ChromisReef.com is dead- Long live ChromisReef.com!

Dear readers,

My domain name (ChromisReef.com) has expired and will not be renewed.

After nearly a decade in the aquarium hobby and industry, I have temporarily (or possibly permanently) left the hobby to partake in other things in life that I enjoy (like keeping my money in my pocket, not my tank- WOOOAAA ZING!).

It has been fun sharing about my aquarium, tested products and new exciting products on the market. Without this blog, I may have lost interest much sooner.

I'd like to say thank you to my visitors that helped motivate me to post about whatever product or tank change I made. Also, while I received no monetary assistance from manufacturers, I'd like to send special thanks to the great teams at Marine Depot and PetStore.com for linking to my blog, providing me with products to test, and other assistance. Kudos to you guys!

Going forward, I will leave this site at it's hosted address: http://chromisreef.blogspot.com

Please feel free to browse around. I hope my few pages help you on your journey and help get someone into (or further into) the great world of freshwater and marine aquariums.

Thanks again, and keep on reefing!


Until next time,


Chris "Chromie" R.
ChromisReef.com

Goldfish are cool!

I've been kicking the idea around of setting up a freshwater aquarium. I've been deciding between a freshwater shrimp aquarium with live plants or a goldfish aquarium.

While browsing for information, I ran across this little gem: The Goldfish Tank. I don't usually share other websites, but this site is full of useful information on the care of goldfish from tank, to feeding, to fish illness. If you're an aquarium enthusiast, it's worth a browse... If not for goldfish, for the great goldfish cartoon drawings on the site!

Until Next Time...

Ecotech Marine Coral Fragging Tool Kit

Ecotech Marine Coral Fragging Tool Kit

Just in time for your holiday wishlist, the Ecotech Marine Coral Fragging Tool Kit is here...

The first thing that I have seen posted from hobbyists on forums and blogs about this item is something along the lines of, "$99?! I could buy all of these items separately for $X... [etc, etc, etc...]." Yes, you certainly COULD buy some inexpensive items and throw a kit together. Let's be frank (honest)- If you were already thinking that, then this product is probably not for you. Just as if you look at the Ecotech Marine Radion and say, "I could just build my own... [etc, etc, etc]"... then those lights are not for you either. It's okay, it happens.

Ecotech products command a premium and are not for everyone. That said, Ecotech is a growing business that has a strong and loyal customer following. This product is for the loyal fans, looking for quality and style. This Fragging Tool Kit is for the guy that has everything. The guy who likes high-end lighting, who sees value in Ecotech Lights and Pumps- the guy who takes so much pride in his aquarium, that he wants to have a great tool kit to propagate his coral. For that guy, he can now frag his coral in style.

(More information and photographs after the break...)

MarineDepot's Sneak Peak: JBJ RL-20 20 Gallon Frag Tank

(source: facebook/marinedepotdotcom)

Online aquarium retailer (and friends of ChromisReef.com), Marine Depot (MarineDepot.com), posted some sneak peak photos of the new JBJ 20 Gallon Rimless Frag Tank. Visit their Facebook Page for the detailed photos: www.facebook.com/marinedepotdotcom.

Chromis' Reef has the details, however!

The RL20, as it is called by JBJ, is a rimless aquarium measuring 24" x 20" x 9", equaling approximately 20 gallons of water volume. The aquarium is an All-In-One (AIO) system with built in filtration system, and a 266 gallon per hour power head. It is a solid aquarium, constructed of 6mm thick glass tank with a stylish curved front design. While the prototype shown features an outlet/return at the top of the aquarium, the final release will have the return at the bottom of aquarium. More on this in a moment.

The aquarium could be used as a display, but is designed with the coral propagator in mind: it's a frag tank. It is also suggested as a great tank for clams as you see the best of clams from the top.

More details after the break/jump...

Sneak Peak: JBJ Pacifica LED Light Fixture

I heard about the JBJ Pacifica somewhat secretively last year at the Reef-A-Palooza aquarium show. JBJ (Also known as JBJ Lighting) was handing out t-shirts with the name of the fixture with a question mark. Somewhat mysterious, all we could figure out was that it was a new LED light expected to release sometime in 2013.

Well the light made it to me this week, and I finally got the chance to see what this mystery was. The Pacifica is a tablet LED light fixture that appears to have been designed for use on JBJ rimless aquariums. It's comes with brackets for use on rimless and non rimless tanks. It's a strong light coming in at over 100 watts, and reminds me of the functionality of the JBJ Advanced LED 28 gallon Nano Cubes, but with less control. (Read more after the jump)...

Sneak Peak: Ecotech Marine Reef Link

Ecotech Marine Reef Link 

The Ecotech Marine Reef Link has been rumored to exist on reef sites for several months now. It was initially 'leaked' online after some requests for US patents were filed. Well here it is in all it's glory.

It's a box, that looks very much like a router or Apple TV. The big question is what does it do?

Well, we know that it will be used to control Ecotech Marine wireless products such as the Vortech Pumps or the Radion XR30 lights.

Based on the ethernet plug, it appears that you will be able to control these devices wireless and remotely using EcoSmart Live software. This would make a lot of sense and seems like the next logical step. (More after the jump...)

Feelin' Hot! Hot! Hot!

Summer is well in full swing now, and if you haven't already been battling heat, you will. Battling the heat can be difficult, and often times we must resort to expensive or drastic measures.

So what causes the temperature in your aquarium to rise? Well in the warmer times of the year (usually Summer), the ambient temperature will certainly be the main cause. The warmer weather can shoot temperatures up into the 80's or even 90's, and this can be extremely stressful (or deadly) for your reef tank. There are also other factors that contribute heat including pumps, power heads, and lighting.

So what can we do to combat this? Well, there are many angles to try. No one way is necessarily better than the other, and you may wish to combine multiple methods. (Read more after the jump)...

MD Live Sale! Save 50%!!

I'm back with another deal I had to share. Marine Depot Live (www.MarineDepotLive.com) is clearing out their current inventory and is offering 50% off their WYSIWYG coral and clams! All you need to do is enter the "SAVE50" coupon at check out. Sale is good this week only, and ends at midnight on 07/19/2013!!

I was browsing around and they have all sorts of goodies including MaxiMini Anemones, All kinds of Milles and Acroporas, and designer Zoas. If you were going to give MD Live a chance, now would be a great time to take advantage of this stellar deal!

Visit MarineDepotLive.com! Until Next Time...

Final Score

Final score:

Ecotech: 1 |  RBTA: 0

My RBTA decided to march itself into the wet side of an Ecotech Marine Vortech MP10. Guess who won.

(Picture after the jump)

Deal$ and Special$ - VOL I

While browsing the net from time to time I come across good deals, and thought I should start sharing them with you! Today I present two deals: one on live stock, and one on dry goods (and pet supplies).

Livestock:
Interested in getting some rare and unique coral? Maybe you love Zoas but are looking for some unique colors and patters? Check our Marine Depot Live! I was just cursing their webpage browsing their selection of coral and was greeted with a pleasant surprise: a 10% coupon for signing up for their mailing list. Done!

Sign up for the mailing list when prompted to save 10% on your next order.

MarineDepotLive (MDL) offers flat rate shipping for $24.99 and even Saturday delivery (for an additional charge). They guarantee their livestock for 14 days under their Arrive Alive Guarantee, so you know you're covered!

Dry Goods and Pet Supplies:

PetStore.com

Looking for dry goods for your aquarium (lighting, filtration, skimmers, media, etc...)? PetStore.com has extended their sale for 10% off. Use the coupon as much as you want to save on aquarium Supplies AND pet supplies. The code again is VIPCHRIS. This code will save you 10% off your subtotal*, and orders over $75 ship for free.

(*Some restrictions apply. This coupon is not valid on MAP pricing items such as those from Ecotech, Aqua Illumination,  Maxspect, Reef Octopus...)

Just head on over to PetStore.com and enter VIPCHRIS at checkout!

Go now and save some cash! I hope everyone has a great 3-day weekend relaxing or working on their aquariums. Until next time...

May 2013 Aquarium Update

My aquarium is filling up quicker than ever. I owe a lot of the health to simple consistent maintenance... And my good friend, Kalkwasser.

The biopellets seem to be doing a great job at keeping nutrients down. Nitrates are still 0, and I've noticed almost no algae growing on the glass. I have also completely rid the tank of hair algae and cyano, so things are sitting pretty.

My only issues seem to be the loss or bleaching of SPS at the top of my rock. I lost two separate colonies of Green Slimer, my Pink and Damicornus isn't looking great, and my bird's nest is starting to show signs of bleaching. At this time I'm attributing it to the new Maxspect Razor (lighting system), and my attempts to increase the output past 50%. I have since reduced it back to the high 30's. Fingers: crossed.

More images after the jump...

Skimmer Overflowing? Try the Rem's Reef Method!!

Collection cup fitted with ball valve.

I had a mild but persistent Cyano (red slime) problem a few months back. While water changes kept the problem somewhat at bay, there were still a few spots where the red slime was clinging on. I had some cyano remover left over from a previous treatment, so I figured I would give it a try again.

Everything went well; the cyano went away, nothing perished. Good times. I did my 20% water change, replaced carbon, and in kicked on the skimmer. The skimmer overflowed. The annoying white clear foam rose through the skimmer's collection cup like a volcano... Not a real one, more like a papermache volcano from a science fair... but sill fiercely annoying! I removed the collection cup to let it do its thing. It overflowed.

I added more carbon and did another water change. It. Well... Overflowed. I let it run for a day and night. Guess what? It just kept overflowing. BLAST! I've used the product before and it usually got better on its own. This time- my skimmer continued to overflow.

Product Review: Maxspect Razor

I posted a "sneak peak" of the Maxspect Razor when it was first released last year which proved to be quite the popular article (Sneak Peak - Maxspect Razor R420R LED!). Months later, I've been toying with the idea of replacing my T5 fixture with an LED fixture. When I was offered the opportunity to put the Maxspect Razor on my aquarium to see if I liked it, I jumped at it.

The box

I've now created a second review after having my hands on this for a while... More pictures after the jump.

IMPORTANT: Our Hobby Needs Us NOW!

Big Money - "Save the reef!"

I try not to simply re-post or direct link to other sites material, but this is too important not to feature.

Several of the species of coral that we keep in our own aquariums could soon be placed on the Endangered Species List. Murray W. Camp, a respected hobbyist and reef expert is helping to lead the fight and get the word out. Please visit the following links for further information on how we can help.

• AI Lighting: 
• We need your help!
• Reefbuilders.com: 
• Reef Hobby needs YOU: call for comments regarding ESA coral listing

Most hobbyists are responsible and eco-conscious individuals. We would often prefer to propogate our own coral and purchase tank raised specimens whenever possible. While intentions to save the reefs are noble, this legislation appears to go too far. This could harm our hobby and the industry that employs so many people.

Hopefully our voice will be heard! Let's keep reefing.

Product Review: AquaMaxx EcoMaxx 100 (EM100) Protein Skimmer

Sometimes being an early adapter of a product can scare some people off, but not this reef nerd. "AquaMaxx has a new skimmer design with a new pump?! Count me in!"

(As you can tell by my video, it's difficult to take good images of anything in my sump. Sorry.)

A handful of my fellow reefing buddies (reef nerds) have been running the AquaMaxx AM series in sump protein skimmers, and we have a HOB-1 (hang on back) on the 28 gallon JBJ Nano Cube. I had heard great things about these AquaMaxx protein skimmers and seen great results from fellow reef nerds. When I was setting up my system and purchasing my first in-sump skimmer, I hit a snag: I only had 23" of height to work with in my tank stand. The coveted AquaMaxx skimmer I wanted would have to wait for another day.

Editorial note: I was reluctant to post my review for this skimmer as I was too excited/lazy to document the assembly and install process. The skimmer has now been in my sump for over 6 months, and I have yet to take any photos of the skimmer for my review. That said, I did imbed a quick YouTube video above so see it after it had been in my system for a month or so, and I'll update this post in the future if I take some photos.

(Follow the link to read more...)

Photos of the Reef

The rock work as of today (3.16.13)

After a water change this morning, I figured I should take a few photos of the reef de Chromie.

I've moved stuff around and removed a couple of corals, but most of the coral are still the same as before. Some coral have grown better than others, but many have not really grown as well as I would like. I have a problem of either breaking the coral before they grow or moving them too much.


(More images after the jump!)

Interesting Reef Finds at PetSmart?!

"Grabber Tool"

I know PetSmart has the reputation of being a "newb" spot... and with reason... However, we all know that any "advanced" hobbyist going to PetSmart for aquarium advice is probably not as "advanced" as they claim to be online (internet trolls), and I've been to plenty of Mom-and-Pop local fish stores (LFS) that dispensed the worst advice possible. I have a general distrust of many LFS as often they have incentives to sell you incompatible livestock and supplies you don't need. That's just me, and I know there are MANY great LFS out there (when you find a good one, stick with them and keep them in business!)... That said, I go to PetSmart primarily for dog supplies. I then tend to drift into my old stomping grounds, the fish department.

There's always a little room for freshwater

Reef tanks are beautiful and challenging, but I've always had a soft spot for freshwater aquaria and fish. While picking up some dog food, I made a trip to the oh so familiar fish section ("pet care") of PetSmart.

The Beta fish has always been one of my favorite fish, and it's been a while since I had a Betta. I was easily persuaded into taking home a new friend...

Jasper the Betta, rocking the 1.2 gallon

And we needed to add some more fish to add to the 18 gallon freshwater aquarium in the family room. I saw some Bolivian Ram Cichlids and had to get a pair. We also got a few Red Wag Platties.

Bolivian Ram Cichlids

Freshwater aquariums can be quite colorful and interesting too. While not a reef tank, freshwater aquariums can still be interesting and fun.

 

Red Wag Platties

Until next time...

Back to Basics: Mixing Saltwater...

There's probably about a million posts about this already... but here's post number 1,000,001!

Mixing saltwater: it's easy and convenient. It's often even more economical than buying it, especially when you have a large aquarium.

I hate to say it, but it's been over two years since I bought premixed saltwater. It was a chore to drive to my local store and then come home with mixed salt, only to then begin the water change. The chore of going to get the water was my old excuse for not doing frequent enough water changes. (I have now developed more complex excuses... Did you hear about the time my RODI unit was sabotaged by a band of of rouge agents bent on world domination through the proliferation of cyanobacteria and destruction of coral reefs?!) Well the moral of the story (the purchasing of water not the rouge agent thing) was that its a mission to go get water, especially if buying large quantities of saltwater.

Besides the chore factor, the costs can add up quickly when you're paying someone else to mix water for you. While I can concede that it's less equipment and cleanup to just bring a couple of containers for fill up, I would not want to have to buy 30 gallons per week to change water on a 300 gallon system.

There is also a final consideration: emergencies. It's easier to always have a little saltwater on hand when you can mix it yourself. This is good in case something unexpected happens- and "it" will happen. Having water on hand might be the factor that saves your reef from failure.

Sneak Peak: Innovative Marine MiniMax Reactor

I got a sneak peak at the latest gadget from Innovative Marine, the Innovative Marine MiniMax All-In-One Media Reactor. They are quite... Innovative.

MiniMax Reactor w/ packaging.

ReefBuilders released news of the item early this week, and I was certainly impressed by what I saw. Well, today I got to see this new filter in person. In the images, the reactor was installed on a JBJ RL 14 Gallon aquarium for display purposes only. It was not installed into a live reef system.

The reactor was filled with biopellets (a.k.a. bio plastics). This is a great media to test the reactor with as it's heavy and needs to tumble. If the reactor can easily tumble bioplastics, it should have no problem with carbon or GFO (granular feric oxide).

(More details and images after the jump...)