Reefkeeping South Africa » Marine Aquariums of South Africa

Marine Aquariums of South Africa

Goniopora/ Flowerpot coral

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 1:08am CDT by Megalodon

Yes guys you heard right! I want to obtain a Goniopora to test whether my skimmerless tank and a couple of supplements I'm trying will be able to help it flourish.

As such I am looking for people who accidently bought a Goni thinking that they could care for it and now it is not extending like it should - essentially I'm looking for a sick Goni to try and see if my system will help to make it healthy again. Note I don't want one that has reached the brown jelly stage or preferably one without tissue recession.. I just want one that is not extending well and that you can see is probably not going to make it long-term

I'm willing to swop a rock with some Green/ pink star polyps on with about 2 purple zoas for your sick Goni.

purple tip anenome

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 9:33pm CDT by animalia

I have a purple tipped anenome which i will gladly give to someone which is able to lookafter it - it is not happy in my tank and wont eat or move around - been in the tank dor quite some time - i want this nennie to be healthy again - the other nennies are great and healthy - but this one is full of it. PLEASE can another EXPERIENCED mariner contact me.

diy 1000l chiller

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 9:24pm CDT by brettb2020

Iv been collecting parts for my diy chiller for about 2 months now. Iv have spent about 300 bucks on the stuff and since I have been working at gauche air in my past varsity holidays, I know alot about refrigeration and aircondition.

for those who want to now how they work, its simple:

any refrigeration setup consists of:
1. a compressor, to compress refrigerent gas and create a vacuum.
2. an evaporator coil, (the cold side) where the refrigeran evaporates.
3. a condenser coil, (the hot side) where the refrigerant condenses.
4. an expansion device. where the refrigerant changes from liquid to gas (evaporates) its just a really small hole.

A. evaporator coil.
B. compressor.
C. expansion decive.
And. the red part is the condenser coil.

cycle:
1. the compressor compresses the refrigerant into the condenser coil. when something gets compressed, it heats up. thus the condenser coil heats up. but a fan blows onto the condenser coil keeping it cool (explains the hot air coming out the chiller) and by the end of the condenser coil, the refrigerant as condensed into liquid.(dark blue).

2. the liquid refrigerant then gets forced through the tiny hole of the expansion device. and because its going from a very high pressure to a very low pressure (because the compressor is sucking) and also due to your warm tank water. the refrigerent boils and vaporises, getting extremely cold and cooling your tank.

3. it then gets compressed again and goes through the cycle.

so here are some pics of what i have so far:

titanium for the evaporator coil.

condenser coil (the fan is off)

compressor

i am busy putting everything together and will update as i go along.

Cape Town Braai!

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 8:52pm CDT by Jaak

Ok Guys! Our fellow reefers in Pretoria and Durban is really showing us how it's done!! We need to arrange a Cape Town braai. We need a date, a venue and a time... Maybe Kanga will come up with some ideas... ;)

The end

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 6:27pm CDT by Propnut

Was looking at the tank and something was wrong. Counted the fish - one missing. My juvenile Sergeant Major must have been a little too close to the anenomy, and well the picture tells all.

Brine Shrimp hatchery video

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 4:00pm CDT by lanzo

Hi guys

Just wanted to share this step by step video...how to hatch Brineshrimp eggs

YouTube - Do-it-Yourself: Brine Shrimp (artemia) Hatchery

One for the ladies

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 3:26pm CDT by FransSny

My wife sent me this today

Giving Up Wine

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of dollars for dinner.

I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you this money, will you buy wine with it instead of dinner?'

'No, I had to stop drinking years ago', the homeless woman told me.

'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked.

'No, I don't waste time shopping,' the homeless woman said. 'I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.'

'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.

'Are you NUTS!' replied the homeless woman. I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!'

'Well, I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.'

The homeless Woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.'

I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and wine.'

Durban Braai

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 2:16pm CDT by Mekaeel

Awrite guys. Who's in?
Date :Unknown
Venue :Unknown
:p

rockskipper and Yellow watchman goby - Compatible?

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 1:52pm CDT by inflames

Hi Guys,

I currently have a rockskipper blenny and I am thinking of getting a Yellow watchman goby (really cool dude for a good price at the LFS). Has anyone kept these 2 together? Will they be ok together? have a standard 4 foot tank. Also have a 6 line wrasse...would the wrasse possibly cause problems for the Yellow watchman goby? The blenny is about twice the size of the watchman that I am looking at adding! Any advise would be appreciated:thumbup:!

Hi all!!

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 1:18pm CDT by geldenhuysrr

Hi I'm new to MASA!

Great site ! I've learned alot from the forums!!

Rudi

[FS] Reeftek Bh100 hob skimmer

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 11:39am CDT by jaquesdp08

Reeftek HB 100 skimmer with needle wheel impellor and bubble plate, runs on a otp 1000 pump and pump sits outside of the tank so doesnt take to much space.. 3 months old..

Chinese doctor's advice..... hmmmm

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 11:00am CDT by Tobes

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise.Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer;that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster.Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn.And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficientmechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass(green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine,that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even moreof the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain.. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one.If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil.In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger.You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!!It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride!'

AND.....

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION

Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
************************************************** ***************************

WANTED: Frogspawn frag

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 10:53am CDT by ml

Hi
I was wondering if any of you have a frag of Frogspawn for me because I really don't want to pay 300 - 400 for one. I you have a frag and it's for salè between the regend of 50 to 120 post a pic and where you live
Thanks
Mornè

Pretoria Braai !!!!!

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 10:53am CDT by christiaan

I have a buddy that has this LFS and a GREAT view of Pretoria! Maybe his driveway all the way on top of the hill would be a great venue for such a braai?????

skimp skimp

Tank Update

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 10:49am CDT by cdupreez

Hi crispin, jacquesb & Tobes,

Hope you guys are well! My cycle time has passed! Will test my water again this weekend and update water par. with some photo's as well.

I'm slowly adding my cleaning crew. My skimmer took a lot of gunk out the water but seems to make less bubbles as when it started. Is there any maintenance needed on the skimmer (Reeftek TS2)?

Jacques your DT looks awesome man will get to crispin's and Tobes in due time.

It's been an interesting couple of weeks and alot of reading on MASA. Only major issue was algae but sorted that out with a bigger water change than normal.

I need to add alot more LR but will do so before a add any fish or corals.

Lanzo is also helping me with my Nano (160l) setup so hoping to get cycling on that some time next month.

My DT's water parameters is stable for the last three weeks but as mentioned a need more live rock, what will be the best route? Adding 20-30 Kg's at once or very little over a much longer period?

Have some nice hitch hikers on current LR will post photo's this weekend.

Thanks for all the advice so far!!! Much appreciated!!

:1:

Tshwane Members

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 9:08am CDT by RiaanP

Who is in Pretoria, Centurion and Pretoria North?
Let us get to know each other. Maybe one day we need help urgently, and who you gonna call. Ghostbusters...
(for those too young to know what is Ghostbusters :razz:)

I'm in Moreleta Park.

I'm adding the names to the first post as people add themselves

So Far we got
RiaanP - me
FransSny
Kavir
KevinR
Ted.vanH
eddie
Lanzo
Yuri
Christiaan

And to confirm (Lanzo say they will be in)
geoffrey
furbz
lappiesreef
schaun

and
Paulbloem (I know he will be in)

My new SPS's

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 8:37am CDT by Tony

I bought one over the weekend and one yesterday.

[FS] seiom1100 powerhead

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 8:25am CDT by louw

seio m1100.great pump. 8 months old

Mercedes C240 station Wagon

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 10:44pm CDT by chikaboo

Hi guys anyone can give me info on this car - getting one at a "good deal" - so if someone got the pro's and cons - let me have it plz - thanx all - sorry 2003 - mileage 160000 full house R30000 under book value!

T5 Reflector Diameter

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 10:29pm CDT by RiaanP

I want to build individual reflectors for my T5 units. What should the diameter be? Anybody got an idea.

I want an enginering company to roll and cut the alanod for me. So that each reflector can house one T5. The front and back reflector will have one side a bit longer. So that you do not see the light...:)
And at the ends just ends it of with another square piece.

Hi everyone

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 8:28pm CDT by schalkst

Hi Guys ,
Got a tank now for a while , got it as a present from someone a while ago , now just ordered my bigger tank . And as you know , some people never need advise and help if all is going well. lol

Marines not for beginners

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 4:19pm CDT by FransSny

Hi Guys,

Ok so we are starting our own base of species rather to avoid in this hobby (especially if you are a beginner....)

1. Goniopora sp. (Flowerpot Corals)

The reason I am starting with this beautiful coral and not fish is simply the amount of posts i've seen regarding dead / dying specimens.

Please STAY AWAY from this coral. It is highly sensitive, semi aggressive and requires a dedicated feeding regime off phytoplankton, zooplankton etc.

Coulors range from brown to purple, yellow, green etc and they can easily be identified by small daisy like polyps with 24 tentacles.

For Goniopora to survive and thrive conditions need to be perfect wrt lighting, flow, feeding regime etc.

In general even ADVANCED reeferrs are not able to keep these species for alive for more than 6 months.

Stainless Steel Reflector

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 3:55pm CDT by FransSny

Hi guys, Any steel boffs out there who could help me.

I have a closed canopy on my tank and thus MH is not an option, thinking of "lining" the canopy with Bright Annealed stainless sheet....suppose to be very reflective / polished.

could this work

Buyo Tl-450

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 3:11pm CDT by geldenhuysrr

Hi there all. My name is Rudi

I'm new here and have a question....
what choices do I have if I want to upgrade the lighting in my Buyo Tl-450 but want to keep the lid? Any Ideas ???

Thanks

New Boyu TL-550 Whats the best plan?

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 2:21pm CDT by marinet&t

Hi All,

Well I am a newbie, so here goes,

I recently bought a Boyu TL-550.
With the deal I got 4 kg of Kenya LR.

I far as I know I should take out all of the filter media that came with it. My plan is to go to my LFS and buy ready made water also to get some Purigen, Chemi-pure-elite and RowaPhos as filter media for the back of the unit.

The plan is to put filter floss in the 1st unit, the original protein skimmer in the 2nd unit, the Purigen, Chemi-pure-elite and the RowaPhos in the 3rd unit and then the heater and the pump in the 4th unit. Should I add LR to one of the back units? If yes, is this absolutely necessary?

I know I should get more LR, but how much more is sufficient for the DT for biological filtration. 10-15kg? I dont like the look of it being overcrowded by rock.

I also looked at a power-head / pump of 2400l/h would this be ok for the tank size.
The boyu pump that I looked at; I think I should be able to place it in the back part with the flow of it in the DT. Dont really know if this is going to be possible, but I think its going to have a cleaner look.

I dont plan on changing the lighting or anything ells is this set-up going to be ok and what kind of corals would I be able to keep?

What make of test kit would be ok to begin with?
I have also heard that only strontium supplementation is necessary for a begin and not calcium.

With so many different inputs on these topics I would appreciate some unified advice.

Many Thanks
MarineT&T

Tunze 6000 stream conversion

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 1:26pm CDT by lv

Hi

Could you please explain how to upgrade the 6000 stream too the 6100.
I have seen this done on Reef central and would like to do the same to my stream 6000

Montipora Digitata

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 1:03pm CDT by tinusb

Hi

Know this is very short notice, but I'm looking for some Montipora Digitata in the Stellenbosch/Somerset West areas... got a lift back to Windhoek - he will be at Spier tomorrow evening...

If anybody can help, PLEASE! :)

Thanx!
Tinus

back board

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 12:38pm CDT by mike Bushie

hey chaps where can a guy get cheap Black plastic for a back board for DT in JHB??:yeahdude:

new tank

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 12:32pm CDT by Richard

as requested I have taken a few pics of my tank and sump.
It only 18 days old and I have taken your advise to loose the hair curlers, coral (replaced with reggies sand) and bio balls.
The bio balls are still in the sump(far left) but taking them out slowly.
I have also made a DSB in the sump (reggies sand) and killed all the majano anemones.
fluidized bed filter
protien filter
2 x t5 lights 54w each
live rock in sump
DT is 300l
sump 100l
24 C
1025
still cycling
Attached Files

tank2.doc (295.0 KB)

Selling local fish

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 11:57am CDT by 459b

Does anyone know if there is someone in the country that has a permit and permission to sell locally caught fish?

Looking for a Sun coral

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 11:28am CDT by dallasg

Hi,

anyone got a sun coral or frag for sale/trade?

ivan

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 11:16am CDT by Ivan

How to get rid of ick,please help

Aquanaut skimmers

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 8:40am CDT by Jinx

Does anyone know anything about the aquanuat skimmer range?

Aquanuat skimmer

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 8:02am CDT by Jinx

Does anyone know anything about the aquanuat skimmer range,are they any good?

Never Lie to a woman

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 7:32am CDT by chikaboo

A man called home to his wife and said, "?Honey?I have been asked to go fishing up in Canada? with my boss & several of his Friends?.?
>
> We'll be gone for a week. This is a good opportunity for me to get that Promotion I've been wanting, so could you please pack enough Clothes for a week and set out my rod and fishing box, we're Leaving From the office & I will swing by the house to pick my things up" ?
> "?Oh! Please pack my new blue silk pyjamas. ?"?
>
> The wife thinks this sounds a bit fishy but being the good wife she is, did exactly what her husband asked.?
>
> The following Weekend he came home a little tired but otherwise looking good. ?
>
> The wife welcomed him home and asked if he caught many fish??
>
> He said, "Yes! Lots of Salmon, some Bluegill, and a few Swordfish. But why didn't you pack my new blue silk pyjamas like I asked you to Do?" ?
>
> You'll love the answer... ?
.
.
.

>
> The wife replied, " I did. They're in your fishing box?..."?
> Never Lie To A Woman...!!!?

New Tank Specs

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:24pm CDT by Zuv

Hi all

Firstly, thanks for the warm welcome to MASA and to all of you who gave useful information on how to capture our mantis shrimp! We were successful in removing the critter!

Some of you wanted to know some details of our tank, so here we go:

The tank has a bit of history... it was purhased in the early 90's by my father with the intention of starting a marine tank. He did so, but the tank only lasted a few months. He then changed it to a freshwater tank and kept mainly Malawi Chiclids.
My wife bugged me into going saltwater, so we decided to give it a go!

4 foot tank (1200mm x 600mm x 600mm) with internal filtration system (at the back).We removed the undergravel filter.
Sander protein skimmer
For circulation: 1 x 2000l p/h, 2 x 1500l p/h, 1 x 1200l p/h pumps.
300W Heater
In the trickle filter we removed bioballs and porcelain and replaced with live rock with a 1 x 1200l p/h pump for circulation and a bit of filtration sponge.
4 x 4 foot thin flourescent tubes for lighting ( 2 x white, 2 x blue)

After we had a bit of brown algae, we added carbon.

Current salinity is 1.026, PH is 8.0.

Tank has been running for 8 weeks, but with salt for 6 weeks, and with live rock for 3 weeks.

Today we introduced 3 hermit crab, 2 snails and 1 peppermint shrimp!

Battling with photos, how do you post small ones? Will send others later
If you wanna know anything else, let us know!

Tank Mod ?

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 10:44pm CDT by martinhal

Below are pictures of the top of my tank. It was a tropical tank with two glass sliders that rested on the glass strip that runs between the lights. The height is 50 cm. The tank is build from 8mm glass. Can I remove move the glass strip or is it a brace?

New Member

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 10:23pm CDT by wors143

Hello all. MARINE is SO COOL. ALMOST as good as the BOKS winning the LIONS yesterday. LMAO USA is ahead 2 - 0 against Brazil who could have thought. My house is a little ZOO, A tree squirrel named pokkelkie, Toy Pom, 3 Hamsters a love bird that flew away, told my son the bird went on holiday to Durban he he he. and two monkeys my daughter and son Megan and Jayden. I have been running tropical for about 6 months now. and acquired my marine system 2 weeks ago. got the system from a guy who did not have the energy for marine so lucky for me everything was running for a while and did not have to go through the whole breaking in cycle. The system consisted of a 3 foot canopy that was cut away so the 4 foot lights can rest on the glass.... LMAO it looked bad. Protien skimmer with have of the parts missing. 2000lh powerhead, corner filter thinge mebob , heater that blew the first time i plugged it in HA HA HA. Live rock about 15KG's, Picasso trigger and a tomato clown and i got this all for the bargain price of R600.... or so i thought.... the next day R1800 later new canopy lights and some salt and tester kits, Thanx to the guys at the LFS store in little falls for advice and giving me a 2nd hand bust protien skimmer for spares. I was rearing to go. 14 days later and I still can't take my eyes off my tank. Very little TV and a lot of playing with my new toys. I transplanted the Marine tank to the Tropical and Vise versa. So now my marine tank is a corner unit with more depth and it looks great. will load some pics asap. Just managed to get an anennenenomommommy today for the clown, and guess what the clown is laughing all the way and not even going close to the anennneenommommy. Also got a Yellowtail damsel and a bicolor thingy mebob... it's yellow at the back and pink in the front... still new with the names. Anyway hope to learn a lot and meet some good people on this site. OOR en UIT WORS

A friend once said to me if you have logic you can keep fish, if not don't even try...

PlayStation II

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 9:48pm CDT by RiaanP

Yep, time for an upgrade. After playing with my Playstation since last December
PlayStation - Members Systems and Setups
I decided to go little bit bigger. And I wanted bit more space around the tank, got tired of the cramped space around the pole.

Anyway, got myself a 1.2m*45*45cm tank. Normal tank. Stand looked bad so with the help from my brother we sanded it off, cleaned it and re-painted it. Also moved the silly round bar in the middle to a square tubing at the back.

"Cycled" tank with old water from water changes from my current system, and got water from a friend PaulBloem. (Thanks Paul). Started the tank directly with live rock from my sump and display. With new playsand as substrate. Well after two weeks I still got zero readings on all tests, so I decided to move it all. Think about it, what die-off can I have, if I move a rock from one tank to another directly?

Here is the old setup last night, note the coals burning...

Here is the new tank. running with in tank skimmer...

And a picture of it all together.

Nudibranch ID

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 9:17pm CDT by Manic

Hey everyone,

Found this little guy in the sump of my frag tank tonight. It is about 2cm long. Just want to know if it is reef safe or not? Is it going to eat my zoa's and shrooms?

Eish, it's small

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 9:11pm CDT by Stressed Eric

My tanks suddenly blooming with life after introduction of chaeto and sand from a friend - and I found two of these on the DT glass, they are really tiny, about 1-2mm across at the most ..... Can't be a baby brittlestar, can it?

Hennie away for a while...

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 8:54pm CDT by Reef Maniac

I am going hunting in the bushveld next week, from the 2nd to the 6th of July, and will thus not be active on MASA during this time. I will respond to any messages posted after my return.

Hennie

aptiasia?

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 8:41pm CDT by Richard

hi there
Still cycling my tank.
I decided to leave the majano anemones in my tank against your advise to see what happened.
Well they mutiplied fast and grew really quickly.
I shot them tonight with some kalk and I will see the results tommorrow.
I did however see another little chap that a think is a Aptiasia.??
Having not seen one of them before a decided to take a pot at it with the syringe.
Just it case.
Before I even got close it disappeared down a little tube, very very quickly.
Is this a aptiasia?
Its very fine, opens like an umbrella.Attachment 568
does not have tenticales drifting around.
Its in the middle of this pic.
thanks .
Like i said you cant get close to it.
its very quick to close.
Attached Files

pic 01.xls (192.5 KB)

Shopping at US LFSs

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 7:09pm CDT by christiaan

Hi Guys

I on my way to the States in September and have a question for you. . .

What reef goodies would you buy!? What are things that are available there and not here, whats cheaper?

What electronic devices can be used here or converted?

Thanks Chaps

Christiaan:thumbup:

Pls explain all the parts

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 5:25pm CDT by neo

Hello,
so, I'v been reading, a lot, a LOT i say, still not sure about all the parts and how they work together, this is my understanding of all, pls check if I have it right:

1. You have your display with fish, rock, substrate etc.
2. Display got some way of overflow, some have a box inside, others have a cut-out at back with a box catching water flowing over cut-out, what is C2C? I asume an overflow the width of the display tank?
3. Overflow box feed the sump, free falling by means of some plumbing.
Sump can have various designs but:
4. Compartment catching water from overflow
5. compartment for skimmer, fed from 4 by some buffer
6. compartment for DSB fed from skimmer, buffer again??
7. compartment for water and return pump and heaters and other gadgets.

Now,
return pump pushes water into display, display fills up and overflows, water into sump, skimmer does its magic as well as the DSB and we reach the return pump again.
Some lights are used for growth in DSB to do the necessary breakdown work, also some growth inside display, all this need some food comming from the LFS as well inside the system.

I asume if overflow cant handle return pump flow the display will overflow onto the floor??

Now we need some water moving inside the display, can do this with closed system like a swimming pool and/or some visible pumps in the tank and/or wave device - what if I want to go for closed only, is this possible? because I like a clean look without all the in-display stuff.

And all the time I have to test the water to check for pH, amonia etc.

and some water topup

and some water changes

How regular do I have to clean the glass, substrate etc.?

powder blue tang pics

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 4:58pm CDT by RUAN

helo!!

Aandt society June 8 early morn collecting trip

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 3:34pm CDT by pkc

This is our early morning monday june 8 collecting trip.
We got to the water and it looked cold and dirty and it was dirty,so after a hot coffee or two and sit and look at the lovely ocean,we finaly got in.
Danny was into it first,he was keen,than colin, Nick and myself sat and slowly got in,we were the delecate ones,especialy me,eewww cold.
After we got in it was obviously low vis but it wasn't that cold,it was quite nice actualy,the plan than was to get Nick a tang,but that didn't work out.
Personaly i was after nothing,but if any one wanted something in particular as the vis was no good for some video,thats what i was there for,oh and i absolutely love the ocean and the sports with in!
The day was fine and the water was fun,so another great day out.
It was so early the moon was still up,but not the sun yet.

A couple of fish caught for colin and Nick.

Danny took some pics while chasing a few marines along the way and as you can see the vis was not great that day.
Once danny gets the shutter speed worked out more,there will be more and better.

Not the best of catches or vis,but we were mainly there to have fun,get some excercise,catch a few fish and enjoy a very nice day out together to share our passions for the ocean and the marine aquarium hobby!

Display to Sump Plumbing Suggestions Please

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 2:40pm CDT by moz

In the process of planning a new setup, and would appreciate a few suggestions on plumbing the DT to the Sump. The planned Display will be about 2200mm long by 750mm wide and 650mm high. I would like the display viewable from three sides. Tank will be on stand with sump underneath. Behind the tank will be a wall. Was thinking about a coast-to-coast, but I'd then need to make the display a bit narrower to allow for the plumbing (How much space would I need behind the tank). Links or pics of Ideas would be great.

[FS] light for sale

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 12:46pm CDT by RUAN

Hey guys

I have this 2 month old sump light for sale still working ,it has 1:14w daylight bulb and 1:14w blue bulb plus a reflecter great for growing alge like:cheato and great for a mushroom coral frag tank light;)

Demensions:

71cm lenghth
11cm wide

thanks
Ruan

2000 Member Celebratory Braai

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 10:19am CDT by chikaboo

OK all - in light of MASA reaching their 2000 member wanna start something : Why dont we have a Braai across the Forum? Maybe the guys from Durbs, Joburg and Cape Town can be the central meeting places - those who cant make it can toss something on their stoves and add to the pics! We can have an International Braai Celebration and contribute to being the most users online that day by posting our pics! Maybe even sponsers can come up with a "prize" for the coolest pics of the day MASA celebrated 2000 Members. It's month end weekend next month so $$$ payday! What do your'll think?

Soaking Carbon

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 9:09am CDT by Tony

I've been reading on the zeovit method of keeping corals and one of the things they recommend is placing GAC in boiling water for 24 hours and then adding it to the tank. This is supposed to remove phosphates in the carbon.

So I decided to do this. I took my carbon, boiled RO water and added it to the carbon. I did a phosphate test with a red sea test kit after about twenty minutes and I got a result of more than 2ppm as the test doesn't go higher than this.

The water was still hot at this stage and I thought it could have skewed the results, so I boiled more RO water, threw the original water out and added the fresh. This time I left it till it got cold before testing. The results were once again above 2ppm which is alarming as this is a reputable brand which I will not mention.

Once again I threw out the old water and boiled more RO water and the test results were still too high so I added some lanthanum chloride to the water to trap the phosphates before adding it to my tank.

In conclusion I had to change the water three times which still yielded high phosphate results so are we kidding ourselves when we add carbon to our system?

ID just for fun

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 8:18am CDT by FransSny

Cool pic...has anyone seem them in a LFS. And yes Crispin it IS a marine animal;)

Photo taken by derawan, e kalimantan, 2006

Kelvin Rating Confusion

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 8:58pm CDT by Manic

I've been doing some research on the effect of kelvin rating on coral growth and it seems everyone has conflicting views. Most people on forums have said that a lower kelvin rating such as 6500K will grow corals faster than a 20 000K. Some of the research I did implies that the opposite is actually true, that the a 20 000K globe is the best for growth. Has anyone got any personal experience with this. I'm thinking of setting up a small experiment by placing 4 coral frags of exactly the same size, in the same system under 4 different lighting conditions and measuring the growth after a month.

Here's some links to similar experiments:

Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Feature Article: The Best Lamp Is...

Evaluation of artificial light regimes and substrate types for aquaria propagation of the staghorn coral Acropora solitaryensis | Coast Research Database - USC

Wrasse vs Clam

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 8:03pm CDT by amalick

Hi Guys - I need an ID on this wrasse that I have had since juvy for a few years now. Since yesterday his gone "cookoo" and found a sudden appetiite for one of my clams. He basiccaly wont rest until his turned the clam over and starts wripping at the foot of the clam. Luckily I saw it in time before too much damage was done - I think!

I removed the clam and placed it in quarintine - I hope it survives.

I like both the wrasse and the clam. Options

1) Sell the clam or the wrasse
2) Attempt to glue the clam down with Pratley Putty while in QT and return to Dt once it has a strong foothold

Clam

Wrasse - A few months ago - I just cant get a good pic now beacuse he is so active

HI All

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 7:23pm CDT by catddison

Hi all,

New member :). Just bought our first marine tank today and can't wait to start filling it with fish. But must wait. So any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated.
thanks :wave2:

100 and not out!!

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 3:51pm CDT by Jaak

Congratulations to Valentino Rossi for winning his 100th motogp race!! What a LEGEND!:thumbup:

Calcium Levels

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 1:44pm CDT by Easy Tiger

Hi All - need some advice please. I added a few corals a month ago and have been dosing weekly with Kent Marine Liquid Calcium. Today I bought a Ca test kit and tested for Ca for the first time : I have a reading of over 600 which seems crazy. Have run the test twice now and thats what I'm getting...

Whats the norm?

How can I reduce it quickly if I have to?

My parameters are :

Temp: 26c
SG : 1.025
PH : 8.4
NH3:0.25
NO1: 0
NO3 : 20
Ca : 620

Fish and corals are OK, but 1 x hermit and 1 x cleaner shrimp expired this week. Could the high Ca be the cause?

Thanks

How what, where when and what do i need??????

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 12:37pm CDT by Renannchen

Hey every1 im going to Mosambiek for a few days going to go do some diving there.. is there any1 that can maybe tell me,
1) How do i catch fish
2) What do i need to catch fish
please can any1 just tell me what to do and what do i need to do?????

Boyu wave makers(wm3)

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 11:57am CDT by lanzo

Hi guys

Boyu wave makers also landed yesterday

Wm1
Wm2

and now Wm3

click on picture for more info;)

New Boyu 60 MH and chiller Nanno

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 11:52am CDT by lanzo

Hi guys

New Boyu H60 nano landed yesterday and it looks awsome

This is a very neat nano here is the brake down:

180 L capacity
Size: 52 x 58 x 63 cm
Smooth rounded corners / 270° viewing angle
150 Watt HQI / 20000 K° or 14000 K°
Polished Stainless Steel Reflector

Chiller incl

Dual Fan Cooling System

6 Led Moonlight
450 GPH flow rate

Power Protein Skimmer
Power Denitrator
Integraded 9W UV sterilizer
150W Submersible Heater
Complete hidden 3-stage Bio-Mechanical filtration
Filtration media included: Sponge, activated carbon, ceramic rings and bioballs
Innovative aquarium cover with variable sliding and elevation adjustment technology
Sealed Polycarbonate ( Acrylic ) lens/chamber protects lamps, ballasts and others electronics components from moisture, water contact and corrosion

Price for this month only R9900

While stock last

Hey all

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 11:17am CDT by Blackrat

Name is Clifford and im dying to get a tank !

I have just moved from the UK to Jeffreys Bay , so settling down slowly slowly ....

Went spear fishing last week and loved it so much that i want my own tank now !

Have oversaturated my brain with skimmers filters tanks and pumps since , still doing research as to what i need and when, as to 'future' proof so as not to buy twice

so im sure ill be popping in the accasional question once i have searched for the answer for too long ;-)

cheers

Top jokes from around the world

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 8:26am CDT by chikaboo

Top Joke in England
Two weasels are sitting on a barstool. One starts to insult the other one.
He screams, 'I slept with your mother!' The bar gets quiet as everyone
listens to see what the other weasel will do. The first again yells, 'I
SLEPT WITH YOUR MOTHER!' The other says, 'Go home dad you're drunk.

Top Joke in Northern Ireland
A doctor says to his patient, 'I have bad news and worse news'. 'Oh dear,
what's the bad news?' asks the patient. The doctor replies, 'You only have
24 hours to live'. 'That's terrible', said the patient. 'How can the news
possibly be worse?' The doctor replies, 'I've been trying to contact you
since yesterday'.

Top Joke in Scotland
I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather. Not screaming in
terror like his passengers.

Top joke in UK
A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: 'That's the
ugliest baby that I've ever seen. Ugh!' The woman goes to the rear of the
bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: 'The driver just
insulted me!' The man says: 'You go right up there and tell him off, go
ahead, I'll hold your monkey for you.

Top joke in USA
A man and a friend are playing golf one day at their local golf course. One
of the guys is about to chip onto the green when he sees a long funeral
procession on the road next to the course.. He stops in mid-swing, takes off
his golf cap, closes his eyes, and bows down in prayer. His friend says:
'Wow, that is the most thoughtful and touching thing I have ever seen. You
truly are a kind man. The man then replies: 'Yeah, well we were married for
35 years.'

Top joke in Canada
When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that
ballpoint pens would not work in zero gravity. To combat the problem, NASA
scientists spent a decade and $12 billion to develop a pen that writes in
zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass
and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to 300 C. The Russians used
a pencil.

A couple are going out for a night on the town. They're all dolled up,ready
to go; the lights left on, the dog put out. But just as the taxi arrives and
they step out of the house, the dogdarts back inside and won't come out.
They don't want to leave the dog inside, so the husband goes upstairs to
find it, while the wife goes towait in the taxi.

Not wanting it known that the house will be empty, she explains to thedriver
that her husband had just gone 'to say good-bye to my mother'.

A few minutes later, the husband gets into the cab.
'Sorry I took so long,' he says. 'Stupid biatch was hiding under the bedand I
had to poke her with a coat-hanger to get her to come out ! Then I had to
wrap her in a blanket to keep her from scratching andbiting me as I hauled
her ass downstairs and tossed her in the backyard! She'd better not poop in
the vegetable garden again!'. The silence in the cab was deafening.

Marine Species NOT for biginners

Posted: June 27th, 2009, 8:01am CDT by FransSny

Hi Guys,

Found this article on an international forum (aquahobby.com), first time on that forum so I cant comment on all the info there but I like the idea of this . Could we not maybe start something similar with our members input ?

It might stop LFS's conning beginners into buying stuff they are not ready for ?

Marine Species NOT for the Beginner:

1. Sharks and Rays (Nurse, Bluespot Ray, etc.)
Although usually hardy, most of these juveniles soon prove to be mega-polluting beasts that easily overwhelm all but the largest of home systems sporting heavy skimmers and high turnover rates. Possible exceptions: Family Hemiscyllidae; the Bamboo/Epaulettes, but even then requiring massive systems and heavy filtration/organic export for long term success.

2. Large Moray Eels (Gymnothorax spp.)
Often sold by the LFS as adorable juveniles, some species easily attain 2 meters or more and most are expert fish killers, sporting flexible jaws capable of swallowing fish far larger than the width of their heads. You have been warned; if hungry, even the popular snowflake at 45 cm can gulp a good sized fish in three blinks of your eye. There are several very good exceptions (i.e. Gymnomuranea zebra) which are more peaceful and remain small, but identifying the various "Misc. Green, Brown Atlantic Eels" staring at you from the bottom row in the LFS is your responsibility. KNOW what you are buying/creating demand for. If in doubt, read. If still in doubt, don't. Morays grow quickly my friend, and the fish you purchased at 25 cm will eventually double/triple it's size, taxing your system far more than you think.

3. Ribbon Eels (Blue, Black Rhinomuraena quaesita)
Truly gorgeous, always available and... don't buy one. With a 95 plus percent mortality rate you will support demand for many thousands which are stripped from the sea only to die in a matter of weeks.

4. Small Groups of Aggressive Damsels
Surprised? Although often used for cycling/toxin testing, an identical group of these toughies usually ends up being the first headache for the beginner; one will dominate the others to the point of death or stress related disease/pathogen infestation, which leads to medications, which leads to...you get the idea. Want a damsel? Get one (1).

5. Butterflyfishes
Although a few are considered hardy, beginners will do best to leave all of these in the LFS. Many species may nibble/eat prepared foods but thrive only on coral/inverts, all are highly susceptible to Cryptocaryon, Amyloodinium, etc.

6. Cleaner Wrasses (Labroides spp.)
Removing them from Hawaiian waters is illegal since 1996 for good reason; most survive only a few weeks in captivity. Why do they continue to be sold? Because aquarists continue to purchase them. I have known some who have had these adapt and thrive, but thousands have died for every one that survived. Symbiotic friends of the reefs, cleaner wrasses provide a specialized purpose in a limited service area; I have personally watched mantas, sharks and others literally line up/circle the wagons and wait for the service this little fish provides, and they return to the same spot year after year. Please don't spoil the fun.

7. Parrotfishes (Family Scaridae)
Fantastic colors, dismal survival record; see those specialized teeth? Scarids are best left on the reefs they love to chomp.

8. Mandarin Dragonets (Synchiropus picturatus, S. splendidus)
Sometimes called Psychedelics, gobies, scooters etc, they are not gobies, but in fact a beautiful and fascinating species that most often starve to death due to slow behavior and demand for continuous live foods. This is not an impossible species (some have good success providing the right care) just specialized beyond the realm of most hobbyists. Established pod colony or not, you would likely never purchase another one if you could see the millions which have died while in better care than you can provide. I have seen these wild in the lagoons in Micronesia; they are stunning in nature and deserve better than to slowly starve in our glass box...not for beginners or most aquarists for that matter.

9. Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)
Maybe the biologist who named Diacanthus was trying to tell us something (Diacanthus will DIE). Fenner writes; "one of the worst survival records of all marine angels." During my dives in the pacific, these were the most plentiful of all angels seen; perhaps this explains why they are still collected/imported. Beauty beyond compare, but not for your tank.

10. Rock Beauty Angelfish (Holacanthus tricolor)
Sadly, over 50 percent die within the first 30 days. Like diacanthus above, even apparent robust specimens which readily feed on prepared foods often suddenly die. Not impossible to keep, but not for beginners...as a diver and lover of Florida fauna, I implore you; leave them on the reef. There are others in the Holocanthus group which will bring you far more joy.

11. Other Angelfish and Tangs
Although some species are very hardy and adapt well under good care, in my opinion this group as a whole should be reserved for established tanks with at least 6-12 months growth of green micro algae or, even better, some live rock and the experience to go with it. Some species are highly susceptible to head and lateral line erosion (HLLE) without proper diet and proper organic export equipment/protocol.

12. Longnose Filefish (Oxymonacanthus longirostris)
Often called Orange Spot Filefish, obligate coral polyp feeder. Sadly, still frequently offered in LFS, should not be purchased or sold; most aquarists do not offer live coral buffets.

13. Seahorses and Pipefishes
Like the dragonets, these are not impossible...only greatly misunderstood and inappropriately sold to unwary beginners, who sadly drop them in a community tank with fast-moving damsels and tangs and offer them flake food. Special animals often require special care and suitable environments; please research your charges.

14. Boxfish, Cowfish, Long Horns (Ostraciidae, Lactoria)
Fascinating, beautiful yet deadly, some can easily wipe out your entire fish population when they suddenly release killer toxins into the water column.

15. Frogfish, Groupers and other Predators
Usually hardy but, surprise! Your clownfish just disappeared. Plan accordingly. As a beginner, it's imperative to research your choices BEFORE you purchase.

16. Moorish Idol (Zanclus canescens)
Should not be purchased or sold due to its terrible mortality rate in captive systems. Highly susceptible to shipping damage/stress (including copper treatments). Notice I did not say it is impossible, it CAN be kept with proper selection/space/care, but consider how many will die to bring you the rare one that adapts and most will agree with me it should be avoided unless they are inconsiderate of the world's reefs.

17. Pinnate Batfish (Platax Pinnatus)
Sadly, another hard-to-resist beauty, best left in the ocean. With an almost 100 percent mortality rate, it rarely feeds/thrives in captivity. Its two cousins on the other hand, the Orbic (P. orbicularis) and Tiara Bats (P. tiara) are very hardy/wonderful pets, but quickly reach their true spadefish proportions of 40x40 cm or more, and they will heavily tax a small system as they do it.

18. Anemones
Although a few species are maintainable with correct lighting/water quality, millions have wasted away in aquaria; most live only a few weeks or months under a beginner's care; even advanced hobbyists are now backing off many species, due to increased awareness of the symbiotic/longevity/sparse population of wild specimens and the dismal mortality of captives. Many of these are still gladly sold to unsuspecting/ignorant hobbyists with no clue about lighting/water movement/feeding requirements, etc. Which leads us to...

19. Filter Feeding Invertebrates & Corals
Sponges, sea fans, sea pens, gorgonians, other Cnidaria, soft, stony etc., all specialty feeders requiring far greater care/water quality/hardware/experience than the beginner can afford. Although certainly maintainable in a reef system, most serve no more purpose in the beginner's marine tank than a starved, temporary splash of color, reducing our hobby to the level of the dried animal curios in the trinket trade. Many corals require more dollars in just lighting than most beginners have invested in their entire system! Beautiful and fascinating, these are for your NEXT tank, after a year or so with marine fish experience. Indeed, many aquarists are satisfied to avoid them completely, with so many hardy fish species and better quality artificial corals to choose from. Even the base line encrusting inverts on live rock can pose a problem for the novice who has a parasitic infestation with no quarantine tank or experience with medications. For the beginner who must have these, I would suggest trying it "sans fish" for a while to greatly reduce the associated complications that can easily arise.

20. Crustaceans
Probably the ideal beginner's invertebrate, some can still pose a problem for beginners, so choose with caution. The mantis shrimp, while hardy enough, is a deadly assassin (read: terminator), requiring a tank of its own. Crabs with large claws have them for a reason. Even the largest of shrimps can pose a problem for a small, weak or struggling fish. Like other inverts, all are sensitive/killed by even a trace amount of metal in the water, including copper cures required to kill those pesty pathogens like cryptocaryon (marine ich), so plan accordingly.

21. Blue Starfish (Linckia sp.)
Over 90 percent mortality in captive systems, usually due to shipping damage. While diving in Palau, some of my most vivid memories were formed from these dazzling echidnoderms in shallow water, sunlight dappling on the brilliant blue...makes you appreciate these in a different way, and encourage beginners to avoid them.

22. Sea Apple, Cucumbers (Pseudocolochirus tricolor, P. violaceus)
Brilliant coloration makes them sad targets for beginners; they can and do poison entire systems overnight when subjected to stress, including getting sucked into an overflow or powerhead intake.

23. Octopus
The king of the invertebrate world, highly intelligent/fascinating but, sadly, very problematic. Beginners who are not prepared will find them far too delicate, aggressive and short lived, requiring a specimen tank (isolation) and an absolutely escape-proof (sealed) lid. Even in the wild, octopus have a short life span...usually 12-18 months. Both males and females die shortly after breeding (females last long enough to tend the eggs).

24. Other Molluscs
Nudibranchs, clams, scallops, oysters, etc., more specialty feeders for the list. I remember at 16 years of age, seeing my first gorgeous nudibranch in the LFS...colors beyond compare. How could a beginner resist such a jewel? How many have purhcased them like me, only to see them slowly starve due to lack of knowledge and a proper environment?

In conclusion...
With many hardy species available, like certain wrasses, clowns, chromis, hawkfishes, some of the dottybacks, smaller triggers, certain tangs, gobies, even smaller groupers and predators, etc., the beginner will have no problem stocking the successful marine aquarium while avoiding the ones on this list. Although not all of that last group I just mentioned are necessarily compatible in the same tank, and some will outgrow the small display and eventually need to be moved, they will individually provide hours of fascination and years of success when given proper care and carefully chosen tankmates. Of course, beginners would do well to start with tank raised animals for a while, before risking wild caught options; although sad to lose, captive-bred fish losses will not negatively impact our living reefs.

Just because they are silent, small and submerged, delicate marine fish and inverts are somehow removed from the mainstream of pet life...how long would an industry last if it continued to sell puppies which starved to death because they required live food that could only be obtained in a remote location of the world? As thousands, even millions of puppies died of starvation, there would be a public outcry so loud it would force a solution...even if it meant the total ban of puppy sales. Although abstract, you see my point; if we do not increase knowledge in our hobby, others will increase restrictions on it. As more and more advances are made and research is documented, perhaps some of the species above will be easily maintained by beginners; it is my sincere hope that until such a time, we all share this information for the benefit of the hobby and the fascinating animals of the sea.

live rock

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 7:20pm CDT by hiralall

anyone in durban area that has any live rock to spare?

Eductor (flow Nozzle)

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 2:52pm CDT by wynandkui

Hi
After reading up on Educators, I had a great idea when they stripped out our old jacuzzi to use these nozzels as educators and id works great.

mix reggies sand and crushed coral?

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 1:41pm CDT by Richard

I currently have about 10mm of crushed coral (+-2mm) on the bottom of my main tank.
I bought some reggies sand to make a deep sand bed in my sump and there is quite a bit left over.
Should I mix it with the coral in the main take to fill the gaps between the coral?
I have been told that the coral is too big and will lead to nitrate ploblems?
I do not want a DSB in the main tank and plan to stir the substrate every few days.

AGP graphics Card!!

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 1:31pm CDT by ml

HI
I am really struggling to get a hold of a AGP graphics card and I was wondering if you all have one lying around somewhere. Please I really need to get something to do this school vacation i want to play some games but all of it needs a grafphics card. What happend to my old one you ask my girlfriends dad acedently lost it in his shop and now he has no more! :(

Please and thank you

Mornè Lubbe

5% Acetic Acid where to buy ?

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 1:23pm CDT by martinhal

Where can one buy 5% Acetic Acid to mix with Kalk powder in JHB. I know one can use White Vinegar but dont want to get into that discussion ;)

Looking for serpent stars

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 12:27pm CDT by Wolve

Hi guys anyone know were in durbs i can get some/ a serpent starfish from

Black surgeon help needed

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 10:35am CDT by CPTG

I have a black surgeon fish that keeps on getting white spots on its body and tail fin. These white spots will appear and dissappear followed by black marks or spots which also goes away after a day or two. The fish does scratch itself against the substrate and rocks but eats well and does not show any signs of illness.
This morning I saw theat the spots are also on my clown fish. what can be done?
G

chiller vs aircon?

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 10:17am CDT by wilsontravy

would this work, im sure it would. instead of buying a chiller for lets say 4 grand. can i rather install an aircon for the same price, then it would be benificial for both me and the tank. any sugesstions, would this be enough for keeping the tank cool on hot days? i live in a flat, so tempreture does vary inside the flat.:P

Yellow Tang pics

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 10:05am CDT by crispin

My firts step to SPS

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 9:02am CDT by Boendoe

Hi all I got my fists SPS Frag yesterday, Orange plating monti. Thanks Adee.:slayer:

Anyone have one of these

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 8:50am CDT by FransSny

Inline / external heater...anyone tried these

Hydor ETH In-Line Heaters

Any takers

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 8:47am CDT by Boendoe

I visited a LFS in Boksburg yesterday and looksy here what they had in stock 10cm Mantis Shrimp, this it one big boy.

Sorry for the pic, had to take on my phone.

Aptasia X

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 7:46am CDT by FransSny

Has anybody tried this product:

Aiptasia-X
Eliminate Aiptasia with Aiptasia-X In an exciting development for reef-keepers Red Sea has developed a unique patent pending formula to treat the pest anemones Aiptasia sp., Anemonia majano and Boloceroides sp. Affecting almost every reef aquarium, Aiptasia (otherwise known as glass anemones), are often introduced via live rock or corals and can quickly reach plague proportions in marine aquaria, destroying corals and other marine livestock with devastating effect.
Existing treatments are often unsuccessful as when threatened Aiptasia quickly retract into holes in the rock and release planula (larvae) in to the aquarium which can rapidly develop in to full anemones. Additionally any part of the anemones body left attached to a rock can regenerate into a full anemone. Many treatments can therefore lead to a proliferation rather than the removal of Aiptasia.

Research and development work carried out by Red Sea has led to the development of Aiptasia-X, a product which overcomes the problems usually associated with Aiptasia treatments thanks to its unique formula.

Aiptasia-X consists of natural components which form a uniquely thick, adhesive material. Instead of causing the Aiptasia to feel threatened, the unique formula is sensed as food stimulating the anemone to expand and ingest the material. The adhesive form of the treatment makes both the application of the material easy as well as sealing the anemones mouth preventing any release of planula. Within minutes of applying the material the Aiptasia will implode, eradicating both the anemone and its planula.

Red Seas new treatment is completely reef-safe and any material not ingested by the Aiptasia is harmless to sessile invertebrates. Excess material will decay harmlessly over time without any adverse consequences.

Easy to use and highly effective, Aiptasia-X provides a solution long sought-after by almost every reef-keeper at one time or another in the life of their aquarium.

The Aiptasia-X kit includes a 60ml bottle of material plus an applicator set consisting of a syringe with 2 (straight and angled) lock-on applicator tips enabling treatment of even the most inaccessible of anemones. The 60ml provided in the kit should be sufficient to treat approximately 100 Aiptasia anemones.

Possible lighting controller ?

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 7:31am CDT by Stressed Eric

Hey all, while browsing around I found this and the creative wheels started turning, it's an electronic domestic irrigation controller and has some potential as a lighting controller for complicated tanks. It has 4-6 output channels, with 4 programmable on/off times per channel per day, and is able to be programmed per day of the week. It's made for controlling low power 220v water valve solenoids so will need relays to power up our stuff. It also has an over-ride and an inhibit function, don't know what that could be used for tho, it's for a rain sensor to inhibit watering the garden when it's raining..... It's also waterproof and has a lock-able front cover. The best part is that it was on special for just under R800 which makes it cheaper and neater than normal timers and is about 250h x 150w x about 100d. Whatcha think ?

King of POP DEAD

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 4:03am CDT by coral diver

Michael Jackson died at his Los Angles home with a massive heart attack pronounced dead 3:15pm at UCLA Medical Center at the age of 50.

1200mm Surf Tank

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 2:23am CDT by scubaninja

The surf tank has begun!! My 1200x600x600 black silicon Wavebox powered journey has begun!!! It will all be 10mm with double euro bracing specifically so that i could use a wavebox, its been paid for with blood and tears and is currently under construction. The overflow is a C2C and this tank will probably be my 'final tank' so to speak, for a while at least :) The skimmer will be a TS3, my lighting will be a DIY job with 2 150W 10000k MH and 4 54W T5 actinics. Eventually i would like to run the lighting unit off a PLC with other nice goodies like temperature probes and pH meters etc, but for now i will just do it the manual labour way :) The stand will be 38x38mm square steel painted with hammerite.
I have received my first piece of the new puzzle :) A Tunze Nano Wavebox :yeahdude:
The 6206 is rated for a 600 Litre display tank and mine is 400 so its well capable. As soon as i got it home i passed GO and went straight to the bathroom to begin the tests :P I had about 60-70 litres of RO in a container which was the perfect place to field test the new toy :)

After this sort of worked i got a bit bolder and tried in the skimmer tank :) the noise was much less now aswell, so i think the plastic and the wooded stool the container were on in the first video made things worse

Well, thats all for now, got to wait for my tank and stand then i can go further :)

Possible light for frag tank.

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 10:30pm CDT by Manic

Hey everyone,

So been looking for a solution to light my frag tank. I've looked up on natural lighting by using a sun light but the guys want R4000 to install it. I decided i'm going to DIY a lighting unit. Thought about T5's but I would rather go MH. Found this on the net, anyone think it will work. I'm going to get a proper globe, probably 10 000K.

The unit has a 250W SE MH or you can get it with 150W DE MH
The unit is 600mm Long and 320mm Wide. It also comes with a glass cover to block UV.

So I've got two tanks, Tank 1: 800mm H x 800mm W x 300mm D, Tank 2: Standard 3ft tank.

At the moment I've got a 3ft lighting unit which has a 150W MH and 2 39W T5's. This unit is currently on tank 1.

So all I want to know is will this lighting unit work?
If so should I go for the 150W or the 250W?
Which tank should I put the lighting unit on.

Polyp + Goniopora special

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 10:11pm CDT by Moolis

Hi All

As a holiday special (I am going away for longer than 6 days - 1 time in 22 years)
I arraigned a special to all our customers.

We have 15 Green polyp corals and 15 Goniopora's on special!!:slayer::yeahdude:

The green polyps start @ R180-00 and go up according to size AND
the Gonioporas are ALL R180-00!!

This is definitely ONLY WHILE STOCK LAST!;)

Enjoy my present to you all. I am going away tomorrow:wave2:

Turbo snails wanted

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 9:24pm CDT by ziyaadb

Hi all

I am looking for some turbo snails. Any one have them in stock and how much for about 10?

Photos of corals landed 2009-06-25

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 9:16pm CDT by Moolis

Mushrooms -
Coloured ricordias

This one was sold in 30 seconds
:thumbup:

And this is standard

Now for some other's

Scopas Tang - your experiences

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 8:30pm CDT by ziyaadb

Thinking of adding this fish to my tank. So total stock wish list is:

Blue throat trigger
2 anthias
1 blenny
Scopas Tang

No more in a 360L tank.

Your experiences with a scopas?
Good fish to get?
How ich prone are they compared to the Acanthurus species?
is the tank big enough1m*60*60?
Any other advice would be appreciated?

Free Willy

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 8:08pm CDT by chikaboo

Some Days Aren't Worth
Getting Out Of Bed A man went to the hospital to have his wedding ring
Cut off from his willy.

According to the attending Nurse, the girl friend found the ring in his pants pocket and she got so mad at him, she used petroleum jelly to slip the ring on his willy while he was asleep.

I don't know what's worse:

1) Having your girl friend find out you're married.
2) Explaining to your wife how your wedding ring
Got on your willy.
3) Or finding out your willy fits through your Wedding Ring !

Eel id please

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 7:23pm CDT by crispin

Fransy any ideas on this one?

a bolt of spinning lightning

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 7:21pm CDT by crispin

Just a fun pic i shot of a lightning wrasse where i slowed the shutter speed as he turned...

Lightning wrasse pics

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 7:19pm CDT by crispin

A lovely fish but tough to take a decent pic of....here are a few :)

Regal Tang "Dory"pics

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 6:59pm CDT by crispin

wrasse id please

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 6:51pm CDT by crispin

ive googled a little and this wrasse doesnt seem to come up that often, anyone have a positive id?

Tomminni tang pics

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 6:32pm CDT by crispin

Flame Angel

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 6:26pm CDT by crispin

a flame to brighten any tank......especially in cold norway

Fragging a GBTA

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 6:00pm CDT by Jaak

Hi Anemone,

Any advice on fragging a green bubble tip anemone? Mine has grown to an unbelievable size and i either want to get a new home for it or i would like to frag it. Anybody else that has had any experience with this please let me know. Thanks.

crab, for sale in LFS, ideas?

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 6:00pm CDT by crispin

Id on this fella? I was told he love eating snails and is used to keep populations of unwanted snails in check, but i have no idea about him. Funky eyes though :)

chiller

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 5:22pm CDT by toppdogg

hey guys have a question for all of you i have an resun cl 300 chiller running in my system i want move into new system when tank is built where is the best and most effective place to put chiller in system?

advice please

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 5:04pm CDT by hiralall

I have listed the test results for my tank below and need to know whether fish can be added in
-TEMPRETURE: 23 - 24
- AMMONIA - 0,6
- NITRATE - 0,1
- PH - 8,1
Please adivise

Many Thanks

For all you BMW Fanatics

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 4:59pm CDT by chikaboo

BMW M8 SUPERCAR
The Bugatti (TOP SPEED 406 KM/H) is out Boxed folks, look at the specs, BMW has done it again, Unlike the Bugatti and Mercedes, it has NO TURBO, NO SUPERCHARGER
Top speed Limited 462 km/h (288 mph)
0 - 100 km/h (0 - 62 mph) est. 3.5 seconds
0 - 200 km/h (0 - 124 mph) est. 9.5 seconds
0 - 300 km/h (0 - 186 mph) est. 22.0 seconds

engine
65 Degree, Type F140 Aluminium V12 w/Performance Exhaust position
Mid Longitudinal aspiration
Natural block material
Aluminium valve train
DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder w/Continuously Variable Timing fuel feed
Bosch Motronic ME7 Sequential Electronic Injection displacement
5988 cc / 365.41 cubic inches bore
92 mm / 3.6 in stroke
75.2 mm / 3 in compression
11.2:1 power
708kw / 900bhp @ 8200 rpm specific output
135.9bhp per litre torque
965 nm @ 5800 rpm redline
7800 body / frame
Carbon Fibre Body over Carbon Fibre Tub w/Rear Alloy Sub Frame driven wheels
RWD w/TCS wheel type
Special Lightweight Wheels front tires
265/35 ZR 19 Michelin rear tires
335/30 ZR 20 Michelin front brakes
Brembro CCM (Carbon-Ceramic) Discs w/6-Pot Callipers, Power Assist ABS rear brakes
Brembro CCM (Carbon-Ceramic) Discs w/4-Pot Callipers, Power Assist, ABS front wheels
F 48.3 x 25.4 cm / 19 x 10 in rear wheels
R 50.8 x 33 cm / 20 x 13 in f suspension
Custom Sport Suspension r suspension
Custom Sport Suspension transmission
8-Speed Semi-Automatic w/New Control Unit clutch
High-performance Clutch top speed
462 kph / 288.75 mph 0 - 60 mph
3.4 seconds

ADSL Comparison

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 2:57pm CDT by FransSny

Got this from mybroadband.co.za today..interesting, still think we are being screwed though:

New ADSL packages: how do they compare?

Eel hunting

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 2:45pm CDT by FransSny

Hi guys

anybody have ideas of how to catch a baby snowflake in between bout 100 kg's of LR.

He hitch hicked over from my prd tank in a piece of rock:P

What's The Chance

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 2:38pm CDT by ben lloyd

What's the chance of bafana winning tonight.

Internet Fax

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 2:20pm CDT by sean_koekemoer

Me not being such a Guru when it comes to thin wire technology, I need to ask you IT boffins something.

I have the Mtn Modem installed at home on my Pc. Without getting Slowcom to install me line and me buying a Fax Machine, Is there maybe a fax service program that I can install on my Pc that will DEFINATELY WORK, in sending and receiving Faxes.

Not all the people I work with, have access to internet, but do have Fax machine service, and I thought it good to install a fax line at home.

If there is such a ervice, how do I go about getting a "Fax Number" as well as where to pay.

I googled the Internet fax service thingies, but I am really not too clued up n what they are saying or how it works (I don't understand their Lingo...LoL)

Purple Tang pics

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 1:49pm CDT by crispin

Tank location

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 1:34pm CDT by neo

From the newest of you all.
Now that I want to do this marine thing, a question on where to put my tank.
I have id'd a place close to my front door, when the door is closed it is darkish but being so close to it there is a lot of light when opened, also, would a breeze blowing in be a problem for the tank?
This spot is nice as I can drill the wall to a store room and have all my sump stuff and electrics on the other side of the wall.
Would the moister from the sump be a problem in the store room as there are some food stuff in the store room?:whistling:

Slaked lime

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 1:19pm CDT by Stressed Eric

Hi Hennie,

I have access to food grade lime used in the water purification industry and am considering using this in a kalkwasser reactor - I am having analysis done on it to check the level of impurities, but what is worrying me is that it is brown lime, indicating a high-ish concentration of manganese and magnesium. Would these elements be detrimental in aquaria in your opinion ?

The generic spec I have for the lime is 65-70% availability, 70-75% calcium oxide, 1 % grit.

Thanks,
Mark

Just for fun, id please

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 12:34pm CDT by crispin

any guesses?

Introduction

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 12:32pm CDT by neo

Howdy,
just introducing myself as a new member.
Got bitten by the marine aquarium idea while browsing for info on plywood suppliers, stumbled onto a site explaining a tank build from ply and from there ended at masa.
Had a look at some pics and life ones at a closeby LFS and this is truly great, reading on all the complexities of tank keeping just made me itch more to try my hand at a marine tank, and all that wonderful creatures in my own house:biggrin:.
I've been reading a lot the last couple of days, have some Q's I cant get an awnser to from old posts but will pop them to the correct forums in days to come, must try to hold back on my excitement and not go and spend money untill I am comfy with my new found knowledge.
One Q for this post, any of you in the Pretoria/Centurion area, or do you know of a good shop in this area?
Bye.

Unicorn Tang

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 11:59am CDT by crispin

For scuba:)

Clown trigger

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 11:54am CDT by crispin

i did a photo session of a nice sized clown for the fun of it the other day, here they are:

Hermit Crabs and Zoa's

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 10:29am CDT by KevinR

Hi All

I have 2 large hermit crabs and 2 small ones. On sunday I got 2 colonies of zoas and some frags as well. I have noticed that small the hermits have been climing on top of the zoas and seem to have been digging inside them. Then yesterday I found 2 big holes in the zoa's so it seems that they have been eating them. This morning I found one of the big hermits had pulled the big colony off the rock and was hanging on to it. So my question is do hermits eat zoa's? If so what can I do? I have put them in the sump for now but if they eat the zoa's then I am going to have to get rid of them.

Thanks

Hybrid Angel

Posted: June 25th, 2009, 9:44am CDT by ReefMaster_SA

Hey guys I am in search for a Hybrid angel:P:yeahdude:
Anyone know where I can get one ? & whats the price on such a fish

Hello

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 11:10pm CDT by Zuv

Hi All

New at this and really thrilled and excited as i bought live rock and was pleasantly supprised to find a live shrimp which must haved hitched a ride on one of my live rocks from Kenya. Please assist me in identifying my new tank mate! i do apologise as the quality of the pic is not clear due to the speed of the sucker.

Help please and many thanks.
Zuv

..................mmmmm how do I upload a picture??????

looking for ReefOctopus OTP2000 pump

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 10:39pm CDT by Johan van Aardt

hi can you guys please send me a price for a ReefOctopus OTP2000 pump preferably in wester cape but the other sponsers also wellcome to give a qoute if they ship, just include the shipping costs please

protein skimmer

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 10:26pm CDT by Richard

Hi there.
Just started, ( 2 weeks into first cycle)
I have a 300l main tank and a 100l sump
I currently have a DT 2516 Boyu protein skimmer that operates at 820L per hour.
Is this going to be big enough for my system?

algae? Tank pics

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 10:08pm CDT by adele

Hi Hennie,

Here is the pictures of the tank. Bad huh?

Adele
Pictures by goggi - Photobucket

[FS] Swop New (

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 9:59pm CDT by Megalodon

Hey guys... I got a new BLV 14k about 2 weeks ago. I thought I was replacing my old 14k bulb with a 14k, but it turns out my old bulb was actually a 20k BLV.

So I'm not as happy with the colour as I was... the corals look very happy but since I only have softies and about 2 LPS, I'm not in need of as much PAR as the 14k pushes out and would prefer the 20k look since that was what I was running previously.

My bulb is basically brand new.. it's been running for <30 hours - not even finished it's burn in period. So I would be looking to swop it for a nearly new bulb that is a 20k - preferably BLV. If you have say an SPS tank that you recently put a 20k on and aren't happy with the growth this may be a great swop for you.

my bulb is a 14k BLV Nepturion 150w DE. As you can see from the attached picture it is still brand new (no black discolouration of the inner sleeve due to ageing) so I would like to swop for a bulb in similar condition just a 20k.

Hopefully there is someone looking for better growth? :56:

My new tank project

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 9:51pm CDT by H0nda42

Hello all, well I am finally in a position to plan a new tank and tomorrow tells whether I can build a new tank or simply upgrade to a larger unit (my current tank sprung a leak and LFS is going to swop out a new unit, of which I am trying to request they build me a tank or will see if I am forced to take a branded model in a larger size).
I have been surfing this site for days now gathering data and info on what tanks I like and systems that look great.
Personally I want a clean looking tank with no visible pumps or wires inside it. I want to try and run as much flow and current from return pumps.
I want to create the system so as to initially have a skimmer in place and then build a algae scrubber as well. As time and money allows I would like to upgrade to the other components that will allow me to have a tank with plenty of brightly lit coral and softies with a few nice fish running around.
I would like to bounce a few ideas around on a few items I have in mind for my new system to get started and then ask for some feedback.
The collective knowledge will be able to help steer me in the right direction if I am not able to do something or possibly do it better another way.
So I will start posting details after this post.
Here goes.....

Adele

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 9:13pm CDT by adele

:wave2:Hi Hennie, here is the info on the tank you requested:

1200 litre tank
120 kg live rock - we purchased them with the stabilized tank.
We installed the RO filter two years ago and has not replaced the membrane.
Unfortunately we could not find any name or number on the protein skimmer, hope you can see it on the picture.

Watertesting:
pH - 8,6
alkalinity - 10 degrees dKH
Calcium 480 Ca mg/litre
Magnesium 1300 mg/litre
Ammonium 0,05 mg/litre

Regards
Adele

Algea in a new tank

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 8:54pm CDT by ziyaadb

So my tank is about 2 months old. Only got fish in 2 weeks ago the 1 blenny. fed Huge amount of food as i was afraid the fish would not eat. Now have a nice brown covering of diatoms as well as some algea. Hair algea thats brown in colour. I have now stopped feeding crazy amounts as the fish now eats in front of me i only feed what he eats. Can i be safe in the thinking that as the excessive nutrients go down so will the algae? my Phosphates are undetactable and nitrates are at 5.

300g+ square tank in the making...

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 8:14pm CDT by sihaya

ScottV and I are getting started on a 300g+ reef tank we're going to build ourselves! I've never built my own tank before, so it will be mostly ScottV leading the build... but I found the glass at a great price! (though, I did break one of the panels by accident when I dropped it :-( )
Anyway, for now, it's just some panels of 1/2in glass. The dimensions will be 48in x 48in x30in. We're going to send all the plumbing through the wall to a closet on the other side (where we'll have a nice 150g refugium). Lighting will be one 400W MH centered over the tank.
Here are some pics:
Um, this is where Scott spilled the hot sauce:

This is the "big piece":

Our Sweetie cat wondering where the fish are! :-)

I put up some tape to see where it's going to come out to and all:

Having too much time on my hands...

Tank diagrams

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 7:32pm CDT by wynandkui

Do any one have diagrams of how to build a main tank?

Black silicone look

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 7:16pm CDT by Mekaeel

Howzit guys.
I really like the black silicone look but, my tank is already done in clear silicone. Now I was wondering, how will it look if I paint the edges black? Say up to a centimeter or 2 away from the end of the glass.Get the picture?
Any suggestions, and what will be the best paint to use?
Thanks in advance :)

clown

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 6:37pm CDT by fleur

hi guys my clown has this skin like peeling thing that is happening to him i've had him for about 2 months i did add a clark's clown the other day but he die from this. What is going on and will i lose my other fish? Help.!!

130+ corals tomorrow

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 6:32pm CDT by Moolis

Hi Reefers

We are landing 135 corals and 40 others TOMORROW!!

Remember or discounts;)

*2009 DISCOUNT STRUCTURE*
·Day 1 In the bag # 12.5% + 2.5% CASH =15%
·Day 1 Out of the bag # 7.5% + 2.5% CASH = 10%
·Day 2 # 4.5% + 2.5% CASH = 7%
·Day 3 # 2.5% + 2.5% CASH = 5%

You will see that we got 15 extra
Soft coral - Polyp - Green Sand Polyp - Zoanthus Spec. x 15
This will be on special:slayer: - STRICTLY TO CUSTOMERS IN THE SHOP and CASH ONLY!!!

List in next post.:P

SALE! Too many fish!

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 2:25pm CDT by Bob the (reef)builder

Guy's

We need your help.

We've got too many fish in our tanks.

So we're giving a 10% discount on all fish till the end of Saturday.:)

And it's payday this week.;)

Come and see what we've got.

Its a good range, and they are as healthy as always. Also come and see our beautiful new Idol Marine Nano.:)

See you Soon.

Cheers

Rob, Adriaan and the Idol Marine crew.

Safety factor

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 1:59pm CDT by Stressed Eric

Hi Hennie,

Please advise, I've, uhm, "acquired" some 4mm glass sheeting that shouts nano very loudly, I've used your calculator to work out FOS with a height of 580mm, width and length of 860mm and I get a big bold 1 with red background. This is bad. If I add euro bracing to the build, will I get into any safe zone with this thickness glass ?

Any other suggestions other than to shrink the build dimensions?

Thanks,

Mark

marcel

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 1:11pm CDT by marcel

Hi All
I am new to this hobby. I am starting a 370lt reef tank for my office at work.
One of the things I do for a living is manufacture LED lamps, mostly for mining applications. I only want to use LED lights in my system. We also manufacture our own automation equipment. We are currently working on a small computer to control our injection-molding machines. I would like to alter this computer in. to a controller for my tank. Does anyone know of someone that sells 12V air pumps and heaters for fish tanks?

Ply wood tanks

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 12:59pm CDT by wynandkui

Hi,

Had anyone had sucess in building a plywood tank? Any advise will be appreciated.

Thanks
Wynand

one of the classiest tank builds i have ever seen.

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 11:27am CDT by leslie hempel

guys check this tank out and its not even complete yet, you can only imagine the outcome if the workmanship has been this good so far..

Reef Central Online Community - lastlight's 225 reef build

Flame angel

Posted: June 24th, 2009, 10:28am CDT by Jinx

Can I add a Flame angel to my 4ft tank,if I already have a Bi color angel?

Culturing copepods

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 12:56am CDT by ImAClown

Hi, how are you all doing?

I'm (still) a little concerned about my mandarin's food supply, I want to start to culture some pods until I have a refugium up and running. How can I start up a culture in a separate container ?

1. Can I buy a culture to start the process or should I take some live rock from my existing setup ?
2. What should I feed them ?
3. Temperatures? Salinity ?

Any advice will be really helpful !

thanks !

Open Source Aquarium Controller

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 11:13pm CDT by moz

For those that are interested, or like me a fan of open source projects. http://opencoral.com/

Overflow for Wavebox

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 11:02pm CDT by schaun

Im building myself a tank 1.5 x 2m and would like to run a wavebox on it.
Do you have any ideas on were were the overfolw should go and what it should look like ?

Congratulations MASA

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 10:38pm CDT by scubaninja

Well done to MASA in reaching 2000 members!!!!!!!
Thanks guys for an AWESOME site!!!!
:party: :peroni: :peroni: :peroni: :peroni: :peroni: :peroni:

Blue throat trigger - experiences advice

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 9:40pm CDT by ziyaadb

I am intending to get a blue throat trigger. Anyone here have 1? i know that they are relatively reef safe, are they easy to get. How much do i expect to pay? any other advice would be great.

feedback

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 8:38pm CDT by ziyaadb

Hi all

Went to PS about 2 weeks ago. Great Great service from Moolis, Treated me like a 1000000 Bucks although i only bought 1 fish, thats doing awesome by the way. Great store and awesome advice.

i would def recommend him.

Too bad you live so far away man or else i would def be spending my hard earned bucks at the Petstop

Ziyaad

[FS] DNW 200 with Pinwheel impellar

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 8:28pm CDT by ziyaadb

10 months old. Want to get a Orca thats why i am selling

[FS] Various Hardware

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 8:05pm CDT by floh

Here is a list of Hardware that is available. I will ship countrywide at buyers expense.

1x Hailea 300A chiller with feedpump (1 year old) R3500

1x Reeftek Phosphate reactor R900

1x Korallin Calcium reactor 1501C R4000

1x 5kg Co2 Bottle R1000

1x New dual gauge valve (already fitted on the bottle) R1000

Take the complete Calcium reactor set with reactor, bottle and valve for R5000

1x 150W + 2x24W T5 Aquamedic light unit R2500

1x 25W Aquamedic light unit R2500 (Comes with an extra brand new bulb worth R875)

2x 250W + 2x24W T5 Aquamedic light unit (Also both come with an extra brand new bulbs) R3500

All the 250W units were bought in February 2009... So the bulb inside them is also relatively new.

1x Tunze Stream wave maker (old model) R1000 with controller

Also got some maxiHet powerheads and some hailea pumps aswell as Oceanrunner pumps if any1 is interested.

And last but not least, a 1.8m by 1m by 0.8m tank with full oak cabinet (cabinet alone cost R24000) The tank is done in fibreglass (painted black) with the front panel only in glass. Very light and easy to carry and almost unbreakable... Tank was running for just over a year before we shut it down last week. Will consider any reasonable offers....

Please email me if you are interested on iz1b1zi@gmail.com ... I cant promise will get back to you via pm. Pictures of the stuff can also be arranged.

And iam based in Durban and so was the owner of the lovely system :)
I Can try get pictures of the system when it was up and running from the owner, if someone needs....

Needed Skimmer

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 7:18pm CDT by Prodigy

Yo Guys around El
Any one have a skimmer lying around or that they not using
Want to see what options i have...
Any advise or help is always appreciated
Shot guys:yeahdude:

My Nano Tank

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 5:46pm CDT by Darksun

I got a small 50L nano tank that has been running for close onto a year now.
so far my biggest problem is keeping algea under control. I think it might have to do with to much sun that is coming into the room so i am looking to move this tank into a shadier corner hopefully this will help a little :)

Currently i am using the built in filtration system. but what i would like to know is should i perhaps get an external filtration system ? I have also been told by one place i should have a protien skimmer and when i went to another place was told the tank is to small to have one.

as soon as i got my camera working i will post a pic of the Algea problem i am having
water changes are done about every 3rd week. I buy pre mixed water.

feeding is done in the mornings with frozen food.
and i have a pair of clown fish in there. I tried having coral but with the algea problem they would not survive. I also thought that perhaps I have to much LR in the tank as i have one huge rock that takes up about 90% of the bottom of the tank and then i have arranged about another 4 pieces of LR around it to give the clowns somwhere to swim under and around.

one last thing, what would be the next logical tank size to move up from a 50L tank ? as a thought was perhaps migh be easier to work with a bigger sized tank

Hi Guys

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 4:08pm CDT by mahan

Hi Guys I Have Been A Member Of Masa For About A Year Now And Love It Never Posted Anything Cos I Was To Small And Just Got Bigger A Month Ago
WILL POST PICS FORM OLD SETUP TO NEW SETUP AS SOON AS I FIGURE OUT HOW TO

Inspiration...

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 2:57pm CDT by Jaak

Reef Central Online Community - DSPS tank from Thailand (1000 gallon+)

Kenyan Tree problems

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 2:26pm CDT by theoholder

Hi, I bought a tree about 4 weeks ago and at first it was doing very well. Inflating all the way and was looking stunning. Now it looks very sad and is just deflated. Tried to move tree a bit higher for more light but this seems to do nothing.

I need your help please.

Here is my current tank setup.(Tank about 1 year, 2 months old)

Total volume +- 280L with sump.
Lights 4 X 36W T5 (2xblue, 2xwhite) Main Display (3 months old)
1 X 56W T8 Blue. Main Display (no idea how old)

Sump lights 3 x 20W Phillips energy Savers. (2-3 months old)

Running Activated Carbon in a small canister filter. (500l per hour)

Display lights runs for 7 hours a day with sump lights off.
Sump lights runs durning the night for 7 hours.

Pumps.

Waterflow from main display to sump and back is +- 4000l per hour.
Waterflow in main display tank is +- 6000l per hour. (4 power heads)

Water.

Phosphates 0.5
Nitrate 0.1
nitrite 0.2
PH 8.2
Alk 2.8
Magnesium 1200
Calsium 420
NH4 normal.

One more thing the tree was near a nennie. Can the Nennie sting it and do any harm to the tree.

Thanks guys.

Networking boffs please help

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 2:16pm CDT by FransSny

Hi guys , im stumped so if anyone can help. heres my prob on my network

Server running xp, all staff laptops running vista, have a belkin wireless modem / router
everyone is on the same work group.

for some strange reason my laptop cant "see" the server anymore....can see everybody else though, still connect to the internet etc etc
I can also ping the server...just cant save to it etc

very weird ...any ideas

fish farm contacts

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 2:12pm CDT by scubaninja

hi guys. i'm lookin for contacts that do aquaculture, farming any sort of fish or mollusc in SA. if you know of any company names either. lookin to find information on what kinds of demands there are and job opportunities etc. i'm just doin research on a possible career choice. if you have any contacts please pm me
Posted via Mobile Device

coraline algae good sign or not

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 1:45pm CDT by Wolve

Hi Ppl need some advice kindda. is coraline alage growth a good sign or bad sign. my new tank running for about a month now has more coraline growth than my previous tank had for over 7 months. i have been really busy at work and just didnt clean the glass, now glass panes are covered with the stuff (can barely see through the lower part of the front glass). whats the best way to remove, and also wont just scrapping coz the algae to float in the water column and just die off........

[FS] Leather Biker Jacket

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 1:31pm CDT by FransSny

Perfect Racing Jacket for Sale
Worn once, thus brand new

Forgot i still had the jacket after selling Superbike in favour of MX

Full grain Leather, size XL

When Grandma goes to court

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 10:24am CDT by keyaam

[FS] Leather bike jacket

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 10:04am CDT by FransSny

Perfecto Leather jacket size XL

Worn once only
Sold the bike ages ago in favor of MX ! Thus still brand new (actually forgot i still have the jacket)

Full grain etc etc

[FS] Starfire cube with cabinet,sump,skimmer etc for sale

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 9:34am CDT by Tobes

Hi guys, I'm selling the starfire cube as I will be starting a new frag tank project. The cube has black silicon and a corner overflow. It includes a sump, a reeftek TS1 skimmer, return pump with plumping, light for sump to grow macro algae, auto top up system (includes pump, non-return valve and adustable valve plus float switch) with RO container and a nice finnish wooden cabinet. It also has 5 holes for a closed loop system (1 for suction and 4 for delivery) or however you want to use it. I closed the holes with pieces of glass as I didn't use the CLS. Offer welcome ;)

What's up with Reefkeeping.com

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 7:58am CDT by Tony

Does anyone know why "reefkeeping.com" hasn't put a new magazine on it's web site since april? Have they gone belly up?

[FS] Complete Marine Tank For Sale

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 11:20pm CDT by Roadblock

HARDWARE:

Tank :all 10mm Glass , 1200 x 550 x 700(h) with deul overflow boxes.
Galvanised Stand.
Sump with DSB.
Ehiem return pump.
Reef Octopus OCTX 200 skimmer.
2 x 300w Heaters.
Auto topup system.
Waterboy duel carbon & Phosphate Filter.
T5 sump light with timer.
Tunze 6055 stream .
Hanging Lighting Hood: 2 x 150w MH and 2 x T5's ,both with timers.
All plumming and Glass Cleaning Magnet.

LIVESTOCK:

+/- 70kg's Live Rock.
12 LPS Corals.
6 Different typs of Ears.
2 Soft Corals.
2 Tubeworms.
1 Coral Banded Shrimp.
2 Fairy Shrimps.
Lots of Snails.
1 Common Clown (NEMO)
2 Pajama Cardenals.
1 Chineese Zebra Goby.
2 Bipatartus Wrasse(leopard)
1 Cleaner Wrasse.
1 Yellow Candy Hogfish.
1 Blue spotted Tamerin wrasse.
1 Anemses Liniatus wrasse.
1 Sailfin Blenny.
1 Manderin.
1 Pipefish.
1 Clown Surgeon.
1 Gem Tang.

:thumbup::mbounce: :kangakiller:

General maintenance.

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 10:21pm CDT by Fishy Steve

How often do you guys blast your live rock and what do you blast it with? Also how many of you use a toothbrush or something similar to scrub your rock? Thanks in advance for the replys.

filter enquiry

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 9:14pm CDT by sharki

hey guys i would like to find out i got a filter size 126cm x 65cm x 85cm (lwh) that is the wet and dry part and the anerobic part is 150cm x 50cm x 45cm (lwh) its got about 170kg coral gravel just for the filter what would the estimate filtering capacity be how many tanks could you run on this, or one big tank size? cause i think this is to big for my purposes.:biggrin:

External skimmer rated 700 to 2000

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 7:58pm CDT by lanzo

Hi guys i'm looking for a second hand ext skimmer rated from 700 up

If you know of one please let me know;)

Cleanup water

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 7:57pm CDT by KevinR

This might be a stupid question but there are quite a lot of particals in the watercolumn of my tank. What is the best way to remove them and get a better clarity in my water? I have a skimmer and some filter floss in my overflow to try and catch most stuff but there always seems to be more in the water.

White stars

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 6:51pm CDT by wynandkui

Hi, I am new to marine keeping but now after 4 months of letting my 3ft tank mature I have noticed tiny little specs on my glass resembling small spider like creatures. I tried photographing it but can not focus my camera so close. These specs sort of look like cotton fluff with a tine ball like center.

Anyone got an idea what these might be?

TANK

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 3:39pm CDT by RUAN

Hey

Last Night When I Put My Hand In My Tank It Shockt Me But When I Stand On A Piece Of Plastic It Dosent Shock Me Wat Should I Do
Can It Harm My Fish And Corals

[FS] Full Marine Tank setup for sale - all sold seperatly or as one

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 2:07pm CDT by gawarncke

Hi there guys,

I have a complete setup for sale. +- R50000.00 worth of stock and equipment

+-150kgs of live rock
Massive green carpet annenome
Silver tip Annenome
White Annenome
Purple Annenome

+- 6 Clown fish 3 medium in size, 1 massive
Blue Bird Wrasse
2 x Blue Damsels
4 x Boxer Shrimps
1 x sea Cucumber
1 x jelly bean
1 x blue trigger (not quite sure)
+-10 turbo snails
some crab annenomes
2 x Corrals
Alot to mention

2m tank in cabinet with sump
1.2m tank in cabinet with sump
Lighting
Protein Skimmers
Pumps
Phosban Reactors
Test kits
Lots and lots of spares
Heaters
Everything u need actually for 2 full setups
Oh and a Cooler

Tank has been running for about 4 months with no deaths what so ever.
Tank was running prior to my place for a year.

I am relocating to Cape Town so I am selling everything. R60000.00 paid to date for the equipment and stock. Some fiji rock, included. But generally lots of growth on the rocks and high quality stuff.

I have alot of other plants and things growing on the rocks that I paid alot for. Some at R600.00 per piece however not quite sure as to what it is.

Can update with serial nos and model nos on some of the equipment.

The stock and Hardware goes to the person that offers the best price on it.

I can update with photos of all the stock just be specific please.

I stay in polokwane so you will need to collect. I am hoever going to OR Tambo on the 30 June so i can deliver some aswell if necessary.

Please feel free to ask any questions.
Happy bidding!!

Rose Bubble Tip Anemone

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 12:28pm CDT by RyanvdM

Hi Guys

I'm looking for a Rose bubble tip anemone for my Nano.

If anyone knows of where i can get one i would be grateful.

Andrew in East London used to have but i have lost his number if anyone can pm it to me I would also be grateful.

Shotto

Ryan

Best way for Outlet and Return

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 12:09pm CDT by Sentari

Hi All

I was pondering about my tank this weekend and easier ways to do my outlet and inlet pipes etc.

Can some maybe give me direction on what i would like to do.

What i want to do is create an outlet and inlet with a few options.

1. Drill the holes in the back for outlet and inlet. Inlet higher than the outlet.
2. Create a overflow in the corner with teeth and then get them to drill the hole at the bottom of the overflow.
3. Create the inlet using pipes and but a one way valve so that the water doesnt run back into the tank.
4. ????

If anyone has suggestions or maybe some sort of pictures to explain what the best way of doing this i would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Equipment for Sale - All you will ever need.: Cape Town

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 12:02pm CDT by RyanvdM

Full system sales or multiple items for sale.Thread title:

Equipment for Sale - All you will ever need.

Location:

Cape Town

Shipping or Collection only:

Both

Photo's and description/list of items for sale:

Hi Guys

Ok guys, have decided to let the stuff go individually or as sets indicated below. (if someone wants the lot they can have it for 40k that's a 21k saving). Have also reviewed the pricing again. First dibs to those who have already asked and then we can take it from there.

These prices are not fixed and i am negotiable within reason.

Remember these are brand new, never been used. price in brackets is current online retail prices. Will cost even more from a shop. My prefered asking price is next to that obviously.

more info on most of these products can be found at Welcome to Aquarium Depot - Lighting, T5, Skimmers, Calcium Reactors, Metal Halides, Nitrate Reducers, Reef Octopus, Reeftek, Corals, Marine, Reef, Invertebrates, Seio, Polario, SAGA, PH Controllers, Aquarium Depot, Pumps, wave makers, aquariums, co2, rio, refractometers, refugiums, overflow, co2 regulators, solenoid valves & [www.aquatronica.com] & EcoTech Marine - Revolutionary Pump Technology for Reef Aquariums (vortech)

Reason for sale:
Between fishing, kitesurfing, being married etc there is simply just no time for my ultimate reef.

Location:
Cape Town, but available to all in SA

Price for All:
Total value R61 900.00. Will consider R40 000

Price for Individual :

As indicated below

Here is a list of all the goodies:

Aquatronica Set - (R21 241.00) - R17 000.00

* 1 x Aquarium Controller
* 2 x Electronic Power Units
* 1 x Serial Interface
* 1 x USB to Serial Converter
* 1 x USB Cable Extension
* 1 x Density Interface
* 1 x Density Electrode
* 1 x PH Probe/Electrode
* 1 x PH Interface
* 1 x ORP Probe/Electrode
* 1 x ORP Interface
* 2 x Temperature Sensors
* 1 x Waterlevel Sensor
* PH7 & PH10 Buffer
* Software

Calcium Reactor Set - (R4 840.00) - R3 900.00
* 1 x Calcium Reactor (CR-100)
* 1 x CO2 Regulator
* 1 x 2kg CO2 Bottle Full

Pumps

* 2 x Vortech Pumps - (R5 350.00 each) - R3 900.00 each
* 2 x SEIO M1500 with Magnets - (R953.00 each) - R790.00 each

Lighting

* 2 x 250w Metal Halide Pendants - (R2 950.00 each) - R1950.00 each
* 1 x 10 000k 250w Single ended Bulb - (R725.00) - R400.00
* 1 x 14 000k 250w Single Ended Bulb - (R800.00) - R 460.00

Reactors and Skimmer

* 1 x Phosphate Reactor (PHR-70) - (R1 150.00) - R950.00
* 1 x Kalk Reactor - (KR100) + Spare OTP500 Pump - (R2 205.00) - R1 700.00
* 1 x Protein Skimmer - Recirculating (DNW 200) - (R4 200.00) - R3 200.00

Other

* 1 x Chiller - 1HP HC1000B - (R8 350.00) - R6 350.00
* 1 x Ozoniser HLO-800 - (R725.00) - R 530.00
* 1 x Electronic Timer (R150.00) - R80

Some Pics

Aquatronica kit:

Skimmer:

Calcium Reactor Set

Kalk Reactor:

Phosphate Reactor:

Vortech Pumps:

SEIO M1500:

Chiller:

Metal Halides:

Ozoniser:

Notes:

-

Boyu TL-550

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 9:56am CDT by ZeroCool

Morning everyone,

Last weekend I bought a second hand Boyu TL-550 second hand.

What a mission moving it, but it got moved and everything looks ok (i think.)

firstly, where do i get a manual for the back end system ? I am very new at this and would like to get into it for a hobby.

Secondly, the seller didn't really care for the system, and there are green algae on the live rock ... (how do one remove that).

Thirdly, I have 3 fish, 1 clown and 2 zerbra's (hope i got the names correct, and the 2 kreepy's as i call them (crabs that clean and eat the algae).

Fourly, I read about everyone talking about testing etc.

I never tested any of the water and think i should. I will find a good petshop and take a sample for testing.

Fithly, if i substitute some water and replace it with RO water .... must i mix salt with it or not ?

Sorry for all the dummy questions, I got this for a really good price and I am very new.

Hope to her from you soon.

Regards
Zero

Home very important video

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 3:30am CDT by tyrano34

YouTube - Kanaal van homeproject
look my friend ;)

if you like give it as the forum of freshwater

alge?

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 9:38pm CDT by adele

Hallo Hennie,

Ons het 'n tenk al vir drie jaar maar ons kennis is maar min, bitter min. Ons het die tenk 'gestabiliseer' oorgekoop. Die visse gaan goed aan maar die kleur van die klippe is nie vir my normaal nie. Donkerrooi, van wat ek opgelees het cyanobacteria as ek reg is. Hier en daar is daar helderrooi alge met borreltjies op en so 'n bruinerige groenerige een ook. Daar is ook op die een klip 'n helderblou organisme aan die groei, maar 'n troeteldierwinkel eienaar het gese dit is spons? Wat kan ons doen omtrent die alge? Ons gebruik water uit 'n osmose filtreerder vir die tenk en doen gereeld (1x elke twee maande?) 'n wateraanvulling. Die sagte korale in die tenk leef nou al vir 6 maande sowel as die vissies. Daar is vissies wat al drie jaar in die tenk is. Ek sal baie bly wees vir enige raad.

Groete
Adele

Starfish vs kids

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 9:20pm CDT by Stressed Eric

Rock pool earrings . . . Kids, I'm telling you, they're sent to try us . . .

Rock pool Zoas

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 8:56pm CDT by Stressed Eric

Hey all,

I was on the Kzn coast this morning and check what I found . . . Lovely colour!

And this .... I only saw the hidden fish later . . .

Fun pics from Santa Ana

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 8:17pm CDT by sihaya

The tail-less Tang!

More later... :-)

leopard wrasse

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 5:29pm CDT by RUAN

hey guys
Got me a leopard wrasse yesterday,nice fish.:thumbup:
Just want to know a little bit more about it like

is it agrsive
what dose it eat and so on

Hello to all...

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 5:00pm CDT by LifeAquatic

I just joined the MASA community and wanted to say hello to everyone. :wave2:

I've had my tank set up for more than 2 years and am converting from a fish system to reef. The system is 65 gallons (245 lt.) and is doing well (except for a aiptasia invasion, which I'm working on with some newly-added peppermint shrimp). I'm a diver so since I can't dive as often as I like I got into the saltwater aquarium hobby.

I started with fish, had a couple of anemones (first one did well but crashed after a year and a half, second didn't do well and crashed within a month ... gave up on anemones). The first couple of years had many fish but overcrowded the tank and the system crashed... only 2 survivors, a spotted green puffer (Tetraodon nigroviridis) ... aka "killer" and a Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica). From the original setup I have a Frogspawn coral (Euphyllia divisia) that is very healthy and thriving, so I added some new live rock and am building a reef.

I'll post pictures later...

Substrate algae

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 3:53pm CDT by Lowflyer

Hey guys

I'm having a bit of a problem as I am getting hair algae on the substrate more than anywhere else, is this because the snails can't eat on the substrate, cos my rocks are almost completely clean. The way I am controlling it at the moment is by mixing the substrate slightly every now and then and vacuuming every weekend.

Cheers;)

good or bad?

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 3:30pm CDT by Richard

Bought some live rock to cycle my new tank and these came with.
What are they and do I keep them.Attachment 566
Thank you.
Attached Files

tank.doc (558.5 KB)

diatoms

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 2:20pm CDT by Roo

My tank has a diatom bloom every morning from about 9:30. In early moring water is crystal clear and again by evening. I have tried just about everything. I am to believe it is silicate related - does anyone know how to find the source of these?

Pool filter sand

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 1:31pm CDT by Annoying

Hey

I know this is going to sound stupid but I was just wondeing if you could use pool filter sand as a substrate in a marine aquarium and if you can't can youplease tell my why I can't use it...:whistling:

Thank you:thumbup:

What type of mussel do you feed?

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:11am CDT by Lemar

hi, I'm interested to know what type of mussel meat you guys feed your nennies, invertebraes ect?
I bought a pack of Greenlip mussel from the seafood shop. it's in a half shell. not cooked, but blanced.
Will it be fine to feed this to my inmates? I can't get hold of any other mussel meat in lichtenburg. Other ones are either cooked or smoked.

Semi new tank

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 10:05am CDT by FransSny

Hi guys,

Finally shut down the predator tank yesterday and moved the extra LR & softies over to my main tank...here's the result

Leftish side

Rightish side

Seems like there is a bit of accomodation shortage

Coolest fella

toppdoggs D.I.Y skimmer

Posted: June 20th, 2009, 10:44pm CDT by toppdogg

hey guys i thought i would give the D.I.Y skimmer ago. I got a 140 diameter clear pvc tube and all the goodies to go with it i just finished it and this is the result pics are not of the best taken with mobilephone. i have not fired it up yet but once i do will upload more pic be kind as it is my firt attempt .

all the goodies

first welded tube on base

pvc hotweld

cut rings for lid and collection cup

moulded pvc

put together loosly to see what it will look like

drilled holes and welded all the fittings in

final product without lid

final product with lid well thas what its looks like hope it works aswell as it looks
like i said will post more pics once it is working

Eco aqualizer

Posted: June 20th, 2009, 7:50pm CDT by Kavir

Hey reefers

A customer ( x reefer) of mine came in and donated a '' Eco Aqualizer''. I've never seen or heard of this product b4. So i went to their web site www.ecoaqualizer.com i read the reviews and FAQs, and everything on there is jst to good to be true.

This product has a natural ionization purification process. It reduces water changes by 75%, makes water crystal clear, aids in oxygenating the water and boosts beneficial bacteria, reduces ammonia, and many other things. Technology used for this product came from NASA which i know is really good technology.

So i asked him if it worked he said it's really good u do have to do ur normal tank admin but jst not that much. The price was still on it and is quiet expensive.

Has any1 got 1of these things? Or has any1 heard of this product coz it really seems to good to be true.

chemical levels

Posted: June 20th, 2009, 7:26pm CDT by hiralall

hi guys

Thanks for the welcome
can someone please tell me what the correct chemical levels for a fowlr tank is
Also i have told that it is not ideal to have an internal filter - i have a sump with a skimmer at the moment - will this be enough to keep the tank clear

many thanks

Needle urchin dropping spines

Posted: June 20th, 2009, 6:51pm CDT by 459b

My needle urchin is dropping spines again. On tuesday and wednesday it decided to loose more than half of its long spines (the short ones are still there). I moved it to the sump and it hasnt lost anymore. It did the exact same thing this time last year, though last year i attributed it to the fact that my heater decided to break on a particularly cold day and i only noticed the following day.
Is this normal?
Feeding wise...it grazes contiunually on my liverock and i target feed Ulva at least every second day, or it eats my tangs nori. It also gets the occasional bit of shrimp/fish.
I also havent changed or added anything to my tank. Water parameters all good.

Pyjama Cardinals

Posted: June 20th, 2009, 12:44pm CDT by martinhal

Hi has anyone had sucess with Pyjama Cardinals . I read that they are nocternal and should be kept in groups of 5 or more. I laso read that they dont accept flake food.
Some feedback would be great.

[FS] Sixline Wrasse For Sale In Cape Town

Posted: June 20th, 2009, 12:31pm CDT by Jaak

Sixline Wrasse for sale. He's not agreeing with my Royal Gramma and I love both but unfortunately he lost when I flipped a coin. I want R150 for him, collection only.
Mods - can't get a picture of actual Sixline for sale but did attach a downloaded image.

[FS] Nano For Sale In Cape Town

Posted: June 20th, 2009, 12:25pm CDT by Jaak

I'm selling my Boyu TL 550 for R2500. It includes all the standard equipment that came with the tank - heater, small skimmer & return pump as well as the stand. I will also throw in the aragonite from Caribsea. Most of the livestock is going into my bigger setup.

Aiptasia

Posted: June 20th, 2009, 10:57am CDT by Marjolein

Hi
I ve been cycling my tank for 3 weeks now. And there is alot of aiptasia in my tank. The LFS said i must use lemon juice in a seringe? is this ok to do this? :whistling:

base Rocks

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 8:54pm CDT by hiralall

hi I have been browsing this site for a while and found many suggestions helpful
I am currently setting up a marine tank and searching for some base rock. Will appreciate help from anyone in/around durban

advice on sump

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 8:44pm CDT by Johan van Aardt

ok so the display is a small 48 liter tank and my idee is to pump water up to a sump and have a overflow to flow back to the pump,

my qeustions are do u guys thimk this desighn will work and if not how can i change it.

ok so chamber A is were my water gets pumped too and were the skimmer is
chamber B is for live rock for more filtration beacause there is so little space in the display for live rock. chamber C is DSB. chamber D is for chaeto, and Chamber E is the overflow.

cloudy water

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 6:59pm CDT by RUAN

hey guys my water is very cloudy and i dont know what happend:(

waterfowl return pump making a lot of noise

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 6:51pm CDT by RUAN

hi guys

my return pump is making a lot of noise when i put it of and back on it still makes a lot of noise ,i have takin it appart and put it back together again but nuthing works :(

Rubik's cube

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 6:41pm CDT by Tridan

Well took down my 4 foot, and made a home for some of my corals and fish in my cube
i got a while back from les, The entire system DT and sump holds just over 200l of water, not to big. DT measures 580mm x 580mm x 590mm all outside dims water level at 560mm. Sump 700mm x 360mm x 350mm water level at 260mm.
Ts2 skimmer is having a holiday in there but i was not going to get rid of it, plans for a bigger cube in the future.

Lighting 2 x 20k reeftek t5 and 2 x 12k reeftek t5, waiting for 1 more 12k to come in, all in individual reflectors.
My return is plumbed into a scwd that comes out behind my rockwork, internal flow is 2 x seio m620's, I am trying to get rid of the one that is visible in the display, thinking of a 2nd return pump, and plumbing it to discharge from the front also with a scwd.

All the substrate and rock are from the old system along with about 30% of the water.

Water param's

Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Amonia 0
Alk 10dkh
Ca 420
Po4 currently undetectable
Mag not tested.

On my old system 400l, i did 2 waterchanges a week 1 of 20l and 1 of 40l, will be doing the same on this system just in smaller amounts, keeping this regime is easy as i live a couple of hundred metre's from the sea.

Thanks to Ryan for babysitting some of my bigger coral's while i build the bigger cube.

Pics to follow.

Bio-balls in sump

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 6:22pm CDT by Jinx

Hey Hennie there are so many opinions out there as to the placement of bio-balls in a sump.....I would just like to get your opinion on this please.
If not what would you suggest would be the best media to place in ones sump?

Cheap Metal Halide Globes

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 5:54pm CDT by Manic

Hey everyone,

Just phoned a place called The Lamp House. Has anyone ever bought any globes from them. According to their website they import MH globes specially for marine aquarium use. And there prices WOW. Feel like I've been ripped off before by other shops.

aandtsociety Rock pool trip out to sea(barrier reef in a rock pool)

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 4:22pm CDT by pkc

This place we first found in the late eighties and once in there you realise the marine environment is almost totaly represented here.
An area in the middle of this reef has the biggest oysters you will find any where and back in the day when you could take them,there were heaps of oyster newberg dinners very much enjoyed from this reef.
One of the guys would eat them there,ten or twelve would fill you!
There are all kinds of corals,clams,zoanthids,turtle weed,coralines,anemones,the list is enormous in the first pool.
In the past there has been many hours spent in this reef and its three rock pools just watching and learning the Intricacies of most of the life found on the barrier reef.
We normally take when we swim from the boat to this reef,a sealed container with us with our lunch,cameras,towls,all the gear to have a fantastic day out in an olympic swimming pool sized barrier reef,in the first pool any way.
There has been only once that we have attempted a very dangerous entry to the pool,the swell that day was around three metres and one of us had a close call that day,but the draw of the pool put the clubby back into the water and actualy made it into the pool.
Sounds foolish,of course it is,but when you look at the pics and video which shows very little of this beautiful place,you will see the strong draw the pool can have over you.
The water around this reef is quite deep,110 feet at the deepest and that can be quite close to the edge of this reef at times and can be up to 40 metres of visiblilty.
A lot of myths can be allayed here as to how some corals function and the interactions of many kinds of creatures can be watched over time in complete safety(once in there) from the very deep current affected open ocean that smashes up against this spot and can make it a do or die entry to this chain of rock pools.
The trip out here is a solid 37 kilometres and you have to cross one of the worst bars in Queensland to get there, but it is so worth it,the closer you look at the reef dwellers there,the more you realise there is far more in there then just heaps of the beautiful popular aquarium life forms.

The scuba diving around this site is extremely good as well and varies from 50 to 100 feet of good diving,as for the snorkelling(mainly on the southern side)apart from the pools,this can be breath taking on the right day.
The area here is normally very current affected and dangerous,which gives it its concentration of life as enormous amounts of planktonic life moves past here.

Video of the way we get into the rock pool.

The life in the pool

A short video of the rock pool

There is a long video of the rock pool but it is to long to put on the net as yet,it may be a gig long!

Happy With Fresh, Wanting to do Salt

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 2:17pm CDT by deanturner@mweb.co.za

Hi All
i am currently in the Fresh Water fish catagory and looking to go salt some time.
i had done quite a bit of reading , and picked up a few things here and there.
i have been doing the fresh water fish thing for about 4 years.

my current tank is 200 x 60 x 60 cm with a overflow sump which is about 100 x 30 x 30 cm.
from what i have gathered a protien skimmer , is a given and something that is probably the most important.

after that it seems to be live rock and a few other things.
i am folllowing advice from around the forum and doing lots of hoemwork , before i decide to go all in.
does anyone have any recomendatiosn in terms of what is needed and specific requiremens.
what protien skimmers are the best to invest in . obviously i want to invest early and avoid the upgrade later option.
also maintainace wise,, what are the costs involved.
as mentioned in another post , the only advise i have is the LFS and the one around cape town will sell ice to an eskimo .
any sugesstions and pointers will be gretly appreciated .
thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

2 shipments DISCOUNT today

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 12:37pm CDT by Moolis

Hi all

We landed another 2 shipments today.
1 from Philippines
1 from Sri Lanka

This time I included the discounted prices just to show what we charge @ Pet Stop;). THESE PRICES IS OUT OF THE BAG TODAY 2009-06-19.:slayer:

Clown - Percula - R106.25
Goby - Red spotted - magnificus - R106.25
Manderin - Green - R182.75
Tang - Blue - R399.50
Clown - Sebae - R106.25
Clown - Tomato - R106.25
Goby - Yellow spotted goby - R106.25
Anemone - Bubble - R212.50
Goldie - Yellow - R131.75
Goldie - Purple suquare - R195.50
Angel - Blue lip / flag fin / 3 spot - R221-00
Angel - Coral beauty - R212.50
Tang - Sailfin - R221-00
Tang - Yellow fin - tominie - R301.75
Invert - Turbo snail - R46.75
Goby - Antenna - R80.75
Goby - Scooter - R80.75
Goldie - Purple - R106.25
Invert - Red shrimp - R212.50
Invert - Harlequin - R199.75
Damsel - Green - R55.25

Butterfly - Heniochus acuminatus/medium - White banner - R195.50
Butterfly - Zanclus cornutus - Moorish idol - R165.75
Fish - Ostracion mealegris - White spot box fish - R144.50
Butterfly - Forcipiger longirostris / medium - Long nosed butterfly - R297.50
Clown - Amphiprion nigripes - Clown fish - R136-00
Clown - Amphiprion sebae - Clown fish - R106.25
Goby - Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis - Fighter goby - R119-00
Goby - Ptereleotris zebra - Zebra goby - R127.50
Fish - Pterois miles - Devil Scorpion Fish - R191.25
Tang - Acanthurus leucosternon (M) - Powder Blue Tang - R318.75
Tang - Acanthurus pyroferus - Eibli mimic - R212.50
Tang - Acanthurus tennenti (M/L) - Tenneti surgeon - R229.50
Wrasse - Labroides dimidiatus - Cleaner wrasse - R97.75
Fish - Odonus niger - Red-tooth trigger fish - R204-00
Fish - Sufflamen bursa - Bursa trigger - R165.75
Invert - Lysmata debelius (INV) - Red fire shrimp (INV) R212.50
Invert - Heteractis magnifica (INV) - Long tantacle anemone (INV) - R297.50
Goby - Amblyeleotris latifasciata - Harbour goby - R106.25
Tang - Zebrasoma Xanthurum - Purple Tang - R1190-00:razz:
Tang - Acanthurus Sohol - Sohol tang - R1190-00:wave2:
Angel - Pomacanthus Marculosus - Mac Angel - R1020-00:P
Butterfly - Chaetodon Semilarvatus - Semis Butterfly - R1020-00:yeahdude:
Butterfly - Chaetodon Larvatus - Larvatus Butterfly - R807-50:whistling:

These prices will increase tomorrow:(
So there you have it:thumbup:

Coralline algae

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 11:19am CDT by Kavir

Greetings fellow reefers

Coralline has finally started growin in my tank but it only growing nicely from the bottom half of my tank, there's also some purple, pink and grey/cream Coralline which looks like mold. Then in some random spots there's green (olive green) Coralline
My questions r;
1. Y is the pink and purple CL only growin on the bottom half of my aquarium?

2. Do u get green and grey/cream CL?

3. If the answer for question 2 is No, what could it be?

4. Is there any natural benefit of CL besides adding color?

Thank is 1m deep with 5x t5s and 2 t8s. Moving about 40x water volume of the DT.

Lighting configuration

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 2:55am CDT by ImAClown

Hi guys

I've recently put in a lot of effort time recreating my hood in order to make it more practical and friend - aluminium frame, light switch etc.

I numbered the lights in the attached picture. There is 6 80watts and 2 34watts.
Up until now I ran 3 20000k's and 3 10000K's. They are around 12 months old. I replaced 2 of them with a 12000K and an actinic- Both reeftek.

The actinic is much more blue, actually purple and not as bright as the 20000K.
The 20000K gives a more vibrant colour to the corals. Is it not suppose to be the other way around ? Or am I just seeing things ?:D I think I expected more from the actinic - it's not pure actinic btw.

What do you guys recon is the best configuration. I really like the colours Tony and Preshan is achieving. It's much more blueish than what I have now.

Cheers :1:

Schauns first tank.

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 11:45pm CDT by schaun

julle n paar fotos belowe.
Wel hier is my eerste probeerslag.
So this was my house.
I had the tank for 7 months and has broken it up a few days ago.
Going to build a new tank at my new house.
but this time I'm not going to do it all by myself.
Will start a thread and keep you up to date with my progress.

Which would you prefer

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 10:39pm CDT by iced666

howzit people,which would you prefer, a brand new reefinmates T5 unit which has 6xT5 80w bulbs or a secondhand Aquamedic Aquasunlight unit (2x250w MH & 2 54w T5) that is in good condition with fairly new globes.

[FS] Metal Halide for sale!!!

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 10:04pm CDT by X Faktor

Hey guys

I have a MH for sale. Its 150watt and 12000k. Comes with reflector. Shipping at buyers expense.

This is the colour it gives. (Mods-is this ok for a pic?)

Cool
X

Some LR please...

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 9:47pm CDT by X Faktor

Hey guys

I need some LR to finish off my scaping finally. I need a piece, or pieces thats aprox 40cm's in length. If anybody has some it would be lovely.

Or even a few nice peices-I just need some pieces to fill up the tank.

Awesome:thumbup:
X

Serious Problem - Fish Dying

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 9:26pm CDT by NFactor

Hi Guys,

I unfortunatly had 2 deaths today, 1 perc clown and 1 chromis :(. I got the clown on the weekend and the chromis I have had for about 2 months now with no problems until today.

I'm worried that I have some underlying problem in my tank that I am not testing for that is causing fish to die as since I started my tank I have not been too fortunate with fish.

My paramaters are (and this is all I have test kits for)

Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 2
Alk - 3.5
Phos - 0.5
Calcium - 360
PH - 8.2
Salinity - 1.024

All tests done with SeaChem test kits except calcium which is Sera.

As far as I know all of the above are fine with the exception of my calcium which from what I understand would be a problem if I had any LPS or SPS which I dont. None the less 3 days ago I started dosing slaked lime into the system to up calcium levels (half a teaspoon a day).

Is there anything else that I am not testing for that could be causing my fish to die? All my inverts are just fine as well as my remaining 2 chromis.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Neil

Cycle new tank with old water?

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 8:27pm CDT by RiaanP

What do you guys think.
Cycling a new tank with water that I removed out of my other tank when I do my weekly water changes. Extra bit syphoned out of the substrate to make sure that some live do go with it. Also getting some old water from a friend, so that I can fill it up quicker. At the moment I only have new clean play sand (2-3 cm) at the bottom but this weekend i will add two bigger pieces and 2 smaller pieces of live rock from my sump.

I did test the tank after a week, only 1/3 full, and the NO3 parameters was 100% and PO4 slighty blue, anyway almost nothing.

This should speed up the cycle process, and also be cheaper on the salt.

afsal's reef

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 7:00pm CDT by brettb2020

was over afsal's place the other night to take some pics of his tank. its looking awsome. he will post details soon.

HELP!! Clowns laid eggs

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 6:37pm CDT by Jaak

Ahoy everyone. I came home to a nice surprise. My common clowns have laid some eggs against a piece of LR. I need some urgent advice as to what to do next. I have never reared clowns and wouldn't mind trying to save as many as I can. ANY and ALL advice will be appreciated!:thumbup:

Hey ya all....

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 5:49pm CDT by Jinx

Hey ya all I'm a new member of Marine Aquariums S.A....n so...
Well I would like to start of by asking a question or two.

First of all here is my tanks setup.
Its a 4 foot tank with sump,live sand and bio balls in the sump.Well I added the sand in about a week ago.I also have a canister filter hooked up, some live rock in my tank.There is a Atman skimmer in my sump too.

The problem that I have is with my NO3 level....I just can't get it down!I am performing a 20% water change every month with R.O water too.

Should I buy a de-nitrater?

Chewed up anemone

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 5:42pm CDT by smartegoutte

I added an anemone in my tank 3 weeks ago to gether with three clowns. The anemone has been on the move constantly. Unfortunately last night he managed to get caught up in my wave maker. hesuffered 30% damage . unfortunately i was not home when this happened but my wife tells me there was debri in the tank which the fish ate. He seems ok in that he is still alive although damaged. i'm concerned that the debris could poison the tank. Any advice would be appreciated

Cycling For Almost 3 Weeks

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 5:38pm CDT by Marjolein

Hi
My Tank Is Cycling For Almost 3 Weeks( On Sunday). One Of My Friends Wanted To Flush One Of His Fishes Down The Toilet Because He Wanted To Buy A New Fish And There Wasnt Space In His Small Tank For 1 More Fish. So I Said I Will Take The Fish, Maybe He Will Servive. He Is In My Thank For 2 Week Now And He Is Still Doing Ok. This Fish Is So Strong. Can I Add Shrimps Now Or Must I Wait? Ill Try To Get Pics Tonight And Post Them Tommorow.

Pump placement

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 5:36pm CDT by KevinR

Hi All

I have a 4foot system and I have a tunze 12 000 lph on the one side and a sun sun 6 000lph on the other. I have some spunges and a coco worm and some fish. My question is where is the best place to put the flow pumps? Must they be at the bottom of the tank pointing up along the reef? Or is it ok just to put them at the top of the tank pointing towards eachother? I have sand in my tank and there are always spots that the sand gets blown over the rocks. So where is it most common to point and position the pumps??

Thanks

Batman u say!

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 5:32pm CDT by dallasg

June 2009 Meeting

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 5:27pm CDT by Andreas

Ok guys. The next meeting will be held on the 25/06/09 (Thursday) at the UKZN Dive Club 18:30 for 19:00. It will be a general Q&A session again and all drinks will be on Stuart:P

If any of the sponsors would like to show off any new gadgets please feel free:)

See you guys there;)

just for fun

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 5:17pm CDT by Boendoe

Hi all

Have stumbled on this site, somethings to dream about.

www.advanced-aquariums.com

How Many Hermits for a 120lt tank

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 5:11pm CDT by clown

Hi -

I have a 120lt tank with live rock and 2 fiji Chromis.
I would like to add dwarf hermit crab's in the tank at end of the month.

I would like to get the dwarf Red and Blue legged Hermit crabs.

How many of each do I add to my tank ?? - (Please keep in mind I want to add over time ,clearner shrimps,turbo snail, and blue cheeck gobie).

Please advise.

Thank you
Clown

cool yellow tangs pic

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 4:12pm CDT by irshaad

Came across this cool pic on the montereybay aquarium website
It's a winner in their pics competition and downloadable as a wallpaper
Free Wallpaper | Monterey Bay Aquarium
Now to get me a few more yellows and a turtle...

Glass for Tank + Work

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 1:34pm CDT by Sentari

Hi All

My tank cracked down the back last night after bumping the outlet pipe.

Can someone please give me a quote on replacement and drilling the holes.

1200 x 450 with 2 holes.

hair algae

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 12:11pm CDT by VICKY001

hi guys,what are the best ways to get rid of hair algae ?

Sun Coral not healthy

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 11:10am CDT by Jubs

My Sun Coral starts to shown similar symptoms than the Sun Coral of Warr7207 in March.

Sun Coral Question - General Coral Care

I have the sun coral in a Boyo tank. I feed it once a week shredded mussel (mix pack from P&P), hake and Cyclopeez? by using the half bottle technique. Although it opens every night I am concern that I am missing something. How can I help it to recover it's former glory, or is it too late?

:please:

All the polyps is still allive but it shown decay around the rim area (I appologies for the picture quality):

Sea Sand Preperation for Substrate

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 10:42am CDT by Sentari

Hi All

I just have a few questions regarding my substrate.

I have recieved a bunch of decent sand from the ocean. It was collected below the water line at low tide.

I would just like to know what would be the easiest way to clean and bleach the sand? Also do i need to sift the sand and remove the smaller particles and then remove the larger particles? the sand is really fine.

Also is this the correct way of doing things. Or should i rather just go buy some quality aragonite.

Cheato not doing so well anymore

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 7:37am CDT by Raven

Howzit guys/ladies!
It's being a long time!

I have a little problem with my cheato.

A while ago I've started of new frag tanks in a little green house.
The system consists of two sump areas, with deep sand beds.
In both sumps I've added a small "ball" of cheato (size of my fist).

It grew rapidly, almost filling both my sumps.
But for some reason it started to shrink again. It's now only a quarter of the size it used to be (if it's even that big!)

I'm using sun light - no other lights on the system!

The possible reasons that I think why it is shrinking:
1. It was added while the tanks were cycling, thus allot of nutrients were available for it to consume. Now that the tank is cycled, the amount of food is way less!
2. Someone mentioned that it might need some additional supplements (like iron) to grow - which we can dose using commercial products.
3. The sun is shining directly on it (during certain times of the day), which might be a little bit to hot for the algae, causing it to die...

Another thing:
I've added some LR to the system a while ago as well. In a previous system I had abundance of little critters like stars,pod,worms thriving in my cheato, but for some reason I don't see ANY critters in the cheato....Can this maybe because of the heat on the cheato?

My water temp is +- 27-28 deg. For now I'm not concerned about the heat in the water column (coming summer will be a problem...)

6m Reef Tank Video

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 12:32am CDT by CheshireCat

Hi everyone, found this video while trawling Youtube. One word: Beautiful.

YouTube - 6 meter aquarium vlaardingen (OHC)

cleaner shrimp

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 7:55pm CDT by werner5

hey my cleaner shrimp has eggs i am thinking of trying to raise some of them for is it even possible and if it is possible what do i need and what should i do any info please and thanx in advance

Modified Sinewave

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 5:34pm CDT by mickey69

I was always under the impression that u cant use these for sensitive devices buttt....

Modified sine power inverter Modified sine wave power invertersor as we would refer to it, as general purpose inverters, are very cost effective. The Modified means the AC output waveform is not sinusoidal like your local energy supplier would supply to you, but the important part of the waveform is what is required for most electrical equipment. There is no certain indication or clear cut application where it is not suitablebut our field experience tells us, that in 90% of all applications, the modified sine wave power inverter is good for your application.
This includes, but not limited to, things such as:

Cellular phone chargers
Laptops
Computers
Some fluorescent lights
Most DIY tools, like drills and jigsaws
Small fridges
Hairdryers and electric shavers.

A lot of people refer to a Quasi wave or Square wave power inverter. These power inverters fall within the same categoryQuasi is just a different name, but square wave... is usually the really cheap and nasty systems, which we prefer not to sell. A typical square wave inverter will have the output voltage varying as much as the battery voltage varies. This is not good for appliances. The better quality modified sine wave power inverters, will regulate the output AC voltage, even with a variable input battery voltage.

One cycle of a sine wave, square wave, and modified square wave
output
It is important to realize and to understand that, an inverter...modified or true sine, is only as good as your battery banks ability to supply the energy required.
Modified sine wave power inverters do tend the warm up motors (eg. fridges and fans) a bit more, but there are also better quality modified sine power inverters, which neutralize the third harmonic thereby eliminating these tendencies.
There are complaints that modified sine wave power inverters cause some line interference on TVs .this is more caused due to the high frequency content of the internals of the modified sine wave power inverter and not the wave form that goes out to your TV for power.In other words it is more a poorly shielded power inverter that causes the problem, then it is a waveform itself a lot of these problems can be reduced simply by moving the inverter further away from the TV.

Poorly shielded power inverters cause line interference on TVs

Laptops and cellular phone chargers operate perfectly using a modified sine wave power inverterMicrowaveswell a true sine wave power inverter is betterrefer to the report on various load tests which we done , for the comparative performances.
What ever your application, please do not hesitate to contact us, to assist you with your application and make the correct choice of power inverter

Nowu can get a 300w for about 450 bucks I think , should be ample for most people.....

But after reading some of the threads on here I have been thinking and I know the brains are going to burn me on this but:

Lets say you are running a 150 liter tank.... now a 100w heater should be sufficient for that size ( 2w's per gallon) + your pump say uses another 50w

Now if the power cuts , that heater will only come on imtermittently when the thermostat requires and this of course will be influenced by the temp outside of the tank , but assuming an outside temp of lets say not less then 15 deg c and a tank temp of say 26... what formula can u use to determine your safe running time/approximate running time with a 105ah battery?

Bring on the mathematicians here!

Featured System for June 2009 - Tony

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 5:31pm CDT by dallasg

Our Featured System for June 2009 belongs to Tony...
Congratulations on a Super system.

Click on the photo to see the full feature.

Is this blue xenia?

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 5:23pm CDT by Mudshark

A friend brought this back from the Transkei. Is this the blue xenia that doesn't survive in our tanks? Excuse the poor picture quality, but there isn't much light in my sump.

Newbie

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 3:31pm CDT by Zuna

Hey Ladies and Gents

Im a newbie to marine Aquriums and need some advise on the equipment ect that i world need.

I have a 6ft +- 600l tank with a built in filter that ive been using as a fresh water predator tank and i would like to convert it to a marine tank.

equipment that i have is as follows:
6ft tank
2x dolphine canister filters
2x 200w heaters
2x crushed coral sand

please feel free to add any comments or advise thanks

Starfish id

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 2:20pm CDT by Stressed Eric

Hi all,

A friend of mine thought he was doing me a moer of a favour over the weekend and caught a couple of starfish on the Kzn south coast and proudly presented them to me in one of his kids sand-buckets this morning, sigh ..... Please help identify these guys so I can do some panic reading up on them and how to take care of them - and whether they are reef/fish safe....

Thanks,

Mark

Wanted: Eiblis angel or Rusty angel

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 1:30pm CDT by Mudshark

I'm looking for an Eibli Angel or a Rusty Angel.

Help to Seed DSB

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 11:45am CDT by Pads

Hi Guys, Could I trouble someone in Jo'burg for a cup of sand to seed my DSB.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thx

Urgent Advice - sick/dying fish

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 11:29am CDT by dv8

hi guy's my clown fish suddenly got ill yesterday, i emediately removed her from the main tank and put her into another separate one. a fuge if you like. i had a problem with a white spot and treated it with metronidazole a.k.a. "flagyl". some never made it:( as i think i cought it too late. this with the clown looks completely different. all the other fish look 100% now and i still need to complete the last day of meds tomorrow. here are some pics. it looks realy awfull i know. so pleeeeeeeez help

How to make a "shimmer" effect?

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 10:47am CDT by Jaco Schoeman

Hi guys. Still me and my lighting issues...:P Sorry, but I want to do it right...

So, we all know the STUNNING shimmer effect that MH lighting gives to a reef, and I know that LED's will have the same effect when you use those "moonlight" LED units. So if I have all my T5's on (daytime in my tank) how do I get the shimmer effect, as T5's can not produce this?

I thought of that when the "white" T5's are on, I can have two of those blue LED strips on, and at night, when just the actinics are on, I can have a white daytime LED on, to have the same effect. And when all the lights are off, one of the moonlight LED's can be on to make "moon" look.

Will this work?

Next years project

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 9:37am CDT by Lowflyer

Hey guys, so here is the deal.

I'll be finished studying and working full time next year, and a bunch of my buddies who are doing the same and myself are keen to rent a house out for all of us to stay in. And I'm sure you all know what this means for a reefer who doesn't have a mother restricting him with space issues:), a BIGGER TANK:thumbup:.

I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself, all I have to do is convince the okes to let me keep the tank in the lounge and I will take care of it. I'm gonna start planning now and if all goes according to plan with the house, I will look at starting the build in december or january.

So I was wondering, I don't want to go too big, like not bigger than a 5 foot, and I want to run it purely on T5's. What do you guys reckon, any ideas? Go WILD:yeahdude:

THE HUNT (warning)

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 9:30am CDT by ben lloyd

Hi I'm back from safari
Hunting in Zululand is for me one of the best experiences that i had in a long time.it's like hunting in the old days were you never know what you will find around the next bush ,and knowing that the big five is shearing the same field with you just makes it show match more existing.With lions that looks at you like you look at a MacDonald's burger will keep you on high alert at all times,and do they look hungry!!
NB:lots of blood in some pic.:(

SeaChem SeaGel

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 8:53am CDT by martinhal

Hi , has anyone used the product below ?

SeaGel is a blend of MatrixCarbon and PhosGuard. MatrixCarbon is an ultracapacity carbon for the removal of organic and color impurities. PhosGuard is a powerful remover of phosphate, silicate, toxic metals, and acids. Both components are bead shaped for optimum water flow characteristics and penetration. The components enhance each other and are ideal for reef and marine use. May also be used in freshwater that is not phosphate buffered.

Need the following ASAP!

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 11:08pm CDT by Furbz

hi guys,
i have recently aquired a boyu tl 550

however, this tank is going to be staying with my brother.
so i am going to need the following.

please note, i have a beautiful LTA anemone and a large elephant ear coral to swop out for items. otherwise if these arent wanted i can pay hard cash or a eft.

i am in need of the following:

> a decent skimmer that will fit in the boyu compartment. (wiepro SA 2003)
> 3x 25l barrels
> an auto top up system, or switch.
> a silent pump with a head height of 2m
> RO machine (pref with 4 stages ie. resin)
> hydrometer

let me know if you have any of these things! cheers!
:thumbup:

Feeding slow eaters

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 11:01pm CDT by NFactor

Hi All,

I have had 3 chromis in my tank now for quite a while (my first fish) and they go crazy for any food added to the tank.

I recently got some perc clowns but finding it hard to feed them as any food in the water gets snatched by the chromis and worried they not getting enough (see them get 1 or 2 pieces)

I've tried putting some egg crate in the tank to divide them from the clowns with limited success but also worried about stressing everyone out.

Does anyone have some advise on feeding speedy eaters as well as slow ones at the same time?

Also up until now I have just been feeding frozen foods (mysis, brine, roe) - is this a problem and should I be looking at flaked foods as well? I have some omega pellets but havent tried them again cause they are very hard I find, or should I just soak them first?

Thanks in advance
Neil

Rawna

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 9:59pm CDT by mwdalman

Hi fellow reefers
I want to introduce myself. I have been dormant on the reef scene for many years. About 15 years ago I had a stunning 750lt reef tank untilising Tunze equipment, had it running for many years, then sold it, moved to New Zealand. I have been back for 6 years an am keen on setting up a small system as a point of re-entry. Any suggestions?:wave2:

Hey guys and girls

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 9:41pm CDT by DanH

Hi,

I have been into malawis, had all kinds, but now I want to turn my tank into a marine one. Will just be keeping my F1 frontosa kingomas (7 stripe) in my small tank and my main tank will be marine. I also recently built a new koi pond and have around 50 koi inhabiting it, now its on to the next project, a marine tank.

The planned marine tank is 1700x600x600mm with a sump of 1200x450x450mm.

I have the following equipment with the tank:

6000Lph uplift pump
3x 300w heaters in the sump
crushed shells substrate
loads of black sponge in the sump
loads of shells and coral chip in the sump
ceramic noodles in the sump
auto topup with a h2o water purifier feeding it
light box with 3 T8s (2 white and 1 blue)

Im thinking of making it a FOWLR tank.

The tank as it is now:

and a pic of my koi pond

Hope to learn most of what I need to know to setup and run a marine tank here.

Dan

Good LFS in PTA

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 9:04pm CDT by Renannchen

Hey guys, im looking 4 a couple good pet shops in PTA just here 4 a day or 2! Plz can any1 just post.. Just want to go to a couple

Having fun

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 8:39pm CDT by ml

HI
Just wanted to tell all of you I have fragged my GSP, muchrooms, and some soft corals. WOW that is a lot of fun fragging corals wish I had more to frag.

PS I only started 2 1/2 weeks ago, With only a knife

The only exipment you need is a chopping block, sharp and steral knife, super glue and so big pices of coral, almost forgot the thing you want to frag and you are in the game my friend.

Mornè Lubbe
ML

CUC during cycling period

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 7:35pm CDT by Stressed Eric

Hey all, a quick question, my tank's in the process of cycling and i'm getting quite a bad GHA outbreak, I've stopped all lighting and am skimming very wet. The only test kit I have right now puts my nitrate's at a shade under12.5/l, my ammonia test kit seems to be out of it and gives me a big fat 0 reading despite the decomposing prawn floating around the tank! My question is about the introduction of a clean up crew during cycling just to control gha, how hardy are hermits and turbo's, and even a blenny? Will they handle the bad water conditions? What are your thoughts . . . . Thanks, Mark

D+D Salt

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 6:57pm CDT by martinhal

Has anyone been using D+D salt. How does it compare to Tera and TM ?

Dazs 3 x 39W T5 light pendant

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 5:46pm CDT by RUAN

Hey guys

I am going to buy this t5 pendant i just want to know what type of t5 bulbs are the best to use and what colour bulbs

I want to have a couple of sps in my tank
Dazs 3 x 39W T5 light pendant

[FS] Livestock for Sale!

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 2:37pm CDT by corylyle1

Hey I have the following livestock for sale:
I would like to sell it all at once

1x Ritteri/Magnifica Anemone
2x False Peculiar clownfish
1x Large Cleaner shrimp
1x Durian Galaxy Coral

You can have it all for R1000!!

Ritteri Anemone for sale: Cape Town

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 1:53pm CDT by corylyle1

All other livestockCommon Name:

Ritteri Anemone

Scientific Name:

Hecteractis Magnifica

Size

about the size of a side plate

How long have you had it?

8 months

Shipping or Collection only:

collection olny

Your location.

Cape Town

Price:

R550

Photo's:

Notes: You can also take the two clownfish for and extra R120!!

Black surface.

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 12:20pm CDT by Fishy Steve

I have heard that the bottom area of the Dsb goes black when maturing but my top layer is going black. About one inch thick. Is this normal or should i be doing something about it?

any frags for sale in P.E area

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 12:00pm CDT by toppdogg

hi all i am looking for frags any frags thats for sale in P.E area

TM convertion to Kalk

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 10:54am CDT by martinhal

A question for the smart reef chemist. How much Kalk powder is the equivalent of one measure of Tropic Marin Bio Calcium? A TM measure is 5ml so I assume 5g and adds 28ppm Ca to 5US gal / 18l.

Bought this 2 days ago

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 10:30am CDT by PoPe_G

Morning Guys

I purchased this 2 days ago and got it into my nano (24 g Nano Cube). It has since deteriorated to such an extent that there is virtually nothing left!

Ph 8.3
Kh 15dKh
NO2 0mg/l
NO3 100mg/l
Temp 24c

Haven't checked PO4, Ca, Silicates etc yet!!!

What do you guys think the problem is???

Base Rock/ Live Rock

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 9:41am CDT by mickey69

I see that there are various forms of live rock from all over the world...

Now I was wondering, if you start off with higher quality base rock.. say 12kgs and 10kgs of base rock, does the quality of the live rock set the standard for what will seed in the base rock? or is quality determined by the actualy physical quality of where the base rock originates from?

What Ext HDD or MultiMedia unit?

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 12:10am CDT by lIghty

Hi All

Needing to get an external HDD for my laptop, was looking at the USB powered 2.5" drives but find the limiting at only 500GB, so started to look at the mains powered 3.5" units, found the 3.5" units to be more bang for buck at only 1TB-R1200 and the 1.5TB-R1700 Vs the 2.5" 500GB-R1300 (all Seagate), but this got me thinking, would it not be worth my while just buying one of these "Multimedia" units that can be used as a Ext HDD and Movie Player on the TV?

Bearing in mind I do already have a LG HDD Recorder.

Those how have or know about these units, Please give your thoughts!

Thanks

Feather Star cross anemone

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 12:06am CDT by Manic

Hey guys,

Tonight I found this thing sticking out a hole in my rock. Its completely black and looks like a small anemone except its tentacles look like that of a feather star. Anyone know what this could be?

water quility

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 11:29pm CDT by sharki

For interest sake.

http://www.reservoir.co.za/local_aut...i_may2009a.pdf

Project/sump&tank

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 11:04pm CDT by THE ANIMAL

Yes: after sum long planing I eventually started to change my holle system.
first I dit my sump, so one day I went on a busnes trip to P.E and we collected some seasand for my sump. Back home took out all the LR.

Then in with the sand for the DSB. Work throughout the night. All look kool.

Then a loud noise and yes one of the supports broke. All the sand went through to the return pump, and in to my display tank not nice.

So I hade to do it over agen. Now I went down to Sean at R-bay and got me some
miracle mud. Put in a 100mm mud and 100mm seasand.

from the side

and here are the before pics

I think it is a better step up.What do you think? :Tomorrow I will put up my tank!!!

ZeroEdge tanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 10:37pm CDT by SCOOBY

:lol:Have you seen tanks like this????

:slayer::);):P

Weird "Thingy"

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 10:09pm CDT by Lowflyer

Hey guys

I have found this weird invertebrate thingy in between my colony of star polyps. It lives in a whole that is made by the thing itself which is the colour of a butterfly cacoon (brown). The reason I am posting is because I've never seen anything like it. It sticks two little feelers out the hole, and at feeding time it sends out a kind of mucous which catches food and then it brings the mucous back and appears to be eating the food caught in the mucous. What could it be?

Thanks
Luke

Hair algea out of controle

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 10:03pm CDT by nico.m.ferreira@gmail.com

Good day.
I am looking for urgent help to cambat my hair algea outbreak.
I have about 4 large hermids that helps a bit but I need a more efective but safe solution.
I will post some pict as soon as I have a off day again.
Hope to hear some good advice soon.
Regards Nico

[FS] Couple of Fish for sale

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 9:45pm CDT by scubaninja

Once i break down the Tank i will be selling the following:
Jumping Bean - 200
Bicolour Angel - 300
Coral Beauty - 250
Maroon Clown - 120
Common Clown - 100
Cleaner Wrasse - 120

Permalink for 'Marine_Aquariums_of_South_Africa/2009/06/15/Ms.'

Ms.

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 9:40pm CDT by sharki

Hello fishy friends:wave2:

Coral Reef Threats

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 9:32pm CDT by sean_koekemoer

Something I stumbled upon tonight. Will post Link at bottom of page if you want to read more:

Coral Reef Threats

Sedimentation-Construction along coasts mining, farming and logging of Rainforests causes soil run off smothers coral reefs blocking sunlight that it needs to survive.

Soil runoff, Hawaii
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fishing with explosives -In depleted fisheries, people resort to desperate tactics to catch the fish that remainone of those is dynamite. The explosions send dead fish to the surface and destroy living reefs.

©Jeffrey N. Jeffords http://divegallery.com This Coca-Cola bottle, found near one of the Capone islands,Philipines still shows a slightly burned fuse and explosive inside

Dynamite not only kills the fish that live in the reef, but the reef as well
(Photo courtesy Thomas Heeger: Philippines)
Fishing with Poisons-Poison fishing commonly referred to as cyanide fishing, is another popular destructive fishing method. Sodium cyanide and bleach are the two most commonly used poisons. Other fish poisons, also called icthyotoxins or piscicides, occur in several related plant species. A variety of chemicals found in these plants will stun fish when it passes through the gills or in some cases ingested. The fish then floats to the surface for easy capture. These practices also poison "non-target" species, including corals, and can cause a variety of human health problems. The impact of these poisons on the reef ranges from coral bleaching to death.

Water Pollution-Petroleum products and chemicals are lethal to Coral Reefs.

Massive Oil Slicks Bahrain NASA Space Shuttle They are dumped directly into the ocean or carried by river systems from sources upstream.

Runoff from this pipe in the U.S. Virgin Islands spews directly into the ocean only a few hundred yards from reefs. Photo courtesy of the NOAA Coastal Programs Division
Some pollutants, such as sewage and runoff from farming, increase the level of nitrogen in seawater, causing an overgrowth of algae, which 'smothers' reefs by cutting off their sunlight.

Careless recreation and collection of coral-Careless boating, diving and fishing can cause damage to Coral Reefs. Careless boating, diving, snorkeling, and fishing happens around the world, with people touching reefs, stirring up sediment, collecting coral, and dropping anchors on reefs.

Overfishing- This affects the ecological balance of coral reef communities, warping the food chain and causing effects far beyond the directly over fished population.
Coral mining- Live coral is removed from reefs for use as bricks, road-fill, or cement for new buildings. Corals are also sold as souvenirs to tourists and to exporters

Climate Change/Global Warming-When ocean temperatures increase the coral polyps lose the symbiotic algae inside them, causing them to turn white and die.

This is referred to as "bleaching". In the past several years there has been an unprecedented number of "bleaching" events world wide.

The effects of bleaching can be seen already in sections of the Great Barrier Reef Anthropogenic Threats to Corals

Shrimps Spawning

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 9:14pm CDT by Manic

Hey everyone,

Got two cleaner shrimps about two and a half weeks ago. Anyway about three days after I got them they shed and were both pregnant. So tonight was two weeks since they shed (Was told this is how long they take to lay their larvae into the water column), so anyway about 5 mins before lights went out tonight it looked like a sand storm had happened in my tank. The first shrimp layed its larvae and then about 5 mins ago my second shrimp layed all its larvae. My fish and corals are loving life at the moment.

[FS] 2 metre tank with equipment for sale

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 8:33pm CDT by scubaninja

Pains me to do this but i need to sell the tank to downsize. Looking for everything to have a home soon but some stuff will obviously have to wait until i have a temporary place for my livestock to be housed as the tank is sitting where the new one needs to go.
2000x750x700 mm Display tank with stand - 4000
Standard 1.2m sump with blue backing - 500 , with the DT - 400
3ft skimmer tank - 150
2500lph Lifetech pump - 150
seio M2600 - 750
M1500x4 - 300 each, one has a magnet grip - 350
All seios have been modded, but their outer casing has not so the outer casing can be replaced and you wouldnt see the difference
2x 250W MH units, ballast, nice reflector and globe that should be replaced soon - 600 each
1x 250W MH unit, DIY reflector, ballast and globe that should be replaced eventually - 400
2x 80L boxes with assorted things in like filter wool etc - 50 each
BIIIG DIY Kalk Stirrer - 200
Plain 3ft tank (no mods or anything) - 150
Berlin XL Skimmer - 450
OTP 2000 - 300

Before it was set up

You can see the seios on the sides

Looking to buy a good Rifle Scope - any contacts?

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 8:25pm CDT by Reef Maniac

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently in the market to buy a good medium-range rifle scope. I'm looking at the Leupold VX3 range, or (if I can find old, more affordable, stock anywhere) a Swarovski, Schmidt und Bender, or other good make. Looking at something in the 4-12 x 40 / 4.5 - 14 x 40 / 6-20 x 50 range - would love one of the new Swarovski Z6i 2-12 x 50 scopes, but unless I can get one wholesale I won't be able to afford it :(

Does anyone have any contacts with a gun shop where I can perhaps get a good deal - or even better still, does anyone perhaps OWN a gun shop?

Thanks,
Hennie

new fish

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 7:44pm CDT by werner5

my shrimp and coral beauty

coral beauty

hermit crab ;)

sun sun pumps

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 7:27pm CDT by toppdogg

i am thinking of getting a couple of the sun sun 3000ltr/h pump has anyone had a prob with these pumps ?

[FS] Boyu TL 550 For Sale

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 6:41pm CDT by corylyle1

Hey, I have a Boyu TL 550 with stand for sale. I want to sell it before the June holidays so I can have the money to upgrade in the holidays. It is eight months and in good condition. Price includes protein skimmer, new heater, filter medium, built in lights and fans, circulation pump.
The livestock includes a large Heteractis Magnifica/Ritteri anemone, two clownfish, large cleaner shrimp, galaxy coral and a turbo snail.
Im only asking R5000 not neg for everything in the tank, including live rock, and I will clean it up before you collect. Please email me on corylyle1@hotmail.com for more information or reply to this ad.
Thanks!:)

Sean's New No Maitenance Coral reef

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 6:38pm CDT by sean_koekemoer

Lol, got you there!!!!!! :P :razz: :razz: :lol: :lol: :thumbup:

But while you here, this is no maintenance:

Giant Custom Coral Reef for Public Aquarium and Commercial Aquarium Contractor, Saltwater Marine Fish Tank Manufacturer, Saltwater Marine Coral Reef Tank Leasing
References - Coral Reef Aquarium Supplies, Saltwater Marine Fish, Freshwater Fish, Aquarium Supplies
Coral Reef Aquarium Supplies
Saltwater Marine Fish Info
Aquarium maintenance

tank version 2

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 6:02pm CDT by regis

Well, as I have now decided that my Boyu TL55 is a wee bit small, me and mu buddy Rob have started to build me a larger tank.

Size : 850L X 650H X 600W

construction photos below

.1)design

stand

glass

Bristle Worms

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 4:24pm CDT by Easy Tiger

Hi all - I have noticed a few very large bristle worms that come out of the rocks, especially when all pumps are off. They are big - about 15cm or so. Are these guys a threat to my corals and fish? i.e should I nuke 'em - or maybe move them to the sump? Good guys or bad guys?

P.S. I normally squash anything with more legs than I have...after I have finished screaming like a girl.

Are we hypocrites?

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 3:05pm CDT by Mudshark

So I, as I'm sure others do, think about the issue of power consumption around about the end of every month when we receive our electricity bill. This leads on to thoughts on reducing our carbon footprint and saving the reefs from over-harvesting fish and corals.

I am by no means a tree-hugger, but in this day and age, most of us are aware of the impact we're having on the planet. Can we justify our hobby, with its electricity hungry hardware and knowing that each newcomer to the hobby that we encourage, will exert further pressure on dwindling resources?

I'm not singling out anyone here, as I'm as guilty as the next, but would like to hear thoughts on the subject and ways the we see this hobby going forward. Or am I being over-dramatic?

metal halide 10k or 20k

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 2:04pm CDT by toppdogg

hey guys just need some advise i am starting an new tank soon i am currently running venture 150 metal halide de bulb on the new tank i want to go with 2 metal halides i can get 10k and 20k what should i go for ? New tank dimensions are going to be 1600mm (L) x 600mm (H) x 700mm (D) reef tank can any one give me some advise thanks

(Dead) Live rock

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 11:20am CDT by Phyrannus

I need help guys.. My live rock end-up deadrock:( in my FOWLR tank what to do to revive em'? there's nothing in it but a red algae...though i can now control the red algae with my newly set-up 50gals sump. Is there's i can do to bring back the living organism in my live rock?
Tnx guys...

keeping water

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 10:27am CDT by Richard

I currently get my water from the 2 oceans aquarium. Cape Town (sea water, not mixed water)
How long can I keep it (in a sealed plastic container)in order to do a water change at a later stage?
and if so what and how is the best way to store it.

Algae and softIes

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 12:45am CDT by marine101

Hi guys! Does anyone in cape town have softIes for sale? Frags i mean, starting another small tank. Also looking for chaeto as i seemed to give 2 much away the last time. Never grew back that well. Also looking for culerpa for another tank, if anyone also has it, more for aesthetics really? Thanks, parker:)
Posted via Mobile Device

Safari sets the pace

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:12pm CDT by viper357

Quote:

Apple claims Safari 4 is the fastest browser ever.

Quote:

The other area in which Safari sparkles is in web standards conformance. The most often-cited test for web standards conformance is the Acid3 test which puts browsers through their paces. Safari 4 manages a maximum 100/100 reading in the Acid3 test while Firefox 3.5 returns scores in the 90s. Microsoft's Internet Explorer 8 browser performs significantly worse than the other two in the Acid3 test, returning values in just the 20s.

Safari sets the pace

My new mini-frag

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 10:38pm CDT by SCOOBY

Hi all.This is my new mini-frags.They look to cool.

:slayer:

:razz:

Swimming pool filtration

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 8:33pm CDT by Rory

Was wondering what people on here reckon the best way to keep a pool is. Chemistry "variables" are similar to aquaria but with different goals in mind...

The main solutions seem to be chlorine and salt.

Chlorine pretty much everyone has swam in a chlorine pool before. Bit of a hassle to test and add chlorine etc but month mates seem to work pretty well. After reading the propoganda from the salt water proponents the chlorine system really doesn't sounds that good. Strong chlorine also doesn't sound very desirable for swimming in etc.

The salt systems require no chlorine to be added because it is generated by a chlorine generator ($$$). The chlorine generator sounds pretty much like some electrolysis to split the NaCl so it becomes coated. Also the amount of chlorine generated is low so it's required to be run pretty much 24/7 so you lose out on electricity costs and you need a pump running to circulate water through it. The benefits are lower stable levels of chlorine in the pool so the water isn't as irritatin to eyes/skin.

Another option seems to be running all water through UV sterilisers. I know these work terribly on tanks because they are usually very underpowered. I imagine if you ran some pretty powerful ones on a pool it would work for the water but you will probably still get algae on surfaces because it will never pass through.

What will probably work a bit better than this would be ozone. You need quite a big ozone generator ($$$) but I don't see why it wouldn't work. It's more of a "natural" way to kill the algae etc.

Another option I found online is called "eco smarte" and works on basically putting copper into the water (also electolysis by the sounds of it). I think we all know copper is pretty good at killing stuff... I think this *should* be cheaper than O3 or CL2 generators and having to replace UV lights all the time but it's probably not marketed like that.

What do you guys think?

COOL

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 8:27pm CDT by wito-zn

I just watched something cool on tv and found a similar video on google
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...43645670232034 watch it. I was amazed. even the breeding is amazing.

Here is a clearer picture of the leafy sea dragon. Leafy Sea Dragon main page, Phycodurus eques
There is two different types of sea dragons a leafy dragon showen here and a weedy sea dragon shown here Weedy Sea Dragon, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus.
just something cool.

East london LFS

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 7:38pm CDT by Fishy Steve

Are there any good LFS's in east london i can go and check out?

Advice on a new sump for 2 cupboards

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 7:19pm CDT by mnd123

After a lot of frustration with my current 2 sump design, I have redesign and rebuilt my new sump

Issue I had: 2 cupboards with a solid wood devider, this made me decide on the current design:

As you can see, the inlet enters sump 1 on the right, where I have activated carbon, the TS1 and a phos reactor. This sump is in the dark to avoid algae growth and the like. It then flows via a pump to sump 2 on the left which has a playsand DSB with Chaeto as well as an Arogonite DSB with some LR as a refuge. Then it pumps back to the tank via the last chamber which also has an auto top up in it.

The problem is simple, the Auto top up. To keep those chambers aligned is impossible.

I have finally built the sump and need a little more advice - I bought the glass at Builders Warehouse Rivonia, all cut and edges polished for R230/sq meter for standard clear 6mm.

Holes drilled by Edwin at Idol Marine, and much advice on where to put holes and how many delivered by Adriaan, Rob and Louis, thanks crew.

Finished product - RHS cupboard

Few queries and advice needed

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 6:35pm CDT by mickey69

HI everyone

I posted in the new members section a few weeks back. So firstly thanks so much for all the welcomes and feedback.

Hi All - New Members

Please refer to the link above for visual reference to my queries.

I have taken more time to accurately measure my tank and the stand as last time was approximations. I think some people forgot about the thread as some of my questions were never answered but I think it could have been more due to insufficient data from my side...

This is the first time I have had some time to post again and put sometime into my 'project'. I anticipate this tankis going to take 6-9 months to setup. I want to do it slowly and properly, and I also do not have tons of money to just set it up from the word go.

This tank was originally for tropical fish , therefore its design and layout is lacking in certain aspects, so I am trying to work around everything and see how to go forward.. ( the tank is from my late father, so I want to stick with the design at least and keep the cabinet if possible. He always wanted a marine tank but never got the chance or had the time to have one, so I am carrying on where he left off, it will be a tribute to him if u can call it that :)

Below is the current tank. Now the glass is quite scratched. ( none of the scratches catch my nail) so its cosmetic. I have read you can use cerium oxide and polish out the glass but its time consuming and I am no DIY glass polishing expert. It doesnt sound like a good idea to me?

People have said I can modify this setup but I am now wondering... By the time I spend the money doing all these mods is it not just worth getting a brand new tank made up and avoiding the hassle?

I have never built a tank before. Is it that complicated , because I wouldnt mind making up a cutting list of glass and building myself a new one, based on this original design, to save on costs + then I can get holes drilled for the sump piping? (The glass is 6mm and the base is 12mm out of interest)

With regards to a sump , I can only fit one with the dimensions of 420 x 300x350 (lxbxh , in mm) which is a TOTAL volume of about 35 liters. Is it worthwhile to make up a sump of these dimensions or is the benefit almost pointless?? I think the sump will maybe add about 12% extra volume to the total system I.e 135 liters (with rock + equip) + 15 liters sump . I understand that you can hide a lot of the equipment in the sump aswell so if anything maybe I should have one almost purely for the cosmetic benefit?

I want to use about 10 kgs base rock and 20 kgs live rock. Does this sound sufficient for the above tank or overkill? Or is 20kgs live rock enough?

As you can see from the picture , the cabinet is divided into two sections. Now I want to remove that piece, how would I work out whether it will affect the structural integrity of the stand?? It will obviously weaken the stand but is it necessry?

Thanks for any help guys

P.S. I lived in cape town for 16 years and durban for 10 years so its nice to see people from those parts of south africa :thumbup:

Pete's Re-scaped Reef

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 6:30pm CDT by Pete

So I thought it was about time I showed a pic of my newly scaped reef. That would be after I thought the base had cracked and everything was removed from the system, all the silicone removed a extra base added and re-siliconed. Re-scaped and added the corals a week later again I kept my sump running so that I would not loose any of the good stuff..

Before

After

Coral Feeding Idea

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 4:33pm CDT by Manic

Whilst filling my auto-top up tank with fresh water today I came up with an idea. My soft coral frag tank which is completely open uses about 6 litres of RO water a day. So what if I put the coral food in the RO water. Then everytime my my auto-top up turns on it would pump food into the system which is about every hour. The tank where the RO water is stored is small (15L) so it gets used up every 3 days so don't think there will be a problem with the food decomposing in the RO water before it gets to the tank. The food I use is Tropic Marin Pro-Coral Phyton and is just basically a phytoplankton substitute. It all stays in the water column, Doesn't sink or float. Anyone think this will work?

Viva new member!

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 2:43pm CDT by Annoying

Hey everyone

Another new member here, beginner in saltwater but have been keepi freshwater for 7 years. Have a 200litre saltwater tank and a 700 litre discus and angel aquarium. Hope to learn much here and is certain I will!!!!

Thanx!!!!:wave2:

Fixing SunSun ceramic shaft

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 2:37pm CDT by Manic

Hey everyone,

So everytime I clean my SunSun pumps I always seem to break at least 1 ceramic shaft. It's not possible to buy the shaft by itself so I have to buy the propellar and shaft together which isn't that cheap. Anyways whilst fixing my remote controlled helicopter (Which I crashed), I was replacing the one graphite shaft that had snapped and it looked the like it was the exact same diameter as the shaft from the pump. Turns out it is exactly the same. So I cut the graphite shaft to size and put it in the pump for a quick test. The pump works perfectly. So now my question is will this shaft be ok in salt water. After all graphite is just carbon.

It works out cheaper as the graphite shafts are only about R10 for 30cm.

Here's the pics of my quick DIY:

The broken pump shaft:

The replacement graphite rods:

Everything put back together. Propellar turns perfectly.

Flow for my nano

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 12:59pm CDT by Johan van Aardt

I have a nano tank of about 48 liters, but i am going to extend this with a sump at the top so it will be about a hundred liters, what kind off flow woul d u guys suggests i have for this tank as it is realli small, i want to put in a anemoneand two clownfish so i cant realli have powerheads

SG & Temperature

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 7:23am CDT by Warr7207

Why Specific gravity of water rise when the temperature drops ?

problem snail ?

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 12:49am CDT by Richard

Hi there
Just started my first marine tank and after placing some live rock to perform the first cycle this little guy popped out of the live rock.
Is he going to be a problem or can I leave him in the tank.
See attached pic.

What is this in my zoas

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 12:37am CDT by Manic

Hey guys,

This is probably the worst pic of this thing ever but the best I could get a night. When my zoas closed tonight I saw this small red thing that looks like an anemone. Any one got any ideas. There's three of them all in different places. Seems like they move around.

Aandtsociety clown fish collecting trip in late april

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 12:02am CDT by pkc

Another great trip and an equally beautiful day.
There are more trips to come out soon and we are having a trip to in about 2 hours.
This time a few clowns were the order of the day.
Firstly the (perideraion) pink clowns, we call them skunk clowns, were not originally noticed as there colours blend in so well with in the large bubble anemones that they prefer to inhabit, so they were the last ones noticed,they were in around 35 feet.
The brown clowns were from a group of around 12 all up, as they dont seem to mind living in large communities, so just a few akindynos were taken,they were in around 18 feet deep.
Down a little deeper in 38 feet of water was a young couple of latezonatus clowns, luckily not to bright for latz,as they can be classed as a hard clown fish to catch in that they will run from there anemone to allude capture and you only have so long on a breath to catch them once you have lined them up.
Luckily they normally use the same ways to avoid you, which can make it easy for capture with some practise.
The large bubble anemones were 24 to 30 inches across and had a few pairs of porcelain crabs living at their bases, but they were not wanted so they were left, still nice to see them though.
One unusual bubble was,what seemed like a combo of the maroon clown bubble,orange/red,in colour,we see a few of these and the very pretty green bubble variety as well.
This one had orange bubbles and very bright green tips with red lines running up and down each bubble,you could see it as far away as the water was clear enough to see,that one will be remembered,hopefully it will be still there next time to see and find who has made it there new home for us to either look at or catch.

Trying to pin down most of the clubbies to get some pics of collected species is very hard,this is all i could get from them.
The latz went to Kits tank,shes quarantining them for a while before they go into the big tank.
They have such a lovely nature the latz,there is rarely a single problem with them in a comunity tank.

One of the akindynus and the little olivaceous from another trip went to another clubbies tank.

The pinks went to Shanes tank and on and on.

New Member

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 11:02pm CDT by Leon-Adolph

Hi my name is Leon-Adolph
I have a 120cmx46cmx51cm tank and would really like to start a marine setup,all help will be appreciated.
thanks

[FS] Pulsing Xenia for sale...

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 10:54pm CDT by X Faktor

Auto fish food feeders

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 10:49pm CDT by chikaboo

Hi all looking to buy 6 x auto fish feeders - preferably something that can take granules/pellets/flakes wanna try a new feeding scheme with the tanks - Who knows where to pick these up or can our sponsers supply me a good deal for buying 6 - Thanx

[FS] 54W t5 unit & 24W dual ballast

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 10:22pm CDT by gaz19

54w t5 light unit
2x 10000k t5s
with reflectors but the reflector fittings are missing.
R250 - not will to ship, must be picked up.

24W dual ballast
R50
willing to ship at buyers expense

Help or Advice

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 6:24pm CDT by THE ANIMAL

:please: CAN ANY ONE HELP.
I'f put in a close loop system in my display tank white an poolpump on. Everything is working well only it is pumping my tank full off airbubbles. Everything is sealed. Can anyone tell me why and how to fix it.

New program - Shoreline

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 5:54pm CDT by chikaboo

Hi everyone just checked this announcement on TV - there's a new program on SABC2 on Monday's at 19:30 called Shoreline - gonna explore our South african shores Aquatic Life and shorelines inhabitants - should be a good one!

new member Mainstay

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 5:32pm CDT by RUAN

Hi to all, i would just like to say hello and welcome to a new member Mainstay

:welcome6:

masahello

check out the freaks

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 5:26pm CDT by RUAN

hehehahaha:P

[FS] Computers

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 3:47pm CDT by nakoma

i am looking for very old pentuim 2 computers if any of you have i want to give them to some people who really dont have mutch so if you got a old thing sitting in a store room i am willing to buy it from you

The Hypnotist

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 2:11pm CDT by Mike

It was entertainment night at the old people's home.

Claude the hypnotist exclaimed: 'I'm here to put you into a trance; I intend to hypnotize each and every member of the audience.'

The excitement was almost electric as Claude withdrew a beautiful antique pocket watch from his coat 'I want you each to keep your eye on this antique watch. It's a very special watch. It's been in my family for six generations'.

He began to swing the watch gently back and forth while quietly chanting, 'Watch the watch, watch the watch, and watch the watch...'

The crowd became mesmerized as the watch swayed back and forth, light gleaming off its polished surface. Hundreds of pairs of eyes followed the swaying watch, until, suddenly, it slipped from the hypnotist's finger and fell to the floor, shattering into a hundred pieces.

"sh$t" said the Hypnotist.

It took three days to clean up the old people's home...

The food taster

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 2:09pm CDT by Mike

NOTE:

Please take time to read this excerpt slowly.

If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better.

For those of you who have lived in Natal, you know how typical this is!

They actually have a Curry Cook-off about June/July.

It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the Royal Show in PMB.

Judge #3 was an inexperienced food critic named Frank, who was visiting from America.

Frank: "Recently, I was honoured to be selected as a judge at a Curry Cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and so I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking for directions to the Beer Garden when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Natal Indians) that the curry wouldn't be all that spicy and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted".

Here are the scorecard notes from the event:

NATAL CURRY CONTEST>

CURRY # 1 - SEELAN'S MANIAC MONSTER TOMATO CURRY...

Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.

Judge # 2 -- Nice smooth tomato flavour. Very mild.

Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Holy ****, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These people are crazy.

CHILI # 2 - PHOENIX BBQ CHICKEN CURRY...

Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of chicken. Slight chili tang.

Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich manoeuvre! They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.

CURRY # 3 - SHAMILA'S FAMOUS "BURN DOWN THE GARAGE" CURRY...

Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse curry. Great kick.

Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of chili peppers.

Judge # 3 -- Call 911. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drain Cleaner. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting pissed from all the beer.

CHILI # 4 - BABOOS BLACK MAGIC BEAN CURRY...

Judge # 1 -- Black bean curry with almost no spice. Disappointing.

Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a curry.

Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Shareen, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 200kg woman is starting to look HOT...just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?

CHILI # 5 LALL'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER...

Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong curry. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.

Judge # 2 -- Average beef curry, could use more tomato. Must admit the chili peppers make a strong statement.

Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Shareen saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw them

CHILI # 6 - VERISHNEE'S VEGETARIAN VARIETY...

Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety curry. Good balance of spices and peppers.

Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.

Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I am definitely going to **** myself if I fart and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Shareen. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my ass with a snow cone ice cream.

CHILI # 7 - SELINA'S "MOTHER-IN-LAW'S-TONGUE" CURRY...

Judge # 1 -- A mediocre curry with too much reliance on canned peppers.

Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. (I should take note at this stage that I am worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably).

Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. Ive lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with curry which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least, during the autopsy, theyll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing - it's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.

CHILI # 8 - NAIDOOS TOENAIL CURLING CURRY...

Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending. This is a nice blend curry. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.

Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced curry. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the curry pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor man, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot curry?

Judge # 3 - No Report

Help Needed For Tunze Set Up

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 1:42pm CDT by Skyecloud

Hi to everyone,
Since I joined MASA some time ago, I got involved with a freshwater set up and delayed the marines. Well, got 3 freshwaters on the go now and still no marines!!! I am now in the planning stages of a reef set up and need some advice on how to put my present equipment to best use and how to proceed from here on. Oh, can only really go with a 150 - 200 litre cube tank as space is really tight.

This is what I have at present:

Turbelle 3000/2 pump operating:

3 x quick change filters
4 x bio-reactor pots + granovit

Skimmer operated by Turbelle 235/02 (20 litres per minute)
All the necessary fixings, bioconnections, tubing and housings.

This is perhaps way more than I need for the capacity of the aquarium!

I would really like to house what I need in a sump. What should I put in the sump and what pump is going to be needed to circulate back into the aquarium?
I have an osmolator and lighting still on the shopping list. Oh, it is going to take some time to earn the £'s required for all this so it is not going to happen in a hurry.

I really would appreciate any comments on the best way to do all this.

Ta
Skyecloud

Frustrated

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 12:14pm CDT by riyadhessa

Please Administrators etc...i do not no if any other people are experiencing this to, but when ever i want to post to my post, new posts or live posts i need to put in my user name and password...
It was never like this, only after Masa was down last week i have been experiencing this.
Please tell me if this is normal or not...
Or what i need to do

I also get a MESSAGE al the time when i post...the administrator saying that i need to log in, but i did that when when i 1st logged in.
Then i also get another message telling me that i got to register...which i did when i 1st joined this Forum...
So please let me no...
Thank you

Week-end Specials

Posted: June 13th, 2009, 11:58am CDT by Naiema

CaribSea Arag Alive& Aragonite R329, SeaChem Reef Adv Calcium 500g-R155 Prime 325mls-R99,Matrix Carbon 1L R225,SunSun 3000l/hr-R69, Fiji Live rock-R169/kg, Fluval FX5 Canister(incl Filter media)R2850. Please call us re any queries on 0217122534/0826368990.

Some genuine exam answers

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 10:43pm CDT by Mike

The following questions were set in last year's CXC/GCSE examinations

These are genuine responses from 16 year olds

Geography

Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard, and vinegar.

Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutant like grit, sand, dead sheep
and canoeists.

Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.

Q: What causes the tides in the oceans?
A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because
there is no water on the moon, and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.

Sociology

Q: What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on?
A: If you are buying a house, they will insist you are well endowed.

Q: In a democratic society, how important are elections?
A: Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election.

Q: What are steroids?
A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.

Biology

Q: What happens to your body as you age?
A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental.

Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A: He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery.

Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes.
A: Premature death.

Q: What is artificial insemination?
A: When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow.

Q: How can you delay milk turning sour?
A: Keep it in the cow. [He got an A]

Q: How are the main parts of the body categorised? (e.g. abdomen)
A: The body is consisted into three parts - the brainium, the borax, the abdominal cavity. The brainium
contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five
bowels, A, E, O,U, and I.

Q: What is the Fibula?
A: A small lie.

Q: What does 'varicose' mean?
A: Nearby.

Q: What is the most common form of birth control?
A: Most people prevent contraception by wearing a condominium.

Q: Give the meaning of the term 'Caesarean Section.'
A: The caesarean section is a district in Rome .

Q: What is a seizure?
A: A Roman emperor.

Q: What is a terminal illness?
A: When you are sick at the airport

Q: Give an example of a fungus. What is a characteristic feature?
A: Mushrooms. They always grow in damp places and they look like umbrellas.

English

Q: Use the word 'judicious' in a sentence to show you understand its meaning
A: Hands that judicious can be soft as your face.

Q: What does the word 'benign' mean?
A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.

Technology

Q: What is a turbine?
A: Something an Arab or Sheik wears on his head
.

My new Zoa's

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 9:01pm CDT by Manic

Hey guys,

Just been to animalia's house to pick up some Zoa's. Turns up I ended up getting every colour possible. Some really amazing colours. Will post pics later, just waiting for some of them to open up. The light are off now but I'll post some pics with a blue LED to show their colours. Looks awesome.

Halogen lights on algae scrubber

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 8:05pm CDT by Megalodon

Hey guys... I was wondering if anyone has used a halogen light on their algae scrubber and what the results were? (any halogen floodlights on scrubbers or on macroalgae and growth?)

Im using one temporarily (basically only for a month or two during midwinter) and will be using CFLs at a later date when finances allow (I'm a student)

Emperor

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 7:56pm CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

QUICK QUESTION.
WHENEVER I FEED MY FISH ,THE EMPEROR SEEMS TO GET BIG BLOTCHES ON HIS BODY.is this due to stress from having to fight for food or stress related? the emperor eventually gets his colour back and seems ok ,but this has been happening for a while now and nobody has given me a reason why this occurs. besides the discolouring he also gets big white spots on his forehead which appear and disapear for no reason .
please help

Alternative to Zeovit

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 7:40pm CDT by Tony

I went to VIP today and he showed me a new product by Brightwell Aquatics called NeoZeo.

It's a zeolite system with the rocks, bacteria, food, trace elements, potassium, supplements, colour enhancers. There is a phosphate remover that can be reused and what's best is that once you get the hang od the dosing regime it gives combinations of whic tings can be combined with which so you're not dosing a million drops of this and that. The stuff in infinately cheaper than Zeovit and readily available. I only bought the colour enhancer today and the biofood which is a carbon source food for the bacteria and it cost me R320-00 for both in 250ml bottles. I am waiting for the stones, bacteria and other supplements to arrive.

They recommend using it in a canister filter where one can also use their magnesium, phosphate, GAC and zeolites. They recommend an oversized canister so one can turn it down to 400lph and really open it up for a few minutes to flush the mulm out.

What do you guys think?

Clown got Black Spot

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 7:26pm CDT by Boendoe

Hi all

Got home today and my clown is covered in black spots, it look more like little black stains. Wat should I do about it.

I have read that back spot normally goes away after a couple of weeks but is there something I can do get rid of it sooner?

Super size me

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 5:50pm CDT by nico.m.ferreira@gmail.com

Good day guys and girls. I am exited to say I am starting to get prices for the tank I am goin to build. The dimentions will be 2m long by 1m and then 60cm deep. That gives me a nice 1200L tank and the sump will be in the region of about 600L. I will post pic as soon as I start the buils. Canot wait to start.

DIY to LED

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 5:46pm CDT by gaboon

Interesting thread..
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...0#post14502630

Phosban Reactor

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 1:11pm CDT by shane

Hi all,
I am looking for some views on the Phosban phosphate reactor from Two little fishies?Does anyone have one and what is it like to setup and operate?
Cheers
Shane

Q. on Plenum with DSB

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 12:29pm CDT by Pads

Hi Guys, Could anyone give some assistance with this problem. I've used an old 2 ft tank
as my sump for my 3ft tank. Now the DSB compartment is 300(l) x 300(b) x 180(h)
Can I have a plenum of 20mm at the bottom and then the DSB or should I use the full height available for the sand. Any help would be greatly received.

Cycling a new tank

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 10:29am CDT by Kavir

Hey guys/gals

I was trying to figure something out about cycling a tank and was wondering, if you currently have a tank (1000l with abt 50kg LR) and plan on starting a 2nd tank (200l with abt 10kg LR) could u use 200l and 10kg LR from ur 1st tank into the 2nd tank? Will u still need to cycle the tank or could you put fish and corals in?

Centropyge wanted.

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 9:30am CDT by Mudshark

I'm looking for a rusty angel or something similar. It must be pretty hardy. I have an abundance of yellow fish in my tank, and I don't like gaudy fish like the flame angel. Any suggestions. My quarantine tank is 2ft and I'm in East london.

ASIRA logo/banner

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 4:54am CDT by sihaya

So what do y'all think?
www.asira.org - ASIRA Logos and Banners

fishtank

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 12:07am CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

Kalkwasser mixed with saltwater???

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 8:25pm CDT by Tobes

Hi Oom Hennie

I have a question for the expert :)

I don't want to add kalkwasser through the RO top up as it's not constant and fluctuates too much between cold and hot days - especially here in KZN with the humidity.
I know you can mix kalkwasser powder with RO, let it settle for an hour or so, and drip the clear content into the tank under control on a daily basis.

My question:

If I put kalkwasser powder in a 2l coke bottle (shake it and let settle), use a small pump to pump from the sump, through the bottle back into the tank by dripping it about 1 drop a second. One can just add a little powder as it gets less.
Will this work as the kalkwasser is now dissolved in saltwater and not RO?

Here are some pics

Pump

Bottle - left is the "IN" with adjustable valve (goes to the bottom) and right is the "OUT" (starts under the cap)

Powder in bottle

good marine shops in London

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 8:00pm CDT by FransSny

Hi guys,

have some frinds coming over from the UK next mont, have 1 /2 things on my wishlist.

Any suggestions on good marine shops in the London area

Eish!!!! bit short of the water line????

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 6:36pm CDT by lIghty

For all those not living in Durban, here one for the books:whistling: The N3 Durban bound was close to traffic during peak hour this morning, you ask yourself why?

Cause this only happens in AFRICA!

They some how managed to let a multi-million rand yatch slip off the back of a low bed truck..:censored:...... DON'T even try to figure it out:dots::no:

Cool lighting unit

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 4:56pm CDT by FransSny

Dont know if anybody saw this yet, I thought it was quite cool

[www.oceanus-light.com]

just the price :P

Acro crab

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 3:53pm CDT by viper357

Hi Sara

I bought a couple of acropora corals recently, one of them had the normal white acro crab in but another had a bit of a browny hairy fella in him which I'm not too sure about, any idea if this crab is ok? This is the only pic I have right now but if need be I can try and get a better pic of him. He seems fairly innocent though, not bothering anyone....yet :p

claener shrimp with trigger??

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 2:53pm CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

i have been told that i will be able to ad a cleaner shrimp to my tank that has a very cheeky trigger from what ive researched i seem to think that it will only end up as a snack for the trigger .the other option is maybe a claeaner wrasse but i hear that they dont have a long survival rate . the reason why im asking is because my emperor seems to have a few parasites (not ich or black spot ) he doesnt rub against rocks all that much anymore but it just looks a bit unsightly. getting some cleaner would just make them a bit happier and monimize an ich outbreak but the problem is my trigger,,ive been told that it is possible to keep the two together but i have my doubts please advise me on other options thanx

Transporting a Pin Cousin

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 2:07pm CDT by martinhal

Can a pin cushion be transposed for an hour without water?

Idol Marine's nr PLEASE!

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 1:18pm CDT by X Faktor

Has anyone please have Idol Marine's number for me?

[FS] 100l fish tank for sale

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 12:26pm CDT by nic3322

i am looking to upgrade my tank
it has 15kg live rock
the tank is full
it has no skimmer
750 and 200 lph pumps
150watt mh

Square Skimmers

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 12:07pm CDT by Neil H

i have been reading some articles on the net on Square skimmers.....

Anyone got an opinion on this....

The very obvious argument is that the fractionation is helped by a round reaction chamber and that being square the reaction chamber would be less efficient ..... myth or fact??

Hexagone sump

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 9:42am CDT by heinrich

Hi all can any body help me with some ideas with a sump for my hex Tank it was my old fishonly tank an I used to use 2 canister filters . I want to build a sump for it as I think it would be more sufficient for it.

Tank is 600mmx600mmx700mm if you make it a square
L B H
my cabinet is also hex and 500mm high

DO i drill or do I cut the back pane ??

how would i go about building the compartments for the sump 2 or 3 compartments??

Any help would be appreciated .

Saving up

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 9:12am CDT by Lowflyer

Hey guys, I'm looking to save up for a SLR camera as I love photography, but just battle with my little sony DSC-S650 as it's not the best of camera's. I've been using my brother's fiances Nikon D40 and I love it, so edging toward something in the Nikon range around R8000 or so, what are the reccomendations here, I have very limited knowledge and battle to understand half the stuff I'm reading in reviews on cameras on websites, which I have tried doing.

P.S. I'm a total novice and got a lot to learn.

Cheers
Luke:)

big coachman

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 3:50am CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

fishtank

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 3:44am CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

fishtank

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 3:36am CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

fishtank

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 2:46am CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

having a hard time getting photos posted but learning quick . the tank is approx 450l and as far as i can see has a under gravel filter and 2 aqua ho2 external filters that i have just changed to biological only i recently bought a protein skimmer (dont know if its a good make?) the temperature is 24-25deg i only have a amonnia and nitrite test kit and a hydometer which is at a steady 00,24 i was told that because we have a skimmer ,water changes are not necesary(before the skimmer i was doing a 30% water change every 2 weeks) i have flouresant 30w tube 1 is a dayglow? 1 is a blue moon and the other is pink??? the combination is to get my rock to start growing coraline algae but i only have rapid hair algae growth. the bulbs replaced a metal halide which broke i keep the lights on from 9am to 10-11pm i dont know what type of rock this is but it used to be as alive as a brick but i have noticed alot of little white featherduster type growing on them and i do have a few small bristle worms well guys please give me advice on how to get this fow(L)r looking as good as possible with a very small budget thanks alot

Coral Pests and Disease

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 2:10am CDT by sihaya

Back up! I had this on ASIRA ages ago, but took it down because it was due to be published in an in-print magazine here in the states. Now that it's been printed, I'm free to have it back up...

I do hope it's helpful to people:
www.asira.org - Coral Pests and Disease

Cheers,
Sara

novice tank

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 1:53am CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

hi guys just trying to get used the site sending photos soon!!!

mr picasso

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 1:47am CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

mr picasso

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 1:45am CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

my favourite fish

Old/ New

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 12:40am CDT by noproblem

After being banned from any type of tank 15 years ago by my Wife, a large parcel arrived under the tree. A new Weber i thought , no! a nano tank. What a learning curve, no, i know nothing , yes i have had some bad advise, and yes i have been sold all the kit twice over. I now have a fab nano and am hooked on the hobby. Am now looking into coral propagation and fish breeding. 6 months down the line and a limited lifetime to go...

Scrubber Screen

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 11:40pm CDT by SantaMonica

New Screen Material

Well after months of figuring out what are the best attributes are for a scrubber screen, and also after getting reports from hundreds of people as to what screen material worked best for them, I think I've come up with a material that is perfect for the job. I'm offering this screen for free to anyone who wants to try it (just pay shipping). Here are some pics, and some advantages, to this material:

It's Clear Plastic: This allows light from one side of the screen to shine through to the other side. For a (new) two-sided screen, this means both sides of the screen get light from both bulbs; for one-sided screens, it means the dark side will still get some light from the bulb on the other side.

It's Thick: 1/4 inch (6mm). This allows much more room for algae to grip to, so washings/cleanings will not strip all the algae (no matter how hard you scrub). For total algae removal, you can just use a hair brush to push all the algae completely out. If you already have a pipe that is cut for canvas (usually a 1/8" or 3mm slot), you'll need to widen it to 5/16" (8mm).

It Flows Through: Since the screen is not solid, it allows algae from both sides to attach to each other in the middle, thus giving the algae even greater holding-power during cleanings and high flow.

It's Semi-Rigid: This gives a small screen enough strength to hold up a pipe by itself, and gives large screens the ability to prevent waviness, and from flopping out of position.

It's Bendable: You can put a large screen in a small sink for cleaning; it also is possible to bend the screen into a circular-screen configuration (i.e., inside a bucket.)

It Holds Roughness (after you rough it up). Attack it with 30 grit sandpaper, wire brushes, power sanders, etc, and the roughness will stay. Give yourself about one hour to rough up both sides.

It's Sturdy: It resists hard cleanings, even if you use fingernails, credit cards, or razors.

It's Reef Safe: Is made of standard hard-plastic material.

It can be used as-is for vertical screens, or it can be glued to a solid plastic sheet for horizontal screens (the sheet keeps water from flowing through the screen.)

So if anyone wants to try it, the screens I'm starting out with are a little smaller than a square foot; they are about 11.5" X 11.5" (29cm X 29cm). If you need two of these sheets to fit your scrubber, let me know. PM me.

tank re-design

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 11:13pm CDT by jimboPE

Hey guys decided to do my redo my aquascaping and also change the substrate.I also introduced a dsb to my sump.Since I changed my tank I also got a new skimmer INT 135 reef octopus and also a ro unit.Still have some miner work to do like adding some more water movement in the tank and also adding some rocks to the right hand back of the tank.I must say the new skimmer has definantly helped with my algae problem i had,the algae that is in the tank at the momement (back glass)is what was left from a while back and is slowly dissapearing.The only down side of the whole operation was loosing my regal tang when I stupidly removed the rock he always slept in without realising he was still in there.:(

OLD TANK

X's shake 'n bake reef...

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 10:59pm CDT by X Faktor

Helo!

Thought I'd start a thread about my little piece of the Big Blue.

Tank:
-A Jebo corner tank rated at 189 liters. Tank has been running since 28 March 2009.

Hardware:
-3 Seio M620's
-1 Sunsun Jvp 201
-One small powerhead
-Total flow would calculate to aprox 14 000 lp/h giving me a 75 (shy) turnover.
-Red Sea Prizm HOB skimmer
-300w heater
-150w MH

Yes peeps I am running the tank without a sump and just a HOB skimmer.

Livestock:
-Coral beauty
-Yellow wrasse
-Cape Moony
-Cleaner shrimp
-Boxer shrimp
-Assorted zoas (man I love 'em zoas!)
-Pulsing xenia
-Green and orange rics
-Red plating monty
-Orange Montipora digitata.
-Purple tip acro
-GSP
-Assorted mushrooms
-Aprox 30kilo's of LR

Well jup thats 'bout it...

Pics? Patience is a virtue...;)

Cool
X

Macro Algae- Caulerpa Wanted in Cape Town

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 10:22pm CDT by Sammy

Hi guys,

I have a terrible micro algae problem that i'm really trying my best to get rid of. I think its cyano, possibly caused by my son overfeeding when i was away in jhb.

I'm thinking of or would like to add some macro algae into my tank and hope for a good result?

If anyone in CT area has some to give away i will really appreciate it.

Cheers

Urgent Advice - holiday preperation

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 9:48pm CDT by marcjam

hello all...
we are going on holiday for about a week in june and we'de like to know if there are any special preperations we need to organise. we're leaving in about 3weeks or so, any advice would really help:thumbup:

[FS] Wanted: Skimmer

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 9:15pm CDT by Mr.Mandarin

im looking for a skimmer for a 250l system for a while now.
I want a second hand one cause im broke:whistling:.
please help!!!

[FS] Seio Controller

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 8:07pm CDT by Mekaeel

Reason for selling : No longer using Seio pumps.

Transporting fish/corals

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 7:53pm CDT by mickey69

HI all

Can I please have an honest answer....

If packed properly , how long can marine fish or corals last in transport?? I undertstand mortality will obviously increase the longer the trip is... but what is a safe time period?

Cleaner shrimp compatibility.

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 3:00pm CDT by aslam

Hi there guy's,would like to know if I can keep cleaner shrimps with a koran angelfish.He is about 8cm's and chow's local kzn hermits occasionally.Thank's.

hi guys

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 2:55pm CDT by WAYNE HEATHCOTE

hi guys im so glad i came across this site i had no idea there were so many aquarists in sa let me start by telling u about myself im a restaurant manger in plettenberg bay and have worked here for 2 yrs the restaurant i work for is very upmarket and when the owner was building the place he decided to have a marine aquarium built as a focal point he proceeded to have a 450lt tank built and started with 3 blue damsels and then added a picasso trigger ,longfin bannerfish and a emperor angel when i started thare the tank was about a year old at first i just admired the fish but after realising that each had their own personality i decided to start reading up on the different species we had the state of the tank started bothering me as it had a red slime algae attack and looked more like a cesspool then a marine tank the tank is situated next to a long sushi table and after hearing guests comment on how bad the tank looked i decided to start taking over the tank ive been looking after them for about a year now and their overall health and the quality of water has improved dramatically i really cant believe they survived for so long and so after a year of surfing the internet for info i am glad to have come across ur site because looking after this tank is both rewarding and frustrating at the same time the most frustrating aspect is that when the tank was built the owner was told that his tank would be almost maintenance free and it would not cost him alot of cash to run ha ha getting my boss to pay for items that are needed to make this tank as beuatiful as he first intended is difficult so over the past few months i have spent at least a few thousnd of my own measly salary to ensure that these fish are healthy and happy in their small little world on the upside i have had people comment on how big the coachman is some say they have not seen one as big even in the wild he is approx 25cm or more my trigger is the coolist and cheekiest fish he has such an amazing personality and is my fav my emperor is very grceful but really is not as easy to care for as the others so i will be posting photos soon and i need all the help i can get im sure u can see by my message that i am totally hooked what a great hobby its all about keeping the fish as happy as possible to the extnt that im become a average manager when i get to work the first thing i do is check the fish and feed them and through the coursr of the evening i must look at the tank at least a 100 times im off to feed my babies now and hope to learn alot from u guys in the future cheers

Flame angel

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 2:41pm CDT by trad

Hey i'm looking for a flame angel going to get one from the fish shop on weekend. If you want to move one let me know, i'll collect anywhere in GP.

Toxicity of Caulerpa

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 1:53pm CDT by Loki

Having a chat with the guys at Idol Marine just a few minutes ago,
and as usual unearthed a gem of a topic.

It is believed that certain types are Caulerpa are toxic,
and that trimming said Caulerpa (DSB of Fuge) would get
you some possibly dangerous fingertips covered in bad juices.

I'll do some more digging around ...

Have you guys heard of any such thing?

Thinking of starting a nano

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 1:27pm CDT by brokedown.melodies

Hey guys

I'm thinking of starting up a nano tank. Was looking at the Boyu TL-550. Not sure what other similar options are available in Cape Town? What kind of mods are recommended? I'm fairly new to all this... had a freshwater tank when i was much younger.

I'm thinking of starting with FOWLR and maybe adding some coral at a later stage. Stocking ideas are:

1 x common clownfish
1 x firefish
Maybe some kind of goby with a paired shrimp...
And the CUC.

Would I be able to add anything else or would that be pushing it?

Would the lights be okay for some kinds of soft corals?

Thanks a lot...

Polish Divorce

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 10:51am CDT by kalkwasser

A Polish man moved to England and married an English girl.
Although his English was far from perfect, they got along very well until
one day he rushed into a lawyer's office and asked him if he could arrange a
divorce for him.

The lawyer said that getting a divorce would depend on the circumstances,
and asked him the following questions:

Have you any grounds? - Yes, an acre and half and nice little home.

No, I mean what is the foundation of this case? - It made of concrete.

I don't think you understand Does either of you have a real grudge? - No,
we have carport, and not need one.

I mean What are your relations like? - All my relations still in Poland.

Is there any infidelity in your marriage? - We have hi-fidelity stereo
and good DVD player.

Does your wife beat you up? - No, I always up before her.

Is your wife a nagger? - No, she white.

Why do you want this divorce? - She going to kill me.

What makes you think that? - I got proof.

What kind of proof? - She going to poison me. She buy a bottle at
drug store and put on shelf in bathroom. I can read, and it say: "Polish Remover"

WANTED: pulsing xenia

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 10:31am CDT by ml

Hi
I found out today that my pulsing xenia is died and now I only need like 5-10 frag to get me were I wanted to be I will sell it to Sterlig and let our Ocean be safe for fustse generations

Thanks in advanst

Morne Lubbe

A few pics of the tropical tanks at the 2 Oceans Public Aquarium

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 10:25am CDT by jacquesb

Hope you enjoy this.

PLEASE NOTE BELOW: THE ANEMONE's THEY HAVE IN THIS TANK IS NOT WHAT ANEMONE's SHOULD LOOK LIKE. THEY ARE BLEACHED (NEARLY ALL OF THEM!)

PLEASE NOTE: THIS TYPE OF HERMIT CRAB SHOULD BEST BE PLACED IN A FISH ONLY, OR SPECIES TANK - NOT IN A MIXED REEF TANK!

PLEASE NOTE: EVEN THOUGH "IT MIGHT LOOK NICE" - PLEASE DO NOT EVER PUT AS MANY FISH, AS IS IN THIS TANK BELOW, IS SUCH A SMALL TANK - THESE PEOPLE HAVE A HUGE FILTRATION SYSTEM IN THE BACK END - BUT, IT IS NOT HEALTHY FOR THE FISH!

Their reef tank below, is a very nice size. It is huge, with a few coral "bommies/mounds".....

Metal Halides

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 10:06am CDT by mickey69

Hi Guys

Still moving up and down the forums and getting to know whats what in this hobby..

I do have a little bit of light experience and I see that people are battling heat build-up/problems with MH lights.

If you are buying from the electrical outlet boys, the ballast is usuallyenclosed in the lighting case itself. Now the ballast gives off quite a lot of heat on its own so it would be a good idea to put your ballast downstairs so as to reduce your heat build up in the hood area. It will definitely make a difference!!

I also see people are looking around for lighting companies.

lightsrus is quite good. Plus you can do a bank transfer and they will ship to you.

Hope this helps somebody....

P.S. Please do not try seperating ballasts + re wiring if you do not know what is what. Consult an electrician or electrical store. Electricity can kill!!

Tank Stand

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 9:13am CDT by Sentari

Hi All

I was wondering about my tank stand and changing it a bit

I have a standard metal stand.

I was thinking of putting a piece of wood then polystyrene then the tank.

Is this a good idea? or should i just put the tank on polystyrene then on the stand?

would be nice to see people's views on this!

Video clip of my clowns

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 9:10pm CDT by viper357

Here's a short video clip of my true percula clowns hosting in my pin cushion

[www.youtube.com]

how to add a kalk stirrer

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 7:09pm CDT by brettb2020

im busy building a kalk stirrer and was wondering what is the best way to connect it? i was thinking through the top up like this:

what coral is this?

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 6:26pm CDT by brettb2020

guy at pet shop told me torch, some have told me frog spawn and some something else. lol what is it? guru's?

[FS] Bank of 6 tanks (complete for sale)

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 5:28pm CDT by lanzo

hi guys

I'm selling this system to get a better system up and running for Dorry Pets

x6 tanks (610x330x330)

breakdown:

x3 tanks connected to one sump
x3 tanks with separate filters and skimmers

what you get is:

x1Prizem delux skimmer
x3 resin skimmers(working great on separate tanks)
x3 hx6520 or hx6510 return pumps
x1 aqua one 2200l/h return pump
x3 100w heaters
x1 150w heater
lights included in each tank

New Member's Setup

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 4:58pm CDT by eddie

Hi All
I thought I would introduce myself and my new system, Ola :wave2:. My system is busy cycling at the moment and has been running for two weeks now. Been testing water and fiddling as you know :). I plan on keeping softies mainly. Here are some specs and picks:
Hardware:
Tank: 1220 x 600 x 550, top overflow
Sump: 1050 x 450 x 450
Stand: 1220 x 600 x 850
Skimmer: Reef Octopus orca 100 int
Power Heads: 2 x SunSun 102s
Heater: 300 Watt Jager
Substrate & DSB: Carib Sea Aragonite
Return pump: 1200 l/h, Unknown make
Light: one 250 watt Sylvania 10 000k MH DE
Live Rock: 20Kgs fully cured
Salt: Tetra Marin
Water:
Ammonia: 0.04
NO2: 0.01
NO3: 1.0
PH: 8.4
KH: 10
RO water took about 5 days to fill the tank and sump:(, thats about it, will keep you guys posted with the progress.
PS. Cool Forum!!

Aquarium special!

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 4:43pm CDT by Moolis

Hi Reefers
As some of you know (and 1 already ordered on, Ted:lol:) we have been planning to make a special on CUSTOM MADE AQUARIUMS for a while. (Was to busy:1::biggrin:)

Well THIS IS IT!!!
We have put all CUSTOM MADE AQUARIUMS on special 20%:slayer: discount from our already good prices!
AND
25% :yeahdude:on all CUSTOM MADE AQUARIUMS, if you buy all the hardware for this Aquarium from Pet Stop.

Only till Saturday 2009-07-11

So what does this mean in financial terms?
Sample = Aquarium size Normal price 20% Special 25%
2000x600x600 = R4210-00 20%=R 3370-00 25%=R 3160-00
This include:
· Floating bottom
· Kick plates
· Euro plates
· 10mm glass all round
· 2 year warranty (rules apply)

Send email enquiries to Nico @ nico@petstopsa.com

tank sitter

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 4:33pm CDT by gaz19

howzit guys

im going to be over seas from the 23rd of june till the 15th july.
i got a very reliable tank sitter, he tought me everything i know and basicly help me set up all my tanks before, so he is good with marines.
just want to have some back up incase something goes wrong and
he needs help asap.
if you are going to be around between those dates please let me
know so i can give him a list of guys that can help if need be (touch wood)!!

thanks guys

stuff on live rock

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 4:15pm CDT by Marjolein

What stuff is ok to be on live rock and what stuff should i remove from live rock?:whistling:

Upgrading Cellphone

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 3:50pm CDT by brentnorm

Hi guys. I am due an upgrade on my cellphone. Any suggestions ?

Idol Marine Nano tanks

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 3:42pm CDT by Bob the (reef)builder

Idol Marine is excited to announce, what we believe is a whole new way of veiwing nano's.

We believe that the current compact nano, mostly represented here by two main brands, so called fully kitted out is a rather poorly concieved product mostly aimed at getting new people into the hobbie by virtue of being cheap.

The problem is that they are horribly under-equipped for most marine applications.

The excited new buyer gets home, talks to people on forums such as this and soon realises there is not enough current, no skimmer and horribly insufficient lighting.

Further problems are that they are nearly impossible to modify in any meaningful way without destroying the neat original product. Very frustrating.:P

The Idol marine Rimless Nano.

Built entirely from low - iron glass, this tank aims to revolutionise the nano scene.

It has no lid or bracing, just polished glass all round.

It has a sump, with more than enough skimming power for the tank.

It has a powerful metal halide fitting above the tank giving enough lighting for SPS if that is required.

It has inbuilt piping, none of which is visible inside or outside the tank at all (the tank is completely walk around). All return and circulation water as well as the overflow is hidden in the 15mm black back section of the tank.

This means that the limited space in a nano does not require a very dificult-to-hide circulation pump. All the space can be used for liverock and livestock.

Our first tanks will have Mahogany bases, which will appear seamless with the tank, giving a very clean modern look. We anticipate being able to supply in many types of base including back painted glass.

A seahorse tank could concievably be kitted out with a red back panel and bright red glass doors.:P For those with more funky tastes.

Adriaan will provide us with a drawing tomorrow.

So for those folks looking for a really cool nano, that actually works.

Watch this space.;)

Cheers

Rob and the Idol marine team.

Bristleworm

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 3:41pm CDT by fleur

Hi all

I've been running a nano tank for the last year and i have now built a bigger tank 1200x500x650 and i moved everything across. I was running a large canaster filter on my nano and when i opened it i was shocked to find lots and lots :whistling: of bristol worms man i've never seen suck big ones and so many of them, i did not have one in my tank. Can anyone tell me how they got there??? and what do i do if i see one in my new tank???? which i hope does not happen.

cheers :wave2:

Tropc Marin Ammonia Test

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 3:12pm CDT by eddie

Hi there

My tank is currently busy cycling and I have been testing for Ammonia, NO3, NO4 and so on. My Question is the instructions in the Tropic Marin test kit suggests that the ideal for ammonia is to be not detectable by the kit. Does this mean that it should be a slightly lighter yellow then 0.01 or does this mean it should not even turn any shade of yellow?

I will start a new thread soon with some pics of my system.

Thanks in advance.

Mozambique Permits

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 3:03pm CDT by Boendoe

Hi All

I'm planing a trip to Mozambique in December and wanted to know if where I can get a permit to collect some live stock. And what will you need to import it in to SA.

Thanks

A struggling beginner

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 2:38pm CDT by alvinc

Hello All, This is the first time I am writing on a forum. I have been keeping tropical tanks for a while now and just finished building my biggest tank yet. It is 1.2m X 0.5 X 0.5 with built in filtration overflows on the one side. It got me thinking and looking at Reef tanks though and I fell in love. I started looking at all the info on the net and am now completely confused with all the info out there. I have thus decided that I am going to use this web site only to start learning and getting info so that I can ultimately build my own fantastic reef tank. I am planning to start building on my 30th birthday about 6 months away. I hope I can realise that dream. So any advise would be appreciated and wish me luck as I begin this journey. P.S. I over prepare for everything in life so I expect to learn alot before I even begin. Thank you for having this forum, my faith lies in it!

My new BTA - pics

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 2:07pm CDT by irshaad

Got my new nennie this wknd, his doing well, except for a little stress from my maroon clown, whom iv moved to the sump, to let the nemmie settle in a bit.
His a bit small for my clown, and would like him to grow a little.

A few other additions:

Orange Mushroom frag held down by onion bag netting

sum zoas

Skate

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 1:44pm CDT by 459b

I was at the beach on sunday and noticed a family hovering over a rockpool with a great deal of excitement. Apon investigation, i found that the little girl had found an egg and decided to rip it open, releasing a baby skate. She named it lucky (apparently it was lucky because she hatched it?), then got bored of it and tossed it into the ocean. The little skate was hatched way too early and still has a vary large egg sack and can barely swim. Considering it would not have survived in the ocean i decided top take it home. I put it in my sump and created an area with zero flow. Its now tuesday and iuts doing really well.. egg sack shrinking fast and its starting to have control of its tail and fins. Seems it might make it! Next thing is to decide what to do with it...

Coral names and pics

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 1:32pm CDT by smartegoutte

Where can i find pictures and names of common corals stocked in our LFS's. I can never remember what i'm told when i buy items and it would be great to have a simple reference library or even a book. Any suggestions?

how fights start

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 1:07pm CDT by wilsontravy

One year, a husband decided to buy his mother-in-law a cemetery plot
as a Christmas gift..
The next year, he didn't buy her a gift.
When she asked him why, he replied, "Well, you still haven't used the
gift I bought you last year!"
And that's how the fight started.....
************************************************** **********************
I asked my wife, 'Where do you want to go for our anniversary?'
It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.
'Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!' she said.
So I suggested, 'How about the kitchen?'
And that's when the fight started....
************************************************** **********************
My wife and I are watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were
in bed. I turned to her and said, 'Do you want to have sex?'
'No,' she answered.
I then said, 'Is that your final answer?'
She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying 'Yes.'
So I said, 'Then I'd like to phone a friend.'
And that's when the fight started....
************************************************** **********************
I tried to talk my wife into buying a case of Miller Light for $14.95.
Instead, she bought a jar of cold cream for $7.95. I told her the beer
would make her look better at night than the cold cream.
And that's when the fight started......
************************************************** *******************
I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my
order first..
'I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please.'
He said, 'Aren't you worried about the mad cow?'
'Nah, she can order for herself.'
And that's when the fight started.....
************************************************** **********************
My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping
the channels.
She asked, 'What's on TV?'
I said, 'Dust.'
And then the fight started...
================================================== ====================
My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming
anniversary.
She said, 'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to
200 in about 3 seconds.'
I bought her a scale.
And then the fight started...
================================================== ==================
My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school
reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as
he sat alone at a nearby table.
I asked her , 'Do you know him?'
'Yes,' she sighed, ' He's my old boyfriend...
I understand he took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and
I hear he hasn't been sober since.'
'My God!' I said, 'who would think a
person could go on celebrating that long?'
And then the fight started...
================================================== =========
I rear-ended a car this morning.. So, there we were
alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car. You know
how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem
funny?
Yeah, well I couldn't believe it... he was a DWARF!!!
He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted,
'I AM NOT HAPPY!'
So, I looked down at him and said, 'Well, then which one are you?'
And then the fight started...
================================================== ==========================
THE BROKEN LAWN MOWER
When our lawn mower broke and wouldn't run, my wife
kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed.
But, somehow I always had something else to take care of
first, the truck, the car, playing golf '
Always something more important to me.
Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point. When
I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass,
busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors.
I watched silently for a short time and then went into the
house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed
her a toothbrush. I said, 'When you finish cutting the grass,
you might as well sweep the driveway.'
The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.

Acrylic and Glass

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 1:03pm CDT by Sentari

Does anyone know anything about acrylic and glass?

As some of you might know i'm busy getting rid of the glass on my tank and thinking of replacing it with black acrylic.

I just want to know if this would work and if acrylic will stick to glass. If so what should i use.

another question is where would be the easiest place to get acrylic in joburg.

Dorry Pets are selling internationally

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 12:32pm CDT by lanzo

Hi Reefers

I'm glad to announce that Dorry Pets cc are now selling marine equipment international.
We have upgraded our payment options and now use NETCASH to do credit transactions.

Payment methods:

EFT
Netcash(credit facility)

Shipping:

Our international clients can choose from FEDEX or DHL
Our South African clients can choose from Time Freight or Normal Post or Pick Up

FNB cell pay point will also be up and running shortley;)

Chaeto

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 12:17pm CDT by shane

Hi Guys,
I have noticed that my Chaeto that is floating above my DSB has collected a bit of floating algae or detritis. Should I remove this chaeto and rinse it off in a separate container of sea water or just leave it? I have also noticed that it does not seem to be spreading out across the surface of the dsb but rather growing thicker downward towards the sea sand floor, is this also normal?
Cheers

suhayl fish not eating

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 11:53am CDT by wringo

My suhayl fish not eating any kind of food bellets or Crusts but eat a Little of algae on the rocks what can i do?

Permalink for 'Marine_Aquariums_of_South_Africa/2009/06/09/Mr'

Mr

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 11:50am CDT by Esmond

Hi Everyone

I am totally new at this(marine tank) so please forgive me if i sound a bit stupid.

I have a 500li tank which i filled with coral water & live sand about a week a ago, about 4 days ago i added 60kg of live rock(cured , from my local fish store).My water is clear & my parameters normal(i have saw a couple of crabs & some new flora starting to grow).When will i start smelling the foul smell everybody is talking about & how much flora & fauna should i add when my tank is fully cycled.

Regards
Esmond

NEW STOCK....Great PRICES

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 11:43am CDT by lanzo

HI GUYS

Here is some pictures of the new stock that we have;)

Buy 3 corals and get 10% discount:thumbup:

now for the coral pictures;)

New Member

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 10:57am CDT by debbie cowan

Hi,
I would like to introduce myself as a new member. I am living in Mozambique in a little town called Inhassoro. I am very interested in starting a salt water fish tank. There is legal netting all the way along the beach here so alot of tropical fish are bought in in the nets everyday and are often just left to rot and die on the beach. I would like to become familiar with how to maintain salt water tanks and possibly start a supply chain to south africa for these fish. I would be looking for all the necessary equipment too.
Looking forward to some replies!!
Debbie Cowan

(Near)Full System Quote

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 10:56am CDT by Caleb

Hi All

I am looking to buy all the equipment for my new tank. I will be buying all at the same time so as to better my chances of getting a discount...;)

Can you please PM me a quote for:
ORCA-80-INT protein skimmer
Halea HX-6530 1750l/h
SunSun 3000l/h (3X)
Jager 300W
150W MH DE 14000K bulb
24W T5 Actinic Tubes (2X)
Mechanical Timers (5X)
Tropic Marine Expert Test Kit
Tetra Marine Salt 20kg
13.6Kg Aragamax
9kg Arag-alive
15 - 20kg Live Rock
Scrapers, Magnet Cleaners, etc

Am I forgetting something? Already have a light fitting, RO unit, Refractometer and a TDS Pen.

Sentari's New Tank

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 10:36am CDT by Sentari

Hi All!!!

So my journey has begun... :slayer:

I bought Lanzo's 1.2M tank and i'm starting from scratch. I have been cleaning and making sure i have everything in place to begin.

My new Setup will consist of the following :

Tank : 1200 x 450 x 450
Sump with DSB (Reggies Sand)
ReefTek TS1 Skimmer
Heater ( Soon to be 2 Heaters ) I have loads of powercuts in my area

Lighting

2 x 150w 10000K MH
2 x 39w Anatics

Pumps and Wavemakers

Return Pump of 1500l / h which im thinking of pushing up to 2500 l / h
Resun Wavemaker
I will probably add another pump for water flow

I have been cleaning the sump and tank here are the photo's

I am also removing the mirror from the top of the tank and thinking of replacing it with black acrylic or something like that. Any suggestions are welcome PLEASE!!!

I'm also looking for a place who would supply this.

Anyways here are the pics. "Excuse the mess" ;)

Deon aka Sentari

LR impact on cycle

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 9:19am CDT by shrimp

Hi, I have +- 9kg of LR that has stood out of water for +- 3 wks already (dried up), was wondering if this would still induce a normal cycle (want to give some to my mate) if added to a new setup .... is it possible that all "life" is already too "dead" or will it still rot/decay ?? (apologies if a stupid question) ..... :P

sumb help

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 3:29am CDT by aminyassien

hi everybody ,

i need your help :(

beside my nano tank i will start my 400 ltr tank

i will need a sump iam thinking about 120 cm sumb

whats your idea about how the sumb will be like

please advice

Amin

wooden floor

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 11:53pm CDT by Difficult marine

hi guy
Any reefer have experience for wooden floor..... how much weight can take....my wooden floor underneath was hollow...i have 500l at the momont...i want to up grade the size of tank....but i am worry the floor cannot stand.....any advice appreciate

The Science of Protein Skimmers by Scott Brang

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 8:54pm CDT by Mekaeel

Hey guys, came across this article and found it to be very interesting. Hopefully many of us especially our newbies might benefit from it.

Foam fractionation—better known as protein skimming in the aquarium industry—has been around for many years. Protein skimmers are one of the main pieces of equipment that have brought about long-term success for marine aquarists. That’s not to say protein skimmers are essential; many reef aquariums operate just fine without one.

The primary purpose of a protein skimmer is to remove organic compounds from an aquarium before they breakdown into phosphates and nitrates. They also have a beneficial side effect: aerating the aquarium. Excessive phosphates and nitrates diminish water quality, cause algae growth and contribute to health problems in both fish and coral. Skimming helps maintain a healthy aquarium environment by halting the phosphorus and nitrogen cycle, plus it removes toxins released by corals and other organisms. Water clarity is improved, too, since the compounds that cause yellow water are removed.

Before we get into which protein skimmer is right for you, let’s first look at the science behind foam fractionators.

A typical protein skimmer consists of a water-filled cylinder that is injected with bubbles. The bubbles “grab” waste and carry it upward into a collection cup. You then simply dispose of what is in the collection cup to remove the waste from your aquarium system.

Not too complicated, right? Not at first anyway. Let’s take a deeper look at the mechanism that the bubbles use to grab organic aquarium waste.

Most waste products in a reef tank are amphipathic or amphiphilic. If you don’t speak geek, that means one part of the molecule is hydrophilic (likes water) and another part is hydrophobic (dislikes water). This characteristic drives the molecule to seek a water/air boundary. This affects hydrophobic molecules, like oil, as well.

A good example of this is the “oil slick” that sometimes forms at the water’s surface in an aquarium.

Protein skimming takes advantage of this air/water interface to extract organics. Unfortunately, the surface area in an aquarium is small compared to the tank’s volume. To increase surface area and efficiency, protein skimmers inject tiny bubbles into the reactor chamber. Smaller bubbles work better (see included table, “The Science of Bubbles”), although if the bubble is too small it will not ascend into the collection cup.

Organics stick to bubbles due to surface tension. Unable to move from the bubble, the molecule rises in the chamber toward the collection cup. As bubbles climb inside the reactor chamber, they combine into foam and most of the water is drained out.

Since there are many different protein skimmer designs to choose from, they are generally classified by the way they introduce air to water.

Air Stone

The first protein skimmers used air stones to inject air. This method is still used today, albeit in smaller systems. They are inexpensive, only need an air pump to operate and have a simple, compact design. The design does have its downsides: the “stone” in most cases is actually wood and will need to be replaced every couple of weeks to maintain bubble size and density. Air stones are also not efficient enough for larger aquarium systems.

Venturi

This method of air injection uses a (internal or external) pump to move water through a venturi which pulls air into the protein skimmer. This style of skimming produces a greater volume of air into the skimmer than air stones.

Spray Injection

This method of air injection is patented by AquaC. AquaC use a special nozzle to direct a spray of water into the protein skimmer body. This efficiently creates a large amount of bubbles in a small space.

Needle-Wheel

Needle-wheels are currently the most popular way to introduce air into a protein skimmer. This method replaces the impeller in the input pump with one designed to shred air bubbles. A venturi is often used to bring air to the pump.

The popularity of needle-wheels has increased dramatically in the last couple of years. Many manufacturers now utilize this technology in their own designs. Deltec uses needle wheels in a recirculating pump in their AP series. This increases the contact time between air and water, allowing for more organics to be removed. Another company using the needle wheel is Warner Marine with their cone skimmer. Warner Marine combines a bubble plate and a cone-shaped body to reduce water turbulence and concentrate organics toward the collection cup.

Location, Location, Location

Design plays a big role in which type of protein skimmer will work for your system. There are three basic types: in sump, external and hang-on-back (HOB) or hang-on-tank (HOT). As the name indicates, an in-sump protein skimmer needs to sit inside a sump to function properly. An external protein skimmer can be plumbed outside of the sump, leaving more room in the sump for other equipment. A HOB protein skimmer hangs on the edge of an aquarium and is great for small tanks that do not have a sump.

Which Type of Protein Skimmer is the Best?

There are many things to consider when choosing a protein skimmer for your aquarium system. Every skimmer comes with a rating, usually in gallons or liters of total system volume. These ratings are just a general rule of thumb. If you have a 100-gallon aquarium with a large number of fish, you would be better served by a skimmer rated for a 150-gallon tank. It’s always better to go bigger when purchasing a protein skimmer. Look at your protein skimmer purchase as an investment. The cost of upgrading later on will certainly be more than buying a higher-rated model from the start. Plus, that way you can add more livestock down the road without worry. Obviously price will be a huge determinant when evaluating which protein skimmer to purchase. Protein skimmers range from extremely affordable to extremely expensive. Again, look at your protein skimmer as an investment. Often the higher-end models will save you time, money and headaches later on.

Things to Remember

The first question most new protein skimmer owners ask is “why isn’t this working?” A new skimmer will take several days to a week to break in. There are sometimes oils and residues leftover from manufacturing that also inhibit the skimming process. Also clean your skimmer often, every two to three days. A clean skimmer performs better. When cleaning, use a soft cotton cloth to avoid scratching the plastic or acrylic. Scratches can also reduce performance.

Final question: Wet vs. Dry Skimming

Is it better to collect a watery, diluted waste or darker, pasty foam? This debate is like the Coke vs. Pepsi of the aquarium world.

Wet foam contains slightly more waste products than dry foam, but is diluted with tank water. On the other hand, dry foam looks really impressive and you can brag to your reef friends about how awesome you are. Depending on how often you clean and service your aquarium system, one might be better than the other. Since the wet method contains more water, the collection cup may need to be emptied more frequently. One thing to consider with wet skimming: as more aquarium water is pulled out, the salinity of your tank may need to be adjusted occasionally as you top-off the water lost to skimming with freshwater.

If the foam you are collecting is less concentrated than you prefer (too wet), lower the water level inside the skimmer in small increments. This will give the foam more time to stabilize before it spills into the collection cup. If adjusting the water level in the skimmer doesn’t work, try closing off the air valve in small increments.

If the foam you are collecting is more concentrated than you prefer (too dry), verify that the pump air intakes are clean and unclogged. You can try to raise and lower the water level a small amount in either direction to see how this impacts the performance.
http://kb.marinedepot.com/article.as...lSkimmer090605

Mysis shrimp in a reef tank

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 7:28pm CDT by JP

a few weeks ago i started noticing small pod like critters in my new setup, and was stuck trying to ID them... a fellow hobbyest guided me on the right search path, and they turn out to be Mysis relicta aka Opossum shrimp (by the looks of it, there are so many types, but these seems to get moreand more and stay small)
has anyone else here got experience with them in a reef tank? are they commonly found in tanks like copepods and amphipods? (of wich ive got millions..)
they stay in a big group under the eggcrate that supports the LR structure, and they are very sensitive to bright light, scattering if you shine a torch on them

Nudibranch?

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 6:54pm CDT by Mudshark

I'm not sure if it's a nudibranch. It came in with new liverock about 18 months ago.

Improved SEIO mounting

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 6:50pm CDT by Mudshark

Tried a new way of mounting seios. I'm very happy with it as it's less messy than the standard rubber cup mounts which don't work after a year anyway.

What happened guys

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 5:23pm CDT by brentnorm

Suffering from serious withdrawal here.:(

Future Plan

Posted: June 6th, 2009, 11:39pm CDT by wito-zn

Howsit

I have a plan to open an aquarium pet shop in the future (after my studies) and was wondering what the public would want in a lfs that they dont get in the already open lfs's.
Please give me your ideas and i will def get back to you.

Contact Details

Posted: June 6th, 2009, 9:45pm CDT by tinusb

Hi all,

Looking for Lighty's contact details. Did pvt message him. If anybody can help, please pm me.

Thanx!
Tinus

Deltec Salt

Posted: June 6th, 2009, 8:16pm CDT by Tony

Hi Guys. I've just done a 150 litre change with the new deltec salt and I must say that the stuff is good. It's neatly packed with decent instructions. It mixes well with no residue and my tank lit up after the change. My pincushion is bigger than ever and the polyp extension on my SPS's are noticeable. Its works out about R150-00 more than Tetra salt litre for litre so it's worth the little extra.

TankedCam

Posted: June 6th, 2009, 6:52pm CDT by Ross

Was just surfing a little and came across this, not sure how good it would be but quite fun...

TankedCam - Complete Aquarium Monitoring - The Interactive FishCam

There is a chap on YouTube showing a vid of his system working.

YouTube - iPhone Interactive Fish Tank...

Cant wait

Posted: June 6th, 2009, 9:44am CDT by Marjolein

Hi
I cant wait for my tank completing the cycle. I am staering at my life rock for hours. But it gets boring. Cant i put at least a snail or coral or hurmit in or something like that in my tank? or am i going to kill the thing??? It is so difficult to wait so long.:(:(:tired1_2::tired1_2:

fragging a cabbage

Posted: June 6th, 2009, 8:57am CDT by FransSny

would like to frag my cabbage....is it the same procedure as other leathers ie just cut off a piece , attache to a rock etc

Aveoporia

Posted: June 6th, 2009, 8:54am CDT by FransSny

Hi guys my aveoporia which i have for about 6 months now has lost color on 1 of its 'branches"...it still extends beautifully etc.

I recently moved it to another spot in my tank, i think has a bit too much flow?

Otherwise everything is the same..water params are good , more or less the same hight in the tank etc

Any ideas

My litle setup(kinda)

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 12:14am CDT by Johan van Aardt

Ok so i have just recieved my glass today and tomorrow putting it all together, but two panels i got is too long so the coming in the morning to come cut it to size.

i will take pics off the build and post it as soon as there is any new development.

so the basics, the dt is going to be 700wide x 500 high x 600 long. This will be my first real tank as my previous tank was a 48 liter nano and can only be seen as a learning phase, any, help, advice, or critisism would be apreciated throughout the thread.

Anemone ID

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 11:56pm CDT by Warr7207

Any ideas what these species are ?

Will they stay small ?

How do they get into our systems ?

Lost Member

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 9:31pm CDT by Phillip

Hi All

I introduced my self about 3 months a go, but lost communication due to a burglary at home. Glad to be back,Vicky i just want to thank you for the rocks and coral it made the trip from Durban to Pretoria. Thanks man it looks awsome.

[FS] 6x 39W T5's

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 9:00pm CDT by Furbz

Hi guys.

i have recently replaced my lights in my tank.

thought i would offer them on masa first to see if anyone is looking for some 39W T5's

i have the following available:

2x 39W actinic globes
2x 39W 12000k globes
2x 39W 10000k globes

they are all made by sunsun.
and they are all 11 months old.
you may check my tread to validate this.

these globes are still putting out great light.

i have kept a magnifica anemone under these for the full period.
and the nennie is not walking away. so the light is still good.

make me an offer for them.

here are a few pictures of the corals i have been keeping under these lights and the lights themselves when they were new. (still look the same)

Slaked Lime in Durban

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 8:36pm CDT by scubaninja

Hey guys, i'm looking for a large amount of good quality slaked lime (calcium carbonate) for dosing. Been buying the little boxes from the chemists so far but would work out much better if i could buy in bulk for my new stirrer:P Does anyone know of any places in Durban? i Believe Shane has tried a couple of places with no luck, If you know of any places that have please let me know

Metal Halide Hunting

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 6:58pm CDT by mookz

Hi all, going to hunt for a MH unit this weekend, soooo excited.
Just wanted to ask some questions and hopefully get loads of input from all the lighting Gurus's ;)

I want to do a DIY 150w MH canopy. I currently have no corals of any kind.
I was thinking of getting 14000k bulb ; is there 14000k MH bulbs available for 150w?
or even 20000k.(I want it for aesthetics)
I will be supplementing the MH with either t5's or power savers ; 6500k.
And now the big question ...where?
I know that Builders Warehouse sells MH, but do they sell bulbs of 14000k and 20000k?
I know that SE has a UV filter on the bulb and DE needs a UV filter or tempered glass.
Just don't know witch unit is "better".

Any advise will be very welcome.

Peacefull clowns

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 4:04pm CDT by RiaanP

I'm looking into peacefull clowns, that can be in a "community tank" (to use a freshwater fish term). i summarized the following. How correct is it? (common name, latin name, origin and comment)

Three-Banded Anemonefish, Maroon Clownfish
Amphiprion Tricinctus
Western Pacific.
These Clowns are peaceful towards other fish in the aquariums.

Pink Skunk Clown
Amphiprion Perideraion.
Coral Sea.
This Clown can be aggressive towards others, however it is not the rule.

Fire Clownfish
Amphiprion Ephippium.
Indo-West Pacific.
Very peaceful species. Recommended for raising due to it's size.

Orange-Fin Anemonefish
Amphiprion Chrysopterus.
Western Pacific.
This species is peaceful towards other tankmates.

Mauritian Anemonefish
Amphiprion Chrysogaster.
Western Indian Ocean.
A peaceful species.

Twoband Anemonefish
Amphiprion Bicinctus.
Western Indian Ocean.
Twoband Anemonefish belongs to peaceful species.

Barrier Reef Anemonefish
Amphiprion Akindynos.
Western Pacific.
This species is peaceful.

ps.
I had Pink Skunk Clown and they were peacefull.

small fish id please

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 3:11pm CDT by RiaanP

I got 3 of them, they are small, one did pass the eggcrate cover on my overflow. He stayed in there for a day and he made it. Overflow in more secured now.

They are small. Looks like a damsel. Interesting thing is a night they sleep at the surface, in open water. Do not hide like other fishes. The black pipe next to him is a 6mm pipe.

Q. about flow and surface area

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 2:31pm CDT by Osama M

hi.

I'm planning about setup 200L tank

So what should the flow over my DSB be ?

And what is the recommended surface for my system ?

Please advise me about the articles i should read about it

invite for pics

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 1:53pm CDT by crispin

Hey all :)

a number of people would like to get suggestions on their photography and how to take the shot, the basics around getting it a little better.

if you want to choose 1-3 pics and post them here I'll try get a few guys together that can give you an educated input into some of the aspects of photography, what to look for and what you are getting wrong.

unfortuantley we cant go through and crit hundreds of pics, so choose which you want and use this a serious section if you can, it takes a while to do a decent responce to a pic.

Also, without a semi decent camera where you can do the basics of changeing shutter speed, appeture and white ballance, we wont really be able to help.. Thats to say point and shoot isnt much else you can change.

One for the photoshop boffs

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 1:05pm CDT by FransSny

hi guys , getting too lazy to re type documents so i am opening pdf in photoshop cs4 & then saving as jpg files....problem is i keep losing quality of my typed words , any ideas

Plastic non return valve

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 12:33pm CDT by Boendoe

Hi all I'm looking for a Plastic non return valve to stop my back siphoning, but I can only find the normal Brass ones. does anyone know where to get one?

Thanks

Skimmer special

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 11:56am CDT by Moolis

Pet Stop Skimmers

Launching specials

Prices include shipping, on orders exceeding R1000-00
ORPick up @ Pet Stop and buy skimmers worth more than R1000-00 cash in store and get a VOUCHER worth R200-00

TS1 In-Sump Needle-Wheel (110mm diameter) 400L R1, 367, 00
TS2 In-Sump Needle-Wheel (150mm diameter) 600L R2, 032, 00
TS3 In-Sump Needle-Wheel (200mm diameter) 1,000L R2, 754, 00
TS4 In-Sump Needle-Wheel (250mm diameter) 2,000L R4, 659, 00

DNW-110 Recirculating Needle-Wheel(110mm Diameter) 400L R2, 100, 00
DNW-150 Recirculating Needle-Wheel(150mm Diameter) 600L R3, 164, 00
DNW-200 Recirculating Needle-Wheel(200mm Diameter) 1,000L R4, 211, 00
DNW-250 Recirculating Needle-Wheel(250mm Diameter) 2,000L R6, 410, 00
DNW-400 Recirculating Needle-Wheel(400mm Diameter) 4,000L R16, 490, 00

Syphon Overflow Box(240mm x 180 x 195) R1, 131, 00

OTHER SKIMMERS FROM AQUARIUM DEPOT
ORCA
Orca-80-INT (225x180x475mm)-120mm diameter 500L R1, 793
Orca-100-INT (300x220x510mm)-150mm diameter 750L R2, 410
Orca-135-INT (380x250x570mm)-200mm diameter 1,200L R3, 244
Orca-180-INT (420x400x615mm)-250mm diameter 2,400L R5, 294
Orca-80-EXT (265x205x550mm)-120mm diameter 500L R2, 454
Orca-100-EXT (305x250x610mm)-150mm diameter 7,50L R3, 652
Orca-135-EXT (390x300x685mm)-200mm diameter 1,200L R4, 737
Orca-180-EXT (710x415x710mm)-250mm diameter 2,400L R7, 205

Reef octopus hang on skimmer (new design external hang-on needle-wheel Surface Skimmer with bubble plate and externaly mounted pump)
BH-1000 400L R1, 638
BH-2000 600L R2, 129

Reef Octopus Extreme Skimmers (in-sump, recirculating and hang-on)
BH-800S 1,500L R3, 293, 00
OCTX-160 (230 x 170 x 530) - 160mm diameter 1,500L R3, 293, 00
OCTX-200 (360 x 210 x 530) - 200mm diameter 1,500L R3, 293, 00
OCTX-250 (390 x 290 x 575) - 250mm diameter 1,500L R3, 293, 00
OCTX-200-EXT 200mm diameter - recirculation 1,500L R5, 396, 00
OCTX-250-EXT 250mm diameter - recirculation 3,000L R8, 539, 00

Reef Octopus Bubbly Blaster Skimmers (In-Sump & Recirculation)
BB 4000 In Sump BB - 250mm diameter 4,000L R6, 762, 00
BB Recirculating BB - 250mm diameter 4,000L R9, 338, 00

Reef Octopus Skimmer (Beckett Nozzle)
BK-200 200mm diameter (no pump) 1,500L R4, 217, 00
BK-250 250mm diameter (no pump) 3,000L R8, 484, 00

WEIPRO

Weipro Skimmers are In-Sump and or out side hang on skimmers (Pump not included)
Weipro 2018-2015 In-Sump only
Weipro-2018 8 x 5 x 10 (203mmx127mmx254mm/668mm hight) 1,330L R941, 00
Weipro-2017 8 x 5 x 10 (203mmx127mmx254mm/628mm hight) 1,140L R855, 00
Weipro-2016 8 x 5 x 10 (203mmx127mmx254mm/588mm hight) 950L R770, 00
Weipro-2015 8 x 5 x 10 (203mmx127mmx254mm/547mm hight) 760L R656, 00
Weipro-2014 Hang on skimmer 507L R570, 00

JEBO small skimmer pump included 200L R645, 00
ViaAqua In-Sump Skimmer SK-200 380L R895, 00

Aqua Medic Biostar flotor - 250L R1, 825, 00 CLEARING R 1 369-00

Aqua excel

In-Sump 39cm x 17.5cm high 55 cm 650L R1, 915, 00
Out-Sump 39cm x 17.5cm high 55 cm 650L R2, 525, 00

Atman hang on skimmers

Small Pump not included 70L R430, 00
Medium Pump not included 90L R500, 00
Large Pump not included 120L R590, 00

Only for this month!
Subject to availability, :Pwe expect a big rush

Bluethroat trigger wanted

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 11:06am CDT by jaquesdp08

anyoone know where i can find one ?

[FS] Possible MH lighting for sale.....

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 10:19am CDT by Wetty

Got a few 400w complete H.P.S lighting units available for sale.....fully compatible with MH bulbs.

Ex factory lights...in working condition.

Make me a decent offer and we can come to an arrangement. Very nice for a shop display or serious home reef.

Only got a few....first come first served. :thumbup:

duwayne.pieters@gmail.com

Ted's New Tank

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 9:29am CDT by ted.vanh

Hi Guys,

Pic's will be forthcoming as soon as the system is in and settled. So please be patient.

I have not been posting for a while as I have been busy arranging for a new tank. My current setup is +/- 320 litres with a 90 litre sump.
I have ordered a new tank 1500 l x 700 w x 550 h (+/- 600 litres). The tank is finished and I have finished building the stand and cupboard. All that remains is to complete the lid this weekend.
The hardware will be as follows:-
Tank 1500 x 700 x 550
2 x Sunsun 6000 litre pumps & 2 x Seio 1500's
ctoc overflow
Light unit consisting of 2 x 150w MH, 2 x 54w t5's (10000k) & 2 x moonlight LED's
I am adding 2 x 54w 20000k t5's.
The lights, controlled by a PLC, will cycle as follows -
09h30 - 21h30 20000k t5's
10h30 - 20h30 10000k t5's
11h00 - 20h00 150w MH's
21h30 - 09h30 Moonlight LED's
I am using eggcrate to set the LR on to make it a bit more stable as I will have a 25mm deep layer of Aragonite in the bottom of the tank.

My engine room will consist of the following:-

1 x DNW 110 in line protien skimmer flowing to the 90 litre sump through P4 remover, through a baffle in which I have 2 x 300w titanium heaters controlled by a temperature controller whose probe is in the DT, over a DSB of Aragonite to the return chamber in which I have a TS2 skimmer and a return pump (AP3500) pumping to the chiller and on to the DT.
At present my livestock is:-

Fish

1 x Flame Angel
1 x Rusty Angel
1 x Coral Beauty
1 x Scopus Tang
1 x Pyjamma Cardinal
2 x Clarkii clowns
1 x Firefish goby
1 x Banded goby
1 x Goldenhead goby
1 x yellow spotted goby (he's a real sand shifter)
1 x Yellowtail Damsel
1 x bicolour Chromis
1 x Longnose Hawkfish

Inverts

3 x cleaner Shrimps
1 x Coralbanded Shrimp
1 x Tube Anemone
1 x Coco Worm

Corals

3 x small Hammer Euphyllias
1 x Frogspawn
1 x Sun Coral
3 x various mushrooms
4 x various Zoas
1 x Star Polyp
1 x Pumping Xenia
5 x Xenia (which arrived as 2 with one of the Zoas)
1 x Sinularia
1 x Doughnut
1 x Elegance
1 x Blastomusso
1 x Bubble

The plan is to do the change over next Wednesday (10 June) and will be done as follows:-
Remove corals and LR, then the fish & inverts. Drain the tank into containers and remove Aragonite into containers. Disconnect everything and drain the sump. Remove everything and place new stand & tank in place. Replace sump and reconnect everything. Add aragonite and some of the original water to the tank, add the LR and replace the remaining water in the tank as well as adding +/- 300 litres new water (this equates to roughly a 50% water change). Add the livestock and leave the system to cycle for a few months before attempting to add any new livestock.

Wish me luck guys and I will keep you informed as to the progress (with pics)

5300L Reef Tank

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 9:12am CDT by Loki

Check the link:
Iceman's Reef.com - The Reef Tank of Michigan

[FS] Aquaclear 50 HOB filter

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 7:47am CDT by Lowflyer

Guys

I have the above HOB filter, was going to use it on my system to run carbon and phos remover, but water to far from side of sump so it would sound like a water fall. I ran the filter for about 4 months on my setup last year. If anyone is interested:

Aquaclear 50 HOB filter - R200

The money is going toward a PH test kit[IMG]http://www.*************.com/forum/images/smilies/wink_smilie.gif[/IMG]

Willing to ship at buyers expense. I saw the new price on these items at the LFS and they are almost R700 new.

[FS] 200l Marine starter kit

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 11:15pm CDT by nico.m.ferreira@gmail.com

Good day.
I Have this new 200l Marine starter kit for sale.
It had water in it for one night to test for leaks.
The glass is 5mm thick and got suport.
The wooden cabinet is made from pine stained to a beautiful rose red sealed with a high gloss sealer and a high gloss varnish(includng the t5 lights)
Size of the tank including cabinet 94cm long, 54cm wide and 129cm high.
The external sump size 83cm long, 22cm wide and 25cm high devided into 5 segments.
The first host the heater and protein ckimmer, second and third the bio bals, the fourth the deep sand bed filter (DSB) and the fith the return pump.
The tank also comes with fine crused corral for the base.

This is a photo of the sump.

This is the return into the tenk.
The elbows can be ajusted for the angle of the water.

The inlet and outlet are screwed in place to alow a strong water tight seal that can easely be removed.

The tank from the front.

The lights and all the wires neatly tuked away and out of sight.
FREE shipping within the Centurion region.
Outside Centurion can be negotiated.

All hale the cleaner wrasse

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 11:11pm CDT by Lowflyer

Hey guys, I think I might have parasites in my water, and I mean I think i have a lot. The fish were not flicking in the LFS, but about an hour after entering my tank the new one started having problems with his guills. Now my friend has a cleaner wrasse and he reckons that it saved his tang from certain death, do you think that adding a cleaner wrasse (that is eating prepared foods) would help to slowly eliminate these parasites? As my cleaner shrimp seems to hide away and only sits in one spot where the fish are not.

HELP - I'm Ready to smash with a hammer!!!!

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 9:14pm CDT by lIghty

Hi

I've had to format my laptop and reinstall windows do to a virus, but here's were I'm confused.:smash:

On formatting I decided to create 2 partitons on my HDD, primary 10Gig and secondry 30Gig. I've loaded Xp on the primary with a couple docs and apps, but now the "disc Properties" shows it basically FULL....Mmmmm.... when to C: and selected ALL the files and folders (showing hidden too) and sellected "properties" amd all files only total up to like 5.5Gigs......WTF.:cursing:... Where is the other 4Gigs gone/used.

Whats going on!, don't want to re-format and start again............:banghead:

New to Marines

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 7:22pm CDT by Hennie

Hi All,

I'm completely new to marine aquaria. I have had a fresh water for a while, when the kids were still in the house. I have always wanted a marine qauarium and recently salvaged a tank from one of my clients (size 1200lx450wx450h) and then bought a new tank (1200lx450wx600h) and decided to use the old salvaged tank as a sump. Trevor Brooks from International Aquatics converted it into 4 equal compartments. I still have to build the stand and buy all the required things for setting this up. The big tank has a 50mm diameter hole in a small triangular compartment for the overflow.

What I need to find out is how deep the sandbed must be if all the compartments in the sump are the same size? What size pump I need and all the other things I need and need to know to get this going.

Hennie

Seems like it's everywhere!

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 6:07pm CDT by tinusb

Hi all,

Seems like this stuff is actually everywhere... next time you're in an elevator, look up! :D

Just got myself some - expensive tho - 1 sheet (120cmx60cm)= R267! Got it here in Windhoek, so it should DEFINATELY be available in SA. Check out a store that sells suspended ceilings! :)

T :peroni::peroni:

Nano/Pico wanted

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 5:45pm CDT by Furbz

hi guys. i am looking for a small nano tank to use as aQT tank for new fish when i buy them. or for treating fish in..
i want something that looks good and pref not bigger than 45L

if you have anything like that let me know.
would like it to be neat!
boyu/jbj/jewel. whatever you have for sale, let me know!
:thumbup:

The right anem

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 5:13pm CDT by Lowflyer

Hi Brenda

First of all I just want to thank you for taking time out of your day to help us here on MASA, we and I really appreciate it.

My question. I have just purchased a pair of Black Sebae clowns and have a 3 foot display tank that is only 35cm deep. I have 2 t5 white 39watt tubes and 2 t8 blue marine 20watt tubes (which will be replaced with t5 actinic and marine blue soon). My system is about 150 litres in total and I do a 33% water change once a week. I have a DSB in sump, weipro protein skimmer and my flow inside display is turning over 63 times an hour, and I have about 16-20 kg's LR/biorock mix. My clowns seem to bothering my new frogspawn which is quite small and don't want them to bother it to death. What anemone can you suggest for this system?

Here is a FTS of my system.

Thanks again.
Luke:)

Starting up!

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 4:21pm CDT by brentv

Hi People,
I used to be a crazy kid lucky enough living close to the beach and starting collecting and keeping all sorts of corals & fish....
Anyway to cut a long story short it's been about 10years and I want to get into it again, possibly doing a built in tank out of brick and concrete with access to natural light! i'm in the building trade so that side I should be fine on, but i'm sure a lot of you have some advice coz things I'm sure have changed over time?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Sea ya soon
B

Fragging Video

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 4:12pm CDT by keyaam

Found this video in the MASA links section submitted by Warr7207.

[www.wax32.com]

I think it should be made a sticky.

Mandarin

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 2:38pm CDT by mayoginn

Hi
Is a mandarin the pretty fish with a pattern on it? I tried researching but cant see nice pics. Does 1 need a sump to keep it eating? I read it only eats copods if im not mistaken and cheato to maintain lots of copods. I dont have a sump yet can i put cheato in display or mandarins a difficult fish to keep. Also do copods come out off the water? I put my heater on last night and this morning noticed lots of tiny white creatures walking all over the top part of the heater which is above water.

Frag swop in Jhb

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 1:52pm CDT by Pads

Hey guys, I'm looking for a cany cane frag that I'm willing to swop for a small colony of zoas. Anyone able to assist???

Were to get mh

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 11:27am CDT by Johan van Aardt

Were in or around cape town will i get a very good priced 70 watt mh, the ballast and the globe, i was thinking a 14000 k globe.

Acrilic work....

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 11:04am CDT by fleur

If anyone is looking for acrilic work to be done or wants pipes and flat sheets or just needs something fixed let me know and i'll se if its fixable.
:thumbup:
Cheers

My Tank cycling

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 10:48am CDT by Marjolein

:yeahdude:This is my tank bysy cycling.

Where can I find a 40mm bulkhead in Pta?

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 8:27am CDT by Ian Gibson

The heading says it all. Can you guys please give me some info please.

Thanx
Ian

Schaun's first tank

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 11:57pm CDT by schaun

Hi all. My name is Schaun and I'm from Pretoria. Eye specialist of profession but selling cars at this moment.
Was introduced to freshwater at 16 and loved it since.
Was introduced to reef keeping by Ferdie, previous owner of Dorry pets.
My tank is about 7 Months old, and o boy it has been one big problem after the other.
Thanks to people like Lanzo From Dorry Pets , Adriaan From Idol Marin and this sight i have pulled trough.
Would love to tell you all about it and post some pictures.
Thanks for a grate sight and all for sharing there knowledge. I also believe that knowledge should be shared freely.

Serious Problem - clown disease?

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 10:08pm CDT by tankgirl

please help!

I woke this morning to find one of my common clowns dead, i didnt notice anything wrong before till i googled fish diseases. before the clown died both my clowns and royal gramma had been rubbing themselves on the sand (i thought this was normal) and why they look dusty but now im not so sure. they seem to be breathing ok and i haven't noticed any spots ( i will look closer tommorrow) the clown that is left has been moving irracticly today. Any help would be fantastic!

Tank Alterations

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 9:30pm CDT by scubaninja

Hi Hennie
Just a couple of questions on tank strength. My tank has the dimensions of 2000X700(water height)X700. It has 10mm glass all round with euro bracing on top from side to side on the front and back(10mm glass, width 100mm) but not on either side of the tank. It then has 2 braces running from the front to the back at a third and two thirds from the left. 10mm glass with the width being 200mm each this time. What i would like to know is if its possible to have a wave maker on this tank without it collapsing or seals breaking etc. I think i remember the need for the side panes to be double the thickness but i'm not sure. I wanted to know your thoughts on this and if i could somehow work out what i need to do to make it strong enough and if it would be a viable option, as i may be moving in a while so the tank will be coming down and changes can be made when it can sit empty for a while.

Is there any extra bracing i can do to avoid having to change the side panels altogether?

My new Nano...

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 7:06pm CDT by seanoK154

Howzit guys...

I have just acquired my first marine tank, in a boyu tl-450.

I have kept malawi's successfully for years and have now decided to branch out into marines.

I set up my tank 3 weeks ago and have been running since then. I added 5kg of live rock about a week ago. The hydrometer and temp readings are both perfect.

What i would like to know now is: WHEN CAN I ADD LIVESTOCK?

I have had various suggestions, some saying to wait 3 months , others saying that it is ok to add some invertabrates after 2 weeks...what do i do?

Some sound advice would be really appreciated.

I look forward to hearing from you guys.

Seano.

Back Up Power for your tank

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 5:56pm CDT by lanzo

Hi guys

With the winter coming up, ...one will never know when our power will go off.... and for how long:(

Dorry pets will keep you and your tank safe from any power interruption:thumbup::

UPS
Inverters
Bateries

Will be available at great prices;)

Dorry Pets - Power Back Up Systems

Keep an eye out prices will be out in a day or two

Get your tank hooked up today!!:yeahdude:

Urgent Advice - reviving my hammer coral

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 5:37pm CDT by brettb2020

i got given this hammer today from a pet shop. the guy said i can try revive it. joes juice got spilt on it and started to rot. there is not much left.

what should i do? frag the end pieces off? really wanna save this bugger. this it what it looks like:

Goby's New Hobby

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 4:39pm CDT by Goby

Hi to all MASA members. First, a big thank you for an awesome site!! I'm very excited to have join this gr8 community. I've already uploaded tons of information to the brain :lol: from different threads to help me to start this crazeeeee addicted hobby!! :yeahdude:

It all began when i was down in umhlanga rocks a few weeks back. I saw this amazing marine aquarium down by the gateway mall. It wasn't the fist time though, i have seen many before but this time it made me want to have my own. So thats when it all started. I did some research and then came across this brilliant site that made me feel addicted just by looking at what some of you guys already achieved. WELL DONE TO ALL AND KEEP IT UP!!!

I had the following in mind, and please if anyone can give me any advice please let me know.

I already decided on the tank size,and as a matter of fact i'm waiting for delivery.:)
All custom build. I will post pics as soon as my project starts!!
This is what i have in mind.

FOWLR and then maybe some corals.
Tank : 1200mmX500mmX600mm (10MM Glass) with custom overflow
Sump : 800mmX400mmX400mm with DSB and Calupra.

Looking at 4 compartments.. 1st Skimmer, 2nd Bio Balls, 3rd DSB + Calupra and 4th Return. Is there anything in between i can add like wool, charcoal ect that can make it even better? Was also thinking of a 5th Auto topup.

Skimmer : Orca 100-INT
Heater: Jager 300W
Lighting : 4x 54W T5's (2x Actinics, 2x 12000K)
Pump: 3000-3500l/h return pump
Powerheads: ??? Please advice.....
Gravel:Live Sand

I'm still considering if i want to go LR or maybe artificial rock, if that is what you call it.

Thanks again and enjoy the journey!!

T5 sizes

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 4:29pm CDT by Johan van Aardt

Whats the length of the 5hortest t5? and would i get the right bulbs for it lighting for an anemone, the tank is 30cm deep.

What fish next?

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 2:47pm CDT by dogstar

Guys,

I need some suggestions on what fish to get next.

I have a 1mx0.5mx0.5m tank. Total volume including the sump is about 300litres

I currently have the following in my tank (all small):
2 x percular clowns
1 x midas blennie
3 x chromis (blue)

What other livestock can i add to this mix? Fish that are generally easy to take care of and not too fussy eaters (i have had some fussy eaters die on me). You suggestions will be most appreciated.

algae blennie

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 2:15pm CDT by crispin

hi Sara,

ive often wanted to find out the purpose of the feeler like appendatures above a lawnmower bleenie's eyes. I got a decent pic of one finally and thought you might know. I assume its for sensing currents and or movement of other fish (predators?) in the blennies area, but do you know what they are actually called and what they are for?

How to use zeolite

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 2:11pm CDT by Tony

I've ordered some Zeolite from George and was wondering how to use it? I want to build a reactor as I find 2K a bit steep for a glorified Kalk stirrer. Any help would be appreciated regarding close up pics of a reactor so I can build one and how the stuff actually works

New tank what to put in and take out????

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 1:58pm CDT by Marjolein

Hi
I am so confused, i have a boyu TL550. And it started its cycle on sunday. There is alot of treats dealing with active carbon and phosphate remover. Just want to find out what should i do. In the 1st compartment i am going to put filter floss and 2nd compartment heater with skimmer, 3rd compartment live rock and 4th compartment pump. must i use AC and phos remover or not? Is this setup rite? or Is there anything else i have to know??? :whistling::lol:

SPS Frags Please

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 12:59pm CDT by Wolve

Hi guys anyone in durbs got any SPS frags for sale i cant seem to find any. i really wanna get some sps. please help out guys :)

[FS] Dazs 3 x 39W T5 light pendant

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 12:40pm CDT by Ferdie Vorster

:)I think the name says it all - Excluding bulbs

[FS] 1220mm Tank and sump for sale

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 12:32pm CDT by Ferdie Vorster

Tank size: 1220 (l) x 450 (w) x 500 (h)
Sump size: 500 (l) x 350 (w) x 580 (h) - Water level 340 (h)

Tanks and sump only, not the cabinet. Will include weipro skimmer with sump

[FS] Humongous Lion Fish for Sale

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 12:27pm CDT by Ferdie Vorster

20cm Lionfish for sale. Fat and healthy, eating very well

[FS] Hailea HC 150A Chiller for sale

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 12:09pm CDT by Ferdie Vorster

Hailea HC-150A Chiller for sale. Less than a year old. Currently used to chill a 250L aquarium without any problems.
Current retail price: R4000
Some specs:
Model HC-150A
Power 1/10HP
Voltage 220-240V (110-120V)
Frequency 50Hz (60Hz)
Working Current 1.1A (2.2A)
Water Refrigerated 50 400L
Iced Medium R134a
Rate of Flow 250 1200 L/H
Weight 15Kg
Size 420 x 248 x 365mm

System for sale: Kimberley

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 12:00pm CDT by Mtroboer

Full system sales or multiple items for sale.Thread title:

System for sale

Location:

Kimberley

Shipping or Collection only:

Collection only

Photo's and description/list of items for sale:

Unfortunately the day has come that I no longer have the time to properly look after my tank due to long working hours. My system is up for sale and I would like it all to go as a unit. I am open for offers in the region of R7000, but will consider selling seperately if I do not get it sold as a whole. The specs is as follows:

4Ft tank
Sump, +/- 110L, compartments for skimmer, DSB, and return.
Dark wood cabinet
TS1 Skimmer
2x Heaters
1900Lph Via Aqua return pump
1x Seio M1100
Lighting pendant-2x 54w T5's 10000K, 2x 150w Mh's 20000K
1x 30w T8 Actinic
1x100w spotlight on sump

LR:
25 Kg's of Malaysian liferock with corals attached

Lifestock:
2x PJ Cardinals,
1x Bangai Cardinals,
False Percula Clown,
Coral Beauty,
Fire Goby,
Double barred Foxface,
Spotted Mandarin
1x Valentine Toby(Reefsafe)
Cleaner shrimp

Loose corals/Inverts:
Purple& green Pineapple Coral,
Sand Nemmie,
Green Starpolyps
Red mushrooms
Xenia

Notes:

-

Want to get into this ...

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 11:23am CDT by ZeroCool

Good day ... last weekend I saw a small nano tank at a pet shop and it was WOW ... beyound stunning.

I am considering taking up this new hobby.

Firstly, it sounds expensive, and there is alot of second hand systems on the market with fish etc.

Is the best to start from scratch or to buy second hand? (that is my first question).

Is the following a valid price:

R4500 for ->

A complete Boyu TL 550 system.
With live rock, crabs (2) and fish (4).

Hope to hear from you soon...

regards

Bears :)

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 10:52am CDT by crispin

As a traveling beekeeper/ organic consultant I have had a rather full and interesting life, never short of an adventure, and if it (life in general) does get a little easy I just move J so being a sheep farmer in Norway was a rather drastic decision and not all to do with adventure, indeed it sounded like the safer option between beekeeping in Sudan or sheep in Norway.

BUT

Three weeks ago a bloody fox raided the hens. 19 dead in a night, just with the head bitten off.
Then we lost a 3 day old lamb to the same fox, but we let that go and put it down to something we will deal with later if he comes back the third time.

Over the past few weeks we have moved the sheep to the summer grazing areas in the forests. There is a beautiful cottage up there with its own private trout lake, wild berries growing in the forests, bears roaming free and mushrooms to pick. An evening fishing for brown trout on a dry fly followed by berry picking to have smoked brown trout and blue berries for pudding isnt a fantasy.

BUT

A week ago we lost a really good mother. Couldnt find her at all and we spend most of Sunday walking through the forests to try find the body. Last night my girlfriends dad is staying up at the cottage and heard a commotion. Walked out and came across a Brown bear rushing the sheep to panic the flock. He fetched a rifle and fired two warning shots, the bear moved off slightly but circled back again to have another go. Only stopped when the third shot landed in the ground at his feet, you cant actually shoot him unless he is feeding of the carcass or does attack.

So today I am off into the forests to track my first bear.

And you guys thought that pc programming was funJHe H

SPS Extreme 2-250

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 10:25am CDT by arab NA

I need a price on this unit!

MH id

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 10:00am CDT by speedz

Okay i bought a "metal halide floodlight" from someone. The thing is that it says nothing about bulb rating or anything. So how can i get some info on this light?
It also came with a mounting for attaching it to a wall or pole which makes me wonder if its a halogen, can some one please tell me about this

zoanthids in trouble..

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 9:26am CDT by jaquesdp08

hey all, i have some nice blue zoanthids i bought from animalia and alot of others..

but the blue colony started making a stinking white slime wich covers them very quickly,i did a dip in coral cleanser and took some of the film off and this morning its just starting again, and it spreads very quickly... im gona frag the healthy part of the colony just to save it.. as far i know and read u cant really do anything

Where to buy Nano tank?

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 8:36am CDT by Scout

I am interested in buying a Nano tank. First things first. Where can I buy one of these and which sizes do they come in? Also what are the price range for these tanks? I am in Cape Town

Thanks in advance.

Newbie here

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 8:23am CDT by Scout

Hi everyone:wave2:

I found this site after searching around the net. I am new to marine aquariums. In fact I don't even own one, except for my normal fresh water tank. I am certain this forum will help me along the way in setting up a tank.

SPS Extreme 2-250w MH

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 1:03am CDT by arab NA

Does anyone know what is the price on this unit?

Hydroponics?

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 11:10pm CDT by Neil H

Hi All

Has anyone got a hydroponics system running at home?

N

Evolution Of My Tank

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 9:16pm CDT by Manic

Hey everyone,

Just thought I would start a thread showing how my tank is evolving from day one. I'll post a pic every month to show how a tank can change over time. Here's the first few months:

Day 1 [4 March 2009]

Started with crushed coral. Big mistake, it was a mission to change over to aragonite.

Day 24 [27 March 2009]

Day 61 [3 May 2009]

Day 85 [27 May]

Today: Day 91 [2 June]

So what you guys think.

Advice on Hammer please- Coral Novice

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 8:59pm CDT by Easy Tiger

Hi All - please can you give me some advice. I've added a Hammer about a week ago as my first "learner" coral. I have not mounted it yet until I can tell if it's happy in it's location or not. I'm worried I am doing this wrong ...
Whats the best depth for it in the tank/optimal lighting/optimal flow. And what's the best to feed it? Only two of the five heads seem happy and healthy, the other 3 are almost always retracted. It was in full bloom at LFS.

PH : 8.4
NH3 : 0
NO2 : 0
NO3 : 0 ( didn't trust my two test kits here,but LFS also reads it as 0 )
Sg : 1.021
Temp : Night 24c day 28c ( lighting accounts for the difference )
Lighting : 1 x MH 150w 12000k 2 x T5's 39w one white, one actinic blue

I'm not adding kalk or any Ca as this is the only coral in the tank so far. Not testing for Phosphates either...

Sump idea

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 7:40pm CDT by Johan van Aardt

So i have for a while now thaught of how to put a sump on my 48 liter nano and i just couldnt figure it out until it just hit me, what if the pump was in the tank nd pumped up into the sump and the sump had the overflow in? Would this work? My idee is to make it about 80 liters with a 200 liter rated skimmer and sump. So i would then be able to have an bubble tip anemone with two clown fish in this tank. What u guys think?

Permalink for 'Marine_Aquariums_of_South_Africa/2009/06/02/ts1'

ts1

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 7:37pm CDT by fleur

hi all, okay i've just bought a new skimmer, the ts1 and it looks great the one problem i'm having is that it is fulling my tank with these's fine bubbles which dont look great in my tank and i dont know what to do, please help?

Which fellow reefers along our Natal South coast lives near these looney dudes?

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 7:14pm CDT by chikaboo

I wonder what these guys tanks look like? Got these pics from my cuz - dont know where exactly but it's along our KZN south coast - CRAZY!

Boyu TL450

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 5:23pm CDT by keyaam

Hey all

I just recieved a boyu TL450. Any mods to share please post them here. This is going to be a softy coral tank only. No fish. Any advice will be highly appreciated.

Error 633 Problem - Please help

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 5:17pm CDT by lIghty

Hi All

My anti virus found a virus and cleaned it up, so I use my 3G modem to download the lastest updates for it, restarted the laptop and ran the scan again with the up date, found the same virus (which symantec says was a Very Low Risk) and cleaned it, I restarted again and ran the scan just to be sure, it came back clean, but now my 3G modem won't work, re installed the software and retarted, just keeps coming up with the same message Error 633.

Running XP.

PLEASE HELP

Clown not happy

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 5:05pm CDT by Lowflyer

Hi guys, has anyone experienced this before, I'm lank worried. I introduced two black sebae clowns, one three days ago and one yesterday. The older one (smaller one) is doing great, eating and swimming around, but the newer (bigger one) one is actually lying on the bottom of the tank breathing heavily. I did a water change yesterday, but do you think that this could be because of ammonia burn on the guills on the trip to SA? I looks healthy on the outside, but almost seems like it's out of breath. Keep in mind that my skimmer is running, (water is airated).

It's a sad site, please help:(

Algae solutions:

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 3:03pm CDT by trad

I think most people under estimate the comment on their page when some body says they must be introducing phos into there system? So if you have any algae in your tank that you've been battleing with then have a read over what I did to my tank. It may help or it may not, I am definately not the most experienced here but after recent success I would like to help over aquarium owners.

IF YOU HAVE ANY ALGAE GROWTH YOU HAVE PHOS
I have recently done a major overhaul of my system in order to eliminate the algae in my tank and want to have here exactly what i did in order to get a tank that is algae free. Through the entire period i had algae my phosphate test kits shown almost untraceable phos. So therefore algae in the tank must be used up by the algae and you get a incorrect reading of algae in the tank. In other words if you can see algae you have a problem.

1. Replaced the LR was my first suspect.
This may not be a problem for everyone but the LR I purchased was not cured properly and even after a year there was still stuff falling off and this was poluting the gravel very quickly. So if you didn't cure you're LR properly I suggest you start over, and cure your LR .
2. Removed Gravel and went Bare Bottom.
gravel seems like a hassel to me and having to remove it monthly like some of the guys on reefkeeping.com do seems like a hek on a lot of work. In order to clean it properly you would need to move all the LR and vacuum all the gravel at least monthly. So i got rid of it, it may also be a good way to check if you have other phos introduction cause if you can't see any LR or gravel detris then you probably will have little phos. If you like gravel keep it to a min 5mm layer.
3. Replaced the cartridges on the RO machine and bought a TDS meter.
OR buy the TDS meter and test first TDS should be zero dont just assume. Also dont assume that your LFS RO is 100% test it with a TDS you may be shocked.
4. Stopped feeding frozen foods.
pellets and flakes are much cleaner and the are less hassel, if you want to feed frozen foods make sure you rinse the food with RO water. Still don't over feed.
5. Changed Salt brands.
You get what you pay for, so you can buy cheap and not know whats in it or buy a premium brand and be sure your water is top quality. If you have problems just try spend a bit more for a month or two. If your tank looks better then it will be worth the extra cash. I now use TM pro-reef and mix it with my own RO water.
6. Bought a Phos reactor and rowaphos.
I read a very interesting article "dont waste money on rowaphos", its on the D&D website. If you add the required dosage on the first use it may only lower your phos, but not lower it enough to stop algae growth. Also if youre not introducing Phos then the rowa phos in the reactor will lasy much longer. So you may need to overdose initially and then you may not need as much in the future. My algae stopped growing after about 2 weeks of use.
7. added Carbon
just made the water clearer, but make sure you use a good quality active carbon.
8. Changed T5 globes.
I had very old t5 tubes and there was a slight improvement once i changed the tubes i cant say that it would top macro algae but i had a slight blown and green growth like short hair algae. make sure you use proper marine globes, they are designed for aquariums.

I hope this will help some people its my opinion and I definately don't consider myself a Guru. Still need to learn a lot.

Will this MH concept work???

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 2:09pm CDT by Jaco Schoeman

Hey guys.

Sorry for all the threads, but how else will I get the help I need except by tapping your knowledge...

Okey, I want to put a 150W MH on the side of my tank, directed from right to left across the length of the tank... The reason for this, is my tank will be dominated by softies and LPS... So I want to place the light living coral SPS , Zoa , RBTA etc right where the MH is, and the softies like mushrooms and chili on the other side of the tank in lower light. Tank size: 1225 x 450 x 450. 10000K MH and two 54W Geisemann T5 Pure Actinic Tubes.

So will this concept work?

TM Bio-Calcium causing problems

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 12:32pm CDT by Manic

Hey everyone,

So been dosing tropic marine bio-calcium for about three weeks now and everytime I dose it my kH increases. Been trying to find an answer on the net and ask everyone at the LFS but everyone seems to think this is impossible as adding calcium should decrease kH.

Here are my parameters before dosing:

Calcium: 360
Magnesium: 1250
kH: 8

After dosing with 7 spoons in a 130L tank which was the recommended dosage the parameters the next day were as follows:

Calcium: 380
kH: 10

I then dosed 2 spoons to increase it slowly and the next day the kH was 11.

I'm really confused. It says on the box will not increase pH or affect kH. So why then is mine increasing every time I add bio-calcium.

Jokes

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 11:06am CDT by viper357

Celibacy
Many aspects of human sexuality are very puzzling, take celibacy.

This can be a choice in life, or a condition, sometimes temporarily imposed or otherwise by environmental or other factors.

While attending a Marriage Encounter Weekend, Robert and Mary listened to the instructor declare "It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other."

He addressed the men. "Can you each name and describe your wife's favourite flower?"

Robert leaned over, touched Mary's arm gently and whispered, "Self raising, isn't it?"

Thus began Robert's extended period of celibacy.

Shane's Tank

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 10:11am CDT by shane

HI all,
I thought I would post a few pics of the setup.Apologies for the poor quality.
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egg crate

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 9:58am CDT by Atilla

where can i find egg crate ? whats the normAL use of egg crate??
thanx guys

Display tank Overflow

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 9:16am CDT by ashbeggs

Hey guys

I have a 4ft x 2ft x 2ft (120cm x 60cm x 60cm) tropical display tank. I'm wanting to convert it into a marine tank, but need to know the best way of feeding my sump tank from the display tank.
Should I have an overflow fitted on the outside of the tank or on the inside with a hole cut into the bottom of the tank, or should I pump the water out?
Please help with options here.
Thanks:thumbup:

Yuppie and enough Bling Bling

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 10:54pm CDT by sean_koekemoer

Hows this for some techno Tanks:

And here is a link for a couple of different tanks:

............................... Aquarium ASP

My Size Corals

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 10:23pm CDT by sean_koekemoer

Now this is the size Corals I will be interested in, next time I start the Tank up...:lol:

Alternative sump light

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 9:40pm CDT by RiaanP

22W BulbLED Light

LBSE-S1516 22W BulbLED (available E27 & B22 bases )
Pure White and Warm White colours available! In fact it can be any colour white you like (from 2000- 70000K).

Provides you with the same light output as a standard 35W CFL “energy saver” or a 100+W incandescent light bulb but consumes only 22W of electricity!
Use this bulb for 4 hours every day of the year and you will still have light 27 years from now!

Bulbs & Down-lights

Check how cheato will grow under this, and your Scrubber.

pH calibration fluid

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 9:01pm CDT by Tobes

Just wondering - what is the pH of "clean" RO/DI water and will it differ from time to time?

Can someone check it for me with an accurate pH meter/pen?

My calibration fluid expired :(

Reef safe?

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 8:46pm CDT by jimboPE

I found this starfish about a week ago when I went to collect water.Can someone maybe ID it and tell me is it reef safe.Its currently in my sump.

Pet Stop NEW SERVICE - Shipping!!!

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 5:09pm CDT by Moolis

Hi there Reefers

PET STOP NEWS

I want to introduce Nico (Pet Stop IT):thumbup:

No:razz:, let him tell you:
Hi:wave2:there,
I'm managing the online advertising:slayer:as well as all incoming and out going mail, to make sure we get back to you as fast as possible:thumbup:
I'm not a REEFER yet:(, but i am hooked ;)and is catching on fast. Though I will be able to answer some of your questions and if i cant, we have a few people here capable of handling almost any subject !!! With Moolis and Shaun on the MARINES and they will get too it as soon as they have the time.(I will see to it)

So there you have it - Nico will be your INTERNET link to us, his email is nico@petstopsa.com

The 1st benefit to you our revered customer is:
We will be able to ship to you now!:1:

The basics regarding logistics will follow soon.

Moolis

PS - please send your quarries to Nico as far as possible - this will ensure the fastest possible response.:whistling:

Urgent Advice - already lost a fish now another one is sick please help

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 3:36pm CDT by Trev

Hi all

I need help one of my clowns delevoped a strange spot on oits body which looked like a open cut from something sharp. I was worried that perhaps my female electric blue which had only been in the tank for 4 days was the culprit so I put the blue in a isolated tank which I use for aclimatizing to give the clown a chance to recover. The clown only became worse and died. Now two days later my black clown has the same wound but currently is still eating fine and very active. However the blue is still isolated from the rest. What could be causing this and how do I combat it. I have never had sick fish. Also it has affected the clown type I also have a angel , purlpe lobster , Elect blue , picasso trigger and another percular clown ARE THEY AT RISK WHAT SHOULD I DO I AM SO WORRIED.

please help

Trevor

Best book for fish?

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 2:34pm CDT by viper357

Hi guys

I'm looking to buy a really good book that covers all (or most) of the fish we get in the hobby, preferably a book that you can ID fish in and also gives good info about care and compatibility. Any idea's which book is the best?

SPS frags Wanted CPT

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 2:26pm CDT by Jason

Hi all

Im looking for some SPS frags in CPT, anyone wanna sell?

Thanks
Jason

Very confused on MH prices!?!?!

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 2:00pm CDT by Jaco Schoeman

Hi guys

I am totally confused on Metal Halides (once again)

I enquired from a lighting company in Boksburg on what a DE 150W MH unit and gear costs. I was shocked to hear R148 for the unit, R220 for the gear and R175 for the tube... Can that be right? Why is the aquarium versions then so expensive? They could not tell me whether this MH has the UV protection lens on, and could only tell me it is an IP20 unit. Thus I will need to splash proof / moist proof it.

But if this is the case, do you recon I could just use this? Where can I get a UV glass to replace if need be? The manufacturer is Radiant...

Any advice?

Nylon tubing

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 12:33pm CDT by teez

hey all,

i am looking for nylon tubing from 40 mm to 50 mm, anyone have an idea where i can get it in Randburg ?

Amps to Watts conversion please

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 10:34am CDT by viper357

Can anybody help me to convert amps to watts?

I have a temperature controller that says it can handle 240v 10 amps max, how many watts of heaters does that equate to?

Also would there be a sort of spike when all the heaters get switched on?

Thanks.

Need help with Seio M820 making a noise

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 10:01am CDT by dogstar

Hi Guys,

Cleaned the tank this weekend, and cleaned the powerheads too. Took my Seio M820 apart and cleaned it up, and put it back together again.

However, now i notice that after a while the seio starts making a noise and vibrating quite a bit. Swith it off, put it back on, same problem. Take it apart again, no obvious issues, put it back together again, and runs quiet for a while and then starts with the noise and vibrating.

What could be the cause of the problem? Did i do something wrong?

Please help.

Thanks

yellow tail wrasse

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 9:15am CDT by inflames

Hi Guys,

Thinking of getting a yellow tail wrasse (Anampses meleagrides) for my set up. LFS has one! Has any one kept them before. See that they require a sand bed to bury themselves and also seem fairly fusy about food! Can anyone give me some advise or some feedback. I also have a six line wrasse...will they be ok together?!?!:1:

Reefkeeping South Africa » Marine Aquariums of South Africa » June 2009

Feeds

Marine Aquariums of South Africa

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 1:08am CDT by Megalodon

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 9:33pm CDT by animalia

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 9:24pm CDT by brettb2020

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 8:52pm CDT by Jaak

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Posted: June 28th, 2009, 8:54pm CDT by Reef Maniac

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