Salt Water Aquarium Secrets » reef tank http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com Tips and secrets on how to design, setup and maintain your saltwater aquarium so that it actually works! Wed, 08 Sep 2010 03:06:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Why Your Clownfish Won’t Go Into Your Anemone http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/142/why-your-clownfish-wont-go-into-your-anemone/ http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/142/why-your-clownfish-wont-go-into-your-anemone/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:25:02 +0000 Warren http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/?p=142 In some saltwater aquariums, it is a mystery why some clownfish will not go into the anemone that is provided. It can be pretty frustrating for the aquarist, who purchased the clownfish and the anemone for just that purpose – hoping all the while that they would end up with the cool phenomenon of having a clownfish that lives in an anemone, right in your aquarium.

So what can you do about it? Watch this video and then leave a comment.


Technorati Tags: anemone, clownfish, reef tank, saltwater aquarium, saltwater fish

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]]> http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/142/why-your-clownfish-wont-go-into-your-anemone/feed/ 0 Nightmare Bryopsis Algae Problem: A Solution That Actually Works http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/31/nightmare-bryopsis-algae-problem-a-solution-that-actually-works/ http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/31/nightmare-bryopsis-algae-problem-a-solution-that-actually-works/#comments Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:12:01 +0000 Warren http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/?p=31
There are all kinds of algae problems an aquarist can experience in keeping saltwater aquariums, particularly with reef tanks. But none of them can be as nightmarish as Bryopsis.

Unlike most other algae, such as hair algae or cyanobacteria, Bryopsis does not respond to most removal methods. Even a normal algae problem can be extremely frustrating or even lead to someone giving up and shutting down their tank. But that doesn’t have to happen. There is a solution and I’m going to share it with you here in just a moment.

Typically, most algae problems such as hair algae or cyanobacteria, can be solved with a combination of:
- elevated pH
- increased water circulation
- removal of phosphates and nitrates
- removal of detritus, and
- addition of algae grazers (tangs, hermit crabs, snails, emerald crabs, urchins, sea hares, etc.)
- manual removal by humans (i.e. plucking, scrubbing, siphoning, etc.)

But Bryopsis is different, as it does not respond to these methods. Actually, it can often grow even more because of such methods (especially manual removal, which can feed asexual reproduction via fragmentation). And even biological controls such as adding grazing invertebrates and tangs is not only not very effective with Bryopsis, but it can be expensive (them critters ain’t cheap).

I wish I could say it was my idea – far from it. In fact, I have been dealing with a bout of Bryopsis recently in our 950-gallon saltwater reef exhibit at the Ocean Explorium, where I am Curator. And I was researching solutions to my problem when I cam across this solution. Here’s the link.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1113109&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

It explains the whole process in fair detail, with photos of results, showing the Bryopsis dying off and disappearing as a result of the treatment. I’ve also done more research on this method (thank you google) and it has actually been widely used with consistent successful results. And yet, it is a mostly unknown method.

Most people who get cursed with a Bryopsis algae outbreak, work like crazy for long periods of time, getting very frustrated, and still not even make a dent in the problem. Bryopsis algae outbreaks are usually caused by a new addition, where the algae comes in as a hitch hiker on a new coral or piece of live rock, or even a snail shell. So I’m glad I found it and even more glad to share it with you. Please be sure and share it with your friends too.

The method uses increased Magnesium levels for three months (1600ppm compared to the normal 1300ppm), to bring the Bryopsis to its threshold for binding Magnesium. This causes the Magnesium to then perform as an enzyme inhibitor, making the Bryopsis shut down and die off. Once this happens, the grazers in your saltwater aquarium will clean up the remains.

Point of caution: Be sure not to raise the Magnesium level by more than 100ppm per day.

Please post a comment here on the blog to share your feedback, or to tell your story if you are having any problems or frustrations with your saltwater aquarium. We would love to help you out in any way we can.


Technorati Tags: algae, algae removal, bryopsis, bryopsis algae, cyanobacteria, hair algae, magnesium, problem solving, reef tank, saltwater aquarium

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]]> http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/31/nightmare-bryopsis-algae-problem-a-solution-that-actually-works/feed/ 5 Video of mouth brooding Pajama Cardinal (with eggs) http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/26/video-of-mouth-brooding-pajama-cardinal-with-eggs/ http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/26/video-of-mouth-brooding-pajama-cardinal-with-eggs/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:53:56 +0000 Warren http://saltwateraquariumsecrets.com/blog/?p=26 Check out this short video of a male pajama cardinal fish brooding a new egg mass in its mouth.  I filmed it this morning at The Ocean Explorium (www.oceanexplorium.org), in the 650-gallon reef tank.  The fish were purchased from Pro Aquatix in Florida and stocked in the tank on 7/1/2009, and while there has been plenty of courting and paring up for at least a month, this is the first observation of a male mouth brooding eggs.  In total, there are roughly 8 pajama cardinals in the tank, so a possible maximum of 4 pairs.  And as long as there is enough food and stress is minimized they will continue to lay eggs about every month or two.  Enjoy. If you’re in New Bedford, MA, come by and visit the www.oceanexplorium.org, and ask for me (Warren Gibbons).  I’d love to show you around.

For more short videos on interesting animal behaviors and other aquarium related educational information, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-Explorium-at-New-Bedford-Seaport/98256108758?v=wall and become afan/friend (I’m still a bit new to to Facebook). Also, for more ‘how to’ information on saltwater aquariums, design, installation, maintenance, etc., go to www.saltwateraquariumsecrets.com and sign up. Sincerely, Warren M. Gibbons www.saltwateraquariumsecrets.com


Technorati Tags: mouth brooding, Ocean Explorium, pajama cardinal, reef tank

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