Fish

The Cree XP-E has been the reefing industry workhorse for the longest time (relatively speaking) when it comes to colors outside of white and royal blue, although it has done pretty well in those roles too. Seeing as the white XP-E got a silicon carbide update late last year (which we covered here), Cree felt it was time to show some love to it’s color counterparts. Announced today, the XP-E2 Color lineup turns things up a few notches. As usual, we will get into the nitty gritty of how this LED changed from it’s previous generation, and how it stacks up to the competition. Some features of the Cree XP-E2 LED haven’t changed that much. Thermal resistance values haven’t deviated all that much for the royal blue, blue and green LEDs, but red, red-orange, and amber have all seen a decrease, making them more efficient at getting heat out of the LED. Temperature coefficient also hasn’t changed that much either. Viewing angle has a slight increase to 135 degree (vs 130 degrees), but that won’t change performance much for us. There hasn’t been a clear improvement across the board on forward voltage. This is usually where we see some decent gains when moving from one generation to the next. Typical values for a given current haven’t changed really for blue and royal blue, save for a 0.1v drop at 1000mA. Green has seen a 0.1v drop across all currents, while amber, red-orange, and red actually had a 0.1v increase. It’s certainly not the end of the world, and just shows that the new chip structure has a few caveats. The big changes here are with current. Unlike the previous generation, all color LEDs are rated to 1000mA constant operation. That’s not a change for the blue, royal blue, and green LEDs, but this is a big change for amber (used to be 500mA), red-orange, and red (both used to be 700mA). Amber, red-orange, and red aren’t usually used in large quantities or high intensities in reef fixtures, so the extra current headroom (and resulting output) isn’t a huge deal, but it does make life easier for the DIYer who has to think about maximum drive currents like this for driver selection. Bumping the maximum current up will certainly make it easier to integrate these LEDs into fixtures. So now that the current has been increased, what about the output? Fortunately, Cree found it in their heart to offer higher output bins for nearly the entire lineup. As you can see above, there are some nice gains to be had with the new SiC platform, as well as the raised current limit for the amber, red-orange, and red LEDs. It’s not all sunshine and lollipops though, as this new chip design seems to have some issues with droop. Droop is the effect that heat has on an LED that reduces it’s output as the temperature increases. It’s one of the things that usually steadily gets better as LED technology progresses. In this case, it seems as though it was one of the trade-offs for increased overall output. Royal blue was the biggest surprise, taking a 10 point hit compared to it’s predecessor (~75% of it’s rated output at 150C, vs. ~85% for the XP-E). Amber has always done poorly at higher temperatures (drops to ~10% of it’s rated output at 150C), so there is no real surprise there. Red-orange drops from 38% to 32%, red freefalls from 48% to 32%, and green only falls 1 point to 74%. The only improvement shown out of the entire lineup was with the blue LED, moving from ~86% at 150C, to a very impressive 94%. Throw as much heat as you like at that one, it’s not going to loose much output. Hopefully Cree can learn from the differences there, and improve the droop performance of the other LEDs. One last thing to touch on is the distribution pattern of these new LEDs. As you can see from the above image, it seems like this new chip design is offering a slight change. It’s not quite as dramatic as the XT-E, but it’s a plus none the less

Aqua Illumination (AI) LEDs are among the best-selling LED lights in the industry today. In this video, we take a look at the Aqua Illumination VEGA Color LED light fixture and show you how to get it up and running in no time at all.Aqua Illumination Vega Color LED Fixture - WhiteFirst, let's do a quick run down of the technical specifications. The fixture is only 12" long and just over 5" wide. It will cover a 24" x 24" area of tank space and you can connect multiple fixtures using the EXT rail system for larger aquariums. AI offers different mounting options including a tank mount and suspension kit as well. It consumes a maximum of 95 watts and uses 80 degree lenses.Aqua Illumination EXT Rail for Sol/Vega LED Fixtures In order to program custom timing schedules and color control, you will need to also purchase one of the NEW AI controllers. The New controller pairs perfectly with the VEGA and you can wirelessly connect the controller with the light fixture.Aqua Illumination New Controller for Nano/Sol/Vega LED Fixtures In order to connect the NEW controller, you first need to supply power to the fixture and controller. The indicator light on the back of the fixture should be red. Press the RED button for 7 seconds until the indicator light begins to flash from red to green. Next, pick up the controller and press the "Menu" button. Scroll down to the "Setup Lights" option and press select. Then choose the appropriate fixture, in this case VEGA, and select "Wireless" as the connection type. Press OK and the controller will then search for the fixture and automatically and establish a connection.Once connected, the controller has some really great features. You can create custom timing schedules and set different color temperatures. It also has lunar cycles and weather effect options as well. Another great feature I found very useful is the test run. It allows you to check your timing settings quickly as it runs through a single 24 hour timing cycle in only two minutes.The VEGA color is newest light fixture from Aqua Illumination but keep in mind they do have some other great options. The AI Nano is perfect for small aquariums and the AI Sol is a little easier on your wallet. Feel free to contact us if you have trouble choosing a fixture as we are always happy to guide you in the right direction and help get you everything you need.Aqua Illumination Nano Super Blue LED Fixture in WhiteTo purchase an Aqua Illumination LED aquarium light and/or read product reviews, please visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-566-3474. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest hobby news.

Stock photo of Tridacna clams According to a recent BBC news story, a Manchester man was jailed after he tried to smuggle more than 700 corals and clams into the UK through the Manchester Airport. The 23-year-old man was arrested when he went to pick up his 36 boxes of marine life, which contained 650 corals and 60 clams sourced from Vietnam. The man, who goes by the name Alex Montgomery, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in jail. The corals and clams, which had a combined weight exceeding 1,600 lbs, are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and proper documentation is required to legally bring them into the UK. Of course, Montgomery didn’t have any of that paperwork, and authorities discovered even more violations at his business, which housed another 120 undeclared and protected species. Following his arrest, all of the animals were seized, along with Montgomery’s computer.

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

Direct current pumps, or DC pumps for short, are all the rage these days. They allow aquarists to have more control over the water flow speed of their system, making them ideal for most applications. They’re so popular, in fact, that you can find them from a broad spectrum of companies on a variety of protein skimmer bodies or operating as primary circulation pumps. One might even be hard pressed to find many aquarists complaining about them, and given the added functions that these pumps bring to the table, Reef Octopus has fully jumped on board. They have put these pumps into just about everything they can, with their newest product coming in the form of the Diablo DC 3500 circulation pump. This new Diablo DC 3500 is based off of the Waveline DC pump line from Reef Life Support Systems, but it has slightly different model numbers and specifications than those listed on the RLSS website. The Diablo version has a maximum flow rate of 925gph and a maximum head height of 9ft. Power consumption tips the scales at 30watts when the pump is run at full speed. The controller provides for six different speed settings, as well as a 10-minute food timer. Addtionally, the Diablo DC pumps feature a slow startup where the pump starts at zero RPM and slowly ramps up to the preset speed over a 10 second period. Because Diablo and Reef Octopus products are distributed through CoralVue, there was no public price given in the literature, but we expect pricing to be somewhere north of $150 for the DC 3500. Features: 6 Controllable Speed Settings Integrated Memory- Remembers its last setting after a power failure! Convenient Feed Button Efficient DC Current Quiet Startup & Operation Detachable Controller with Waterproof Union True Slow Startup For Fresh or Marine Applications Two(2) years warranty on pump motor One(1) year warranty on rotor Adapters for 3/4″, 1″ and 1 1/4″ insert fittings (2 of each for input and output) with a pair of lock-down nuts and rubber gasket seals

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