Captive Aquatics: An Aquarium and Ecology Blog

Bob Fenner Creates 'The Professional Aquarist's Association'

Already owner and founder of WetWebMedia (the best source of ornamental aquatics info  online!), my friend Bob Fenner has started a new venue for those of us who make a living from this hobby and other related aquatic endeavors.  Dubbed 'The Professional Aquarists Association', the website aims to be a meeting and information sharing outlet for those active in the industry.  If that's you, go register today!

PicoAquariums.com New Models Now Available - In Starphire!

  Chris Delicanth of PicOAquariums.com has opened shop again with more pico, and new nanos!  Dubbed the 'Deep Blue' series, two new designs in three different volumes are now available.  Also new is the starphire glass option  and beveled edges on all pico and nano models, and who wouldn't want that?  Check out the pics and specs below, or the review of the original PicO aquarium:

The Marine Aquarium Hobby in Retrospect: 2010

 
In my 2009 retrospective write up I predicted that we'd see a shift towards efficiency, increased legislation, and more captive breeding in 2010.  Let's see whether or not I was correct...

 

Ecoxotic Announces LED-Lit Pico Aquarium

Dubbed the "EcoPico", Ecoxotic will be offering this clean, LED-lit 5 gallon setup on the 31st for just over $100.  Follow the link for more info, and expect a review soon!  Oh, and please don't stock it with three cardinalfish...

A Documentary Showcases Our Hobby

 

A new documentary showcasing our hobby was just released by Scion Magazine, and it's really good!  It includes interviews with Richard, Dr. Bob and myself (yay), and really shows why we love this hobby so deeply.  With environmental groups putting out so much misinformation and so many flat-out lies about this hobby, it's nice to have something show what it's really all about.

Looking to Purchase LED Lighting?

Looking to purchase LED lighting for your reef or nature aquarium  during the holidays?  Before you do, ensure that the manufacturer provides the spectrograph for the unit you are about to purchase.  PAR measurements are virtually useless for comparing LED lighting, one can only compare using PUR. 

Nano Reef Column Debuts in Tropical Fish Hobbyist

A nano aquarium column, geared towards beginner aquarists and authored by yours truly has debuted in January 2011 issue of Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine.  I'll be writing about all kinds of nanos, from planted to biotopes, to the ever popular nano reef aquariums. 

My new column has a fun twist: every month I feature a reader's nano reef, complete with photographs and an interview with the aquarist.  If you'd like your nano aquarium (freshwater or saltwater) considered, feel free to contact me!

Marine Habitat Magazine Launches!

Marine Habitat Magazine launched in the UK on the first of this month, as did their website and blog!  The mag is dedicated to saltwater aquariums and marine ecology, and I'm looking forward to a more advanced, quality publication (even if it'll be a bit harder for us here in the states to get our hands on a copy). Our own Mike Maddox is a launch columnist of this new publication, as well! 

Species Spotlight: Cryptic Six Line Wrasse

The Cryptic Six Line, also known as Pink Streaked Wrasse, is often bypassed and unheard of by many. Both names do not suit Pseudocheilinops ataenia. The wrasse actually has eight lines and the streaks are a bright orange-yellow. The eyes of these fishes are bright. They glow neon orange. They are commonly mislabeled as Pteragogus cryptus, but do not resemble the Pteragogus genus. The confusion continues today as some dealers continue to lable them Pteragogus cryptus.

 

Avast Marine Top-Down Porthole Review

 

Avast Marine gracefully sent us their new Top-Down Porthole for review. It was designed along with the expertise of Tony Vargas, a reef aquarium expert. The Porthole attaches directly to the lenses of DSLR cameras via three thumbscrews. It even fits some point and shoots.