Small Saltwater Aquarium Setup

They also produce much less heat than metal halide lamps.

There is no question that metal halide lighting is still (and probably always will be) the mainstay of marine reef aquarium lighting. However, we have rarely seen a reef aquarium lit by metal halide bulbs that did not require a chiller for success, unless the aquarium was located in a cool room or was equipped with some form of major ventilation system. PowerCompact bulbs allow many photo-receptive species to be kept without the intense heat produced by halides. Research has shown that many stony corals, clams, and other sessile species that depend on photosynthesis of zooanthellic al

with or without a source of beneficial microbes, C) And/or some "food" as a source of decomposing ammonia to instigate bacterial immobilization.

At point "2" enough ammonia is being converted by bacteria that have been intentionally or accidentally introduced to the system to detect the presence of the nitrification product, nitrite. Point "3" denotes the beginning of Nitrobacter activity with "4" marking the detectabl

.. by a combination of mechanical media (like batting) for the water to run over, and baffling (using compartments in the sump/s to allow the bubbles time/space to join and dissipate.

Finding pump plumbing intake leaks can be difficult, but a few tools can help... a new paper towel or napkin wiped around all piping, fittings AND the pump volute (often the leak is due to a bad seal, o-ring, or screws not completely tightened...)... a length of tubing you can hold up to your ear and along the piping on the pumps intake side may reveal a "hissing" noise from a leak... a spray bottle of water appli

Modern power filters with their small cartridges, foam pads, and spinning or whirling gimmick devices, will never be adequate for proper biological filtration, in spite of the misleading and exaggerated claims made by some manufacturers.

Under-Gravel Filters: This was the first true biological filter invented for the aquarium. The gravel in an aquarium is suspended above one or more plastic plates, which are equipped with "lift tubes" that extend vertically from the bottom to the water surface. Air is pumped into the bottom of the lift tubes and rises up the tubes, carrying water w

Allow them to cool off; Ive broken (sob) dozens.

Controls on these units are simple dials on top. Some are more or less calibrated, others you will have to initially check, adjust, check.

Thermometers: There are two basic analog varieties (as opposed to high tech electronic), alcohol (red), and liquid crystal (rarely do you see mercury, and for good reasons). These are all about the same inaccurate, but not to worry too m

Black Neon Tetra
Few things are as eye-catching as a large school of shimmering tetras. If you already have a school of Neon or Rummy Nose Tetras, consider adding Black Neons....