Captive Aquatics: An Aquarium and Ecology Blog

Reef Aquarium Lighting: Introducing the Lighting Lab

Introducing our latest feature: the Lighting Lab!  Lighting is one of the most discussed, yet the least understood aspects of the reef aquarium hobby.  Misplaced "which lighting is best?" questions abound on aquarium forums everywhere, so I've started a column (as well as question and answer, so ask away in the comments section!) to lay out some science and help dispel some of the untruths, misconceptions, and plain unknowns that reef aquarists may have about lighting.  The introductory topic will be a quick and basic coverage of visible light. 

NanoReefBlog Introduces ZeoVit Nano

NanoReefBlog has introduced a svelte-looking all-in-one: the ZEOnano, a new all-in-one nano reef aquarium that has yet to hit the market (although we'll do our best to bring you a review ASAP!).  More info the ZEOnano here!

---

Like this? Please bookmark via the social bookmarking buttons below, subscribe to our free RSS feed, and sign up for our free weekly newsletter on the right!

Share |

© Captive Aquatics™ | CA Blog | Sponsor Info | Review Info

82 Stony Corals Endangered?

So, it seems that a piece of legislation currently under consideration by NOAA would add 82 species of corals to the endangered species list.  This is getting a lot of buzz around the hobby, websites, mostly of the knee-jerk "Oh my god this will kill our profits hobby!" type (ie. Coral Magazine's site, where this proposition is laughed at, yet conservation efforts are recommended only one post below!), a fear that's not only unfounded, but interfering with the protection of these species.

Hydor's Koralia Evolution Arrives

Hydor has redesigned the older Koralia reef aquarium water pumps into a more compact, efficient, and effective product, the Koralia Evolution.  Our Hydor rep sent their Koralia Evo 750 and newly redesigned Koralia Nano for a tryout.  Full review coming soon!

AquaC Remora Nano Skimmer Review

AquaC was awesome enough to send over their new-ish (new at the time they sent it!) Nano Remora protein skimmer.  I was able to test it out a few months back, and now I finally have time to post my results.

Matt Wittenrich on Collection & Aquaculture

I worked with marine biologist and notable fish breeder Matt Wittenrich at Microcosm Aquarium Explorer, and today I'd like to post an interview I did with him a few weeks back about the current wild collection practices.  I think it will be an informative interview for hobbyists who don't often get a lot of 'behind-the-scenes' news:

Feeding your Reef Aquarium

Certain sea stars, such as this Nardoa spp. in the author's aquarium, are excellent scavengers

I often hear the phrases “In the wild, reefs are nutrient poor” and “a reef aquarium should have a low nutrient level”.  Seeming in contrast to these statements is the necessity of feeding the coral and other inhabitants of the reef aquarium.  What do these phrases really mean, especially to the hobbyist? 

Tips for a Healthy Nano Reef

Here are a few things I've learned in my decade of nano reef aquarium keeping that I thought I would share!

1) Pay attention!  If something is amiss, there will be a subtle signs during the crucial first few hours: zoanthids not opening fully, LPS looking listless or not inflating, etc.  If for some reason things don't seem "right" when they were fine yesterday, it's time for investigation, and our next tip,

A Clam in your Nano Reef: Tridacna crocea

Traditionally, Giant Clams of the genus Tridacna (or simply tridacna clams) have been kept in larger reef aquariums, because larger reef aquariums are easier to illuminate, easier to supplement, and have the room needed for these accurately-named animals.  However, I think that one species of the giant clam; Tridacna crocea (the crocea clam) makes a good nano candidate as it's maximum size is around five inches.  I wanted to write a short piece that I hope will help everyone interested in clam keeping to achieve success with clams in their nano reef!

A Quick "Light Requirement" Interpretation Guide

Often, while researching coral, the beginner aquarist will see general light requirements for that particular species. They will generally see one of three words: Low, Moderate, and High.