Saltwater Fish Tank

This is an unusual frogspawn that is not often seen in the hobby. Euphyllia divisa is also know as Wall Frogspawn. Unlike typical frogspawn that has branching heads, divisa is more like a bubble coral. Euphyllia divisa is more fragile than regular frogspawn and is considered more difficult to keep. If the coral shows any signs of recession, do an immediate coral dip. At this point, the coral is most likely already lost.

Joe P in Green Bay, Wisconsin asks, “Do you know of a site that recommends some different protein skimmers?”

Saltwater Fish Tank recommends a promotional site that outlines a few different protein skimmers. Hopefully this is useful for hobbyists setting up their first aquarium or upgrading to a larger one.

Aquarium Protein Skimmer Website

Actinic Bulbs have been known to cause fluorescence in some coral pigments. The first picture is the Favia Brain Coral taken under normal day lighting. The second picture is taken under Actinic bulbs. The addition of Actinic Blue bulbs can dramatically change the appearance of your aquarium.

Favia Brain Coral with Daylight Lighting Pictured Above.

Favia Brain Coral with Actinic Lighting Pictured Above.

If you don’t already have actinic lighting, consider replacing one of your daylight bulbs with a fluorescent Actinic Bulb to encourage coral fluorescence.

You may have heard of these Copepod things. Copepods are small crustaceans found in both fresh and saltwater. There are thousands of species of copepods, some good and some bad. The majority of copepods found in the typical saltwater fish tank are beneficial to the aquarium.

Another larger organism, similar to a copepod, is an amphipod. Like copepods, amphipods also provide a food source for fish and other invertebrates. Many aquarists want a large population of copepods and amphipods to provide a free living food source to their inhabitants.

Imparticular, copepods are the primary food source for Mandarin Dragonets. These spectacular fish can quickly strip a small aquarium of its copepods. Although most copepods are self-culturing in the Live Rock, many aquarists will create a Refugium to help maintain their pod population.

An interesting video of a Mantis Shrimp in action. There are many species of Mantis Shrimp, some larger than others. Most are small and introduced accidentally with the live rock. The larger ornamental Mantis shrimp are often specially purchased. There shrimp are very aggressive may have a hammer or spear claw used to capture and kill prey. Mantis Shrimp are extremely intelligent and fast, so caution should be taken when handling.

* Premium protein skimmer for superior removal of dissolved organics
* Needle wheel chops water and air mix into fine waste-removing bubbles
* Skimmer design ensures long contact time for maximum waste collection

These Venturi Skimmers effectively remove dissolved organic waste before they break down - reduces nitrate concentration and raises oxygen level. Utilizes a Needle Wheel pump to draw water directly from the aquarium or sump, mix it with air, and crash the mixture into the skimmer. Creates extremely high turbulence in the lower part of the skimmer to ensure a very high mixture of air is injected. Upper portion of skimmer stays calm to allow a longer reaction time for bubbles to react with organic wastes and form stable, dry foam.

The Turboflotor 1000 (measures 6-5/8″ x 10″ x 21-3/4″ high) is designed for the sump using water directly from the pre-filter. If not using water feed from an overflow box, remove the standpipe so the water is fed from the sump. Bubble foam is collected in a patented conical cup. A ball valve is recommended on the intake, and the recommended pump is the Oceanrunner, listed below. For aquariums up to 250 gallons.

The Turboflotor 1000 Multi (measures 7-1/2″ x 15″ x 21-1/4″ high) includes a pump and fittings. This versatile unit can be used as a hang-on style or placed inside or outside of the sump. Only the water supply pump needs to be placed in the aquarium or sump. Two outflow boxes direct water back to the aquarium or sump. For aquariums up to 250 gallons.

Powerful Turboflotor 5000 Shorty (measures 15″ x 13-1/2″ x 24″ high) is designed for hidden, in-cabinet installation. Superior skimming for aquariums up to 400 gallons. It can also be connected to the overflow of the aquarium, if a bypass is installed to control water flow to the skimmer. Includes Aqua Medic Venturi Pump.

Shop for Turboflotor Skimmers at DrsFosterSmith.com

* Single carbon pre-filter ensures long membrane life and 5-micron sediment pre-filter removes particulate matter to keep water sparkling
* Removes up to 99% of all impurities - including silicates - for clean, clear aquarium or tap water
* 4-way automatic shutoff valve eliminates flooding
* 35 gpd or 50 gpd systems fit your unique aquarium

Pinnacle RO Unit?
Pinnacle 3-stage Reverse Osmosis (RO) units remove up to 99% of all impurities from source water for pure, clear water ideal for aquarium use.

With Pinnacle Reverse Osmosis (RO) units, you’ll help ensure pure, clear aquarium (or tap) water and promote healthy, happy aquarium inhabitants. The Seachem TFC RO membrane in each unit removes up to 99% of all impurities - including silicates - from source water. Pinnacle models filter either 35 or 50 gallons per day (gpd) with a single carbon pre-filter to ensure long membrane life and one 5-micron sediment pre-filter to remove tiny particulate matter and keep water sparkling clean.

Also includes pressure gauge, 4-way automatic shutoff valve that can be connected to an optional float valve to eliminate flooding, high-impact poly quick-fit fittings, plastic no-rust mounting bracket, and external flow restrictor. Modular design makes adding accessories easy.

Shop for Pinnacle Series RO Units at DrsFosterSmith.com

* Hi-S membranes remove even the finest silica particles
* Maximize aquarium health by removing algae-fueling nutrients
* Quality reverse osmosis unit effectively removes tap water pollutants

The 3-stage Hi-S RO 35 and 60 include a Hi-S membrane to remove more phosphate, nitrate, and heavy metals than other membranes. This system removes more silicate from tap water than any membrane available - between 98% and 99%. They also include a sediment pre-filter and a solid carbon block filter. The 4-stage Maxxima 35 combines the features of the Hi-S units with a dual-stage deionization cartridge. The Deluxe Maxxima 35 and Deluxe Maxxima 60 have the features of the Maxxima PLUS a liquid-filled pressure gauge and a TDS monitor to verify membrane function. All units include a 3/4″ garden hose adapter and 6 ft of yellow, blue, and orange tubing. Can be run on any water system, well or city. If your water source gives a psi of less than 60, an RO water pump will help.

Shop for Kent Marine Hi-S RO Unit at DrsFosterSmith.com

* 4-stage combination reverse osmosis and de-ionization units
* Removes nearly all tap water contaminants to make it 99.9% pure
* Essential first step in maintaining excellent aquarium water quality
* Ideal for reef aquariums and all systems that require pristine source water

The 4-stage Maxxima RO/DI takes the full size RO to a higher level of filtration. The Maxxima is an excellent selection for reef enthusiasts and other serious aquarists, especially those who live in areas with exceptionally high levels of phosphates in their tap water. Includes: TFC (Thin Film Composite) membrane, carbon and sediment pre-filters, mixed-bed deionizing post-filter, with clear canister housings. The post deionizer takes the small percentage of contaminants that the membrane could not remove and filters this to greater than 99.9% pure. Replacement Mixed Bed Resin Cartridge available.

Shop for Maxxima RO/DI Units at DrsFosterSmith.com