Bubble algae
We have a pretty good crop of Bubble Algae (Valonia ventricosa) now with no idea how it got started. And we let it get out of hand. The tank was free of this nuisance from the beginning and started about…
Category Water Quality
Fresh water top off
For the 140 gallon system, we have been undecided about a freshwater top off system because we were undecided about adding an external refugium. Initially, we installed a 60 gallon glass cube as the sump tank with the intention of…
Water movement
For water movement in the display tank we are using a gyre power head pump. Placing the pump near the top of the tank gives surface agitation. Placing the pump near the corner gives a a circular motion moving water…
Algae control, scrape it
In general, we don’t “fight” algae. In part because our tanks get a lot of natural light and a few hours of direct sunlight. So we scrape it off the glass into the water column and let a filter sock…
Freshwater top-off
A problem with reef keeping is the terminology. For lack of a better term, the industry uses, “top off” or “topping off”. Over time, depending on a few factors such as room temp, humidity and system water movement, the freshwater…
System update, UV
We added a UV sterilizer to our 200 gallon system. Almost a year old now with livestock from the easy list with the exception of a Copperband Butterfly. We intend to add more fish, possibly some from the intermediate difficulty…
UV Sterilization
Are your fish your pets? What can be done to care for them? UV sterilization kills free-floating microorganisms in the water. The UV light from the sterilizer can kill free floating algae, bacteria, and viruses. The sterilizer can be essential…
The best aquarium heater
The heater in our 200-gallon System is heating but the thermostat is no longer reliable. So we reach out to our BrainTrust for advice on a new one. Finnex TH series. We bought the digital controller and an 800 watt…
The best protein skimmer
In an effort to save our readers some time and trouble researching the market, we take a poll of our BrainTrust from time-to-time. The latest poll asked about skimmers. “What would you buy”? Reef Octopus (OCTO) was the consensus pick. …
Poly Filter
This piece of Poly Filter turned light brown (light brown sugar) after a few days. Basic water tests show no ammonia, no nitrates prior to use. Cross-section shows color all the way through. How long should it last? Some reports…