Fish

For those of you having trouble finding the JNS ConeS protein skimmers there is good news as AquaMaxx is now carrying the JNS ConeS in-sump protein skimmers under its label here in the US. We were intrigued with the new technology JNS used by incorporating a series of mini cones on the protein skimmer bubble plate to eliminate eddying in the reaction chamber for stable and more efficient laminar flow. In theory, the laminar flow helps push the dissolved organic impurities in the water to the top of the water column to form the foam head to expel into the collection cup. More turbulent flow may increase dwell time, but can also lead to trapping the organics in the water column now allowing it to be properly removed from the system. The AquaMaxx version of the ConeS in-sump protein skimmers will be available in three sizes and are fitted with a modified Sicce 1.5 pump, air silencer and quick-adjust valve. The pump is mounted at the bottom of the skimmer to preserve a smaller footprint that is perfect for smaller sumps. The smallest model is the AquaMaxx ConeS CO-1 cone protein skimmer that is rated for aquarium systems up to 175-gallons. The AquaMaxx CO-1 has a 6.3 x 8.7 in. footprint, 5 in. diameter reaction chamber and a height of just under 20 in. The skimmer pulls 360 LPH of air while consuming 16W and retails for $256.99. The midsize model is the AquaMaxx ConesS CO-2 rated for systems up to 350 gallons with a 7.5 x 15 in. footprint, a 6 in. diameter reaction chamber and is just a smidge over 21 in. tall. The CO-2 is fitted with the Sicce 2.0 pump. The AquaMaxx CO-3 is the largest model rated for up to 500 gallons. The height is just under 23 in. with a massive 8 in. diameter chamber and a 12.6 x 14.6 in. footprint powered by a Sicce 3.0 pump. No pricing was available for the Co-2 or CO-3. Below is a video of the JNS ConeS CO-2 in action to give you an idea of how this protein skimmer operates. [via Marine Depot] Additional Info: AquaMaxx ConeS In-Sump Protein Skimmer AquaMaxx ConeS Series In-Sump Protein Skimmers efficiently remove organic waste from aquarium water. With an advance bubble chamber design that features numerous conical diffusers, the turbulence in the reaction chamber is reduced and a stable laminar flow is achieved to maximize efficiency and performance. Achieve a stable laminar flow and maximize efficiency! In conjunction with the innovative bubble chamber, a powerful needle wheel pump generates optimally-sized air bubbles that force protein, waste and other materials through the hybrid cone body and into a collection cup for easy removal. The AquaMaxx ConeS Series is rated for aquariums 175-500 gallons yet are small enough to be concealed in a sump underneath your aquarium. Computer-precision engineered and outfit with the latest filtration technology, AquaMaxx protein skimmers are engineered to deliver the performance and value you are looking for in a skimmer. AquaMaxx ConeS Series Skimmers are built using a brilliantly polished cell-cast acrylic. They incorporate the high-end features hardcore hobbyists demand at a price everyone can afford. The ConeS Series is equipped with advanced bubble chambers, hybrid-cone bodies, air silencers and needle wheel impellers for maximum performance, efficiency and whisper quiet operation. They also have compact footprints to make installation as easy as possible. HIGH PERFORMANCE AquaMaxx ConeS Skimmers feature custom Italian-made Sicce pumps with special needle wheel impellers to whip up large amounts of air with optimum bubble size. These pump and protein skimmer combinations deliver unprecedented performance and reliability. Aquarium waste will be vigorously removed from your tank so you can focus less on maintenance and more on enjoying your piece of the reef. SUPERIOR DESIGN AquaMaxx Cone-Series Protein Skimmers are designed from the ground up with the hobbyist in mind. A built-in air intake silencer reduces noise for near-silent operation. The hybrid-cone desig

The AutoAqua AWC-300 is an automatic water change controller from the Taiwan-based company AutoAqua. The company makes products to automate tasks on your aquariums and was limited to just the Taiwan market but is now starting to branch out and distribute its products to the rest of the world. Although there isn’t much documentation online, we know the controller module uses a series of sensors to control the drain and refill amounts. The AWC-300 will come with four sensors that we assume are for high and low level sensors for both the aquarium and refill reservoir. The company also has an optional SMT-110 module allowing to control both your automatic water change (AWC) and your automatic top off (ATO). There are two electrical outlets on the side of the controller module that we believe are for the drain and refil pumps. AutoAqua uses low voltage 12VDC in the system along with alarm sensors to let you know if anything goes awry. US pricing will be around $120 for the AWC-300 and $30 for the SMT-110 accessory module. Readers also viewed: 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 The Poseidon is Aqua-Trend’s version of the aquarium controller Avast Auto Top Off (ATO) gets digital inputs to play nice with controllers The Reef Angel Wifi Attachment allows total aquarium control without wires Apex Comprehensive Reference Manual released, moving from unofficial to official Apex Ready, Apex Ready plus and new configurable dashboard demoed by Neptune Systems AquaDigitalLife is a computer-aided, all-in-one automation, maintenance and monitoring hub

Click through to see the images. They found the order of coral abundance (from highest to lowest) around the main Hawaiian Islands to be Porites lobata,Montipora patula, Pocillopora meandrina, Montipora capitata, Porites compressa, and Montipora flabellata. Environmental factors (wave energy, shape of the seafloor, water clarity, depth, rugosity (roughness of the seafloor), geological island age, and organic sediment content) are known to influence Hawaiian reefs. However, this is the first study to systematically examine the influence of these factors on the distribution and abundance of coral species across the entire seascape of shallow reefs in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI). "Average wave height and maximum wave height were the most influential variables explaining coral abundance in the Hawaiian Islands," reported Erik Franklin, lead author of the study and Assistant Research Professor at the UHM Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. "Our models also identified relationships between coral cover and island age, depth, sunlight, rugosity, slope, and aspect (direction a slope faces)." In general, coral cover was predicted to be highest in primarily wave-sheltered coastlines and embayments. Reefs with highest cover were concentrated in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu; the wave-sheltered reefs of Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Kahoolawe; and the Kohala coast of Hawaii. To construct the species distribution and abundance models, researchers integrated field surveys for corals (data provided by the US National Park Service and US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) with environmental data of wave exposure (data provided by UHM Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering), benthic geomorphology, and sunlight from 2000 to 2009. Regional-scale mapping of coral species from these models provide a framework for population modeling and marine spatial planning of Hawaiian coral reefs. The geographic characterization of coral reefs would benefit greatly from the improved coral distribution and abundance information generated from coral distribution models. Data from these models can be incorporated into marine conservation plans or used for threat assessments to reefs. "For example," Franklin says, "our results were recently used in the management plan review process of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary as they considered the distribution and abundance of animals other than whales." One advantage of this integrative, modeling approach is that researchers are able to consider a broader range of areas than field surveys alone and, therefore, can provide a truer picture of total abundance. "We were most surprised at the high relative abundance of Montipora patula which is currently under consideration for listing as a threatened or endangered species," reported Franklin. Montipora flabellata, the other coral species under consideration as a threatened or endangered species, was not as abundant as the other five species. Franklin and colleagues are in the process of extending the modeling approach to include additional marine species in Hawaii such as reef fish and include additional environmental variables to try to improve the predictive capacity of the models. Ideally the results will continue to inform marine resource management in the Hawaiian Islands. (Press Release: EurekAlert)

By Charles Nunziata There are several explanations of why most hobbyists are not aware of South American annuals and many have not seen one alive. First is their absence from consumer outlets and the relative lack of coverage in hobby communications. In addition, there is a widespread perception that all killifish have a short lifespan. [...]The post Keeping South American Annual Killifish appeared first on TFH Magazine Blog.

We don’t know what it is about that Waveline line of water pumps that makes it sooooo attractive to being rebranded by everyone in the aquarium industry and their extended family. We know why the OG Waveline rocks as an aquarium water pump and a protein skimmer pump but it’s still unexplainable why even Jebao, a Chinese company would rebadge a Chinese product. The Jebao Marine Aqua DC Pump is what the Waveline is called when it’s in a Jebao box, but more specifically we believe Jebao is the first company to market the next generation Waveline 6000, 9000 and 12,000. More surprisingly, Jebao the company that specifically named their Tunze stream knockoff propeller pump the WP-40 to confuse buyers with the Vortech MP-40, this company right here, has the audacity to rename the Waveline pumps they are selling as “Eco-Tech”. We’re all for competition in the market place and kudos to Chinese manufacturers for reproducing products that are cheap and disposable but where does the buck stop? Jebao seems to be lacking in professional ethics, stealing names and designs, and they are the same company that released a clone of the ill-fated Red Dragon 3 all the while asking us not to take pictures of their intellectual property theft. We’re happy to see an abundance of the controllable DC pumps taking the world by storm, but the big question is, who do you think will jump on this bandwagon next? Readers also viewed: Reef Angel now selling and working with the controllable Jebao wp-40 prop pump

There are a few light manufacturers that offer custom colors on their light fixtures, but none are doing such a varied and good job as Nano Box Reef. Nano Box has been busy truly making custom colors a staple of their fixtures, with such well balanced and good color selection that the results will make anyone drool. The Nano Box Mono, Nano Box Duo and Nano Box Mini usually come in a sleek looking standard black finish, but the variations for custom fixtures are endless. Pick a set of colors and Nano Box will certainly build it. The fixtures’ body, face plate, and even cord can all be customized to fit your needs. Some of the past projects have included anything from pink with a black face plate, to shiny grey with matte black, to blue with white stripes. One project even included a spiderman themed fixture, just imagine that! These fixtures really speak for themselves, so check them out below: Readers also viewed: Alpheus made to order LED lamps have some serious research behind them Build My LED aims to satiate your purple desires Don’s High-Tech Reef pulls all the stops for a futuristic aquarium Bridging the old & new: revisiting halides after some time with LEDs Edith Widder TED Talk explains the role of luminesence in attracting the giant squid Philips TLED lamp prototype hits 200lm/W MarineReefLED Quadspec V2 Spotlights breath new life into the PAR 20 bulb Maxspect Razor clone ‘Tesla LED’ spotted in the wild

When purchasing aquarium equipment and livestock over the net, specifically from online forum sites, take multiple precautions for each transaction. For starters, research the seller and make sure he or she has a good reputation. Once you’re confident enough to pull the trigger, use a payment service like PayPal. Most aquarium keepers who are selling stuff online use it, and it’s a great way to send money for purchases. That said, it can also get you into trouble. For the best protection, document everything, use a credit card through the payment site, and never send money as a gift. Those added fees from sending money for “goods” may seem like a pain, but they add some benefit in that PayPal is willing to look at your transaction should an issue arise. After a purchase is made and money has changed hands, be sure to keep those lines of communication open with the seller. Once the item is received, double check that it made it in one piece (or alive if it’s an animal), and relay any necessary information back to the seller. If an issue arises, don’t immediately go public, but try to handle things privately. Work all channels possible, using public communications as a last resort. Really, there are tons of different options, and we recommend taking every precaution available to ensure you have a positive experience.

As Ecotech Marine celebrates ten years of business in the reef aquarium scene, I am reminded of how I came to know the once scrappy three young founders Tim, Pat, Justin and first employee Mark. The company cut its teeth on reef tank product engineering with a magnetically stirred kalk stirrer with a built in peri pump, the whole assembly was ahead of its day, and there’s still nothing else like it. My first taste of Ecotech Marine on personal tanks came the summer of 2005, when I acquired two fo the first 50 handmade VorTech MP40 pumps and controller that were ever made as part of their Beta test program. I can remember it clear as day how I thought it would be a good investment to buy two pumps because there’s no way this company will last in the aquarium industry selling pumps for $250 a piece! Well the rest is history now, ten years of it precisely. Rather than dive into a winding history of what Ecotech has done for us, I want to reminisce on the progress of the Vortech controller, a follow up to the post three years ago. The first two I ever got were made of bent sheet metal and had hand soldered electronic circuit boards. There were no buttons, only two indicator LEDs, which looked pretty fancy at the time, and only a potentiometer dial to adjust flow speed. One of the OG motors is now a backup while the other has been running near continuously for eight years, with added functionality being delivered through controller upgrades. It’s easy to see the increasing level of sophistication in Ecotech’s engineering of the Vortech controller from Revision 2, in the Betas, to the first wireless controllers, to the current EcoSmart controller with better indicators and a wireless daughterboard. The development of Ecotech Marine’s RF module on a separate board was a neat trick which was cool to see pop up in the Radion light, and which is very likely to appear in the forthcoming Ecotech ReefLink. Most recently, the cloud-sourcing of EcoSmart Live to the web is only going to get more useful and capable. Whether or not you use Vortech pumps, or are a fan of Radion lights, there’s no denying that the influence of Ecotech Marine’s products go well beyond what they actually make and sell. The reef aquarium hobby is bettered by the presence of Ecotech Marine over the last ten years and with the company just moving into a facility that is eight times larger than before, all signs indicate that new Vortechs, Radions and Ecosmarts will be making their mark for another decade. Readers also viewed: Apex controller may soon play nice with Radion LEDs Ecotech Reeflink ‘controller for aquarium equipment’ supposed hub for Vortechs and Radions Radion XR30w Pro now available Radion XR30w Pro set to start shipping very soon at a lower price Mitras LED and Radion XR30 Pro: comparing the color and spread on a big reef tank Explaining the many ways that Ecotech Marine will offer upgrades to the Radion G2 2nd generation Radion G2 coming soon with Cree XTE, lenses and $100 price drop Radion Pro’s eight color LED cluster brings out incredible coral color rendition

For the photography enthusiasts in the hobby, there was some significant news with Yahoo! announcing upgrades to its photo storage and sharing site Flickr that included 1 terabyte of storage. Flickr may not have been the first but they were one of the best photo sharing websites setting a standard for others coming on the scene later. But since the acquisition by Yahoo! in 2005, not much has changed with the service until yesterday. Coming in with a total redesign, Flickr has some interesting changes most notably the vast amount of storage you’ll get. The reef hobby also seems to inspire tangential hobbies and interests with one of the biggest being photography. Any time you go to a reef show, club tank tour or public aquarium tour there are always at least a handful of photographers toting around a digital SLR camera snapping off shots of corals, fish, aquariums and equipment. The intricate and colorful corals, exotic fish and unique aquariums make for the perfect photography fodder. Besides, we all know how hard it is to not tinker with our aquariums and having another creative outlet gives our systems a much-needed break. This news is significant for the average user looking for ginormous amount of storage. Prior to the changes, you were limited on uploads and file sizes and the new Flickr gives you the ability to upload photos as large at 200MB (up from 10MB before), create collections, post to up 60 group pools and limit the maximum image size available to others. If you happen to have a Flickr Pro account, there are a few issues you’ll want to explore before making the switch. While you were able to have unlimited storage, you are now faced with limits on file sizes. However, Flickr Pro users also get to view view counts and referrer statistics for their images — handy for professionals looking to see what images resonate with viewers and which are shared on the web the most. Flickr also now gives you the ability to view the site ad free for $49.99 a year and if you find that 1TB of data isn’t enough, you can double your storage to 2TB for $499.99 a year. Our overall impressions of Flickr were favorable and feel the site still needs some minor tweaks to make it better and the increased storage is a huge plus. We do feel Flickr Pro users will have to spend a bit of time on the site and weigh the pros and cons before deciding to jump ship for the new free service. As with any significant change, there is backlash from users wanting Flickr to go back to the way it was but overall change is progress and we’re looking forward to a continual stream of added features to make Flickr relevant again. What are your thoughts about the new design? If you aren’t going to use Flickr, what is your favorite photo hosting service? Readers also viewed: Introducing the Reef Builders Flickr Photo Pool

Frameless fish tanks are increasing in popularity as evidenced by the venerable Twenty Gallon ‘High’ 20H getting the rimless/frameless treatment. In PetSmart to boot! Back in our day, when we wanted to get an aquarium it was standard-issue to have a black frame or worse, one with faux wood trim printed on. In no time at all some amount of salt creep or mineral stain builds up to ruin that new-tank look and feel, especially with hard water african cichlids. Rimless and frameless tanks have been growing in popularity in the aquarium hobby, fish tanks in a range of sizes have been getting stripped of their bracing for that clean look. But it really took us aback to see a classic aquarium size getting the clean-line treatment, at a chain pet store no less. Like the beautiful frameless cube aquariums this frameless 20H fish tank is made by Marineland. For now the frameless 20H aquarium is not going to take over for the ones we have laying around as they are a little more expensive than the plastic-framed counterparts. At the moment the Frameless 20H is only sold as a set with at minimum a Marineland LED strip light for $149 or with the stand for $239. But for now the march of the frameless fish tanks won’t be over until you can pick up a bare 20H, ten gallon or even a five gallon fish tank for a similar price as the standard ‘framed’ aquariums. Readers also viewed: Marineland Frameless Cube Aquariums are now the norm for UPG Mr Aqua Frameless Glass Aquarium tanks