AquaticLife Impresses Reefers with new Expert Series LED light

I hate to brag (no really, I do), but I got some hands on experience with the AquaticLife Expert Series LED system today. I can honestly say, this reefer was impressed.

Expert Series LED (image credit: AquaticLife.com)

AquaticLife makes some great light fixtures. They stood out among other light manufacturers in the industry by producing high quality, user friendly compact fluorescent and T5 fixtures. They started entering the LED market about a year ago with the Expandable LED fixtures, and followed up with some Single Watt LED reef fixtures. Then the introduced a new "Expert Series" led light.

I will be honest. When I first saw the Expert Series light online, it didn't tickle my fancy (so to speak). It looked like a plain, plastic box (looked like): nothing too flashy. Then I went to the Reef-a-palooza show, and saw the unit in person at the AquaticLife and Marine Depot booths. I got to touch it and hold it; my impression quickly changed. It was solid. It was metal. It was sleek. I needed to learn more about this light.

More after the link...

P.P.E. - Personal Protective Equipment

The Ohhh Nooo's Lady is back again

I worked in a large chain pet store (won't mention the name) for many years. With O.S.H.A. regulations and the like, there was a term we used for protective gear: P.P.E.

It was uncomfortable and difficult to work in. The glasses fogged up, the gloves would rip half the time, and the face masks made it difficult to breathe. It was something we all hated, and wanted to avoid at all cost... but we stuck with it for many reasons.

I was reminded of the importance of protective equipment after reading a post on Advanced Aquarist*: How NOT to frag zoanthids. (*Bloggers note: While certainly a good read, Advanced Aquarist has no affiliation with ChromisReef.com). The video shows a hobbyists casually fragging some Zoanthids: he is using a sharp tool and no protective hand, face, or eye wear. In the article, the reality of danger is brought home through an actual story shared on 3Reef, where a hobbyist and LFS employee has lost vision in one eye due to the effects of Palytoxin. I suggest reading the thread here: Don't Rub Your Eyes After Handling Zoanthids/Palythoa.

Money down the drain

Ever felt that nature is taking you away from your fish time? Need a place to get away? Well you can now bring your hobby into your office/ private get away: the bathroom. For only $300, this fine gem can be yours. The fish tank toilet is classy, compact, a great conversation piece. It's fish when you flush!

October pictures

I haven't added any tank photos for several months, so here you go! I didn't want to grab my camera, so I just used the iPad.

More images after the jump...

North American Reptile Breeders Conference - Anaheim

In addition to reef tanks, I also have an interest in reptiles. A few of my coworkers and I decided to check out the NARNC in Anaheim, CA. I didn't bring an outright camera, so I had to settle for my iPhone (with scratched camera lens).

We saw lots of animals including snakes, turtles, and even spiders. For the record, I'm not a fan of spiders.

Reef A Palooza 2012

SCMAS is once again hosting the annual Reef A Palooza show! This show will be held at the Orange County Fair Grounds and will feature many big industry names like Seachem, Tunze, AquaticLife, Kessil Lighting, ATI, Hikari USA, Digital Aquatics, Marine Depot, and many others! This year's featured speakers include Scott Fellman, Bob Fenner, Dr. Tim Hovanec, and reality TV star Brett Raymer from Discovery Channel's Tanked and more! 

The show continues to grow each year and is fun for all hobbyists. There are also many frag farmers and other great vendors. You can see new products and purchase available items at great prices. If you're in the Southern California Area, be sure to stop by!

Dates:

Saturday,  October 20 , 2012 10AM-6PM 

Sunday, October 21, 2012 10AM- 4PM

$10 Admission Fee
$5 -Seniors 60 and over
Free – Children 12 and younger

Visit the show's website for more information! http://www.reefapaloozashow.org/