fits in the palm of your hand and is affixed to underwater ROV's allowing researchers to see underwater locations in IMAX quality 3D, which will allow for better observation of target areas. The system uses a unique 3-camera configuration to provide the 3-dimensional view whereas traditional 3D systems use only two cameras.  The new camera system may also provide new and improved applications on land as well. “These tools open up all sorts of possibilities,” says Lange, “but like any new technology, how you use the tools is almost as important as the tools themselves.” (via PNAS)

Click through to see the images. Product Release (via Reef-Eden): We are pleased to announce the release of the very latest MATRIXX-II T5 light units available from Giesemann Aquaristic which are exclusive to Reef-Eden. These new lights retain Giesemann's stunning build quality and reliability offset against a price that puts them head to head with the competition. You may recognise the style as one of the most stunning designs to hit the aquatic market in recent years, and you would be right. With bodywork borrowed directly from Giesemann's flagship FUTURA LED range, the MATRIXX-II utilises a full assortment of features borrowed from its bigger brother, but in T5 format.   STYLE WITH UNCOMPROMISING BUILD QUALITY Unlike many T5 units that have outer bodies constructed from simple thin pre-fabricated metal sheet held together by rivets. The MATRIXX-II uses an outer chassis constructed of heavy duty extruded and formed aluminium alloy, into which the components are hand assembled, before being topped off with an exquisite upper glass panel, whilst the underside gets the addition of a high quality acrylic splash screen as standard to ensure both the tubes and high efficiency reflector are protected from splashing or spray from air stones or surface located pumps. The outer chassis is also coated in a tough anti-corrosion anodised silver finish, or painted in high gloss pure white.  Each element that makes up the outer chassis is painted or anodised pre-production to ensure that all faces (including joints and internal faces) are completely protected to limit salt or water ingression thereby reducing the risks of corrosion over extended use even in the most demanding situations.   LOOKING BEYOND THE SURFACE Whereas many manufactures use cheaper ballasts and other materials to keep costs down, Giesemann understand that price is nothing without reliability. Each MATRIXX-II is assembled using only the finest quality internals, from lamp holders and wiring, right up to and including high quality ballasts that are chosen for durability, stability and reliable output. The lamps sit in front of a dedicated highly polished aluminium reflector that is 99.8% reflective and profiled via CAD software to offer the best possible transfer of light back to the aquarium in an evenly distributed manner.     KEEPING THINGS STABLE When designing any light fixture, temperature control is a crucial factor to both maintain the lifespan of the components and lamps, but also to maintain output at optimum levels. Too hot, and the lamps lifespan and output is reduced costing the user money, Too cold and the lamp wont reach optimum operating temperature resulting in lowered performance. The MATRIXX-II uses both passive and active cooling. Passive cooling occurs by direct heat transfer to the aluminium outer chassis and upper glass panel that acts as an inbuilt heat diffuser, whilst active cooling and air circulation is taken care of by way of two inbuilt fans. this ensures that the MATRIX-II runs at the perfect operating temperature to ensure good lamp lifespan and optimum output.   CONTROL WITH EASE Dependent on the number of tubes in the unit, each MATRIXX-II comes with separate power cords to control groups of lamps. Independent times can then be set to recreate sunrise / sunset by way of using simple segment or digital wall timers or an aquarium computer switchable plug-bar to control each bank of lamps. Dimmable versions are available upon request (requires use of dimmable interface and applicable) .     PRICE AND AVAILABILITY Availability: Now Prices: Description RRP incl VAT MATRIXX II - 4 x 24 Watt - 650 mm £349.00 MATRIXX II - 4 x 39 Watt - 950 mm £369.00 MATRIXX II - 4 x 54 Watt - 1250 mm £399.00 MATRIXX II - 4 x 80 Watt - 1550 mm £419.00 MATRIXX II - 6 x 39 Watt - 950 mm £419.00 MA

Yesterday we shared the AutoAqua AWC-300 automatic water change module and today we’re taking a deeper dive into some other useful tools in the company’s portfolio to help automate parts of your system. AutoAqua’s product line includes automatic top off (ATO) controllers, water level and protein skimmer alarms, switching timers and more. At first glance, the AutoAqua products are pretty straight forward with most controller modules sharing the same form factor. AutoAqua’s controllers are not super high-tech like other’s we see, rather taking a “just what you need” approach. The company’s ATO products include a DC pump model, an electrical solenoid version and a gravity fed non-electric version. The AutoAqua ATO-200P comes with a brushless DC pump, controller and two sensors and the AutoAqua ATO-200V comes with a DC solenoid and two sensors. Both products will retail for around $100 USD. For smaller systems or less technical ATOs, there is the “mini” version of each one that is simplified and includes just one sensor or two sensors and retail for $45 and $60 respectively This YouTube video includes a good visual overview of the ATO system. Check out this tank update video a hobbyist uploaded that includes the ATO-200P (fast forward to the 1:05 mark). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffc_GX0eGcM If you want to go gravity fed, the company also has small float switches and accessories to build your own powerless system starting around $30. There are also alarm systems that include water level and protein skimmer alarms starting around $55 and going up depending on number of sensors and optional waste containers for the skimmer alarm.  AutoAqua also has a switching mode timer that looks similar to complex lamp timers but is most likely beefed up for a few more options that make it more useful in an aquarium setting. Overall the equipment looks handy and is a decent option if you want to have a simple way to automate systems in your aquarium. Readers also viewed: AutoAqua AWC-300 loaded with automatic water changing features Avast Auto Top Off (ATO) gets digital inputs to play nice with controllers White is the new black: Coral Compulsion, Digital Aquatics add new white versions of products Smart Reef aquarium controller system coming in the Fall from Italy Aqua-Trend Evolution automatic top off can read water level through glass The Poseidon is Aqua-Trend’s version of the aquarium controller The Reef Angel Wifi Attachment allows total aquarium control without wires Apex Comprehensive Reference Manual released, moving from unofficial to official