Fish

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

There’s something about a big juicy blue Acropora, or a super nice Acropora millepora with perfectly developed scaly texture, that always grabs our attention. That is why the big blue Acropora spathulata Unique Corals flaunted from Australia is one we must have for our high energy SPS tank. Also known as the “Thick Milli” Acro, Acropora spathulata has only become available relatively recently with Australian acro imports. The most common and predominant form of Acropora spathulata we see available is kinda green, kinda pinkish tipped, with a beautiful texture to the radial corallites but not necessarily slamming coloration, like the colony seen in the foreground of the light field image below. However, we know from pictures and a small handful of specimens that the incredible Thick Milli Acro does come in a beautiful nearly all blue coloration that ranges from lavender to purple depending on the lighting, and it is intense. We are actually quite surprised that Unique Corals was selling this blue Acropora spathulata as a colony because there’s probably a dozen reefers would have loved to get a frag of this incredible coral, but fear not, we have a hunch there will be more to come and eventually, plenty to go around. Readers also viewed: Acropora spathulata is the “thick milli Acro” endemic to Australia ORA Green Planet Acropora is ready to invade your SPS reef Acropora insignis gets an official release from ORA Phoenix Montipora from Route 66 is M. danae on fire Rodney Ridikas reef from Australia has some serious potential Friday Smorgasbord: Starfish, weird fish and sea foam Neon yellow hammer corals are the new must-have Euphyllia ancora Photosynthetic Leptoseris coral found living deeper than 400 feet!!!

Geo’s reef is a premium acrylic manufacturer that has been producing high end skimmers and reactors such as their sulphur reactor for a long while now. Although Geo’s Reef tends to be a bit pricier than some of the competition, their great microbatch craftsmanship has endured. Now they have released a new filter sock holder that is meant for high flow applications, for those with larger tank, or simmply wish more turn over in their sump. The main difference between the more standard filter sock holders and the new Geo’s reef version is the addition of a splash guard which should greatly reduce salt creep, Most filter sock holders usually consist simply of a flat acrylic plate which is then bend to hang over your sump’s side walls. A hole is then cut in the middle into which the filter sock is placed.This works great for low flow applications, but in high flow conditions this can result in the previously mentioned salt spray. The splash guard was thus added. In addition to the splash guard the new Geo’s Reef filter sock holder also utilizes piping which directs the water into the filter sock further preventing splashing and the build up of salt creep. For more information, or you would like to order one, head over to Geo’s reef website. Readers also viewed: Geo Sulfur Nitrate Reactor coming soon to Premium Aquatics Next Reef reactors gets sized up against Geo, Two little Fishes

The aquarium hobby often competes with video games for the attention of today’s youthful aquarists. So, it should come as no surprise that we are glad to see somewhat of an inclusion of reef life into one of the most popular video game series that the gaming industry has ever seen. The reveal trailer of the upcoming Call of Duty: Ghosts has one very beautiful and lifelike scene of a wild reef, complete with push corals, a powder blue tang, and a heniochus butterflyfish. According to the trailer, the action heats up on said reef, as the playable character in the game fights opposing forces. A large jet fighter appears to crash in the previously tranquil reef scene. Obviously the game will have a ton of intense action sequences, and the digital reef makes for a great backdrop. We just hope that some of those reef animals are interactive and add some details to the storyline. Image originally shared on the Pacific Island Aquatics Facebook page.

The release of PhycoPure Zooxanthellae by Algagen might very well be breaking new bounds in the reefing hobby. The PhycoPure zooxanthellae culture actually consist of live zooxanthellae collected from both clams and indo pacific corals, and includes a wide variety of species from two families. An obvious reason to adding live zooxanthellae to your tank would be aid bleached, or bleaching corals, as we all know this is caused by zooxanthellae expulsion. AlgaGen additionally suggest using PhycoPure zooxanthellae when acclimating corals to reduce stress, and it is possible that adding zooxanthellae can result in increased coral coloration and better overall health of your aquarium. Although the latter claims remains to be seen, the addition of multiple species of live zooxanthellae could very well increase zooxanthellae diversity within aquarium corals, as zooxanthellae populations may may become a monoculture (or at least less diverse) in a closed aquarium system. AlgaGen PhycoPure zooxanthellae is produced in purified Atlantic Ocean natural sea water, and is tested pathogen free. Excess nutrients have furthermore been removed from the product, so there should be no concern about adding excess nutrients to your reef. For additional information on the AlgaGen PhycoPure zooxanthellae, head over to the AlgaGen website. PhytoPure will be available in 4oz and 80z sizes and will retail for $15 and $25 respectively Readers also viewed: Phycopure Greenwater launched by AlgaGen as an affordable general-purpose phytoplankton Coral Smoothie Oyster Delight from Algagen AlgaGen releases five new live ReefPods copepod cultures and food Reef Dart target feeding kits for phyto and for mysis AlgaGen Coral Smoothie is a tasty blend to feed your corals Coral Gro A & B from Red Sea is a supplement for coral and Zooxanthellae First Bite coral food pellets for SPS, LPS and reef Ocean Nutrition Coral food and marine Nano Pellet review

It’s easy to get into bad habits with your aquarium maintenance routine, and once those habits are well entrenched into your day to day activities, they are very hard to change. Some of these bad habits might include dumping fish store water into your tank after acclimating a fish or using the same net for multiple aquariums. The objective should be to correct any of these bad habits as soon as possible, and make new habits easy to achieve. By correcting bad habits, you can prevent possible aquarium contamination and other various issues that can cause numerous problems.

This is a very brief update simply because I’m way behind in updating anyone on this front!  Nothing has really changed…the Lightning Pair stopped spawning since the last post.  Figures.  I did manage to raise another TWO (yes, only 2) to settlement…produced 1 “Lightning” and 1 “regular” offspring. The big reason for the lack of updates is simply this – our new daughter, Audrey, was born on 4/17/2013, rather suddenly (but obviously not unexpectedly). I wish I could share the story, as it’s the type of thing you’d see in a movie, but respecting my wife’s privacy I’ll simply leave it at that! Since then, I think I’m averaging no more than 3 hours of sleep per stint, and on a good day, 6 hours total.  Doubling the number of children is NOT easy..I don’t care what anyone says, we went from being able to tag team on one, to man-to-man coverage! Without a doubt, this big life change has prevented me from getting to the sale of the first offspring, who are rapidly now approaching a YEAR of age, and some of which are quite large now too.  Hopefully I’ll get that rectified soon, and the wait will be worth it.  Will update the project when there’s more to update!