Reefkeeping South Africa » Marine Aquariums of South Africa

Marine Aquariums of South Africa

H. magnifica VS. pumps - Paralyzes Fish

Posted: December 31st, 2010, 1:44am CST by Anemone

Thought I would pass on this poor guy’s misfortune in hopes of bringing awareness and prevention to the community.
It is my belief that the deaths were not likely caused by consumption of the anemone particles as stated. But rather from the release of nematocysts as was stated by Gary in the link below. Either way, it was deadly and will happen again. Gary also mentions the potency of nematocysts of the H. magnific as being much more powerful compared to the E. quadricolor.

Taken from here: [reefcentral.com]

“Well, today was a sad sad day in my world. I got a call from my wife this afternoon saying the fish in my tank were acting funny. I rush home to find that my ritteri anemone had walked onto my closed loop intakes (yes they have screens on them) , and became chopped seafood. The pump is very powerful, its a Reeflo Hammerhead. This in tern spread thousands of tiny food like bits into my tank, which in tern was consumed. For the best we can tell, this caused major paralysis in the fish, which cause them to suffocate. Like I said, sad day.

List of casualties:

yellow tang
hippo tang
scopas tang
blue spot kole
naso tang
tenniti tang
orange shoulder tang
lavender tang
sailfin tang
Australian dussimeri tang
Atlantic blue tang
chocolate tang
lime green coris wrasse
2x melenarus wrasse
6x green chromis damsels
sixline wrasse”

"ULTIMATE SURVIVAL" - Marine style

Posted: December 31st, 2009, 10:25pm CST by lIghty

Thought I would share this story with all of you as I don't thinks its all that common, but please share your similar stories...

So the other day I caught a small cleaner wrasse, about 10-15mm long, its so beautiful with its extremely bright blue colour, like a neon tube. So when getting home I decided to acclimatise it and a Goldie to my DT and release it directly into the DT, not thinking I would have any problems......:whistling:

WRONG, some how forgot about the Longnose Hawkfish that I had read would take very small fish, will it wasn't long after releasing it the Longnose had locked it in its radar, so while grabbing my net I saw the Longnose swim past my face with a very dark blue object down its throat and a tail sticking out of it mouth (almost like it was showing of its catch)........#%^$%&*%%&%%^........ Not impressed at all I decided to chase it around with the turkey baster, about about 30 seconds or so it spat it out........ and guess what, still alive and swimming around! I couldn't believe it.:) So I quickly grabbed the net and scooped it, it now having a fun with the Semis in the "grow up" tank....

Hows that for some survival story:razz:

Anyone had a similar story?

bob your mailbox is full

Posted: December 31st, 2009, 5:23pm CST by butcherman

hey bob was just trying to send you a pm your mailbox is full

Seasons Greetings

Posted: December 31st, 2009, 2:23pm CST by Naiema

The MASA family:
Another year is dawning on us and we can only sayTHANKYOU for wonderful support and loyalty!
We look forward to spoiling you with our unbeatable prices and unrivalled service. All of us at Sams Aquarium wish you a BLESSED 2010 and always.
Regard and best wishes
Sam,Naiema,Ebrahim&Nosipho.:thumbup:

happy new year guys

Posted: December 31st, 2009, 11:54am CST by leslie hempel

hey guys im getting in early so have a great and safe party and remember if you fall down to roll away from the vomit :)

jokes have a great one and wishing you all the best

from the Hempel's

Thanking evryone

Posted: December 31st, 2009, 8:16am CST by riyadhessa

I would Like to take this time to thank firstly Admin, Mods, friends i have made etc, for all your help this past year...
My tank has really exploded and is truly looking fantastic...
I know i have not posted pics for a while but will do so in the new year when my new tank is complete...

So i wish for you all and your familiies a prosperous and happy new year...

Riyadh...

Whats up with the FISH!!

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 10:53pm CST by vatso

Right so doing research & getting my tank ready!! I have come to understand that there are some major issues with keeping marine live stock!!

We spend lots of money on RO water & filters &&&& - just for the fish to crap in the water!!

am I missing something!! if only they kew how many tests we do & how much work we put into keeping the water clean!!

it's like doing house work & having people mess the house up all the time!!!

that got me to thinking about other stuff!! & you don't want me going there!! all i think of is where we use to catch fish some times!!

I am an old deep sea fisher man used to fish off Durban turned to scuba diver!!

now if only we could train the fish to crap in a filter!!

:)

[FS] Calcium reactor

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 8:46pm CST by maj

Have this Aqua excell calcium reactor with new caribsea media in it.not selling Co2 bottle and regulatorbeen used 1 month only.Any Offers??

St.lucia

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 8:22pm CST by Jinx

Hey guys are there any good spots in st lucia to get some nice stuff for my tank?

Permalink for 'Marine_Aquariums_of_South_Africa/2009/12/30/DSB'

DSB

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 7:35pm CST by paul bloem

Hey guys

My DSB`s sand level is a bit low and I would like to make it 15 cm, can you please advice me on how to do that.
Do I just add sand or 1cm at a time?
DSB has been running for almost 1 year now.

O, just to add I am increasing the size from 60cm X 30cm to 80cm X 30cm.

thanks

New PE marine

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 4:19pm CST by PeteEd

Hi my name is Pete and I've just started a marine tank, 1.5 x 0.9 x 0.8m, external sump filter with jebo skimmer, 4xT5 lamps. My tank has been maturing for 4 weeks and I introduced my first fish this week - a Pajama Cardinal and 2 cleaner shrimps as I thought they would be good for cleaning up the tank.

My water is very good although the nitrates are 5-10 ppm but I am told this is normal. My Alkalinity is 2.5 however I did fill with sea water, I have added lots of dead coral to try to combat this.

I have also introduced 4 large pieces of live rock which are doing really well. Tube worms, mushroom anemone, small anemone are all healthy and growing rapidly. Also a green plant appeared on my rock 4 days ago but I dont know what it is. Def not calauper, has a fan shaped leaf!

Will keep you posted on progress and questions. One question is how long should I wait before adding more fish?

Thanks and looking forward to getting involved in the community.

Pete

150 watt 10,000k DE HQI MH Bulb, IceCap

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 4:17pm CST by radar

Hey guys.Do any of you use a 150 watt 10,000k DE HQI MH Bulb from IceCap? Can you give me your opinion on this lamp.I want to start a nano 2 foot cube open top.The lamp will be a hanging fixture.I plan to stick mostly to softies and lps with a possibility of sps later.killkanga

Midas Blenny

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 3:42pm CST by Sentari

Thought i would add this for a little bit more information on Midas Blenny

QUICK STATS :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=1', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=2', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Care Level: Easy :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=3', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Temperament: Peaceful :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=4', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Reef Compatible: Yes :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=8', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=10', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Max. Size: 6" :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=11', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Color Form: Blue, Yellow :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=13', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Diet: Omnivore :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=15', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Compatibility: View Chart :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=16', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Origin: Maldives :popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=17', 200, 500, 400, 100)" target="_blank">Family: Blenniidae

The midas blenny (Ecsenius midas) is from the family Blenniidae. This bottom dwelling species is native to the shallow water reef systems of the Indian Ocean.
Midas blennies are small fish. They can reach a maximum length of 5 inches but are more typically 3.5-4 inches. It has a slender, cylindrical shaped body that varies in color from solid golden-yellow to orange. There is a pale blue region on anterior of their under bodies and usually a brighter blue trim around their eyes. This fish's coloration will morph into a light gray when it is experiencing escalated stress levels. Blennies are often confused with another small bottom dwelling creature, the goby. Although they are closely related, blennies can be distinguished by the tiny antenna like appendages projecting from their heads. These appendages are called cirri. The Midas blenny is also marketed under the aquarium trade name Persian blenny.
Blennies are generally docile in temperament. They make an excellent addition to a community tank provided they are not mixed with larger more aggressive species. This species is rated reef safe. They will fit in perfectly in marine reef setups. They will not disturb your anchored inhabitants or your ornamental crustaceans. They do however often demonstrate territorial behavior toward other bottom dwelling fish and rival blenny species. Plenty of hiding places and an adequate food source will lessen these tendencies. You do not want to overcrowd your reef aquarium with bottom dwellers. The larger the bottom surface area, the more diverse a population you can realistically expect to maintain.
The Midas Blenny is a hardy fish and easy to take care of. It is a great choice for amateur aquarists. In the proper environment you can expect these fish to live anywhere from 5 to 8 years.
Blennies are hiders by nature. They will seek cover in the small cracks and crevices of rock work and create burrows for sanctuary at the base of these rocks. They will frequently be seen peaking out at their surroundings form the relative safety of theses borrows. The Midas will also spend a fair amount of time perched atop of rocks and coral formations near their burrows. This species swims very similarly to an eel. Its body undulates creating as a means of propulsion through the water. They commonly back into their burrows just like an eel would.
The Midas blenny is an opportunistic omnivore. It has a higher concentration of protein based matter in its diet than most other blennies. It has even been known to nip at the fins of gobies and firefish.
In an aquarium setting the Midas is not a particularly finicky eater. They will readily accept frozen foods, marine flakes and pellets. Make sure to provide them with plenty of protein to help maintain their vigor and coloration. They can be fed vitamin enriched brine shrimp, zooplankton and finely chopped fresh seafood such as shrimp, octopus and squid. You will also want to address their need for vegetable matter. They have an affinity toward micro and blue-green algae. A well established living rock collection will help give them plenty of options to choose from. A supplement of dried algae sheets is also a recommended.

Midas Blenny

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 3:42pm CST by Sentari

Thought i would add this for a little bit more information on Midas Blenny

New Shipment

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 2:07pm CST by Naiema

Had to let you about stunning shipment just unpacked @ Sams Aquarium. Clowns, Bubble tipAnemones,Red Mushrooms,Gorgoneums,Sailfin,Scopas,Lineatus,Unico rns, Navarchus,Wimples,Picassos&Nigers,Foxface,6 lines, Goldhead&sleeper gobies, Foxface Magnifica,Selaris blennies&more! Ph 0217122534/0826368990

What Salt you use ?

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 12:41pm CST by Warr7207

I like to see what synthetic salts are being used compared to this poll: Which Salt ??? - Page 4 - Water Parameters
done 2 years ago.

Might have left out a couple of brands, please list if I have

Bubble on my live rock

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 12:31pm CST by vatso

ello

my tank has been runing for just over a week - I have little bubbles on my live rock which was not there before what is that all about?

Who lives in Midrand / PTA or close by doing water changes?

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 12:25pm CST by vatso

Hi there

I am trying to find out who is in the Midrand or centurion area that also has a marine tank, Would like to try get some of the water that you throwing out & get to know my follow MASA members.

thanks
Mark

Wanted - Cheap Skimmer for 250 Lt Tank

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 12:11pm CST by vatso

Looking for a cheap skimmer for my 250 Lt Tank I don't have a sump so needs to be HOB, Anything is better then nothing right?

Thanks

Tank Budget for 2010

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 11:11am CST by vatso

Hello all

I am sure like all of you we never put a budget together for these types of things!

My Budget to run my tank for 2010 will be R500 per month - tank is 250 litters that should be enough monthly.

that budget is for replacment of bits & pieces & running cost as well as live stock for 2010.

I would not include the power the system uses that just is to much effort.

what's your budget? & do you think I can make it?

I hope over time I get to know you guys & can swop & trade live stock & corals

Mark

raising brine shrimp

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 10:55am CST by magman

I have several small juvie fish that I a feeding live brine, but if I want to grow the shrimp out a bit, but also keep them nutritious after their first 24 hours, what can I feed them?

I know brine is only nutritious after the first 24 hours, but surely if they are fed on something nutritious this will help. How do I grow them out and keep them nutritious?

Chaeto needed in Cape town

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 10:37am CST by eddiead

Does anyone know where I can get some chaetomorpha in Cape town?

Zeovit

Posted: December 30th, 2009, 8:52am CST by Ridwaan

Howzit Guys..

I have been doing some research on achieving a low nutrient system and have been looking into the zeovit method, though there are other methods out there but seems the zeovit is the tried and tested method....

My only problem is where can i get Zeovit in this country?

Anybody know of a LFS that sells the zeovit range and has a constant supply of the product?

Cool:thumbup:
Ridwaan

id please

Posted: December 29th, 2009, 7:57am CST by johanpm

hi guys,

i found a bout 7 of these strange, rugby ball shaped, white things in my tank. they are about 5mm long. is it some kind of egg? only have snails, shrimp and clowns in the tank.

(wanted)egg crate wholesaler cape town

Posted: December 29th, 2009, 11:36pm CST by mandarinman

name ,tel address pls

Will this RO unit be okay?

Posted: December 29th, 2009, 10:26pm CST by vatso

Hi there will this unit be okay? & can I change the filters if need be? I have a water well 6 stage unit i don't have the tank connected

Reverse Osmosis Water Purification System

Reverse Osmosis is a process where water is demineralised using a semi permeable membrane at high pressure.
Your normal filtration units will only reduce certain contaminants such as silt, rust, chlorine and up to 96% of some forms of bacteria. Reverse Osmosis machines will purify your water up to 99% or any particles larger than 0.0001 microns in size.
The reverse Osmosis Filtration System is perfect for removing dissolved contaminants such as colloid, lead, mercury, various metals and various germs

Filtration Stages Stage 1: Polyproylene Cartridge - 5 Micron Superfine Filter: Removes solid particles and impurities, such as dirt and rust Stage 2: Granular Activated Carbon (UDF) Filter: Absorbs odours, chemicals and chlorine Stage 3: Carbon Block (CTO) Filter: Removes additional chlorine & water discolourants Stage 4: Reverse Osmosis Membrane: Removes up to 0.0001 micron particle size, including colloids, metals, some germs and bacteria Stage 5: Post Carbon (T33) Filter: Improves water taste & restricts the regrowth of algae & other possible germs from forming in the water. Stage 6: Re-Mineralisation Filter (On Some Units): Re-introduces certain minerals and vitamins back into teh water, improving the taste

id please it comes from coffee bay area

Posted: December 29th, 2009, 4:41pm CST by omer

Tinfoil reflector :)

Posted: December 29th, 2009, 3:51pm CST by vatso

Well I got some 54W T5 twin lights for R260 including 6400K globes!

any case the are open & not bought from a Pat shop so had to make a reflector only had tin foil well it works no more light in my eyes LOL!!

PET STOP's Last special for 2009

Posted: December 29th, 2009, 3:08pm CST by Moolis

Hi all reefers that did not go on Holiday ;)

Pet Stop will make it worth your while, by having our last special for 2009:thumbup:

We have lots of Fish and corals (400 +) in stock AND

Most of our corals are on special (sorry only pick-up customers please - unable to do shipping before 04-01-2010)

So come before Thursday 14H00 to avoid disappointment:yeahdude::slayer:

See you all Moolis

Cyano/NO CYANO and its relation to use of a chiller.

Posted: December 29th, 2009, 2:07pm CST by Falcon

OK so it seems to me that temperature was a major factor in a recent cyano outbreak I'm having in 2 out of my three tanks.

the third tank always has low temperatures as it is in a warehouse/open area where in winter even three heaters don't maintain the temps..

so if you have a chiller and dont have cyano since installing a chiller or can offer any insight into CYANO RELATION TO CONSTANT TEMPS OF +-25 DEGREES then please do.
don't forget to vote above!

New arrivals

Posted: December 29th, 2009, 10:04am CST by Naiema

We have just unpacked @ Sams Aquarium stunning live rock, ie: Tonga Branch, Fiji Premium,Fiji Slab and Fiji Bukani! Stunnung pieces available. Please call us on 0217122534/0826368990.

Hermits wanted

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 7:06am CST by ZeroCool

morning Guys ... anyone got a few hermits to spare in jhb maybe ?

Wanted - TS1 skimmer

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 6:40am CST by Matt

Does anyone have a TS1 skimmer for sale?

Aiptasia X

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 10:49pm CST by Warr7207

Very cool product and it works :)

RedSeaFish

[www.youtube.com]

Satellite TV - Technical Help

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 10:42pm CST by lIghty

Hi

I'm looking for some assistance on satellite TV, I'm needing someone that knows the industy well or has knowlendge of installations / setups other than DSTV.

If you could PLEASE drop me a PM

Thanks

Lighty;)

(W) Ocean motion squirt

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 7:54pm CST by leslie hempel

Anyone got one of these laying around? i know a few were imported a while ago and havent really seen them being used by anyone here in SA...

i see they are popular overseas and im planning one for my new setup which will be sometime in the distant future....

thanks Les

Eleaze's Boyu TL450

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 3:27pm CST by Eleaze

Hi all, nice site, been reading since round about Oct 09. Bought a Boyu TL450 for my daughter, Savannah's, room, kick started on 5 Oct with just sand, two weeks later added live rock, Then in Nov added some corals etc, then at beginning of Dec added fish. Everything been going fine to date. I have a purple coral like thing (not sure of the name), which has not opened for 4 days now. Do regular weekly water test with a Sera Nitrite-test, which has tested well on light yellow, result 0.0mg/l for weeks now. Feeding with about 10 drops of Kent Marine" ChromaPlex" every 3rd day, and 10 drops each of Kent Marine "Nano=Reef" part A and B every other day except the day that the "ChromaPlex" is fed. Fish, shrimps and crabs eating very well. Salt water tested with a hydrometer and everything fine there.

Please can the experts give me some advise on this one. Also any other advice on the positioning of things in my tank etc. Thanks for the assistance. Hope the pictures uploaded OK.

things still needed

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 2:26pm CST by vatso

Hello All

Seems I still need one or 2 things.

I have a set of T5 lights but need another 2 I am told so am looking for a very cheap 2 T5 light system tank size is 1M long.

Also I needs a skimmer a HOB type as I don't have a sump

if anyone has any of these things for very cheap or has excess stock and needs the space :) please let me know.

Mark

anenome questions for Brenda

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 1:16pm CST by magman

Hi Brenda,

Hope you well,

A few quick observations that I hope you can help with. Would you agree that the larger the foot, the base of the anenome the greater the flow it requires, example mags with a larger foot prefer higher flow vs crispa with a smaller foot and does not really appreciate the vortech in it's mouth.

Also the larger foots are the more delicate for marine aqueria or the least propogation is a no go for them.

Would you agree, or am I on nori.

[FS] Den Braven AQUA - Silicone (BLACK)

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 11:29am CST by schaun

Not the normal Black Silicone.
This one is made for aquarium use.

Electricity running cost per month

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 10:24am CST by Raven

Hi,
I have just calculated my electricity running cost per month for my tank...:y1:
Ouch.....
The reason for this painfull exercise is the fact that our house hold electricity bill is just HUGE! (don't really want to mention how much...)
I just want to pin-point where our usage is going to.
.......
Now I need some serious help to try to cut on this (the tank's usage)... (not sure one can)
My total tank volume is currently +-750l (busy pushing it to 900l by adding additional sumps to the setup)

Calculated per month my cost is between R. 400 and R. 600, depends on how long the chiller & heaters are running. (And I think this might even be on the low side)

First thing that I want to change is the return pump. It's a Hailea HX-6550 (200 W)
It's running 24hours a day - thus using 148.8kW per month. Cost: 96.8 per month!
The problem is, I wanted to add another pump as my flow from sump to display tank is not enough...
So I'm looking for a bigger pump - using less enery...:whistling:

I have 3 80W lights - it's only on for about 10 hours - Running cost R. 48
I can reduce the run time from 10 hours to 8 hours, but that will only safe R. 10 per month. So not really worth it.

Algea scrubber:
4 - 50W lights, on for 16 hours per day - Running cost R. 64 per month.
Pump for the algea scrubber - 100W - 24 hours per day - R.48 per month.

Chiller:
480W - I've estimated a run time of 6 hours a day in summer - R. 58 per month.

Protien skimmer x 2:
65W+65W = 130W - running 24 hours per day - R. 62 per month.

And the list just goes on....
I have not even listed the heaters...which is rougthly +- R. 120 per month we had a couple of cold nights....

Guys - please any advice on how to cut on this...The rest of the household will auction my tank PLUS car PLUS all my belonings to cover for the electricity bill...

Urgent Advice - Regal with spots

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 9:48am CST by Sentari

Hi!

Was wondering if you guys could help me.

I'm battling to get a photo of my regal. He had some white spots on him which i thought were white spot. He's eating like a pig. He's also been scraping himself against the rocks and stuff. Now i see the spots are black. Could it be that he's scratched himself. What do you suggest i do. Ive just left him cause he's eating and looks like he's okay.

Personally i dont want to do anything and just let him recover on his own.

Will try get a pic. But he's fast.

led's

Posted: December 28th, 2009, 9:41am CST by radar

Hey all.I see the industry is starting to lean towards led illumination as replacements for vho's and halides. Im a halide junkie and not easily swayed but who knows.The initial costs are high for the professional led setups, however they soon make up their value with the long life span and low running costs of these units.Ive seen the ripple effect of these led's and they create a super natural shallow type reef look.Read some of the specs below, check out some of the links, and let me know what you thinkkillkanga
http://www.warehouse-aquatics.co.uk/...ltraHDReef.jpg
http://glassbox-design.com/wp-conten...HD-420x354.jpg
Neil shared some credible insights on the AquaBeam 1000 launch including the flyer above that touts 1200 lumens of output, equivalent to a 150w metal halide. As we learned from the early LED models that attempted to market similarly, such a comparison holds little weight without any supporting details but its worth highlighting.

The waterproof design measures in at 20×20cm or just under a 8″ square, sporting ten high power CREE LEDs at just under 3w eachpushing out a rumored 40-60 lumens per watt.

Each AquaBeam 1000HD Tile will retail for £250 or £350 with TMCs upcoming controller / dimmer. Take a peak at the sprouting discussion on UR with insight from those that have seen a few prototypes floating around the UK

Sump & overflow for standard 250ltr Tank

Posted: December 27th, 2009, 8:00pm CST by vatso

Hello All

How can I get water out the tank into a small sump? just want to put sand bed & fan in it? can I not just pump water out & back in?

Pictures please for me thanks

also I can't drill the tank as I am running it now

thanks
Mark

Urgent Advice - Thunderstorm took out my powerheads

Posted: December 26th, 2009, 10:52pm CST by dogstar

I think the jhb thunderstorm, resulted in lightening hitting my house. Half my house is running on something that can only be described as half power. Lights go on, but burn very dim. TV and some appliances dont seem to be affected.

My tank is in the part of the house running off "half" power. When i got home skimmer pump, return pump and all powerheads were making a grinding clicking noise. Dunno how long this had been going for. Figured there was in issue, and ran an extension cord from the part of the house were everything is working, and connected all up.

Skimmer (reefocto) and return pump (lifetech) seem to be working, no noises. All my powerheads, 2 x sun suns, and 2 x seios seem to be damaged. Still make a noise when i connect them up. Opened them up, no broken shafts or anything. But they just wont run properly.

Any advise on how to get these running again? Or are they permanently gone?

Also how long you reckon i can run my tank without the powerheads? At the moment, only water movent is from the return. Skimmer is getting air into the water.

Wanted - Seio Magnets

Posted: December 26th, 2009, 6:50pm CST by ziyaadb

I am in need of second hand Seio Magnets for
M820*2 and
M1100*2 or M1500*2

Let me know if u have any for sale

How to transfer files from PC to iPod, iPod to PC/iTunes, iPod to iPod

Posted: December 26th, 2009, 4:17pm CST by Valentina

This guide shows you how to transfer files from PC to iPod, iPod to PC/iTunes, iPod to iPod with AVCWare iPod Transfer (Download Here). Part one: Add files to iPod Part two: Backup checked files to local Part three: Add checked files to iTunes library Part four: Transfer files between iPods or iPhone Part five: More usage skillsPart one: Add files to iPodThis iPod to iPod/Computer/iTunes Transfer helps you to add audio and video files from your PC to your iPod/iPhone, such as music and movie. 1. Run the software, and connect your iPod/iPhone to your computer via USB cable. After done, the iPod/iPhone icon and its library and playlists will appear in the Device list. 2. Open the library/playlist that you want to add files into. 3. Click the Add files button, and choose the Add Files to List option that the button shows, and then locate the required files to your iPod/iPhone. Tip: If you want to add a folder containing all files you want, please click the Add files drop-down button, and choose the Add Folder to List option, and then locate the folder to your iPod/iPhone.

Part two: Backup checked files to localThis iPod to iPod/Computer/iTunes Transfer helps you to export files from your iPod/iPhone to local, such as music, movies, TV shows, and podcasts, and more. 1. Run the software, and connect your iPod/iPhone to your computer via USB cable. After done, the iPod/iPhone icon and its library and playlists will appear in the Device list. 2. Open the library/playlist that you want to export files, and then check the file(s) you want to export in the file list. 3. Click the Backup to local button to start exporting files.

Part three: Add checked files to iTunes library This iPod to iPod/Computer/iTunes Transfer helps you to export files from your iPod/iPhone to your iTunes library, such as music, movies, TV shows, and podcasts, and more. 1. Run the software, and connect your iPod/iPhone to your computer via USB cable. After done, the iPod/iPhone icon and its library and playlists will appear in the Device list. 2. Open the library/playlist that you want to export files, and then check the file(s) you want to export in the file list. 3. Click the Add to iTunes button to start exporting files.

Part four: Transfer between iPods or iPhoneYou can also transfer files between your different devices. 1. Run the software, and connect your iPods (but only one iPhone) to your computer. Then open a library/playlist from one of the devices. 2. Find the songs/videos you want to transfer in the library/playlist and drag them to the target iPod/iPhone.Part five: More usage skillsA: Creating a playlistDepending on the type of your iPod/iPhone, you may also be able to create playlists on your iPod/iPhone to compile your songs and video. 1. Run the software, and connect your iPod/iPhone to your computer via USB cable. 2. When the iPod/iPhone icon appears in the AVCWare iPod to iPod/Computer/iTunes Transfer window, select a playlist below the iPod/iPhone icon. And then choose the New Playlist button to create an untitled playlist. This will appear at the bottom of the list of playlists below the selected iPod/iPhone icon.

3. Enter a name for your playlist. A short and descriptive name will help you organize your music and video on your iPod/iPhone. 4. Add audio or video files to your new playlist.B: Add cover to a songIn the thumb view mode, drag an image from your computer to the song listed in the program, and then release the mouse when the song is highlighted. The image would be added as the song's cover.C: Dragging files to importYou can also import files to your iPod/iPhone by dragging. 1. Run the software, and connect your iPod/iPhone to your computer. Then open a library/playlist from your iPod/iPhone. 2. Drag the files you want to import into the AVCWare iPod to iPod/Computer/iTunes Transfer window.D: Dragging files to exportYou can also export files to the actual device by dragging files. 1. Run the software, and connect your iPod/iPhone to your computer. Then open a library/playlist from your iPod/iPhone. 2. Find the files you want to export in the library/playlist and drag them to the target location on your PC.E: Ejecting your iPod/iPhoneTo eject iPod/iPhone by one of the following methods:Method 1: Right click on your iPod/iPhone icon in the Device list, and then choose the Eject option from the right-click menu.Method 2: Click Eject button on the right of Device list, and choose the iPod/iPhone you want to eject from the submenu.Notes:1. When the software is started, it will modify the automatic synchronization of music/video to manual synchronization between iPod and iTunes.2. Please make sure that your iTunes is closed when you use AVCWare iPod to iPod/Computer/iTunes Transfer.3. There are some tips to be mentioned for the connection of iPhone. a. Only in Windows XP/Vista, or above version, AVCWare iPod to iPod/Computer/iTunes Transfer is applicable. b. iTunes 7.3, or above version, is necessary for running AVCWare iPod to iPod/Computer/iTunes Transfer. c. AVCWare iPod to iPod/Computer/iTunes Transfer could only support one iPhone in each connection.

Goldhead goby

Posted: December 26th, 2009, 4:03pm CST by maj

I bought a juvi goldhead goby earlier this week,i drip acclimatised him,he seemed all good.
when i placed him in the tank few hours later,he went into hiding and hardly ever saw him,when i did search i would find him embedded into the sand under a rock,never saw him sifting thru the sand or moving much.
tried target feeding him,still never ate.
this morning i saw him sittin on one spot for few hours,then i tried moving him he just floated around the tank with the flow,still breathing.
placed him in my sump and he just floated at the top,still breathin very shallow.

what could be wrong with the guy?

And so it begins

Posted: December 26th, 2009, 1:22pm CST by vatso

Hello All

I have been a member for some time wanting to start a tank & had some ideas of what I wanted to do - but there is so much info out there! who is telling the truth? what is good & what is bad?

So one has to start some where & when I was offered a tank "Glass" really cheap I decided to start!

My tank is only 1M X .5M X .5M it's a good starting point to try different thing & work out what will be best if I decide to go large!

my tank is just less then a week old & as you can see just got some Live Rock & some filters which I think in time I will remove.

I have no sump & or skimmer, I will not have a sump I do not like them to be honest & will suffer for being how I am! the chances are I will get a skimmer.

the only thing it seems very one agrees on is R/O water the rest seems to be up for debate!

the biggest down fall is I want it NOW! & i think that going to cost me money & marine life in the long run!

But thats how some of us are made lets hope this hobby helps me learn to slow down.

Mark

Permalink for 'Marine_Aquariums_of_South_Africa/2009/12/26/SPJ'

SPJ

Posted: December 26th, 2009, 9:43am CST by radar

Hey all, let me introduce myself. I have been a reefer since 1990 so i've seen this industry grow in leaps and bounds.Unfortunately for the last couple of years ive been abroad in the middle east with work so i had to give up my passion.Never the less, i return home in a couple of months and will start up again. cant wait.I grew up on the coast of Natal and spent every living possible moment exploring the coast, hence the addiction with reef tanks.I'm happy to be part the marine S A family and hope to share and receive wisdom from all the members.Thank you Hennie for the kind words.
regards
Shane:wave2:

Anemone moving

Posted: December 26th, 2009, 9:23am CST by paul bloem

Hey guys

my anemone started moving around yesterday. the thing is that it is lying upside down and I want to know if i must turn it around or not?

Urchin help needed

Posted: December 26th, 2009, 8:11am CST by Johan van Aardt

Hi everyone
i trust everyone is having a awesome december.

i baught a tuxedo urchin the 24th and acclimatised it exactly like u would acclimatise other inverts, by dripping water into the bag. Now my problem is i didnt research urchins spesificly beforehand and didnt know u shouldnt take it out of water. So i took the urchin out of the bag with a net and put it in the tank, just like u could do with a shrimp or hermit crab.

the urchin hasnt been moving at all except for it turning in a circle.

Emporer Angel

Posted: December 25th, 2009, 10:02pm CST by durleo

I bought a juv emperor angel in the last 2 weeks - He initially was eating fine but in the last 2 days he is not attempting to eat food. He swims near the bottom and seems like he cannot balance properly -
Should i put him in the sump and try to feed him separately?

dsb seed

Posted: December 25th, 2009, 4:53pm CST by naughtydragons

Hi guys, merry xmas
I read somewhere on masa that i can put a piece of mussel, shrimp etc, in my new dsb to rot, to seed it, did i misunderstand or is that ok.

Can anyone tell what this is ?

Posted: December 25th, 2009, 4:09pm CST by Munky82

It's the brown strings.
Maybe a type of worm in the substrate ?

Various corals for sale: Faerie Glen Pretoria

Posted: December 25th, 2009, 10:00am CST by martin

Various corals for saleCommon Names:

Various

Scientific Names:

-

Size of coral

-

How long have you had the corals?

-

Shipping or Collection only:

Collection

Your location.

Faerie Glen Pretoria

Price:

Various

Photo's:

Hi
I have decided to sell off everything and start of again later in the new year. I will start with some corals:
Collection only in Pretoria Fearie Glen.

Monti R1250 Green with purple edges, 26cm w x 14 cm h.

Monti R350 hasn't coloured up properly but should be pink 9cm wx 5cm h.

Light blue Acro R400 also hasn't coloured up properly 16cm h x 13cm w.

Notes:

-

Merry Christmas

Posted: December 25th, 2009, 9:36am CST by Ross

Ho Ho Ho, hope you all have an awesome Christmas and get spoiled. Remember no eggnog in the tank, the fish will not enjoy it as much as you will. :lol:

Concrete blocks dropped on live coral

Posted: December 24th, 2009, 12:53am CST by viper357

Federal agencies to probe reef damage - Mauinews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Visitor's Information - The Maui News

Drilling + overflow 24G JBJ nanocube. Remove false wall?

Posted: December 24th, 2009, 10:00pm CST by Matt

Double post

Christmas Wishes - 2009

Posted: December 24th, 2009, 8:48pm CST by Reef Maniac

My family and I would like to wish you and yours a very blessed Christmas.

We will be visiting the in-laws for the day, and I won't be on the forum - although I will try to pop in on boxing day :)

Please remember what this Day is all about, and keep the Christ in Christmas. Enjoy in moderation, and please drive safely.

Hennie & family

A very mery Xmas

Posted: December 24th, 2009, 6:18pm CST by Renannchen

MERY Xmas!!!
Just want to wish everyone on Masa a very mery Xmas and a happy new year... Thanks everyone for all the suport during the year.
Drive safely over the festive season. Enjoy the rest of your hollidays. Will be looking forward to seeing you next year.

Dorry pets

Round 2

Posted: December 24th, 2009, 1:33pm CST by GKirk

Hi guys
I have recently relocated to Abu Dhabi UAE from JHB and have set up my old tank again. I have not done this for a long time so will need some help along the way. I have a 300L corner tank which has been running now for 3 weeks. I am keen to keep a few fish, some anenomes and coral.
A few questions I have:
When can I put fish in? Salt level seems fine, I do not want to start with a Damsel.
A suggestion of how many and what kind fish I can put in. (compatibility issues, I want 2 x clowns, shrimp, starfish and suggestion of good fish to keep tank ecology going)
Do you place coral and anenomes higher up or lower down on the tank?

Merry Christmas to all
Grant

Christmas wishes & thank you for 2009

Posted: December 24th, 2009, 12:10pm CST by Moolis

Hi all reefers and Pet Stop customers:slayer: on MASA.(If you are not a customer yet, we look forward to meet you in 2010 and become one of our priced customers)

All the best wishes for this festive season:1:

May you all have a happy Christmas time and a prosperous new year:thumbup:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOYAL SUPPORT, YOU ALL ROCK:slayer:

From all Pet Stop's permanent staff (Moolis, Hettie, Shawn, Wimpie, Richard, Godfrey, Cynthia, Oom Piet, Tears, Driekus, Sumarie, Annalize, Rosy, Thomas, Julia and Carl)

Replacement pump for Hailea 6530

Posted: December 24th, 2009, 11:04am CST by durleo

Hi Guys

I have a Aqua Excel skimmer with 3 Hailea 6530 pumps on it -

1 of the pumps has failed and i would like to know if there are better pumps that
use less power and produce more air/water flow.
The current pumps are re-circulating.

Thanks to the Arcade Games!

Posted: December 24th, 2009, 10:51am CST by Fish Wife

Just to say thanks to the Arcade Games! I'm stuck at work with nothing else to do and trying to get the high scores on the games is keeping me busy and it is a challenge I really enjoy....

Hope you all have a fab christmas and an excellent new year...
:thumbup:

Small sump - 30x30. Advice please

Posted: December 24th, 2009, 9:20am CST by Matt

I need a sump for my tank, limited space available.

Will a sump that is 30cm x 30 cm be sufficient for a sump with a DSB and a TS1 skimmer?

What would a sump this size cost?

Yello tang

Posted: December 24th, 2009, 9:16am CST by callie

I have a yello tang for about 4 week. Yesterday i bought a brown scopas tang. Since i put in the scopas tang in tank the 2 are fighting like crazy. What must i do? I took the scopas tang out of tank again and put it in my sump.

first sump

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 11:00pm CST by naughtydragons

If been strugling (to say the least) with PS, on top of my tank, medium nitrate/nitrite readings, deaths, circulation, temp, everything there is to strugle with for over 10 months now, and so tomorow is one of the happiest days, i wil fill my New Sump with water and sand and PS (under my tank)!!!! and LR and all will be beter and lovely, and 'Aquarios Poseidon' wil smile upon me, and the great barier reef wont catch up to me.

Structrual Engineer and or Builder Please

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 9:06pm CST by Neil H

Hi All

I am looking for some help with a building issue, I need a highly educated opinion or solution.....

In short i need someone who understands a reefer but will be able to make sure my house does not fall down ......

Please drop me a PM if you are in JHB and are able to help me .......

Moving my very new tank

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 5:47pm CST by Gawiedj

I will be moving at the end of January.
Problem is
I've just finished the upgrade from Nano to 1.2 and moved all my LS over.
So the tank is pretty "green", but the parameters are stable.

SG 1.025
nitrate = 0
nitrite = 0
amonia = 0
PH 8.3

I will house my corals with a mate for a month or three until the tank is stable after the move.
The fish I dont have temporary lodgings for and to make matters worse most of them are damsels so I do not want another reefer to house them in their current setup; however my current landlord is willing to let me leave the tank in the house for 2 or 3 weeks after we move out.

The best plan I can come up with so far is:

Setup a temporary facility now in my garage, make sure everything can be broken down and moved easily. (I have a frag tub running at the moment so it will be easy to use that with out the massive "in-tub" DSB)

On the day I move (30 Jan) take the temp facility to the new place and setup, wait for a week or 2 and only if parameters are stable move the fish in two or three batches.

Move the tank to the new place setup and let the cycle happen before slowly moving stock from the temp facility to the tank.
Obviously this will require weekly 20 to 30% waterchanges on the temp system, but NSW is free and the ocean is close to my new house.

What do you think will it work? Any advice will be welcome:thumbup:

Nokia promotion - scam?

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 4:40pm CST by Tobes

Hi guys, got an sms saying that I won R55 000 on the Nokia year end promotion. I have to buy 3 x R180 MTN airtime vouchers and sms the numbers to the person they give to activate my winning ticket.

Is this a scam or real?

Kenya Tree

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 3:50pm CST by Easy Tiger

Hi all - I purchased a good sized Kenya Tree today and was wondering what would be the best way to mount it? It was just stuffed into the substrate at LFS but I'd prefer to attach it to a piece of rock in my tank.

I've been reading the forum and some of you have had success with mounting other soft corals using elastic bands. Has anyone made this work with Kenya Trees ?

Any other advice/suggestions on how to do it would be greatly appreciated?

Would Pratleys harm the soft flesh of the coral? I don't think it would look very natural though with a lump of Pratleys attached at the bottom...

Thanks...

reef octopus

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 3:16pm CST by shane scheckle

I decided to go with a reefoctopus TS4 skimmer, looks awesome but very limited instructions. I have it all connected and running but feel it needs some fine tuning. Tank has been cycling for a month now so I would like to get the foam dry and optimum skimming.

Hi Newby here

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 2:34pm CST by MavrickFDT

Hi All.

I am really new to the Marine aquarium part of the Hobby I currently have 2 Tropical tanks and I am planning on converting the one to Marine but I need to as a question, so here it is ,

I want to start a Marine aquarium, Fish and Live rock if I can.

It is 200lt tank the Dimensions are L-108cm X W-43.5cm X H-43.8cm.
I have a spare standard 3 foot tank that I want to use as a Sump, but I need to have an idea of how big to make the compartments in the sump.
That is if the 3 foot tank will work as a sump?

Does anybody have any idea or plans for a sump like this?
I am not sure what filtering I would need so the more advise I can get the better?

Any Ideas?

1 more stupid question, what is the basic most basic hardware I will need to start the Marine tank?
I know I need a Protein Skimmer (anything specific)
I know I need some form of Current in the tank (anything specific)
and I know I need the tank,sump and Lighting, anything else?

[FS] Reef Inmates 1.2m light unit for sale

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 1:10pm CST by Tobes

Hi guys. My wife said she will buy me a new bigger tank :slayer:, so I will not be using this light unit anymore.
6 x 54w T5 unit with built in 9 x 1w blue LED's (has a high and low setting).
There are also 3 extra tubes included. Tubes consists of 5 x 10000 white, 2 x coral blue and 2 x actinic.
These units from Reef Inmates are very good quality. I had it for 9 months.

struggling with low alkalinity

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 12:46pm CST by Goby

Hei reefers,

Hope you guys can help out here.

Have done a water test this morning and this is the results.

Temp: 25.6
SG: 1,025
PH:8.1
KH: 2.0
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite :5
Nitrate: 20

I can't get the alkalinity higher. i have used tropic marine buffer but not going up.
I have tried carbonated soda from robertson's. still nothing. i am dosing coral supliments every 2 days. I have read that when using coral supliments the tropic marine buffer won't be as effective. any light on this?

We will be open between Christmas & New year

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 11:37am CST by Moolis

Hi all REEFERS

I HAVE GREAT NEWS FOR ALL THOSE REEFERS ON HOLIDAY :1:or
THOSE REEFERS THAT CAN NEVER GET TO US;)

We will be open between Christmas and new year:thumbup:

Our time will be as follow during this time:
28-12-2009 - 09H00 to 18H00
29-12-2009 - 09H00 to 18H00
30-12-2009 - 09H00 to 18H00
31-12-2009 - 09H00 to 14H00

Then we will return to normal hours from 04-01-2010:slayer:

Last shipment for 2009

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 11:30am CST by Moolis

Hi

We are landing our last shipment for 2009 today

It is from USA so yellow tangs, peppermint shrimps and some other beauty's should be in these boxes!:thumbup:

Anyone run a small all-in-one nano stock standard?

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 11:25am CST by Matt

Just bought a 24G nano cube from Dorry pets that I want to setup in Jan.

Now I'm wondering if it's possible to set up without adding a chiller etc (I live in JHB)

Obviously a chiller is ideal but I just want a small
contained tank without all the extra equipment.

Think this is possible? If not I might just sell this nano before even setting it up...

Co2 regulator and CO2 bottle

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 11:21am CST by maj

Im looking for the Co2 regulator and a 1kg-2kg Co2 bottle.
where can i get this in capetown?or has anyone got these to sell to me??

Why do you reef?

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 10:41am CST by irshaad

I read an international thread on this, and have also been asked this alot lately.
Why do I put myself through all the difficulty of having a reef tank? Why do i gladly do so much to keep it going. Why do i put myself through all the work of setting one up? etc, etc.

For me, its a lot of reasons.
I love the ocean,its splendour and its inhabitants. I love having a hobby that can keep me occupied at anytime day/nite. I love the great support network (masa of course). I can go on and on.

What's your reason?

what is this?

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 10:33am CST by clown

Hi all,

A few months ago this started small on my life rock. I left it to crow to see what it is.

Please advise if this is coral , what type, good or Bad?

HAPPY X-mas and New Year.
:razz::wave2:
Best Regards
Clown

cyano issues

Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 8:32am CST by Falcon

hey there hennie hows it going?

i have an issue i thought you can help me out with.
see my tank is having a cyano problem...but its not the usual suspects.

What EXACTLY does cyno live on?

reason i'm asking is my 680lt tank and nano both have cyno issues during the last month or two...nothing major has changed except in the nano there may be a build up of phosphates as the chemi-pure elite has worn out and i noticed some algae growth on the glass...but ive replaced that with GFO and the algae has receded but the cyno still persists.

Now to throw a spanner into the works i dont believe that cyno is dependant on po4 as in my 680lt reef i know my po4 is zero because

1.ive tested it.
2.there is no pest algae at all gha etc
3.i dose lanthanum chloride and the fact that its dropping my alk so much as compared to when there was po4 indicates that my tank indeed has no po4...

so how important is the alk part?if i raise it enough(10 or how high exactly) should the cyno disappear or am i still missing the root cause of the cynao?namely what is it feeding on?

oh yes the only change in the 680lt reef is that ive increased the lighting a fraction....1-2mm aragonite/crushed coral mix on the substrate for the last four years but recently ive removed most of it and replaced with playsand....infact that is when i first noticed the cyano the next day...that was two months ago and i though by now it would have settled.so maybe silicates?but shouldnt gfo also absorb silicates?

what about if i start dosing bacteria...not seachem stability as it doesnt seem to be working but i mean stuff like prodibio or micro bakter 7 will this outcompete the cyano for food and how do i make conditions more favourable for these other bacteria instead of the cyano?

leather and trees not opening

Posted: December 22nd, 2009, 10:52pm CST by toppdogg

hey guys
just and quick question
i have two diff tree frags in system not sure what they are
i have a button leather and pin cushion leather
the pin cushion opens big and extends polps nicley
but button and trees dont open at all
what can be the cause of this please help

green TK zoas

Posted: December 22nd, 2009, 10:38pm CST by toppdogg

hey guys just a quick question
i got a bit of green zoa's that were taken out of the transkei they are closed
only put in tank last night do you think they will open ?

Season's Greetings

Posted: December 22nd, 2009, 8:50pm CST by chikaboo

I wish you ALL a

and a Healthy and Happy

Try not to over-eat

too much otherwise, your head will feel like

May

bring you everything you have wished for. (Especially for your Tank!):thumbup:

Joberg Reefers 28 / 29 Dec 2009

Posted: December 22nd, 2009, 7:39pm CST by Seabass

Mods please delete, have info from FransSny.

corals wanted

Posted: December 22nd, 2009, 7:08pm CST by johanpm

Hi all,

I am looking for pin cushion, blue mushrooms and kenya tree.

True Percs

Posted: December 22nd, 2009, 6:01pm CST by Afsal

hi guys

I am looking for a pair of True Percula Clowns to buy or to swop , I have a lekker pin cushion that im willing to swop for it ....

please pm me ....

ps Durban guys only , thanx as shipping wont be worth the effort

Brand new Ts3 for sale: pretoria

Posted: December 22nd, 2009, 2:48pm CST by lanzo

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

Brand new Ts3 for sale

Location:

pretoria

Shipping or Collection only:

collecton/shipping

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

Brand new ts3....still in box for sale.

Price R2300.

Puglsy have dibs on it until tonight...otherwise going to anybody else.

Pick up or shipped(at buyers expense)

Notes:

-

help needed with fish

Posted: December 22nd, 2009, 1:33pm CST by Atilla

hy guys

i need a big favour...

does anybody stay close to Pet Stop (one of the sponsors)? or going there today or tomorw or so?

i need a favour...please can you pm me:biggrin:

Which skimmer?

Posted: December 22nd, 2009, 10:42am CST by LRS

I'm looking for a hang on skimmer for my 60l nano. Do you guys have any suggestions?

Help, Yellow Wrasse with open mouth?

Posted: December 22nd, 2009, 10:15am CST by Mudshark

My beautiful yellow wrasse is swimming around slugishly and with its mouth open. It's been doing it for about 2 days now, and I havn't seen it feeding. This morning I didn't see it at all. Has anybody experienced this before? Its mouth didn't look injured at all.

New Member

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 7:26am CST by racerchic

Hi Guys
We are new to this awesome hobby. We got a Boyu TL-550. It is now full of sea water and been running for 12 hours. Water starting to look a bit clearer now. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

We really look forward to being in this group.
Regards
Racerchic

Tank Size

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 1:14am CST by Christo

Hi Everyone!

I'm just looking for the standard 4foot tanks size's (LWH) If anyone can help!

Thanx!

Shrooms and Frogspawn/Hammer frags wanted in Durban

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 9:35pm CST by danimal

Looking for some colourful frags in the Durban area. Also don't mind shipping if seller is willing :)

Cheers

Clams!!!

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 9:17pm CST by Atilla

i want to start this thread with all the info regarding clams...

please voice your opinion about the different species of clams.
how difficult they are to maintain (own experience)
tank conditions
fish that you find not compatible with them
prices compared between the species

:):):)

Shrimps

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 4:15pm CST by callie

I got 2 fire shrimps in my 1.5m tank. Need to know if i can ad a picasso and niger trigger and a gold spot rabit fish?

Aluminium...is it marine safe?

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 3:41pm CST by Goby

Hi reefers,

quick question. i want to use aluminium for a border around my tank corners. Is aluminium safe to use?

Skylights - Need a quote

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 3:28pm CST by Galibore

Hi Guys,

It's good to be back.

Starting my new setup very soon. 2m x 1.1m, can't wait.

Can anyone here point me to someone that installs skylights. I need to get a quote fairly urgent and preferably someone that is familiar the aquarium industry. When I speak to skylight people they look at me funny when I mention low-iron (starfire) glass.

Any help will be appreciated.

Cheers

Help identify this snail

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 3:00pm CST by Itsme

Hi I recently noticed this snail in my tank, any chance so meone can help me identify it and let me know if I should be removing it from the tank or not. I think it might be a preditor and eating my other smaller snails?

Clown went for jolly ride

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 2:00pm CST by RiaanP

Yesterday when I did my waterchange, when I looked down at the drum to check how mush more water I need to drain, my small ocealaris clown got sucked up and went for a jolly ride to the drum. Was using a 20mm pipe.

He survived. Must have thought it is feeding time and came to close to the pipe.

Had to throw the water I syphoned out back into the display, and start over.

This morning he is still 100%.

Now my syhon pipe needs a strainer.

Mandarin's new marine WORX

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 1:54pm CST by Goby

Heloooo all masa reefers!

it is with GR8 pleasure to share with you all, mandarin's new marine WORX. it has been 3 weeks now since his 1.5m H2O burst. He is so happy and excited about his new built and asked me to share it with all of you.

The new tank is

1.5m x 760mmx 600mm

Base = 12mm euro braced
Sides = 10mm euro braced

Here's some pics of his progress.

The stand that my father built himself. He is indeed a handy DIY man! :thumbup:

Some pics of the tank build!
We decided on a C2C overflow. You can see in the pic that the one side is shorter than the other. This is were the overflow box will be. We will have the complete width for surface skimming.

Tank with the bottom and sides siliconed. We still have to finish the rest of the bracing.

SPS ID needed

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 11:40am CST by Kunhardt

Can someone please ID this Birds Nest for me, I was told its quite a rare variety but thats about it...

CLS turnover and SPS

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 11:16am CST by Neil H

Hi All,

So I was wondering ....

lets say you have a 1000L tank and you have a CLS with a manifold with say a 10 000L per hour pump plumbed in ........

do you say right i have 1000L and a 10 000L pump therefore my turnover is 10X

OR

Do we say no no we have 10 000L coming from the pump to the DT and 10 000L going from the DT to the pump via the manifold, therefore we have 10 000 + 10 000 divided by the DT volume of 1000L therefore we have 20X water turnover ???

I have been doing the calcs for SPS and for a moderate sized tank (700L plus) to achieve 40X turn over is not easy to achieve 60 or 100 times it is frightening

i am specifically interested in what the SPS guru's think here

Urgent Advice - Blue tang gone blind ...

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 10:50am CST by schalkst

Hi guys , after moving , it seems like my blue tang gone blind ! he swim right into the rock right infront of him ! Can this be temporary ? how will he eat ! Im worried, he doesnt see my hand on the glass ....

Mantis shrimp questions

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 9:02am CST by wiesnerm

I think I have a mantis shrimp in my tank. I have been hearing some cracking/clicking sounds in the tank for about 2 months now. From reading on the forum, my first thought was that it might be a mantis shrimp. I looked and looked and looked and did not find anything.

Then on Friday when feeding the tank frozen brine shrimp a saw something quickly darting out of a rock and back in. Afterwards I looked closely to where I saw it and saw feelers and 2 eyes on little "sticks" looking out of the rock. Last night during feeding time, I looked again and it dashed out for food again. It is about 3-5cm in lenght, but by the quick view it does not look like a shrimp. I don't know how they look when they are swimming around.

It must have arrived in a piece of rock that I bought with mushrooms about 3-4 months ago, as I have not added any other live rock into the tank around that time (or how long can they stay hidden before making their appearance?)

I have not lost any of my fish or shrimps, except a new purple fire goby that I purchased a week and half ago, that I have not seen since... (But it might still be hiding) Some of my Zoa's seems to be disappearing and I was wondering if the mantis might have something to do with it?

I am now in 2 minds if I must try and catch the bugger (as it will grow bigger and might become an issue) or to leave it (as it is leaving the other inmates alone). Any advise will be welcome...

New purple fire goby nowhere to be found

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 8:47am CST by wiesnerm

I got myself 'n purple fire goby about 1 and half weeks ago (after a long search for one:thumbup:). I dripped it for about 45 minutes and placed it in the tank and then switched off the lights. I have not seen it since:(:(. I remember that I read somewhere on the forum that fire gobies can hide for up to 2 weeks in a new tank, but can't find the thread.

I just want to know if this is normal and if I must start searching for it, by moving the LR?

PS: I think I might have a mantis shrimp in the tank, but not sure (I will start a seperate thread for this). All the other inmates are fine.

please id.....part 2

Posted: December 21st, 2009, 8:30am CST by magman

what is this wrasse shape fish, lives in the rock walls. very common.

Danimals DIY Phosphate and Carbon Reactor

Posted: December 20th, 2009, 12:13am CST by danimal

Decided to go the DIY route (as with everything else in my system barring the skimmer!) for my reactor.

50mm PVC pipe with all the fittings:

the ends are removable so i can replace the media

phosban in one side, activated carbon in the other. don't worry, there's a sponge on the RHS as well, just hidden under the caps!

and gurgling away happily in the sump. I T-d off the supply going to my ATS which is a 1000LPH pump, so should be getting around 400, as I think my ATS is getting about 600LPH.

All in all I am happy with the result. Didn't take long at all and was pretty cheap to construct. Water movement is good through the pipe, and there is lots of surface area in both media so hopefully will be beneficial to the system :thumbup:

Starting a DSB

Posted: December 20th, 2009, 11:08pm CST by naughtydragons

Hi, how do I start my first DSB, do I just pour in play pen sand 15 cm deep, or do I layer it cm by cm? Also read that I could seed it, is there anybody in PTA East willing to donate me a cup, Thanx

ID needed

Posted: December 20th, 2009, 6:41pm CST by wors143

can anyone help id this growth... seems to be concentrated around the green star polyps.. found some pieces on the baffles in the sump

Harvesting tube worms from the sea

Posted: December 20th, 2009, 6:34pm CST by Johan van Aardt

Hi guys.

im on holiday in vleesbay(just before mosselbay) and after walking around and checking out the rock pools for fish and corals and things like that ive found quite a few fish. I know its not warm here but im sure certain things will be abl e to adjust in warmer water.

i found really pretty tube worms and would like to know how to get them off the rocks?

Urgent Advice - Fish wedging?

Posted: December 20th, 2009, 5:52pm CST by Titanse

Hi Ppl

I have had a tank running for 2 months now and cycled for a month with the help of Nutrafin cycle.

I put in my 2 tomato clowns after the 1st month when all my water parameters where good.

They are as happy as can be. I also have a pulsating Zenia thats also thriving.

I tried to add a fire goby about a week and a half ago. He was alright, feeding, swimming etc when I woke up about a week later and found him wedged between two rocks..

Dead.

I then left the tank for another week and got myself a cleaner and Lamarck angel. I did the proper dripping and everything, this took about 1 - 2 hours.

I seems that the cleaner must have died about 6 hours after I put him in. ????

The angel was happy. He was even at feeding this morning. when I got back in the after noon (bout 15 hours after intro) found him wedged between 2 rocks...

Like I say, my clowns and zenia are fine!!!! Please help as I can't keep adding fish and they keep wedging themselves.. the parameters seem to be fine!

wanted SPS frags JHB

Posted: December 20th, 2009, 5:40pm CST by sweetnsour

Hi guys

im looking to some SPS frags / colonies

jhb area only will collect

thanks

DB Board wiring

Posted: December 20th, 2009, 4:55pm CST by Ross

Howdy

Been on Google this arvie to try figure this out but it is not making a lot of sense to me. Anybody able to give me in layman's terms and maybe some pics or a drawing, how to wire a DB board.

how do i change parameters?

Posted: December 20th, 2009, 4:10pm CST by finch

can someone please help me? I'm really struggling to understand about water quality - the most important aspect of this hobby. I'm worried that readings will change drastically and i wont have a clue what to do. does someone have an article i can read that will explain this thoroughly ?
I plan to keep FO but with various beneficial algae and DSB life.

these are the readings I'm asking about.
pH - 8.2 to 8.4
Salinity - 1.023 to 1.026 (or 30.5 to 34.5 Specific Gravity (SG))
Calcium - 380-420
Alkalinity - 6 to 9 dKh (ideally 6.5 to 8.5 dKH) NSW levels
Magnesium - 1300 to 1350
Iodine - 0.04 to 0.06
Strontium - 8ppm or 8mg/l (NSW levels)
Potassium (K+) - 380-420
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - less than 5
Phosphate - less than 0.01
Ammonia - 0

Where to find Loc-line Y-Connectors and Flare nozzles

Posted: December 19th, 2009, 10:08pm CST by Matt

Where to find Loc-line Y-Connectors and Flare nozzles
i want to replace the stock pump of the 24G NC DX with a Maxi Jet 900, I wanted to split the flow with a Loc-line Y-Connector and use 2 flare nozzles

Anyone been on a short ship cruize?

Posted: December 19th, 2009, 6:04pm CST by chikaboo

Ok guys anyone been on these short 3/4 day ship cruises? Like to Mozambique or somewhere - Married 10 years next February thought could take the wife on a short ship cruise as she doesn't like water too much but maybe I could relish the underwater life on this trip.... Any of these cruises allow you to bring specimens home?

Difference between internal&external skimmer?

Posted: December 19th, 2009, 5:39pm CST by maj

What is the efficiency difference between an internal nw110 skimmer and an external dnw 110?both having the same output pumps attached.

bloated stumich

Posted: December 19th, 2009, 3:59pm CST by burt

clark clown fish with a bloated stumich, what do i need to do now, one of my power heads, seio m11oo , the suckers came loose and as you can imagene, everything in the tank was caios, did a 50 liter water change every thing back to normal, water par are normal to, then 2 days later , my clown fish got a big stumich, all the other fish are ok.
please help

Some fish pictures

Posted: December 19th, 2009, 1:52pm CST by Gawiedj

Been quite busy over the last couple of weeks finally got the camera out today:)
Some results.

Christmas special on livestock

Posted: December 19th, 2009, 1:42pm CST by Moolis

PET STOP Christmas special!!!!:yeahdude:
we will have specials on all MARINE LIVE STOCK in PET STOP:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

From 10% up to 25% DISCOUNT ON ALL LIVE STOCK:slayer::slayer::slayer:

This special is limited to Monday 2009-12-21 10H00 up to Thursday 2009-12-24 14H00.

* No discount cards or other discounts could be used in conjunction with this special.

What substrate should I use?

Posted: December 19th, 2009, 1:01pm CST by Heston

Hi All

I've read a few posts on the forum that state you could use any number of substrates:
Playsand
Pool filter sand
Aragonite
Crushed Coral
Beach Sand

I need sound advise on what substrate to use to place on the bottom of my tank. I have a 2 m x 0.6 x 0.6
All the petshops recommend aragonite or crushed coral. At around R500 a 20kg bag. I'd need about 5 bags to get an approximate 5cm base. obviously very beneficial to the store!

I'm more interested in the posts that say you can use beach sand. I'm pretty close to Blouberg beach near Cape Town. What are the risks? The LPS says it's contaminated etc...
Where should I collect it? In the ocean at the water mark during low tide? How should I clean the sand? Is plain tap water fine? Won't rinsing it kill the critters in it that make it beneficial?

Secondly what substrate other than aragonite and crushed coral should I use in the Deep Sand Bed (DSB) that is safe and non harmful?

Regards
Heston

Dorry Pets closed

Posted: December 19th, 2009, 12:37pm CST by lanzo

Hi Guys

Dorry Pets is closing today for the holidays we will be re-opening on the 10-01-2009

"(If there is any trouble...please dont hesitate to call...if you really need salt...drop me a pm i have plenty and Peter could open up and hook you up with some)"

Thank you very much for the support threw 2009....

We hope to make 2010 a better year with 2-3 new shops opening across South Africa....bring you high quality hardware and live stock closer to you...

Have a wonderful festive season and to those driving on holiday ...please drive safe;)

Marry Christmas to all and may God Bless you

Regards
Lanzo

water circulation

Posted: December 19th, 2009, 12:04pm CST by omer

hi i was thinking of adding to my tank buyo TL-550 one more pump of 800 lt/hr on top of the standard pump that come with it.
would that be a good idea?

Foxface

Posted: December 19th, 2009, 11:12am CST by callie

Can somebody tell me why my foxface some time get brown on its side over his yello color skin? All water par looks fine.

Wanted frog spawn or pin cushion!

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 10:17pm CST by Aqua spirit Ahmed

Hi guys im looking for a frog spawn or pin cushion which i'd glady swop for any local caught specimens im from the durban area so if there's any thing you guys can name if its local i'll catch it
feel free to pm me

Hydor flo - can any sponsor get 2 of these for me?

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 10:14pm CST by Matt

I'm looking for 2 x hydor flo's

please see this link. Does anyone source these/can they get for me?

http://www.marinedepot.com/wavemaker...erobic-ap.html

tank size for Tangs

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 9:13pm CST by aminyassien

hi everybody

hope you are all Fine

I would like to get your advise of constructing a new tank for Tangs

i would like to have
-Naso Blonde Tang

-Powder Brown Tang

-blue Tang

-some other small fishes

how large shall be the tank?

i already have an akrlic sump 160 liter with UV lamp and a pump 4000 l/h

any advice

thanks in advance

sump setup

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 8:01pm CST by paul bloem

Hey guys

here is a pic of my sump when it was new. 120 X40 X30. the last chamber is 28cm and dsb is 40cm

Here is one I made a bit bigger

now the question is if you look at the last chamber can it go smaller or not. Im scared if it is smaller the return pump will be too fast and empty the chamber or am I not thinking right?

thanks

tube worms ...

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 6:46pm CST by ZeroCool

hi everyone ...

since i got a toby in my system, it munched all the tube worms, i think, or it nibbled it to death.

question, must i remove the left overs, or will it grow back over time.

hope it isnt a stupid question ...

:)

the reason for asking is, i saw it nibble one head off, and the other two tube worms havent been seen for about 1 month ... mmm, so i am not very optimistic about them.

Sps guru's please help with nudi problem

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 3:50pm CST by lanzo

hi Guru's

Please help me i have a outbreak of monti eating nudi's

Some things i have done are on here:
Lanzo's turbo charged super reef tank - Page 49 - Reef Tank advice

here is the picture of them:

newbee engine room

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 3:40pm CST by dropzone newbee

Chiller Wanted

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 3:22pm CST by johanpm

Hi all,

Does anyone have a chiller to sell?

renaming a link

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 12:21pm CST by magman

please help guys, if I want to rename a link in a signature, how do I do it. For example, my signature has a link to my tank, how do I rename it so that it says "my tank".

Shotto:thumbup:

Fishing in Langebaan

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 12:00pm CST by irshaad

Hey Guys
I'm planning to try my luck at Fishing at Langebaan.
Can anyone give me some info as to where about in langebaan do i go? I know the lagoon mite be a no-no.
P.S. i've been to langebaan like once many many years ago, so im not familiar with the place.
ALso, any other advice (bait, line, rig, times, tides, etc)

Soft Coral Frags Wanted

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 11:28am CST by johanpm

Hi,

I am looking for some soft coral frags in Sandton and surrounding areas.

Please PM me what you've got.

first fishies

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 10:35am CST by dropzone newbee

dropzone newbee

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 10:15am CST by dropzone newbee

2Oceans - water clarity

Posted: December 18th, 2009, 8:16am CST by Matt

Was at the 2 Oceans yesterday and I noticed the water clarity was amazing. Also absolutely zero nuisance algae in the display tanks..

I wonder how they achieve this as the one thing I know most reefers battle with (and what ruins a beautiful tank) is nuisance algae

What sharks can you get?

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 12:53am CST by xgame2k

Im looking to get a pair of puffadder shysharks and/or short tail nurse sharks for a tank i am building and would like to know if anyone can get these or what else you can get.

Thank you.

need to know the names of the media

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 12:17am CST by Ahmed rawoot

hi there i just was to know the names of the media in my phos and my nirate reactors

can anyone please tell me

in the on filter there is a sponge then yellow powder then sponge and then some grey stuff with a sponge.

the other filter has stones,charcoal & some brown balls

can any one tell me please

thanking you
Ahmed Rawoot

Help with taking SPS pics

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 10:09pm CST by viper357

Hi guys, I need some advice on taking nice sps pics please.

I have been trying to capture the colour of this millepora in the photo below.

As you can see there is just way too much light as the top of the coral is almost pure white.

So I played with the settings on my camera and 17000 photo's later I managed to come up with this, I can't even remember what I did as I was getting so frustrated. This is what I ended up with...

As you can see I managed to cut down on the whiteness a bit but there is still too much, the colour has come out a bit more but the coral is a lot redder in real life, as well as the monti in the background.

How do I reduce the amount of white light and increase the colour?

Thanks.

New corals discovered

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 7:32pm CST by Nsteyn

Not a lot of information, but interesting enough...

The Associated Press: New species of coral, sponges found near Hawaii

bubbles on dsb

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 6:08pm CST by maj

Hi,

iv got cheato in my sump,with lotsa brown growth on the dsb.
now today i see sum bubble growth on the dsb?
cant seem to take a nice clear pic.....

is this good or bad,if bad,how do i get rid of it?

Hey every 1

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 3:35pm CST by Rockballie

Hey almal eks nuut op die en hoop hier is nog afr, mense want my engels is ma sleg :P

RBTA lighting

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 3:17pm CST by viper357

Hi Brenda

Just a question on lighting for an RBTA please.:)

I believe that MH is not needed, but VHO is sufficient for them. Do you agree?

Also can you please explain what exactly is a VHO light? Is it a normal T5 tube? At Drs Fosters and Smith the VHO tubes all seem to be T12 tubes?

I am wanting to light a 12" high tank with the most energy efficient lighting.

Thanks.

SPS id's please

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 3:04pm CST by viper357

Hi all

I have just bought the following 3 SPS's, can anyone ID them for me please, thanks. :)

Florentine Rice Pudding Ice Cream

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 2:38pm CST by jeryruse

The pleasure of a good cannoli filling in an ice cream.

* 1/2 cup white rice 1 cup water
* 1 cup whole milk
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground anise

Simmer the rice in the water until the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes, then add the milk and sugar and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low and simmer until the milk is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Beat the eggs in a medium sized mixing bowl. Beat the cooled, cooked rice slowly into the eggs. Beat in the cream, anise, and vanilla. Refrigerate until cold, then freeze in an ice-cream maker.

Christmas spinach filo torte

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 2:37pm CST by jeryruse

Ingredients
* 2 tbsp Olive oil
* 6 Spring onions, white and green parts finely chopped
* 500g Spinach, fresh or frozen, thawed
* 350g cottage cheese, drained of any excess whey
* 500g Feta cheese, crumbled
* 3 tbsp Dill, chopped
* 3 tbsp Parsley, chopped
* 1 tbsp uncooked long grain rice
For the pastry:
* 12 leaves of Filo pastry
* 6 tbsp Olive oil
* 125g Butter, melted
* 1 tbsp black Sesame seeds, (optional)

Method
1. To make the filling, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium-low heat.
2. Add the spring onion and cook until soft. Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted. If using frozen spinach, cook until heated through.
3. Drain the spinach mixture in a colander and press out as much moisture as possible. Leave to cool, then tip onto a clean cloth, gather up the sides and squeeze the excess moisture out of the spinach. Chop coarsely.
4. In a bowl, combine the spinach mixture with the cottage cheese, feta, dill, parsley and rice, mixing very thoroughly. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, bearing in mind the saltiness of the feta.
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4.
6. Unwrap the filo pastry and cover the pastry with a barely damp cloth to prevent it drying out and becoming brittle. Combine the olive oil and melted butter.
7. Brush the butter mixture all over a 20cm springform cake tin. Place one layer of filo on the bottom, brush with the butter mixture, top with another layer at a slightly different angle, brush with the butter mixture, and so on, forming 7 layers. Spoon all of the spinach filling on top of the layered filo, spreading out evenly.
8. Fold over any excess filo across the top of the filling and continue layering, forming 5 more layers. Brush the top with butter and then, using a very sharp knife, cut the pastry, before baking, into 8 pieces. Scatter black sesame seeds over the top for decoration, if using.
9. Bake the spinach pie for 30 minutes, then remove the springform ring and cook for a further 15 minutes, until sizzling, deep golden and crisp right through each of the filo layers.
10. Cut again along the original slits before serving. Serve hot or cold.

Christmas cupcakes

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 2:36pm CST by jeryruse

Ingredients

* 125g butter
* 100g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
* 1 tsp finely grated orange rind
* 2 eggs
* 500g dried mixed fruit
* 60g (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts
* 80ml (1/3 cup) fresh orange juice
* 75g (1/2 cup) plain flour, sifted
* 75g (1/2 cup) self-raising flour, sifted
* 1/2 tsp mixed spice
* 250g Orchard White Icing
* 10 drops green food colouring
* 36 red Nestle Smarties or Mars M&M'S

Method

1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Line twelve 80ml (1/3-cup) capacity muffin pans with cases. Use an electric beater to beat the butter, sugar and orange rind in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Stir in the dried fruit, walnuts and orange juice. Stir in the combined flour and mixed spice. Spoon into the lined pans and smooth the surfaces.
3. Bake for 30 minutes or until cupcakes are firm to touch. Set aside in the pans for 5 minutes to cool before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Knead the icing following packet directions. Roll out on a sheet of non-stick baking paper until 3mm thick. Use a round 7cm pastry cutter to cut 12 discs from icing. Place on the cupcakes.
5. Bring leftover icing together. Flatten slightly. Wearing gloves to avoid staining your hands, add food colouring and knead until well combined. Roll out on a sheet of non-stick baking paper until 3mm thick. Use a pastry cutter or a small sharp knife to cut 24 small diamond shapes from the icing. Arrange on cupcakes to make leaves. Roll remaining icing into small balls and use to attach Smarties or M&M'S to the cupcakes to make berries

First post to MASA

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 12:23pm CST by CraigDavisson

Hi all,

My name is Craig Davisson, I have been a member of MASA for about 6 months, here is a picture of my Nano 125 litre, this is my first post on MASA. I have done some changes since this PIC. Having a few challenges but should get them right. I noticed my RO water quality deteriorated after about 5 months and I also suspect a light spectrum deterioration after 6 months. The tank has plenty mods with respect to flow and circulation. Please comment if you would like to!

Seachem iPhone app

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 12:14pm CST by viper357

This looks pretty cool, work out your Seachem doses on your iPhone or iPod touch, anybody got it? Seachem Laboratories. Sea the Difference

Hennie MIA ...

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 11:27am CST by Reef Maniac

Hi all,

Apologies for being so scarce recently. About two weeks ago I started not feeling too well, and beginning of last week I went to see my GP for a checkup. I was referred to a cardiologist, to have an EKG done, and managed to get an appointment for this past Monday morning. What I thought was a waste of time turned into quite a shock, as I was told to go directly to hospital, and ended up receiving a stent in my heart that same afternoon - apparently, I was only minutes away from a heart attack !!!

Anyway, I've been discharged, and am now recovering at home - talk about wasting a perfectly good holiday :(

Seriously, though - I am just glad that I went for that check-up. Please learn from my experience: if you are not feeling well, SEE YOUR DOCTOR...

Hennie

CUC's recomended QTY

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 10:57am CST by Pugsly

Hi there,

Just a little advice please.

Would like to know what is the recomended cuc's and qty's of them for a tank of my size (2000x600x700)
Currently I have a turbo snail, lawnmower goby (keeps the GHA cut) and a cleaner shrimp.

What else and QTY of them would you recomend?

Asterisk support

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 9:55am CST by iced666

does anyone here have strong asterisk knowledge or know anybody that can provide assistance.looking for somebody to show me how to install a 4 BRI card,willing to pay for your time.thanks

Moving a DSB

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 9:32am CST by Raven

Hi,
I want to move my Frag setup which is currently housed in a green house to indoors.
The reason for this is simple - temperature fluctuations. During the cold evenings and winter time my heaters are working overtime! And during the day it's getting a bit too hot....

The problem now is, I have two DSB's running for more than a year on these tanks.
It is full of life!
But it is also full of Aptiasia.. :-(

So my options are:
1. Take out the sand - dry it & then wash it. I can effectively start from scratch. But this will kill everything.

2. Move the aptiasia with the sand, and try to get rid of them in this manner.
But a lot of critters will die with this process as well.

What is the best way of moving a DSB?

please help id these fish i got

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 9:01am CST by magman

excuse the pics, but please help id and if they reef safe, first up the Angel, and what in a mixed tank is safe from it, or what is in most danger, mainly LPS, Tubeworms, and softies. There is quite a few fish and pics....:thumbup:

IceProbe Aquarium/water chiller? Sponsors?

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 7:11am CST by Matt

Are thefollowing units
available in South Africa? Seem reasonably priced and nice and compact

IceProbe Aquarium/water chiller - http://www.marinedepot.com/chillers_...eprobe-ap.html

Do any of the sponsors import these?????

dsb and light

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 9:31pm CST by Blackrat

does my dsb need light ?

monti danae,supermen

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 9:20pm CST by Difficult marine

hi guy
Do any reefer have experience keep montipora danae or supermen? Is it tough like sps monti plate? or easy than acropora?

DIY Air Driven Skimmer

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 2:21pm CST by lIghty

Hi All

Was talking to someone this more at a LPS about building a skimmer.

I have a 300mm Dia acrylic tube thats about 700mm high that I want to build into a skimmer and we were discussing the use of an air pump to supply bubbles.

I've done some research and have found the air delivery is about 500lts/h and up to about 2000lts/h on bigger models.

Now I can get an airpump that will supply up to 75ltrs/min, that equates to 4500ltrs/h, I do realise that the bubble size from an air pump and stone won't be as small (but still very small) as those coming from a Pin Wheel pump, however surely with so much more air it would be ok.

Any comments?:whistling:

Red Sea starter kit competition winner

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 12:57pm CST by Moolis

Hi ALL PET STOP CUSTOMERS

As promised I am posting the results of the lucky draw on the forum.:thumbup:

Thank you for your participation all we had more than 200 entry's - YOU ALL :yeahdude:(rock)

The WINNER is .......drum roll .......... drum roll

Before I announce I would like to thank RED SEA for assisting PET STOP in this competition!! The price is awesome:slayer: The winner win a complete RED SEA MAX starter kit

AND THE WINNER IS ......

J Barnard -
Congratulations - come any time (when we are open:)) to collect your price. Phone call to you by Shawn made?

Just for those that are not Pet Stop customers / or did not visit us the past month.

To enter into this competition you needed to spend R750-00 or more @ Pet Stops marine department to get 1 entry, If you bought for more than R 1500-00 you received 2 entry's and so on.
Discount cards used, discounted purchases and incomplete purchases was excluded, so was items not in the marine department.

A new competition for Omega one freshwater is running NOW and will end 29 Des 2009;)

The disadvantages of water changes.

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 12:29pm CST by Tony

Hows this for a spanner in the works for large water changes. Read this article

Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Feature Article: Potential Dangers of Water Changes

Aquamedic Blue skimmer

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 12:20pm CST by viper357

Is anybody here running the Aquamedic Blue 1000 or 3000 skimmers? I'm looking for some experience on how they perform etc. Thanks.

Fiji Purple

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 11:52am CST by poiromaniax

Hey sponsors,

Does anybody have or can anybody get Fiji Purple bulbs?

Thanks gents

how many shrimps

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 11:46am CST by Pugsly

how many cleaner shrimps can one place in a tank - do they fight etc?

Sting Ray

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 11:44am CST by Pugsly

just a question - earlier this year I went into a PTA LFS well known big one - not a sponsor - had a look at some fish and noticed they had a small little sting ray - was about the size of a man palm.

Is it possible to keep a ray at home? what do they eat? it was a lovely looking fish and just glided all over the tank - very sweet

[FS] T5 Lighting Unit - Nano

Posted: December 16th, 2009, 8:37am CST by shrimp

Hi, I have a t5 light unit with 2 x 24w bulbs. perfect for nano or sump ...
Dimensions is about 600mm x 100mm and has mountable legs ... shipping for buyers expense

Can anybody get sharks?

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 6:08am CST by xgame2k

Im looking for a male and female short-tail nurse shark for a tank build in progress.

Thanx.

My coral adventures - Very very Cool

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 10:03pm CST by ziyaadb

Hi all

This is awesome, Coral fans you will go CRAZY!!!!!! very very mouthwatering

My Coral Adventures: Hello World

Your experience using MB7

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 9:57pm CST by Junz

Hi Guys,

i have been using MB7 now for about 2weeks and just started dosing bio fuel, i havnt really noticed any difference in my tank...seems that my nitrates actually picked up a lil...sitting at <5ppm

i just would like to hear your experiences and thoughts on this product....

thanks

Viper's Tanks !

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 9:06pm CST by Viper

Hi Everyone ,
This is my main tank - 1200x800x600 ! ;)

This is my second tank - 1000x570x550 !

need id please

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 8:39pm CST by omer

Anem Id Please

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 8:02pm CST by spentacle

This a pic of a anem that was given to me today.Please can you help me with an Id of this guy.sorry bad pic took it on my phone too lazy to go fetch my camera.

Skimmers

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 7:38pm CST by viper357

Hi Lanzo

Are you still able to get TS4 skimmers?

Also, I see on your website the Bubble Blaster range only have 1 internal and 1 external, do they not do smaller ones?

Thanks.

Pet Stop are open 16-12-2009

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 5:07pm CST by Moolis

Hi Reefers

We will be open tomorrow between 09H00 and 14H00

AND we have got lots of stock in the shop:
120+ fish landed 2009-12-15!:thumbup:
150+ other fish in stock already!:P
500+ corals (soft and hard) for sale;)
Most of the hardware you might need:lol:

See you tomorrow

oysters

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 5:01pm CST by henry888

In both my previous 2 marine tank I kept allot of oysters. They worked wonder with regards to cleaning the sump/water. Just dont think to eat them.... :lol:

It kept most of the baddies at bay, and took care of a lot of my nutrient problems....

I will see if i still have a photo or two....

What would your views be?

"Oysters are filter feeders, drawing water in over their gills through the beating of cilia. Suspended plankton and particles are trapped in the mucus of a gill, and from there are transported to the mouth, where they are eaten, digested and expelled as faeces or pseudofaeces. Oysters feed most actively at temperatures above 10 °C (50 °F). An oyster can filter up to 5 litres (1.3 US gal) of water per hour. Chesapeake Bay's once flourishing oyster population historically filtered excess nutrients from the estuary's entire water volume every three to four days. Today that would take nearly a year.[3] Excess sediment, nutrients, and algae can result in the eutrophication of a body of water. Oyster filtration can mitigate these pollutants." ---Wikipedia

Shipment landed today 2009-12-15

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 4:24pm CST by Moolis

Hi Reefers

We just landed a NICE shipment of fish:thumbup:

This is the list of species we landed.

Centropyge eibli - Eibli angel
Pomacanthus annularis/adult - Blue ring
Pomacanthus semicirculatus/adult - Koran angel
Canthigaster margaritata - Peacock puffer
Canthigaster valentini - Sharp nose puffer
Chaetodon auriga/medium - Threadfin butterfly
Chaetodon kleini - Sun burst butterfly
Chaetodon vagabundus - Vegabond butterfly
Forcipiger longirostris / medium - Long nosed butterfly
Apogon angustatus - Striped cardinal
Neopomacentrus bankieri - Yellow tail chromis
Echidna nebulosa - Snow flake eel SMALL
Gymnothorax fimbriatus - leopard eel SMALL
Anthias kashiwae / male - Red perch / male
Anthias kashiwae / female - Red perch / female
Anthias squamipinnes / male - Red coral lyretail fish
Mirolabrichthys dispar - Dispar goldie
Gobiodon citrinus - Lemon goby
Synchyroups marmoratus - Scorpion blenny
Valenciennea helsdingenii - Valencia goby XL
Valenciennea puellaris - Diamond goby
Plectorhinchus vittatus - Painted sweetlip medium
Plectorhynchus orientalis - Oriental sweetlip medium
Oxycirrhities typus - Long nose hawk med/large
Pterois volitans - Scorpion fish
Acanthurus nigricauda - Black brittle tooth tang
Halichoeres marginatus - Rainbow wrasse
Labroides dimidiatus - Cleaner wrasse
Thalassoma hardwickii - Stripes wrasse
Balistapus undulatus - Undulatus trigger Medium
Melycthys niger - Black trigger medium
Odonus niger - Red-tooth trigger fish medium
Rhinecanthus verrucosus/viridescens - Spotted trigger medium
Sufflamen bursa - Bursa trigger medium

Then some inverts:
Stenopus hispidus - Boxing shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis - Cleaner shrimps
Saron neglectus/marmoratus - Green cleaner shrimps LARGE

AND we have got lots of other stock in the shop:
150+ other fish in stock already!:P
500+ corals (soft and hard) for sale;)
Most of the hardware you might need:lol:

PLUS
We will be open tomorrow 16-12-2009 from 09H00 to 14H00:slayer:

So if you want to come and vissit us tomorrow or this weekend it will be worth your while:slayer:

See you all

Moolis

Drill a JBJ 24G or custom tank?

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 11:39am CST by Matt

Can I drill a new JBJ 24G nano tank and add a small sump underneath for a DSB and skimmer, or is it easier to build a custom tank?

I want to start a small nano in Jan, and thought maybe it would be easier to use a 24G JBJ rather than going custom as the all in one factor is appealing.

What would end up cheaper in the long run?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. ;)

We're new

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 11:16am CST by naughtydragons

Hi there, we are new to the forum. We have a 1.2m jebo(yikkes), a canister filter and a protien skimmer. We need help to build a failsafe sump for a dsb and the ps. Nitites and ammo are fine but nitrates are 50. 1x Mono, 1x scat, 2x percula clowns, 1xyellow tailed blue damsel, 1xblue hermit and 1xhalloween crab, and a 4 spot yellow cleaner wrasse. No corals yet. Still don't have system up and running well enough yet. We have so many questions. We joined the site to answer some and now we have even more.
We know that the only stupid question is one we DONT ask so we will promise not to be stupid.:P

Algea Scrubber and bacteria/Vodka Method

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 9:55am CST by Ridwaan

Howzit guys..

I been thinking..Can one use both these methods of filtration or will one outcompete the other?:bump:

Correct me if im wrong, but if one is using the Bacteria/Vodka method, the bacteria uses up the phosphates and nitrates and so does an algea scrubber....So I can only use one of these methods of filtration to remove nutrients...and I have a large skimmer.
Your thoughts on this???

[FS] Reef Octopus TDNW300 External Skimmer

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 9:46am CST by Ridwaan

Howzit guys..

I got a brand new Reef Octopus TDNW300 skimmer for sale..

This beast comes with 3 recirc pump with a body diameter of 300mm.
This is a monster skimmer...:thumbup:

Skimmer in new condition, Only used it to ttest it...Unfortunatly, too big for my system at the time...

Scrubber Nutrient removal Question

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 9:19am CST by Pugsly

Hey guys / gals,

Because of the holidays approaching us and work shutting down for 2 weeks I want to build a scrubber for my tank. I have all the info I need thanks to this forum and you guys but there is one thing I would like to know so that I can be prepared for it.

What nutrients will be removed due to the scrubber and what should I look at dosing because of the loss of them. I mean will alk or calcium drop, will I have to dose more iodine etc?

Want to know this because I will need to get test kits to monitor these and aditives to keep them in check.

Thanks in advance

Lanzo, clear your inbox buddy

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 8:33am CST by gaboon

Got a few queries, need to place an order.

Requirements of a QT tank

Posted: December 15th, 2009, 8:22am CST by maj

i have tried searching this topic,but with no luck:

So i would like to know what exactly is required in a QT?
Also heard of this RO dip,whats that?

Basics are:
tank
Heater
powerhead
elbow joints for hiding

Optional:
substrate?
skimmer?
Lr?
Lights?

also need sum1 to explain the adding of copper into the QT,for what is that?
How long should the new fish be in ther?
Can a sump with baffles be used to house 2 fish in the different compartmnts at same time?
any advise or links to previously discussed topics is appreciated!

Global Warming

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 6:27am CST by mandarin

Copenhagen:- Nemo the clownfish is more lost than ever, thanks to climate change. Ocean acidification caused by global warming is destroying the sense of smell and navigational abilities of the little orange clownfish, pushing the species closer to extinction a report has found. Clownfish uses it's sense of smell to find it's way to it's host anemone. Ocean acidification and rising temperatures are destroying the coral reefs but on top of that they are affecting their olfactory senses, they are literaly unable to find their way home.
Ten(10) species that will be the hardest hit are;
Beluga Whale.
Clownfish.
Leatherback Turtle.
Emperor Penquin.
Quiver Tree.
Ringed Seal.
Salmon.
Staghorn Coral.
Artic Fox.
Kaola.

This is very sad, what will be next.:(

Filter System Expansion

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 12:34am CST by lIghty

Hi All

I'm wanting to increase the volume and filter size on my system, I currently have the std setup with sump below the DT, about 550ltrs total

What I'm wanting to to is add a 1000ltr Flow bin and a 5ft tank as a huge refugium. Total increase about 1300ltrs, making it a total system volume of about 1850ltrs

Here's the idea:

Ok, so here are the Q's

1 - Should I have the Flow Bin before or after the Refugium, I thought if the refugium was last, then more pods would be washed into the tank?

2 - I'm planning on building a big DIY skimmer, I thought I would plumb the tank overflow directly into it, any problems?

3 - Flow is going to be about 5000l/h, is this going to be enough to keep averthing in the Flow Bin moving?

4 - Would I be necessary to put a DSB in the Refugium? even if running Zeolith?

5 - Airstones would be placed in the Refugium and Flow Bin for power failures, would this be ok? (there will be flow in the DT from Circ pumps)

6 - My automatic water change system will do about 80ltrs a day (about 4.2%), would this be a problem in any way?

Any other comments / advise?

Question Often Aksed.... Skimmer Adjustment

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 11:27pm CST by XV3

love or hate it, but if you have it might as well make it work to the best of its ability =)

For all of us who are new and have purchased one of these bad boys, the hardest part about it is setting it up correctly in terms of froth generation, keeping water out of the collection cup, and bubbles out of the aquarium. I have managed to do this :banghead::banghead: and it should be easy to calibrate your own. This is how I did it:

step one: close air valve completely, no bubbles should be entering the reaction chamber, let any bubbles currently in the reaction chamber out (may take a minute)

step two: remove collection cup (leave the lid off the cup for now) adjust the waterflo so that it reaches about 5mm from the top (you will adjust this again)

step three: twist open the air maybe 2 full turns (not all skimmers are the same) until you generate foam, you will generate a lot of bubbles try to let few will escape into the sump (overflowing). Since the cup is removed most will pop without overflowing, in general you will get a nice wet froth.

step four: place the collection cup back on the skimmer (warning: the bubbles will shoot up the small plastic colum and start filling the cup with water, this is what we want initially, do not place the lid on the cup, this will increase the rate of flow into the cup).

step five: start turning down the air valve to limit the amount of air being taken in, you should notice that the rate which the bubbles/water fills the collection cup slowly receed (if the collection cup starts to get to a cirtical point with the over flow dump its contents into a bucket but do not modify air intake until the cup is back on the skimmer, as soon as you remove the cup the skimmer will stop over flowing).

step six: continue with step five until you reach a point where the bubbles pop before overflowing into cup

step seven: place the lid on top of the collection cup, bubbles will start to overflow into the cup again. Slowly turn down the air intake, you are almost there. As soon as you have a column of froth that does not overflow into the collection cup you are golden. The bubbles are popping readily since there is no "bio waste" to give the water a higher surface tension. As soon as there is waste the bubbles will not pop as easily and flow into the collection cup slowly eventually, which is what we want!

hope this helps everyone out =)

* I am a newb so please correct me where I'm wrong.....

Reef coral's growth worry

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 11:11pm CST by viper357

Quote:

London - Coral growth since 1990 in Australia's Great Barrier Reef has slowed to its most sluggish pace in the past 400 years, researchers said on Thursday.

more - http://www.news24.com/Content/SciTec...s_growth_worry

US coral reef protection plan

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 11:09pm CST by viper357

Quote:

Near Cape Canaveral - Deep beneath the crystalline blue surface of the Atlantic Ocean off the southeastern US lies a virtual rain forest of coral reefs so expansive the network is believed to be the world's largest.

more - http://www.news24.com/Content/SciTec...rotection_plan

Coral crisis: Millions at risk

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 11:08pm CST by viper357

Quote:

Copenhagen - More than 250 million people risk losing their livelihoods because of dying tropical coral reefs in what a senior UN environmental economist said was part of a double climate crisis facing the world.

more - http://www.news24.com/Content/SciTec...llions_at_risk

Nemo may become extinct

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 11:07pm CST by viper357

Quote:

Copenhagen - Nemo the clownfish is more lost than ever, thanks to climate change.

Ocean acidification caused by global warming is destroying the sense of smell and navigational abilities of the little orange clownfish of Finding Nemo fame, pushing the species closer to extinction, a new report has found.

Salamander

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 8:21pm CST by JDgr8

Hi Guys

Bought a salamander yesterday and this dude seems a bit shy-ish still. Attached himself to a rock in the corner....

My question is what do I feed the dude and should salamanders actively participate at supper time?

Thanks!!!

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 6:37pm CST by Annoying

Hey

I just want to thank everyone on the forum for a great year!!! Thanks for all the help and patience and all the jokes! I'm going on holiday:thumbup: so I wont see the forum for 3 weeks:(, so I'm wishing you guys and girls a very awesome xmas and a fantastic new year. May it be filled with reefing and may there be no leaks;)or broken tanks for that matter.

Thanks again. MASA is GREAT:thumbup:

Pink Zoa

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 6:35pm CST by charlv

Hi guys

Can anybody give me some advice on my pink zoa had it for a month and it is opening but very small polyps do they need a lot of light to be happy.:whistling:

Hospital tanking a new mandarin

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 6:02pm CST by Stressed Eric

Hi guys,

I see my LFS has had a shipment of tiny mandarin's and i'm really keen on getting another one. Problem is they seem to be covered in white spot. I doubt they have been 'trained' to eat anything other than natural food - which will become a huge problem if i put them in a hospital tank and dose with copper. If i introduce some pods into the tank they will die right away from the copper. Is it worth doing or should i rather wait for a cleaner shipment ? Any ideas ?

Mysis vs Brineshrimp which is the better food

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 5:28pm CST by ziyaadb

Between Mysis and Brineshrimp which is the better food and why?

[FS] Nokia 5800 express music

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 4:56pm CST by Falcon

guys i need to get this sold asap.....
5800 a few months old
includes box charger data cables tv out cables cd's and booklets
and original mtn receipt can be given if needed so its still under warranty.

Air pump

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 3:18pm CST by Tim S

I'm looking for a heavy duty type air pump with multiple outlets. I need to airate livestock while on a two day drive back to CT.

Boyu nano TL450: Jhb eastrand

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 3:01pm CST by sweetnsour

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

Boyu nano TL450

Location:

Jhb eastrand

Shipping or Collection only:

collection only

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

Hi Guys

the time has come for me to sell my little piece of the ocean

all livestock has already been taken care of and the list below is for sale

R1500

tank with aragonite
stand
wg308 skimmer

pics can be seen in my thread

Notes:

cream angelfish for sale: JHB east rand

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 2:50pm CST by sweetnsour

Fish for saleCommon Name:

cream angelfish

Scientific Name:

-

Size of fish

4-5 cm

How long have you had the fish?

6 months

Is the fish eating?

yes

Shipping or Collection only:

no collection only

Your location.

JHB east rand

Price:

300

Photo's:

Hi guys

i have a wonderfull cream angelfish for sale

Notes:

wade
0829663031

Picasso Triggerfish

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 2:49pm CST by RUAN

hi

can i put i Picasso Triggerfish with corals,sps,softies

and what fish can and cant i put with them

thanks

Various frags for sale: Roodepoort Johannesburg

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 2:23pm CST by wors143

Various frags for saleCommon Names:

Star Polyps

Scientific Names:

GSP

Size of frags

small frags on lava rock 3cm pieces

How long have you had the frags?

-

Are the frags mounted?

Yes

Shipping or Collection only:

collection only

Your location.

Roodepoort Johannesburg

Price:

-

Photo's:

Frags are all overgrown from parent colony and some attached with superglue... i have brown star and green stars available and some of the rocks have both green and brown stars on them... I am not looking at making any profit and swapping of frags will be better... if i have to take cash then the frags will be R30 for the single and R40 for the rocks with green and brown on them. Regards Paul

Ok cant post pics... Will load after the post goes live

Notes:

-

Urgent Advice - Anemone

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 12:18pm CST by Zuna

Hi Guys

My dad got a purple based anemone from somewhere pretty little thing( but still dont like them they freak me out)

it been in the tank for almost three weeks now. seems to be doing well.
last week i tried to feed it a dead fish. all of the sudden it realeased the fish and the water in the tank was turning milky. i Immediately did a water change... all the inhabitance seemed to be alright.
i want to know why it did that and why the water turned milky,
would my fish be at risk if it happens again

thanks

Pipe noise - help ?

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 11:52am CST by neo

Hi,
I have a 45deg bend underneath my tank base to take the overflow pipe (durso) to the skimmer compartment, this setup is very noisy at this bend due to the water hitting the 45 after free-falling 600mm, sounds like an indoot waterfall.
Any suggestions of how to get this a bit more silent.
I am using normal white 50mm pvc pipe.
Was thinking of using a flexible swimming-pool creapy pipe - the ones with the ribs, to get a more gentle bend and with the ribs acting as damping but what about algea growth ?

Solenoid faulty

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 11:45am CST by gaboon

Hooked up my calcium reactor last night, regulator indicates there is CO2, plug it in, solenoid light comes on but no bubbles:(

What can I do? I thought these would be fail safe.

Reefkeepers dumb xmas craker jokes

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 11:42am CST by magman

Q. What do two reefkeepers say to each other on Christmas day
A. Merry Wrassemass

Q. When Santa goes into the factories where they make the skimmers, to collect our presents, why doesn't he use his credit card to pay?
A. He's scared it gets skimmed.

Q. Why does Santa use Reindeer instead of bushbuck or kudu to pull his sleigh?
A. The reindeer have less whitespot on their backs.

Silicone Thickness

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 11:19am CST by mandarin

Could someone please help, i'm building a new tank 1510mm (l) x 770mm (w) x 600mm (h) x 10mm thick, how thick should the joints be to be safe.

White spot

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 10:58am CST by Aqua Chris

Advice please.....
I've a Regal Tang with white spot how should I treat it? Can I treat it inside the tank ? I've got Corals a sea horse starfish, fire shrimp what should I use?

Easy to clean Algae scrubber

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 10:24am CST by RiaanP

I'm going to rebuild my algae scrubber. Current design does work and I got descend algae growth on it.

But

I need something that is easy to clean. Something that my Non-Reefer can do. Simple, easy to get screen out, no switch this off, close that valve, simplicity is what I want.

It looks like for business that I will be away for 2 weeks periods quite often next year. And I need to simplify everything. One week water change I can skip, But the scrubber tends to overgrow and then water spray away from the screen, possible being able to hit the lights when left for more than 7 days.

One flaw in my current design is that the sreen is sideways (left to right) positioned over the sump. Then to remove the screen I got one metal clip, remove the front light then the scrubber screen.

Who got a better EASY method.

My current design, This is an old photo, I have a light in the front and the back. Top black pipe just pull out on both sides.

Everything I'll need...

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 9:56am CST by Linxie

The more I read the more noobish I feel about this hobby.
Let's get a list going of all the things I'll need.
If we can get an estimate of prices as well, this'll help ALOT
This weekend past I started a FW tank to keep me happy while I'm saving for my marine tank. I don't see me waiting too long though.

I want to start a reef tank but also with a few fish here 'n there.

Tank (going to get one built)
Sump (going to get one built)
Protein Skimmer (which one?)
Lights (what kind and how many?)
(we'll worry about living organisms and live rock at a later stage)
Filter?
Power Heads

What else?
Yes... BIG noob am I lol
This'll take a while, but boy is it going to be worth it.

I suppose all these things are dependant on the tank size. Well, let's say we'll start off biggish and go with a 4ft or 5ft tank.
If I can buy one piece of equipment a month, I'll be a happy chappy :D

newbee howzit

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 8:47am CST by dropzone newbee

hey guys
im new on the forum and just wanted to say howzit
i have had fish for many years from guppies to cichlids ;)
this is my forst marine tank and i must say , where have i been all these years
the tank is only about 2.5 months old , but is really starting to take shape !

Hello From Mauritius.........

Posted: December 14th, 2009, 8:01am CST by Mauritius-aquarist

Hi, every1, I was told its the best SA blog, so why not become a part of it, I haven't set my own perso tank, but am in the process.... So hello from MAuritius!

Who here runs their tank without a chiller? Please vote!

Posted: December 13th, 2009, 10:22pm CST by Matt

Who here runs their marine tank WITHOUT a chiller?

shendrie

Posted: December 13th, 2009, 5:17pm CST by shendrie

Hi Guys, I am new at this but have seen a nice tank in my local pet shop. It is a red sea max 250. The guy wants R20k for it ---is this realistic ?? Does any body out there know these tanks.
cheers for now.

who is mostly likely to ....

Posted: December 13th, 2009, 4:28pm CST by maj

....to eat my soft coral?
iv had the xenia in the tank since tuesday,i then got a benggai cardinal on thursday evening.
Lastnite,my soft coral got chowed up:nono:
now im wondering if there is a possibility of the cardinal eating the coral?
i also have a lawnmower blenny,which always hovers close to the corals all the time.

so it could be cardinal or lawnmower?

Anyone tried a planted FW tank?

Posted: December 13th, 2009, 2:45pm CST by Matt

I know this is a SW site :) BUT i'm actually thinking of starting a planted FW tank (high tech tank, dosing CO2 etc).

Has anyone ever tried one of these tanks?

shrimp id needed

Posted: December 13th, 2009, 11:00am CST by omer

Is this anemone healthy?

Posted: December 13th, 2009, 10:03am CST by danimal

Hey guys

Saw this anemone in an LFS yesterday - the assistant assured me it was meant to be white and is very healthy... can anyone shed some light on this? I'm not planning on getting an anemone anytime soon but am just interested in finding out about this white one - I thought that if an anemone was white it meant that it had lost the functionality of its zooxanthellae and was not happy...?

Eibli Angel

Posted: December 13th, 2009, 9:37am CST by paul bloem

Hi all

My Eibli angel has been in my tank for 6 months now. I bought a yellow doctor (yellow eyed doctor) on Friday, when I introduced it into the tank the angel did not like it at all. So I took the angel out and put it where all "bad fish" goes to. I want to know for how long do I have to keep the Eibli there and will it attack the yellow doctor again?

Thanks

Hermits to swop

Posted: December 13th, 2009, 8:46am CST by johanpm

1x Blue kneed Hermit (Dardanus guttatus)
1x White Spotted Hermit (Dardanus megistos)

To swop for reef safe dwarf hermits or what have you

Both very pretty and very active.

Neo's auto topup try 1

Posted: December 12th, 2009, 8:43pm CST by neo

Howdy,
bought me a float switch and was sitting around contemplating how I'm going to mount it, so here's my try at it.

The parts:
float switch,
female adapter,
20mm male adapter - NB must be 20mm,
25mm T-piece - NB must be 25mm,
300mm 20mm pipe,
small pieces of 25mm pipe.

Cut 2 pieces of the 25mm pipe just long enough to fit into the T-piece on both sides of the straight part of the T and use as a reducer, the blue inside the T in pic above.
The 20mm pipe fits nicely into this and slides easyly up-down in it.

Take male adapter and saw a gap into it on the thread side, like such...

the gap width must be wide enough to fit over your glass thickness of your sump.

Put male/femal together to form a screw clamp...

Now, the 20mm pip-side of the male adapter fits nice and tight into the 25mm T-pice...

all together...

take the 20mm pipe and make 6 10mm cuts into the end of it with stanley knife,
take the nut of the float switch and trim the corners, insert into end of pipe where you made the slits, screw float into nut....(bad pic sorry, hope you get the idea)

push 20mm pipe with float through T-piece,

mount with diy clamp onto glass,
adjust pipe height for water level....

and..

the red rubber band is temp to keep the 20mm pipe in pos otherwise it slides out,
I must still connect the pump and add a second float for backup cut-out but this will be mounted in similar way i think.

I had the pieces in the garage so it only costed me the 75 bugs for the float.

Urgent Help - white spot (ich)

Posted: December 12th, 2009, 6:14pm CST by toppdogg

hey guys
i need help got home this afternoon to find that all my fish are covered in white spot (ich)
there is no way i can catch them and put in hospital tank they are all eating fine and none have lost ant weight
it started with the powder blue i got and has seem to have spread to all the other fish
i have neemie and some other corals and frags so copper is out of the question

PLEASE HELP as i dont want to loose any of my babies
i know that i can drop the SG but what is the safe level for corals

thanks guys
stressing out

Bellus angel

Posted: December 12th, 2009, 9:38am CST by Annoying

Hey

Now that I know the Regal angel is far to hard for me to keep I surfed the web for a reefsafe angel and the following fish popped up:

Bellus angel (Genicanthus bellus)

Anyone know if they are available in SA and if they are what is the pricing? Anybody kept one and how did it fare in the tank?

Thanks

Urgent Advice - Ushaka Sea water VS Synthetic mix

Posted: December 12th, 2009, 8:43am CST by Poop

Hello there - I'm in the Highway area of KZN and new to marine keeping. I have just set up my new Red Sea Max 250 which I am very excited about. I am now ready to fill it with water. First question I need to ask, is should I use Ushaka sea water or synthetic mix? Which is recommended?

Wolves shallow reef (well almost) :)

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 8:52pm CST by Wolve

ok guys i have not posted any pics of my setup which about 8 months old now, so i thought its about time.
Most of the rock and LPS was moved over from my previous 3 foot tank that was also about 8 months old.

current tank specs;

tank : 1800x600x400 (hence shallow reef) - just over 500 liters with sump
sump: 1500x450x400
lighting: 2 x 250 watt halides (14,000k)
skimmer: reefoct: extreme 200 rated for 1500L
Other equipment: resun chiller, reef octo phosphate reactor running my neo zeo, reef octo kalk reactor connected to a tunze osmolator, 40 litre RO chamber built into sump.
circulation: sump - lifetech return pump @ 4000l/h, in display - polario, seio m1500, seio m1100, sunsun 2 x 5000 L.

mix reef at the moment with some softies, LPS, and a few SPS frags, would like to go all SPS someday just love the colour.

tank is not looking the best right now as i just pulled out the 2 year old dsb from the sump and my nitrates shot off the charts, lost a couple frags :(, and KH a bit low now will need to up that. also started dosing vodka and micro bacter and a result seem to have some cyano issues.

things i will change soon of the setup is the hood which i hate currently, the tank is rimless so i will change the hood to a hanging one, picked up 2 great halides from Scuba that i will be using with some 20,000 K bulbs, and 2 X 54 watt actinics, and to build a cabinet to had the equipment.

ok enough talk heres some picks of current setup this should change in a week or so, the water is a bit murky coz i scaped the glass just before taking the photos.

the hood i dont like

some funky coraline

some top downs

compatable fish

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 7:37pm CST by maj

Hi ,

i was just wondering of what kinda fish i want to get in the future for my tank.
its about 400litre tank.

i got so far:
1 african clown
lawnmower blenny
cleaner wrasse

what i want to get:
yellow tang
regal tang
yellow watchmen goby
benggai cardinal
shrimp

Will they possible future new additions be able to live with the current inhabitants?
note i want some soft corals in aswell,

any advise is appreciated

thnks

Tank Starter

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 6:08pm CST by Titanse

Hi Guys..

I have just started in this game and have already read more in my life than the last three years!!! This stuff is hectically interesting.

I have started with a marine tank as I always wanted a fish tank but never any help backing... so when I met my work colleague and now a good mate, he helped me out. I bought his old 4ft tank and stand with equipment.

I then proceeded to set it up with some live rock and constructed a cabinate for my new tank.

Made the cabinate out of 18mm Shutter ply (marine ply is DAMN expensive!). The actual cabinate is still under construction but ya.

My tank cycled 3 weeks and then a mishap... the power cut and the sump flooded. About 50 liters or so all over my wooden floor.. :(

After a week trying to get everything better I got it up and running again. Another week later and I had my 2 lil Tomato clowns in. :) They are very cute and really liking it.

Unfortunately my tank is leaking from the seams... still trying to find the leaks and seal... but ya. Need to re-do some plumbing...

Will post some pics of my fish in the tank later.... just gotta get good pics...

Shark laying egg in aquarium!

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 4:29pm CST by Moolis

Hi reefers

This morning this awaited me in one of the holding aquariums.

This is mom

She is 3 months + in captivity now.

This is my question - could this egg be fertile?

mandarin fish

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 3:58pm CST by aminyassien

hi everybody
nice day to all

asking about how difficult is to care about a mandarin fish ?

it is said that it is hard to keep

waiting for your advice

Amin

Phosbuster

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 2:48pm CST by maj

Hi peeps,

i normally do my water testing over the wknds,but for some i reason i decided to test it tuesday.Bear in mind i tested the water the sunday before.

To my big surprise my po4 was out of this world high,instead of test kit reading very light blue or clear,the tested water turned navy blue!!:censored:
I had no phosguard in the tank so nothing to drop that po4's or keep it at bay.

Then a fellow reefer gave me some phosbuster,from caribsea.
Damn that stuff works kwik:thumbup:treated the tank the same nite,the following evening my readings were ZERO!!(did the test twice,2 different test kits)
So i would say defnitly invest in this product.

between the sunday and tuesday,all i did was top up with about 13 litres of purchased RO water,which means they selling me crap Ro water:nono:

now i got myself some phosguard aswell.
just thought i had to share my experience with the product.

How long after "eating" before mouth is fully closed

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 12:03pm CST by RiaanP

How long after a RBTA were given food,before his mouth is full closed? About how long after feeding can shrimps and hermits still remove or steal the food from the bubble tip?

I got a nice RBTA two weeks ago. First thing, he does not like too much light, and kept on moving down. 4 days ago he moved in under another rock, but I could not see him. I did feed him once a week, a small little bit of silverside. This morning I turned the rock and what an ugly show. Tentacles thin and droopy, but still full colour and mouth fully open. He is obviously hungry, but I did feed him 5 days ago, so only reason was that after I fed him and walked away the shrimps must have been able to take the food out.

Mandarin's rescue setup

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 12:01pm CST by Goby

heloooo all reefers,

first of all thanks for all being so positive about the whole blue Thursday that we had yesterday. Mandarin is feeling a lot better as so does all his livestock. was at his place this morning and all is A.OK. :thumbup: fish looks happy and so does all the corals. He is already planning his new setup.....he will keep you up to date on that.

Here's a few pics of the 4 hour setup yesterday morning. mandarin did the final touches on the whole setup late yesterday. This is a normal tank with no overflow. mandarin managed to think of a plan and we have a complete setup with a skimmer running.

mandarin converted a buyo power head to a return pump. water is pump from the main display into the skimmer tub. there was no time to make a actual overflow. there is also a return pump in the skimmer tub to return water back to the DT. working like a charm.

This is the setup last night with the lights in place.

Bio Balls in Overflow?

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 11:16am CST by JD167

The debate on the use of bio balls(or nitrate bombs as they have been referred to) is a topic on it's own. I want to know if anyone is using them in their overflow box?

The water that gushes over the edge makes a mo*r of a noise sometimes and I think by adding some bioballs(maybe half or 1/3 of the overflow box) it could reduce some of the noise. Given the fact that water will be flowing over it at a reasonable rate, can I assume that it won't become a small nitrate factory?:whistling:

Tiger

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 9:42am CST by FransSny

Serious Problem - Live Rock turning yellow

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 8:54am CST by Dragonet

Hi All

I bought some live rock on Friday last week to start cycling my tank and have noticed that the rock is starting to turn yellow. It is only happening on the 2 big pieces of rock and the other 3 smaller pieces are still as they were when I bought them.
I have been told that this could be die off and that it will recover, I am not sure if this is correct as there is no scum at all coming out of my skimmer (Reef Octopus).
I then did a few water parameter checks and these are the results.
Nitrate NO3 = +/-18 ppm
Alk = 1.72
PH = 8
SG = 1.021

Is there anything that I am missing or is this normal?
Please tell me that I haven't messed up before I even got started.

Best regards
Dragonet

Magmans 6foot mixed reef thread

Posted: December 11th, 2009, 8:37am CST by magman

I thought I would start a proper thread on my tank now, and keep it updated. I have finished making all the main changes I want, still have a few things left on my wish list. I will start off with all the FTS. The close ups I will do later, unfortunatly not all the softies were open, as I spend more time cutting them than I do looking at them. They should be opended this weekend, and I will take close ups. Also the magnifica has just finished purging, so he was not his massive hulk that he is, even in the FTS.

Care for Red Starfish

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 6:53am CST by cmclellen

I just wanted to find out what should I feed my red starfish - I've read on the net that they eat algae, but algae alone isn't sufficient, and that the majority of Starfish die within a year because the aquarist doesn't provide the necessary food.
Also, how long do these Starfish survive for with the correct care?

Funny small animals on my rocks

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 10:15pm CST by Dean76

I have see about 10 to 15 small little things running on my live rock (about and ant size). Is this normal? They run/move along fast and cant get a pic. Should I worry about them or is it just part of the cycle?

Dorry Pets closed from Friday until Monday

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 6:50pm CST by lanzo

Hi guys

Dorry Pets will be closed from tommorrow until monday.

Dorry Pets will be closed from the 22nd for christmas and the new year... will confirm later when we will be opening 2010.

We have some nice surprizes for you guys in 2010;)

WANTED - TS3 Skimmer

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 4:02pm CST by Pugsly

I am looking for a nearly new or great condition TS3 skimmer.
Think my current TS2 is just keeping up and want to rather go for the TS3

What should I keep?

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 3:44pm CST by gaboon

As some know, my surviving fish are at my LFS and are now ready to go back into my tank.

Naso Tang
Blue Hippo Tang (Regal tang with yellow belly)
Yellow Tang

While they are at the LFS I thought it would be a good time to decide if the Hippo tang is a good idea in the long run, my tank is 1200 x 800 x 600, he's about 10cm in length.

I was maybe planning on swapping for a smaller yellow tang and then introduce the 2 at the same time?

Also, how rare are the yellow bellies?

What are your thoughts?

Bonsai trees

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 2:32pm CST by viper357

So who's got Bonsai trees? Please post some pics if you have, I am wanting to buy one. Any tips?

I would like one that grows outwards instead of up, creating a sort of canopy, any body know what the best ones are for this?

cool info on breeding clownfish

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 1:20pm CST by RUAN

Breeding Clownfish

Thanks to Disneys Motion Picture Finding Nemo, almost everybody knows about clownfish since they introduced Nemo to the world.

Clownfish, or Anemonefishes, from the family of Pomacentridae, are one of the easiest tropical marine aquarium fish to breed. Clownfish regularly lay eggs in aquariums. They have pretty large eggs and larvae, and since the larvae easily eats cultured live foods, raising them is somewhat simpler then it tis with many other marine species..

You need to get a pair if you want to breed clownfish and you need to sex the fish. And thats a quite an interesting part believe it or not, clownfish are all born as males! When they are adults, the largest and the most dominant fish of the group will undergo a sex change, and become a female. The second largest usually becomes the breeding male, while all the other fish remains juveniles and gender-neutral. If the breeding female disappears, the breeding male will change to a female, and so on. Buying an established pair maybe a reasonable way to go, but it is often better to have a group of juveniles growing up together. If you choose to buy a pair you should look for a pair that goes around together. Sometimes you can be lucky enough to get a pair already spawning. Anyhow, establishing an adult pair can be a little tricky; and you need to keep your eyes on them to ensure that the female doesn't kill the male.

The next thing is about setting up the tank. The tank should be large enough, approximately 200 liters for the breeding pair. It is better to let the pair be alone in an aquarium when trying to spawn clownfish.

The rest of the aquarium should be decorated with a nice anemone, a few live rocks, and other rocky substance with a vertical surface, a layer of coral sand on the bottom, bright lighting, good filtration, and protein skimmer. The aquarium and your clownfish should be stressed free which means no aggressive tank mates and good water quality. As for the feeding, clownfish need a mixed diet of fresh raw seafood and vegetable. A good diet includes prawns, mussels, and squid. It is best to feed small bits at regular periods.

Percula clownfish Amphiprion percula.

Spawning can begin 1 to 12 months after the fish have settled into their new home. When the fish are ready to spawn, they become very aggressive. The male clownfish will dance up and down in front of the female (also known as clownfish waggle). They will also start to clean their selected rock by robustly biting it. The spawning itself usually occurs in the afternoon or early evening. Once the spawning is complete (within several hours) the male takes on responsibility for attending them, whereas the female acts as protector of the eggs and supervisor of her male.

The spawning is likely to be occurred again at intervals of 12 to 18 days. The eggs should be left in their care and not removed, except if the parents are known to be egg-eaters. At first, the eggs are a bright orange color, which after a several days diminishes and the eyes appear. Hatching usually takes from 6 to 15 days, depending on the temperature. The most critical stage of the fry is the stage they undergoes in the first 10 days of their larvae span. If you can get your fry to survive this period the rest of their raising should be more easy.

Easy Soft Corals For Your Reef Tank

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 12:32pm CST by sean_koekemoer

Easy Soft Corals For Your Reef Tank

Every now and again someone starts a thread wrt corals that is easy to keep. I thought of starting this to help newbies identify easy to keep corals. Some experienced reefers might differ with me, but this is my own experience. Feel free to add if you think I am not on the right track:
Reef tanks take a while to mature and so do reefers. We all have to go through the learning phase in which monitoring and responding to changes in our reef tank become second nature. Until then, its better to stick with easier-to-keep corals.
There are some corals still regularly offered for sale that give even expert reefers problems (particularly non-photosynthetic soft corals, but also certain large polyp species). Avoid those and youll avoid seeing a beautiful creature die in your tank.
This thread is only directed towards easy to keep coral. If I have time Ill cover the basics in reef setups- again- this is all according to what I have achieved and experienced in the Softie field.

Here is 10 Coral in easy to keep order, meaning, the 1st ones are easier than the last ones:

1. Mushroom corals (Discosoma)

The ideal starter coral. Mushroom corals lie flat on the live rock in colonies ranging from one to hundreds of individuals. They come in all colors, can also be striped or spotted, and grow to about two-inches across. In the aquarium they prefer indirect light and very little water motion the best place for them is towards the bottom and sides of a typical reef aquarium. They are much more tolerant of nutrient-rich water than other corals, and are at their best in very natural systems.

2. Leather corals (Sarcophyton)

Commonly known as Leathers, Pin Cushions and Mushrooms, these are excellent starter corals, being adaptable to most light & current conditions. Moderate light & current is usually optimal for these beautiful species.These corals, which can grow up to two-foot across, are much taken for granted. Their undulating bodies sprout delicate polyps, and they make a great focal point for almost all aquariums. Even the brown forms are beautiful. (The bright yellow specimens are stunning, though harder to care for). Leather corals do well with normal reef lighting (the bottom of the tank is fine) and low currents, preferably with an occasional surge to clear their polyps of the film they shed. They are very easy to propagate. Just brush over to retract their polyps, snip off a corner with sharp scissors, and youve a new colony.

3. Zoanthids or button polyps (Zoanthus)

Some of these species contain a strong neurotoxin which can affect humans.Commonly known as Zoos, Zoas,Sea Mat or Button Polyps, these corals are tolerant of both intense and low level light as well as a range of currents. Being sensitive to iodine & aluminum oxide which are found in some phosphate removing sponges, caution should be taken when adding these materials to your tank.These easy-to-keep corals like a lot of light, but will survive on a moderate regime if required. Strong currents arent vital, but a nice pulse from a wavemaker helps keep them free of detritus. In good conditions Zoanthids will propogate naturally from the colony base. They grow particularly fast if fed small meaty foods once a week.

4. Kenya tree, Nephthya (Capnella)

If these soft corals were difficult to keep there would be thousands of threads devoted to them on Reef Central. In reality, these delicately branched fairy tale corals will grow like weeds in good conditions. They like bright, preferably indirect light and a gentle current; halfway up the sides of a well-lit reef tank is ideal. Keep one in good condition and youll soon find babies springing up around it. Be aware of the new corals growing and swelling to overshadow other species such as mushroom corals beneath it. Personally I had a few issues wrt these Coral- main reason I suppose is that they tend to sulk if the flow in your system is not right. And from experience they do not like to be too close to sharp rock edges etc, resulting in damaging their skin, hence not opening to their fullest.

5. Anthelia, or waving hand polyps (Anthelia)

Easier-to-keep than the similar looking Xenia species (which is not hard, but is a bit more hit-and-miss), the graceful Anthelia coral likes bright light and strong preferably pulsed water motion that really gets its polyps waving. They will spread rapidly across the rocks and glass in your aquarium. Be sure to add regular trace elements and/or conduct regular water changes, as colonies can crash if important elements are depleted from the water. Youll probably end up trading, giving away or even trashing your excess Anthelia polyps, unless you want to keep a tank full of it.

6. Ricordea (Ricordea Florida)

Ricordia species are related to mushroom corals. Theyre not as tough but theyre even more attractive, looking almost like small flat anemones and coming in all kinds of flourescent colors. Ricordea need more light than mushroom corals, but not too much about halfway up the tank is be ideal. (If your ricordea starts to fade, try moving it.) Ricordea also benefit from being fed with mysis or other frozen foods. Propagation can be sped up by cutting them in half with a razor. Beware of the species Ricordea Yuma, which is more difficult to maintain.

7. Xenia (Xenia)

Experienced marine aquarists have a love/hate relationship with Xenia. We can all remember when we first added it to our tank and watched transfixed as its delicate polyps opened and closed before our eyes like little fists grasping the water. At some point amazement gives way to dismay, either because the coral has overrun the tank, or because it has crashed to a mush. To keep it in good condition, Xenia likes bright light and pulsing clean water. Thinning out thick colonies may stop it crashing, and regular additions of iodine are vital. As for it spreading, your best bet is to install it on a rock and scrape off and suck up any offshoots that threaten to move onto the rest of your reef. Xenia spreads so readily in good conditions it can often be got for free from fellow reefers.

8. Moon, Pineapple, Star (Favia & Favites)

Common names include: Moon Coral, Pineapple Coral, Brain Coral, Closed Brain Coral and Star Coral. These corals prefer bright lights, however they will tolerate much lower levels. Preferring a gentle current, some Favites will attach to substrate if not moved for several months. Favites can be fed and seem to appreciate a squirt or two of brine shrimp at night.Care should be taken with placement of these corals as they can send out transparent sweeper tentacles at night. Considered by many to be an easier coral to keep.

9.Closed and Dented Brain (Symphyllia)
Common names include: Closed Brain Coral, Dented Brain Coral, Meat Coral, Brain Coral and Pacific Cactus Coral. These corals are highly successful in captivity, being very tolerant of different light and current conditions, but prefering bright, indirect light and moderate to low currents. These corals are sensitive to the presence of some soft corals, i.e. Xenia and Litophyton and are very reactive to food (Zooplankton, Phytoplankton and algae) in the water.

10.Lobed, Flat, and Open Brain (Lobophyllia)

Common names include: Lobed Brain Coral, Flat Brain Coral, Open Brain Coral, Meat Coral, Modern Coral, Large Flower Coral. These corals do best with bright direct light and calm currents however if minimally adequate light and water movement is provided, it will grow well in a tank. This coral normally feeds actively at night, however the tentacles occasionally extend during the day and readily take food offerings feeding almost exclusively on zooplankton and bacterioplankton which consists of free-living bacteria, detritus, particulate (POM) and suspended organic matter (SOM).Lobophyllia are not normally aggressive however there have been reports of sweeper tentacles being formed when they come in contact with other corals.

NP reducing BioPellets

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 12:29pm CST by ziyaadb

Looks like interesting stuff.

NP-reducing BioPellets: Easy aquarium filtration

How it works

The positive effects of NP-reducing BioPellets on water quality are based on the principle of immobilization. Waste products from the water, mainly nitrate and phosphate, are converted into bacteria. This keeps the aquarium water clean.

NP-reducing BioPellets are composed of biologically degradable polymers that can be placed in a fluidized filter or filter canister. The pellets will allow aerobic growth of bacteria which consequently will consume nitrate and phosphate simultaneously. The bacteria will use up the carbon from the BioPellets, whilst nitrogen and phosphorus are taken from the water as nitrate and (ortho)phosphate. This conversion of organic BioPellets (together with inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus) into microbial biomass is called immobilization. In addition, anaerobic layers will develop, resulting in additional denitrification.
The surplus of bacteria will be consumed by filter and suspension feeding organisms such as sponges and corals, or skimmed off by a protein skimmer. On average this solid wodka method takes 2-4 weeks to give rise to sufficient bacteria to allow nitrate and phosphate levels to drop. The main advantage of this method over using Wodka or sugar as a carbon source is that NP-reducing BioPellets stimulate local growth of bacteria in a filter compartment, instead of all over in the aquarium where they may clog up pipes and hoses. They also prevent the growth of cyanobacteria, as the bacteria growing on NP-reducing BioPellets will compete with these phototrophic nuisance microbes. Finally, NP-reducing BioPellets will save the aquarist a lot of time, as no daily dosages of carbon are required.

Image: Overview of biological activity on NP-reducing BioPellets

Please read our product guidelines on how to use this product safely and effectively. Order now!

Image: Closeup of NP-reducing BioPellets

Read an article on www.coralscience.org about the exciting results of NP-reducing BioPellets!

Any one know if we have someone in SA who would be bringing this stuff in? Anyone tested as yet?

Blue Thursday!!!

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 11:22am CST by Goby

Helo all masa reefers,

at about 6:00am this morning i got a call from by dad (mandarin) and guess what he has to say.......... come HELP the Tank cracked. :(
I couldn't believe it!! all the hard work and efforts and the best of all the tank was getting better and better.

Some before pics.

Then disaster :(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(, glass cracked right on the bend. 12mm glass. unbelievable!!!

So what do you do with 500l seawater a few corals and fish and no tank. well my father went to out LFS and bought a custom 4ft tank at about 8:00am. Came back and we transfered everything over.

I cannot believe that we actually did this whole operation in about two hours. fish is safe, was a bit worried about the yellow tang because he was brown from stress. he looks a lot better now. hope they all make it through this hell ride! will post some pics of our new rescue setup.

New Shipment

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 11:17am CST by Naiema

Now@Sams Aquarium: Powder blues,Lipsticks,Jumping Beans,Butterflies,Lions,Yellow goat fish,Lions,Xenias,Convict,Stunning Anemones,Parrotfish,Hogfish,Harlequins shrimps and more... Ph 0217122534/0826368990

RO 1m vs 5m filter size ?

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 10:36am CST by neo

Hi,
some RO units have 1micron filters and other 5micron, is it such a big deal or is the 5micron OK to use?

please help or give advice if you can ...

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 6:54am CST by ZeroCool

Good morning everyone, i bought a "Blacksaddle mimic" about 4 weeks ago ... Wow, lovely fish. I asked the local pet shop, is it coral or reef friendly, and their reply was, YES YES YES, for sure !

Mmm, 4 week laters, well, all my tube worms are eaten, and almost all of my hermit crabs are also gone ... it nibbles alot on the coral i have.

Does anyone know or had the same experiences with it. That is the only thing i added in the last month.

If it isnt safe, i would rather go and chat to the local pet store to hear if i can return it, and if not, swap it if anyone is interested, or even sell it.

please advise guys ...

it is really a pretty fish, but in the long run, rather get rid of it now than later and have endless damage !

:(

Murky tank

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 9:36pm CST by JD167

This evening when I walked past the tank I saw that it's all murky. None of the pumps were pointing down to the sand so nothing is being blown around

Here are some pics. sorry for the bad quality. I had to use my phone. In reality it looks the same.

You can't even see to the other side!

I'm running both skimmers at the moment and all the water from the overflow is going straight to the skimmer.

Running wet.

The only thing I see is that my chaito is looking pale. One piece in the top right corner is nice and green, but the rest is looking very pale. Could this be something to do with the murkiness?

homemade fish food

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 8:47pm CST by toppdogg

hey guys just a quick question
has anyone used frozen seafood mix (mariana mix ) spelling
for fish food
i am planning to put it all in a blender and add garlic supreme drops thoughts?

reeftek ts1

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 8:47pm CST by Triven

hey all i have just purchased a ts1 skimmer and i need some advice which is the best way to setup to get max of the skimmer

Base Rock (new)

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 5:03pm CST by lanzo

New Base Rock

VERY VERY POROUS

R40 p/kg If you buy more than 25kg you can get it at R35

if you buy more than 30kg you can have it for R30/kg

Using base rock

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 3:56pm CST by neo

Hello,
I've been planning on using caribsea's base rock as it is cheaper than LR, but is this only meant to be a basis for LR i.e. some people use pvc pipe and atach LR to the pvc, so is base rock used in similar way to just support the LR or do I use it as proper rock for scaping as well?

Feeding flame angels

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 3:13pm CST by Jinx

Hey guys, I just want to know what are you guys feeding your Flame Angels.

I got mine about two weeks ago and he doesn't want to eat any frozen foods or dried marine algae at this stage.

He is grazing all the time and looks very healthy.

collection spots, KZN north coast

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 2:40pm CST by wukkie

Hi Guys

I am looking for some spots for collection on teh KZN north coast. Areas, richards bay, and a bit further north and south.
any ideas woudl be good.
Please note that I don't know the area at all.

Cell C's new plan

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 1:26pm CST by FransSny

Not too shabby if they can pull it off !

Cell C planning broadband offering

Cool little stingray vid

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 11:44am CST by FransSny

Misconceptions About Saltwater Stingrays: How to Set Up Aquariums | eHow.com

Hi Def Cape Town Pics--Wicked !

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 11:18am CST by FransSny

http://virtualafrica.co.za/virtual-t...how-we-did-it/

Sun Sun 5000l/h pump too strong for TL550?

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 9:38am CST by shauno

Hey Guys

I bought a 5000L/H Sun Sun Vibration pump for My TL 550 yesterday

I have positioned it as best as i can in the corner of the tank as to avoid my substrate blowing all over the show(reggies play sand)

The clowns seem to love swimming in the flow though the xenia and elephant ear arent as happy about it.Will they get used to this?

Is this too much flow for a 130L system ? is there any way i can produce a little less flow with this unit? as i probably wont be able to take it back now and Aint forking out on a new one?

Your Help will be appreciated

:peroni:

awesome coral reef footage for free

Posted: December 9th, 2009, 8:50am CST by Falcon

hey guys just to let you know ive been recording WILD TOUCH on sabc 2 every morning at 10:30

the last few episodes have had some awesome reef footage from dives in mozambique and sodwana.leka to see how the fish etc interact with the real reef especially for people who dont dive much.

yesterday the showed a huge reef full of plating monti's it was a sight im sure even regular divers would love....plus moz has lotsa cool dive sites like on vamizi island.

the day before that they showed a bunch of regal tangs and some dominoe damsels taking refuge in poccilopora which is apparently their normal habitat...

anyone else catch it?

Grazers wanted

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 7:19am CST by Tim S

Hi all,
I have somewhat of an algae problem which is now under control. The initial growth needs to be mowed down and i'm looking for some grazers. If any one has some turbo snails (or a fish) which can help, please let me know.

Tim

armoured glass

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 9:20pm CST by Atilla

hy guys

ive read somewhere that armourplate glass is 8times stronger than normal float? (obviously same width) any comments??

macroalgae wanted

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 6:16pm CST by spentacle

Hi Guys

Can anyone in East london help me with some Chaeto or caluepra for my DSB.
I would really appreciate it been battling to find this stuff.
Thanks in advance

sorry if i have posted this in the wrong place wasnt sure where to post it

The NEW guy

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 5:15pm CST by Evo R

Hi all!! :wave2:

Where to begin....

First of all im glad that i stumbled across this forum!
Ive wanted to keep marine's since i was 7 and i think now is the time to start.

Can anyone please tell me what all the acronyms mean eg: DSB,BB,RO water,ect.

And what do you guys think of the BOYU TL 550 tank as my first marine tank?
Any advice would be welcomed.

And im apologizing in advance for all future (dumb)questions asked!

Regards

nsw sources in cape town

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 4:31pm CST by mandarinman

with me getting back into marines in the near future can anyone tell me the current expectations from the various sources of nsw. i used to collect from blouberg in the past, not the cleanest though

Equipment & Fish: Pretoria & Cape Town

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 4:11pm CST by Jaak

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

Equipment & Fish

Location:

Pretoria & Cape Town

Shipping or Collection only:

Collection Only

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

I have te following items for sale:

1 x Reef Octopus Extreme skimmer OCTX-250 @ R3500-00.Skimer was only used for 4 months by Schaun, I bought it and have not even had it shipped down to Cape Town yet. Lanzo @ Dorry PEts tested it and said it was a beast of a skimmer. I really do not want to sell the skimmer but I don't have a choice at this point. Skimmer is currently in Pretoria and can be viewed at Dorry Pets if interested.

1 x Future Lab CARX with 2kg bottle & Solenoid @ R1750-00. CARX is rated for 1500L.

1 x 8 cm Yellow Tang @ R550.
1 x 6 cm Yellow Tang @ R450.

Pics to follow

Notes:

-

Meet Mrs Schoeman

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 3:26pm CST by Jaco Schoeman

Okey guys... So I am bragging a bit here, but there is actually something more beautifull in my life than my suncoral!!!

May I introuduce the new Mrs Schoeman...

:slayer::slayer::slayer::slayer::slayer::slayer:

My Non Photosynthetic System (NPS)

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 12:44pm CST by Jaco Schoeman

Okey okey... after the long wait for me to get married etc. I can finally post a thread on my new setup. As some of you know I was researching what to do for MONTHS and MONTHS, until I bought that Coral magazine from Lanzo and saw a full NPS system... Then I knew I would do that.

The tank:

So, I already had the 1000x500x500 tank, initially set up for keeping an Anemone, as I had made it fully nennie safe. Flow was to be generated by a CLS, and the intakes was custom built in order to keep it safe from any LS being sucked in. Here is a pic or two:

Covered intake box...

Lighting:

The major advantage of this setup being non photosynthetic is that you actually need NO LIGHT, and lighting is only for viewing. I did however also want to keep other deepwater coral species that might require some light, and even some of the gorgonians required some light. I then bought a Reel Inc 4x 39W T5 unit, and replace the tubes with Geisemann T5's as follows: 1x Aquablue + (15000K) 1x Pure Actinic and two Actinic +. The 15000K and 22000K combo only runs from 16h00 to 17h30 and then I only run the Actinic and Pure Actinic. The advantage of this VERY low lighting is that algae can not survive (an advantage I'll explain later...)

Here is an image of the Actinic and Pure Actinic doing it's job:

Engine Room:

For filtration I used the standard Skimmer, DSB, Liverock and filter feeders. I have total of about 25kg's of LR in my DT. As you will see from the photo, it is not as neat as I would like it to be, so this is a area I am working on:

Feeding:

The MOST important factor of keeping NPS coral is the feeding. Because the coral has NO zooxanthellae algae inside its' body tissue to help feed from, it relies on being a predatory coral and hunting for its' food. The only way it can hunt though in captivity is if the keeper gives them a good supply of food. I have researched a lot of feeding methods, and this is really still a very big developmental issue for me, that I will be working on contstanly.

Currently I target feed my corals twice a day. I also made a DIY dosing pump, but this had other drawbacks so I ceased to use it. In the morning and evening, I feed about 1/2 teaspoon of Cyclop-Eeze, 2.5ml Zooplankton and 2.5ml Phyto Plankton. Every second day I feed on cube frozen mysis shrimp as well. I target feed each gorgonian, chili coral and sun coral. Once I have more specimens in the tank, I would need to increase feeding as well. Target feeding a gorgonian and chili coral hanign under an arch is not an easy task, so I constructed a simple device for this purpose from hard plastic pipe and a syringe.

The result is this:

To target feed the sun coral was also a challenge, as the flow easily let the food just blow over it. I then constructed this pip, however I am planning to improve this, as this is veyry bulky and the fish get a bit of a fright from it, unlike the thin little pipe above:

TO BE CONTINUED...

Starting a Softie and LPS tank need your input

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 12:22pm CST by ziyaadb

HI all

I will soon be starting a LPS and Softie reef
Why no sps u may ask - well after having a few sps pieces in my current tank i have decided that SPS keeping is a bit too intense for my current budget as well as lifestyle and hense the move towards the LPS and softies.

Tank dimensions:130*70W*55 water level will be at 50.
Sump: 110*45*55
Skimmer - Orca130 ext
Lighting - 8*39W T5, can add more T5's - i dont mind the shade on the 2 ends of the tank
Flow - 2*4400lph Seios, 2*3200Lph Seios and 2*3000lph sun suns - dont think i may use all
Return pump - 3000lph
ATO - Home made utilizing reeds switches
Cal and ALK - will be using a home made 2 part and once enough money is saved dosing pumps will be used.

Filtration
Lr: 50Kg - 60Kg
Algae scrubber
Cheato
Not sure on the DSB

Misc
Will setup a dedicated breaker switch for the tank.

ANY advice that you can give me in setting up this tank will be appreciated. If you can also give me and advice on what you could have done differently when you setup your tank will be great.

[FS] Various T5's for sale

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 11:40am CST by Jaco Schoeman

Good day Gents...

I have the following T5's available - got them from another reefer. They aparantly have only been running for about three months - but that was not with me. The 39W T5's are BRAND NEW. I have replaced them with Geisemann the moment I got the unit for my tank.

List of T5's:

1x 80W 12000K (Think it is a Sun) @ R50

2x 54W 12000K Reeftek @ R50 ea
2x 54W 20000K @ R50 ea

2x 39W 14000K Sunsun BRAND NEW NEVER BEEN SWITCED ON @ R100 ea
2x 39W Actinic Real Inc BRAND NEW NEVER BEEN SWITCED ON @ R100 ea

Because of the nature of the product I dont think it can be shipped...:P

Easy Corals for Beginners

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 11:36am CST by Pugsly

Hi there guys.

Can someone please advise on what corals are easy beginner corals for a system that has medium and strong DT flow and that will thrive under my lighting - As in T5's 54w and 80w, 8 tubes in total. Does not matter what corals just as long as they are easy, nice looking and thrive in any condition

Thanks allot

cooling fans

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 11:22am CST by Pugsly

just wondering - in my hood I run 2 PC fans just to keep the excess hot air from the T5's at bay - I have noticed though that the electrical connections keep rusting and I must replace them every so often.

So the question is is there any specific make or something similiar that won't need to be replaced all the time?

Advice Needed - Urgently

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 11:19am CST by Froggie

:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(

I wont mention the members name - but on the 2nd November 2009 I bought (and paid for the postage)a skimmer from the clasifieds. It is now more than a month ago and still no skimmer, he avoids replying to my emails and pm's WHAT do I do now? Small claims court? Its a lot of money to just throw away. I did not delay with the payment so why should he delay the delivery???:nono::nono::nono:

[FS] Tank, stand, sump, skimmer and MH light for sale

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 10:40am CST by eddie

Tank is 1220l x 600w x 550h +- 440 L 10 mm all round with euro bracing.
Sump is 1050l x 45w x 45h +- 210 L 6mm
Stand - 38 mm x 38 mm square tube all round with no rust
Skimmer - Reef octopus orca-100-int
Light - 250w MH 10K double sided
Power heads - 2 x sun sun 6 KL /h
Pumps - 2 x 60 w 3500 L/h return pumps

All is in perfect condition, have to sell equipment due to immigration. This is very negotiable and the fist highest offer will be considered. Prefer to sell everything one go.

Ushaka

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 8:58am CST by FransSny

For the inland guys who haven't had a chance yet.

do=displayimg&imgid=21017" target="_blank">

[FS] Corner tank for sale

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 8:24am CST by FransSny

Unfortunately I have to break down this tank as I will be moving on to bigger & better things :whistling:

Basically brand new, 10 mm glass (20 mm bottom). Can unfortunately only go once all the LS has gone

[FS] Reef Octopus Bubble Blaster EXTERNAL

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 8:16am CST by Ridwaan

Howzit Guys,

I have an EXTERNAL Reef Octopus Bubble Blaster skimmer:yeahdude: for sale
Skimmer in excellent condition

Skimmer is 2 months old, Still have box for it..

If you want ultimate skimming performance, then this skimmer is for you.:thumbup:

I dont have space under my cabinet for carx, so need to sell this skimmer to buy a smaller skimmer so that everything can fit under my cabinet.:(

Will ship at buyers expense...

Cool
Ridwaan

[FS] Various fish up for grabs

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 8:05am CST by FransSny

Tomato Clown (lost his home to jacquesb :)) - R 100

Old Newby

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 7:19am CST by wito-zn

Hi Guys and Gals

Been on MASA for a While but haven't been talking allot. I have been running freshwater aquariums for a while and now my boet is moving and he is giving me all of his salt water stuff. He is going to help me setup the tank but i will of course need extra help when he is not around. K the tank is 2.44m L * 60cm W * 60cm H. I dont know what lighting or filter he has at the moment but he is running a similar size tank at the moment. I will post as many pics as possible.

Regards
Steve

Should a skimmer do this?

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 8:37pm CST by Dean76

Should my skimmer be making so many bubbles in the tank? No bubbles / foam coming up to the top of the skimmer? Can anyone help or suggest what I need to do?
Thanks

A close-up of all the bubbles

[FS] New tank and stand

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 7:51pm CST by fleur

Hi all

I've got a new tank 70x80x40 in 12mm glass great show tank has awesome hight and there is also a chamber with hole. I got it made but done really have the space for it i got two already.
So the fisrt one with R800 can have it.

live rock hitchhiker

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 7:30pm CST by omer

i noticed today that with the live rock came some small crab and a small shrimp.
i intend of having a reef in my tank the question is are the crab and the shrimp can stay in the tank?

Fish list for open top tank

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 6:44pm CST by Johan van Aardt

So i asked this in my thread but thaught i should post so everyone can give an input.

my dt is 90 liter with a sump of about 40 liters. My tank has about 18 kg of liverock in.

the specs for the fish i need are as follows:

1. They musnt jump as my tank is open top

2. They shouldnt be too finicky with regards to food and water params
i have alot of hiding spots and alot of holes all over my rockwork.

so any suggestions are welcome please one and everyone.

Coupla start up questions

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 4:04pm CST by Linxie

Just have a few questions for you all so long.
We're not going to start our marine tank right away as we've no experience in the field, so I'll be popping in regularly to check out the tips you have here... but for now, let's start off with a few simple questions.

(I do apologise, I didn't use the search function, I'll make sure to use it from tomorrow... my time is just very limited today and I'm feeling talkative)

Where do you guys buy your livestock and equipment from? Is there a local dealer around here somewhere (wow that sounds dodge) do you go to the pet store? (can't imagine so as they only really sell freshwater stuff)

How long does it take from start up to having fish in my tank?

Can one take fish from the sea (if you have a permit) and put them in your tank?

One more Q... are any of the fish territorial? If so, which ones?

That's all for now. *speeds off to read some info threads* :bigthumbup:

Newbie from Cape Town

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 3:06pm CST by Linxie

lol where to start where to start?

A few years ago I kept 2 fish tanks, both tropical freshwater tanks. Then I moved out and had to get rid of everything. Can any one say eedjit? Yeah, that's how I feel.

So now my boyfriend and I have decide we're going to start fish keeping again. We'll start off with Tropical Freshwater tanks again, but ultimately we'd love to have a marine tank. Thing is, I'm so scared I kill the fish on their first day.

That's why I'm here... firstly I'm a forum ***** and simply LOVE chatting on forums and secondly I'll be asking you loads of questions.

It's great to see that SA has a proper fish keeping forum! There's another one here somewhere, but I couldn't find the threads so I just left and came right back here.

Oh, I know this is probably pure evol on this forum, but we have 2 cats aswell. So any cat proofing tips you could provide would be mucho appreciated.

OK, that's the last long post you'll see from me for a while! My fingers need to sleepy time now.

PS. love the smileys :thumbup:

Should i or not?

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 2:24pm CST by Renannchen

Hey every1 i have been looking for a tank for some time now, and found the perfect 1 but im not sure if i must? The tank size is 2.5 x 0.6 x 0.6 and the sump is 2.0 x 0.6 x 0.6 the sump and the tank is 12mm glass and the tank has a corner overflow only 1 outlet but wil fit 1 x 50mm pipe, now the big question is that should i buy this bad boy or not, the tank was used for freshwater before.. So what do you think,

Various Fish for sale: Cape Town

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 2:01pm CST by Alfie

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

Various Fish for sale

Location:

Cape Town

Shipping or Collection only:

Both

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

Hi Guys, I will be selling all my marine tanks and livestock :(. I am starting with the fish first.
All fish have been in my tanks in excess of 2 years, are eating well.Here is the list of fish:

Blue Chromis x 2 R75 each
Common Clowns Breeding pr R300
Black and white clown R69
Tomato Clown +/- 8cm R100
Maroon Clown R100
Rusty Angel R350
Coral Beauty R350
Brown Tang (Scopas) R495
Powder Blue R750
Regal R650
Regal (Yellow Belly) R650
Clown Tang R300
Yellow Tang R1500
Goldie Male R200
Naso R350
Royal Dotty Back R200
Goby 15cm R500

Notes:

-

falcon's 200lt for sale: vereeniging

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 1:33pm CST by Falcon

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

falcon's 200lt for sale

Location:

vereeniging

Shipping or Collection only:

both

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

hey guys moving to a new job so figured that while im there no one to look after my shop tank anymore i'd rather sell it.TANK IS ABSOLUTELY ALGAE FREE!
have had this tank for 8 months now but it was more of a test/take it slow make sure it never crashes system sO it is sparesly stocked and the frags have just started growing out now....
prefer to sell complete as i dont want my rather good condition magnifica to go to an in adequate system...i will consider selling seperately if no one wants it complete.
heres the list:

1.tank 1,1m x 330width x 45h(water level) front pane is new and scratch free,side panes have some scratches,comes with stand,sump(3 compartment),diy hood black fitts 4ft t5 and t8's and a diy black sleeve that covers the sump.

2.6x 36w diy t8's these are fully electronic and come with phillips 865 globes(more efficient than most t5's even!) 2 x blue globes included.the lighting is more than
adequate to keep sps and even anemones in this tank as my magnifica has more than doubled in size during the last 6 months.(19500 lumens average in the right spectrum:slayer:)

3.Skimmer via aqua sk 288

4.1x 2000lph pump as return with plumbing.

5.1 x 2500lph pump with plumbing as return.

6.2x 200w heaters.

7.+- 25kg live rock fully cured and no algae at all!lotsa flat pieces.

livestock no fish as i'm keeping em:P:

but some corals
1x medIum tree coral +- 25cm x 15cm wide
1x small patch of blue clove polyps bigger than R5 coin(but this has to go with a large piece of live rock.
1x euphilia coral 2 x heads
1 x large and extremely healthy magnifica anemone slighly bigger than a dinner plate when fully open.
1 x small leather sarcophyton coral.(pin cushion)

tank comes with substrate/dsb.
oh yes and the tank has a left hand side outlet from the over flow

any offers?

Notes:

-

SORRY FOR THE CRAPPY PICS!lol taken by 2mp w880i my digital cam cant be found.

Cycling a 3000L plus tank

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 11:49am CST by FDB

Hi guys.
Apparently to cycle a 3000L plus tank, i need a 30000L per hour pump.
That is all fine and well, but geez.
Would i split that flow so half of it goes to the sump/skimmer and the other is just looping back to the tank?
Or does it mean that i have to cycle 30000L per hour though my filters and skimmers on a 3000L tank?

LR or DSB

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 11:39am CST by finch

hello, some Q's. would a DSB eventually serve the same purpose or function as live rock, with the surface area and all(as live rock or live sand is used to seed a DSB)?

another Q... i'v read about how important water flow is in your setup, and areas becoming stagnant - but would this "stagnation" be a problem in a DSB.? would this mean i could run a DSB in DT also without an undergravel filter. i understand the importance of having no water flow through your DSB as well as no oxygen in a DSB.

energy efficient FO setup

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 11:16am CST by finch

hi everyone! lots of random questions. i'm planning to set up my aquarium again and want to do fish only. i chose FO because the price of electricity, running power hungry lights to keep some corals happy etc - the energy consumption of the lights alone is scary. then theres still all the other equipment. electricity wastage is a hot topic in our house.

so my first problem comes in at the lighting - i want a large variety of algae growing in the DT - especially that pink one (coralline algae i think) . does coraline algae have specific lighting requirements like coral does? so i need low wattage lighting. i'm planning to use about 200 blue LEDs for aesthetics and night display.

My other question is, would a DSB eventually serve the same purpose or function as live rock, with the surface area and all(as live rock or live sand is used to seed a DSB)?
another Q... i'v read about how important water flow is in your setup, and areas becoming stagnant - but would this "stagnation" be a problem in a DSB.? would this mean i could run a DSB in DT also without an undergravel filter. i understand the importance of having no oxygen in a DSB

i hope i wrote this in the right place:whistling:

How should I go about this?

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 10:47am CST by LRS

I'm a bit gatvol of the way my tank is running....
So I'm thinking of going a little bigger wrt tank size and hopefully change a few other things as well.

1.) Can I just transfer everything oneshot into the new tank or will it cause a mini cycle?

2.) I've got two big pieces of liverock only. As you guys can imagine I don't have much choice wrt scaping and my fish don't have the ideal amount of hiding. Can I break one of the rocks up or not?

3.) Can I use new substrate or should the substrate in the tank now be used again?

4.) How much of the old water should I use?

Featured System for December 2009

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 9:59am CST by dallasg

Our Featured System for December 2009 belongs to Adee!
Congratulations on a great SPS dominated system!

Click on the photo to see the full feature.

[FS] Jungle Gym

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 9:22am CST by FransSny

Kiddies jungle gym for sale. Good nick :)

[FS] Offroad Motorcycle

Posted: December 7th, 2009, 9:19am CST by FransSny

Kawasaki KX 125 cc Offroad 2007 model

Cross hatch triggers

Posted: December 6th, 2009, 7:25am CST by Steven

Any one seen these guys?

I think I saw a pic of one of these in Dave Saxby's tank. Coral farm has this pair R13k?

New here from the states!

Posted: December 6th, 2009, 4:47am CST by softiegirl

Hi all! Just happened across your site while looking for new forums to see! Its nice to be able to see how things are done in another country so thanks for having me! Currently I have 2 tanks. One is a 100 gallon mixed soft-coral reef. Mainly zoas, anemones and LPS. I am running 2-250 watt 14k phoenix metal halides with 4 actinic pc's. It has a euroreef skimmer inside of a 30 gallon sump with a deep sand bed refugium full of chaeto, caulerpa and live rock. The tank has been running for 3 years now and is very happy! My second tank is a 29 biocube. It is being lit by 6 t5's and has a teensy skimmer. The tank is inhabited by 4 seahorses, 2 pipefish and many different types of crabs and shrimp as well as being a zoa-based system. It has only been up for 2 months. Here are a few pics....

Reeftek TS3 Operation

Posted: December 6th, 2009, 10:36pm CST by scubaninja

Hi guys, been having a bit of a problem with my TS3 for a while now and i have tried what i could think of to change it but to no avail. here's my issue:
the skimmer when i first got it (2nd hand) i remember the entire main chamber of the skimmer full white with tiny bubbles, so in effect, skimming the best. lately, for a couple of weeks i've been getting terrible skimming in comparison. The chamber is only half full and even then the bubbles are a bit bigger than i remember, hence being less efficient. At the moment is there is next to nothing in terms of bioload in the tank as i've just re-set up, but that still doesnt excuse the lack of bubbles in the main chamber. i've re-cleaned everything, the pump, stripped it and cleaned it, the chamber and all the pipes themselves, basically got it back to almost new (as new as second hand stuff can be). I do know how to adjust the level in the skimmer ( the black pipe duh!) and i've varied how deep the actual skimmer sits in the water itself. Trying to get it to skim at 100% again to no avail. It has in some cases skimmed at almost 100% for a minute or two after i've moved or changed something and then goes back to normal uselessness. I've made sure the air hose wasnt blocked, i've checked to see if maybe the intake to the pump was blocked. nothing. So now i'm stuck. Besides all the things i've already checked and tried, what do you guys think? Think its possibly just the pump wearing down with use?

wanted:Zoa's in cape town

Posted: December 6th, 2009, 8:46pm CST by maj

Hi,

im wanting to put my 1st corals in my tank,anybody got some zoa frags for in in capetown,or if sum1 can ship to capetown,il pay shipping cost

thnks

Filtration

Posted: December 6th, 2009, 7:58pm CST by omer

hi just got my tank today boyo tl-550 what should i do with all the ceramic and the bio ball? should i use them or put somthing else instad?
why are they not good to use?

Tank Visits

Posted: December 6th, 2009, 7:55pm CST by Dean76

As I have mentioned I am new to the hobby and would like to see and find out more about it. I would like to know if there is anyone willing to let me visit them and their tanks. Would have some questions to ask and see your setup of the tank.
I am on the East Rand in Boksburg, I am willing to travel. If there is anyone willing to let me see their tank please PM me so I can make arrangements to come and visit.
Thanks

Website Updated

Posted: December 6th, 2009, 7:06pm CST by Leigh

Have a look here New Products available.

Deltec Skimmers? TC & AP series

Posted: December 6th, 2009, 4:22pm CST by Nemos Janitor

A few examples of the new TC series skimmers have been seen at your distributor in this country "EXOTIC". Reading the reviews/sales hype on your web and other forums of the TC series and comparing the performance differences between the AP and TC series i seek thoughts/views.

1) What is the benefit of increasing the E-T-A ratio? My thinking is more from the point of view of some of the cheaper skimmers on the market that are not as efficient but bigger more expensive to run but half the price.

2) The increased LPH of air produced. Does the increased air production in the skimmer chamber not make the surface area where protein/organics have contact time ,which is important, smaller and shorter? How does this benefit/impact on nitrate/Phosphate removal?

3) Will/is the AP series going to be discontinued? If not why? If yes, how long will spares be available? and can we expect some exciting deals on the AP series?

4) Do you Stuart, Tony or Dave run one of the new TC series skimmers?

5) In your opinion just how much better are the Deltec skimmers compared to other offerings? In this country your pricing is the most expensive and perceived by many as not worth the premium price one has to pay. An example is the R6k+ one has to pay for a APF600 and the R2,8k for a Reef Octopus TS3.

BTW on you web there is a gremmi on product TC 3070S. NS and HS stocking volumes are switched.

Skimmer problems / Questions

Posted: December 6th, 2009, 12:18pm CST by Dean76

Hi my skimmer is making and pushing lost of small bubbles back in to the tank, is this normal? Dont know if you can see it that well in the pic. See pic of tank with bubbles and the skimmer I got.

All your suggestions / help will be greatly appreciated.

Tank Weight, Glass Weight Calculator

Posted: December 5th, 2009, 11:15pm CST by Neil H

Hi All....

As promised in the "glass weight" thread .......

Here is a tank weight calculator

Assumptions on glass density and sand density etc have been made so the acual weight will vary a little depending on what material is used ....

it is pretty scary how quickly the weight adds up...

Enjoy

Mods please move to an appropriate section if this is not he propper place for this thread
Attached Files

Tank Weight calculator v1.xls (26.0 KB)

big fat reef worm

Posted: December 5th, 2009, 10:38pm CST by crispin

hey crew,
i am in the third week of a cycle and was removing LR to clear detritus and die off from the base of the tank when i came across this fella....

its about 3 cm long and about 1cm diameter (yes fat fella!)

I was rather surprised its alive as its gone through a full hard cycle but ater a while it protruded from one end with a far thinner section....

Chiller

Posted: December 5th, 2009, 9:38pm CST by Dean76

Would like to know what the price is for a chiller (105 L Tank).

Please PM me on the pricing.

Thanks.

Something i have been hiding!

Posted: December 5th, 2009, 7:19pm CST by Furbz

so,
in the last few months i have slowly been putting together, modifying and changing tobes old tank..
after the cycling process we began the slow process of stocking.
and here now for all to see it my new little nano starfire nano!
Enjoy...

Boyu TL550

Posted: December 5th, 2009, 5:52pm CST by Aquagirl

Ok, so I am a keen fish keeper, my tropical tank is my pride and joy, and I have always wanted a Marine tank.
A friend of mine thinks I am crazy as he says its just too much work, but I have been doing quite a bit of research, and just wanted to check the following:
The Boyu TL550 has a more than adequate filtration system (or are there modifications that need to be made??)
How often does the water need to be tested (please specify individually, unless all tests need doing at the same time).
Do you really have to do a water change every week??
Other than the already built in filter, what do you need equipment wise, ie skimmer, wave makers ect....
I really want to get all my facts before I go for it, and I am also wanting to start out prepared for a reef tank, so will take my time introducing live stock, but just want to be prepared, so I dont have to change equipment.
Is the lighting on the Boyu 550 sufficient for a reef tank....

Sorry, so many questions, so will pace myself.
But am looking forward to all the help I can get.

Aquagirl :)

New arrivals

Posted: December 5th, 2009, 10:52am CST by Naiema

The long awaited Fiji Live-rock has landed....stunning pieces too! Also instock are Clams.Anemones, Copperbands,Japonicus,Foxface,Dwarf Angels,Sailfins, Longnose hawks,Banana Wrasse and more. Ph 0217122534/0826368990

is this good or bad-pic

Posted: December 5th, 2009, 10:42am CST by maj

This red growth is growin all along my substrate in my DT,just on the edges not anywhere else

Giesemann T5 lumens

Posted: December 5th, 2009, 10:16am CST by Falcon

COOL OF YOU TO JOIN US WELCOME D-D!:)

ok now lets get down to business ,i have a question for you guys...can you please supply us with lumen values on the giesieman 54w t5 tubes? all from midday to pure actinic

i know lumen doesnt give exact par etc etc but could i get the lumens please.

Water changes on a new Nano Tank?

Posted: December 4th, 2009, 12:05am CST by Dean76

Water changes on a new Nano Tank?
I would like to find out what is best on the 10% weekly water changes on a newly set up Nano Tank? I have read that some say you should do the water changes and have read the one should not do water changes on the cycle stage and only top up the evaporation?
I have also read that on the startup with the cycle one should leave the lights off?
Any suggestions on this please?
Look forward to hearing back from you all.
Thanks

Anyone know if this light is avail in SA

Posted: December 4th, 2009, 6:29pm CST by ziyaadb

It would be just the thing for an Awesome Algae scrubber.
Taking from Glassboxdesign.com
Quote:

Hands on with Philips New Ambient LED Spotlight

Recently Philips rolled out their own line of Ambient LED indoor lighting. These bulbs are screw in lamps are for indoor use, intended to replace less energy efficient incandescents and CFLs. Despite a poor kelvin rating of 4,000K I went ahead and picked one up to test over the glassboxIn some cases warm toned lights [...]

Recently Philips rolled out their own line of Ambient LED indoor lighting. These bulbs are screw in lamps are for indoor use, intended to replace less energy efficient incandescents and CFLs. Despite a poor kelvin rating of 4,000K I went ahead and picked one up to test over the glassboxIn some cases warm toned lights (low kelvin) can provide a much needed pop to reds and yellows under blue dominated light.
Although the LED Spotlight I picked up does have the potential to be used on reef aquariums, refugiums, or better yetplanted freshwater aquariums, it is not intended to. So why did I potentially waste my time and money? I was more interested to see how Philips, a mass market electronic manufacturer was implementing LEDs into their product lines. You can now find the Philips Ambient LED light bulb like ranging from tiny MR16s to monstrous PAR38s at Philips retailers (read: big box stores) around the U.S..

I went with the 4,000K Par30 model that retails for just over $50. This LED light bulb is rated for 25,000 hours (just shy of 6 years @ 10hrs/ day) and uses just 11w of electricity. Philips states it is a replacement for 50w halogen PAR style lamps. 11 watts sounds great, but LED technology is not that far ahead. It is still just 11w, keep this in mind when looking at any LED type lighting.
Costs aside, this lamp is a testament to the viability of LED technology. Philips has done a terrific job with their new line of lightsmy favorite design being the stylish incandescent master light LED bulb that made headlines over the past few months.

Like most LED spotlights, the heatsink is incorporated into the lamp body. Philips opted for an aluminum heatsink that is painted a gunmetal colorwhich blends in well with most light fixtures and is easy on the eyes. Not surprising from a large company like Philipsthis lamp is the most solid of any LED spotlight Ive felt. The internal circuitry is extremely well done with no rattling or hollow feel to the body. Unfortunately there is no way to open the light up without causing damage, but it feels like the internals (sans the LEDs themselves) are encapsulated in epoxy. As LEDs come down in price, I would not be surprised to DIYers swapping out the LEDs and lenses of these lamps for a more reef-friendly spectrum.

Over the tank the warm yellow light will add glitter lines, but when mixed with 20Ks it created a sepia-like tone that did not pop colors as well as less expensive lights such as CFLs, halogens, or similar red led spotlights. Yes, the lights do last over 6 years, but with the reef equipment ADD I have, to truly believe that it will be in use over an aquarium 6 years from now is ludicrous.
The effect on the display was not bad, but it did not contribute enough to justify the $50 cost. For those with refugia displays or planted tanks, the simplicity and availability of this light drastically changes the scenario. This LED lamp has been relegated from the aquarium to illuminating the front hall of a Chicago condo. While it wont be making its way into a formal review, keep an eye out for some LED reviews in the near futureincluding the NanoCustoms PAR38 LED Spotlight.
If youre feeling spendy and would like to go green the Philips Ambient LED light bulbs are a unique alternative for your home and for specialty aquarium applications. It is certainly not going to be a standard reef light, but it keeps us hopeful of what the future will bring.

Trick to Mushrooms?

Posted: December 4th, 2009, 4:53pm CST by ziyaadb

My mate has a nano about 60L with:
7kg kg LR
Ceramic rings - yes yes we know but its doing its job and the water is prefiltered before the rings
40W of t8 lights different coloured bulbs
is using the "bad batch" of RO salt of whicj he changes 15L a week
fish - Goby, Maroon clown and a twin spot coris - He did not listen to me whan i advised him on stocking options.
Boxer shrimp and blue lobster
Big Bristle star fish - that black type one
No skimmer
a small seio prop for flow and the flow from the internal filter

Heres the catch
Everything in his tank is Thriving. His Musrooms are going wild and his xeniaz are spreading. All the mushrooms in his tank are splitting and multiplying like crazy. Mushrooms that i got for both of us have split in his tank and not in mine

Compared to me my sps are growing wild but my shrooms are no where near his in terms of reproduction damn i did not even have 1 split as yet even through i have a much bigger setup, using better salt and have a great skimmer and more light.

Could it be that mushrooms do better in less light, flow and nutriet rich water?

feeding Live Foods

Posted: December 4th, 2009, 1:36pm CST by FransSny

Guys while doing some research, for my new & improved pred tank I came across this article.

Quite interesting :

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...003/invert.htm

compiled info please

Posted: December 4th, 2009, 11:40am CST by finch

this site is real cool, but i'm wondering, is there a place where i can get info for beginning an aquarium that is already compiled. as apposed to sifting through tons of threads to get the knowledge i am after? perhaps MASA should make an articles section with articles containing info that is constantly added to. newbees could download these articles, study them and then ask questions. maybe in pdf format...

[FS] Saga ph Meter

Posted: December 4th, 2009, 10:22am CST by leslie hempel

just needs te be calibrated and calibration fluid.

skimmer advise

Posted: December 4th, 2009, 9:13am CST by maj

I got a berlin triple pass skimmer,with pin wheel and aquamedic 2500 pump.
my tank is fairly new,but has skimmed a few dirty cups already,but since adding my 1st fish,a clown and wrasse,it hasnt skimmed any dirt.

this is worryin me now,its been like 5days and no dirt.

Also,what is the ideal time period between adding fish?

any info wil be apreciated!
thnks

Pump Hummm

Posted: December 4th, 2009, 8:33am CST by neo

Hello,
switched my pump on last night and let it run for about 30sec, pumped about 20l of water, was just checking that al electrical and plumbing are OK.
The pump is a cheapie and has a bit of a humm:( to it, almost like a welding machine.
Now, does all pumps humm like this or is more expensive pumps better in this area?

Pod pupulation

Posted: December 4th, 2009, 8:08am CST by Hermanus

Hi everyone.

I have been watching my pods go mad over the last 4 mounts (that is how old my new tank is) and I had alot of pods running around in my Tank at night.

The last week or so I noticed there is pods but not as much as there where, what can be the problem?

Didn't add Any thing that eat them still the same fish, add one Yellow Tang yesterday, but problem started before that. any suggestions?

Live Rock for sale: East London

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 7:25am CST by Slummies

All other livestockCommon Name:

Live Rock

Scientific Name:

Bali Rock

Size

0.5kg - 8kg

How long have you had it?

forgot

Shipping or Collection only:

will ship at buyers expense

Your location.

East London

Price:

R135.00 kg

Photo's:

Hey guys,

I am trying to get rid of some bali liverock. i just dont have enough space for it in my 3ft. some awesome pieces that really.. uh.. rock!

its full of live, etc!

nice blue encrusting:

Rock for sale, not the car:thumbup:

East Londoners are welcome to come have a look from 5pm onwards, just send me a pm

Cheers

Bruce

Notes:

-

Multiple timer

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 6:42am CST by Nsteyn

Good Morning all.

I am looking for a "multi-plug" with build in timer.
Similar to this :

Aquarium Light Timers: Coralife Power Center

Is there any of the sponsors who have a similar product or anyone know where one could obtain something like this?

Tnx all.

Welcome to Deltec!!!

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 10:29pm CST by viper357

Please welcome our new and first International sponsor: D-D The Aquarium Solution, otherwise known as Deltec.:)

Welcome to Stuart and Tony from the UK who will be here to assist you with any questions or advice regarding Deltec products such as their their new salt H2Ocean Pro+, skimmers, pumps, giesemann lights, etc. etc. Yip, that's right, you can now talk directly to the Deltec guys.:thumbup:

Check out their website for more info - Aquarium Filter Supplies | Aquarium Saltwater | Aquarium Tanks | Fish Aquariums | The Aquarium Solution

How to - Aquarium overflow / sump / refugium. Some tips

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 8:02pm CST by Seabass

You tube rulz.

Did not get the creative directors permission, but great overflow etc. clip for a beginner like me. Thanks to the director.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdpaQ...1&feature=fvwp

Admin please delete if not allowed.

Wanted : Soft coral frags !

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 8:02pm CST by Viper

Hi ,

I'm looking for any soft coral frags in the Pretoria or Gauteng area or others ? ;)
Mushrooms , Ricordia , Zoas Button Polyps etc !
Please PM me of what you got ! :thumbup:

Thanx.

My slow go tank!!

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 7:00pm CST by Annoying

Hey
I've been wanting to start a thread on my tank at the moment! It's by far not complete and unfortunetley I had to go through allot of newbie mistakes and finally I got those mistakes under control!!!This thread will go on where I'm at the moment and maybe I can go on so far that I can start to call it a reef!

swf to gif help please

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 4:27pm CST by viper357

Hi all

Has anybody got any software that can convert a banner from .swf to animated .gif?

Tank rebuild or not?

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 4:10pm CST by johanboshoff

Hi guys

I just got this 2m x 0.6m x0.6m 10mm glass tank from a friend for almost nothing (R350).:thumbup: BUT................

There are some minor things bothering me. See below

A small chip on a corner? Is this a problem?

Some minor chips on the sides of the base.

Silicone pulling loose a little? Is this a problem?

There's bracing all along the bottom and only on the long sides and middle on top, Is this sufficient?

The top bracing not siliconed to the side panels?

Full view

There is air gaps in the silicone which looks like cracks and also a couple of bubbles here and there in the silicone beneath the bottom bracing. Is this ok or not?

The tank was full of bath water to the top bracing the last time I saw it before fetching it so it doesnt leak. But.....

I don't know if I can take a chance with this tank? Can i jsut reinforce the corners with angle iron on the outside and add extra bracing at the top?

Or should I get a someone to rebuild it for me? And who can i ask to do this in Cape town if needed?

Advice would be appreciated please?

Dymax IQ3 Tank

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 12:06pm CST by zerolicious

Hi There, I have just purchased an Dymax IQ3 tank and would like advice on setting up a mini mini marine system. Any advice?

Beware: Plastic contaners

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 10:03am CST by Mudshark

Check out this thread regarding any plastic containers that you may be using to store water or extend your system. [forum.marinedepot.com]

tiger woods

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 9:38am CST by magman

Tiger Jokes already

1. Tiger's new movie is out: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Hydrant.
2. Apparently the police asked Tiger's wife how many times she hithim.She said "I don't know exactly... but put me down for a 5."
3. Tiger Woods is so rich that he owns lots of expensive cars. Nowhehas a hole-in-one.
4. What's the difference between a car and a golf ball? Tiger candrivea ball 400 yards........
5. What were Tiger Woods and his wife doing out at 2.30 in themorning?They went clubbing
6. Tiger Woods crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree. He couldn'tdecide between a wood and an iron.
7. Phil Mickelson contacted Tiger's wife to pick up some tips on how tobeatTiger!
8. What does Tiger Woods and a seal cub have in common? They both getclubbed by Norwegians.
9. Why did Tiger Woods leave his house so early? He wanted to get tothesecond hole.

[FS] NW 100 in-sump skimmer

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 9:20am CST by fleur

Skimmer in good nick, dont need any more got me a bubble master 250 :razz:

Also got a tank on stand for sale its 70Lx80Dx40W 12mm glass in top cond has been filled a couple of times to mix water i'm looking for R1500 or make me a good offer and its your's.

Guys i dont have to time in my day to run around to post offices so only pick ups.

Leather Coral

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 8:59am CST by mandarin

About two weeks ago i bought a Finger and Devil's coral.
The Finger is fine but the Devil won't open, it stays chrinked and is purple of colour.
Any advise please.

Glass weight ?

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 8:52am CST by FransSny

Does anyone have a formula for calculating glass weight ie the weight of an empty tank ?

Seachem matrix or purigen

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 8:09am CST by maj

Where can i get this

anybody got some stock,or what can i get that is maybe better to use?

Jokes i've come across

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 10:41pm CST by scubaninja

Will walks into a pub and sits down. He orders a pint and notices a brown paper bag on the counter.
Will asks the barkeep :" What's in the paper bag?"
The barkeep pulls the paper bag closer and pulls out a miniature piano with a miniature pianist and places them on the bar. The miniature pianist proceeds to belt out great classics.
Will,wide-eyed,exclaims:" That's amazing! Where'd you get that?"
Barkeep:"See that magic lamp over there? There's a genie in there.He grants wishes."
Will asks:" Mind if I ask for a wish?"
Barkeep:"Sure,be my guest."
Will rubs the lamp and sure enough, a genie pops out and asks Will what he would like to wish for
Will:" I want a million bucks!"
Instantly the pub is filled with a million quacking ducks.
Will:" I think your genie is a little deaf"
Barkeep:"I know, I didn't ask him for a 10-inch pianist."

================================================== ==

A married couple having their first baby were invited to make use of a
new machine that would transfer a portion of the mother's labour pains
to the Baby's father.

Both were happy to try it.

The pain transfer was set to 10 percent but the husband felt nothing so
the doctor increased it to 20 percent. The father said he still felt
fine and his blood pressure was normal. He invited the doctor to kick
it up to 50 percent.

Still no reaction.

The doctor was amazed and slowly transferred all the pain until the
wife delivered a healthy baby with virtually no pain. She and her
husband and the doctor were ecstatic.

When they got home, the gardener was lying dead at the gate.

================================================== ==

During the Great Depression, there was a man who walked into a bar one day. He went up to the bartender and said, "Bartender, I'd like to buy the house a round of drinks."

The bartender said, "That's fine, but we're in the middle of the Depression, so I'll need to see some money first."

The guy pulled out a huge wad of bills and set them on the bar. The bartender can't believe what he's seeing. "Where did you get all that money?" asked the bartender.

"I'm a professional gambler," replied the man.

The bartender said, "There's no such thing! I mean, your odds are fifty-fifty at best, right?"

"Well, I only bet on sure things," said the guy.

"Like what?" asked the bartender.

"Well, for example, I'll bet you fifty dollars that I can bite my right eye," he said.

The bartender thought about it. "Okay," he said.

So, the guy pulled out his false right eye and bit it. "Aw, you screwed me," said the bartender, and paid the guy his $50.

"I'll give you another chance. I'll bet you another fifty dollars that I can bite my left eye," said the stranger.

The bartender thought again and said, "Well, I know you're not blind, I mean, I watched you walk in here. I'll take that bet." So, the guy pulled out his false teeth and bit his left eye.

"Aw, you screwed me again!" protested the bartender.

"That's how I win so much money, bartender. I'll just take a bottle of your best scotch in lieu of the fifty dollars," said the man.

With that, the guy went to the back room and spent the better part of the night playing cards with some of the locals. After many hours of drinking and card playing, he stumbled up to the bar. Drunk as a skunk, he said, "Bartender, I'll give you one last chance. I'll bet you five hundred dollars that I can stand on this bar on one foot and piss into that whiskey bottle on that shelf behind you without spilling a drop."

The bartender once again pondered the bet. The guy couldn't even stand up straight on two feet, much less one. "Okay, you're on," he said.

The guy climbed up on the bar, stood on one leg, and began pissing all over the place. He hit the bar, the bartender, himself, but not a drop made it into the whiskey bottle.

The bartender was ecstatic. Laughing, the bartender said, "Hey pal, you owe me five hundred dollars!"

The guy climbed down off the bar and said, "That's okay. I just bet each of the guys in the card room a thousand bucks each that I could piss all over you and the bar and still make you laugh!"

================================================== ========

Two friends, a blonde and a redhead, are walking down the street and pass a flower shop where the redhead sees her boyfriend buying her flowers.

The Redhead sighs and says: "Oh crap, my boyfriend is buying me flowers again."

The blonde looks quizzically at her and says: "You don't like getting flowers from your boyfriend?"

The redhead replies: "I love getting flowers, but he always has expectations after giving me flowers, and I just don't feel like spending the next three days on my back with my legs in the air."

The blonde says: "Don't you have a vase?"

================================================== =========

A neatly dressed salesman stopped a man in the street and asked -
"Sir, would you like to buy a a bottle of this mouthwash for $200.00?"

Aghast, the man said, "are you NUTS?, that's robbery!"

The salesman seemed hurt and then tries again -
"Sir, since you are a bit irate, I'll sell it to you for 1/2 price at $100.00?

Again, the man replies bluntly - "you must be crazy pal, now go away!"

The salesman then reaches into his briefcase and pulls out 2 brownies and begins munching away on one of them. He tells the irate guy -
"Sir, please share one of my brownies since I have annoyed you so much".

Unwrapping the brownie, the guy takes a bite; suddenly, the guys spits it out and says:
"HEY," he snarled, "this brownie tastes like cr@p!!!"

"It is," replied the salesman. "Wanna buy some mouthwash?"

=================================
3 Shots of Tequila
A guy walks into a bar, whch happens to be at the top of a 20 story building. He sits down next to this other guy, who has 3 shots of Tequila in front of him. They exchange hello's, and in a lil bit, the other guy takes a deep breath, slams the 3 shots, and jumps out the window of the bar.

The other guy can't believe it! "What the hell was that?" He goes back to his drinking.

About 5 minutes later, the jumper comes back in, sits down at the bar, and says, "Bartender, 3 more shots of Tequila."

The Bartender lines them up. After a few minutes, he takes a deep breath again, slams all 3 shots, and jumps out the window!

The other guy says, " Oh WTH is this?!?!"

He asks the bartender, but the bartender just says he's been doing that all day.

5 minutes later, the guy comes back up.

"Bartender, 3 more..."

Guy 2 says,
"WHOAWHOAWHOA, hold on a minute! What the hell are you doing???"

Guy 1 says, "Oh it's totally awesome. You take a deep breath, do 3 shots of Tequila to relax you and take your mind off the ground, jump out the window. The wind shear off the side of the building will keep you afloat, and you coast down to the ground, landing on your feet. Try it. It's awesome!!!"

so guy 2 says, "Oh I gotta try this. Bartender, 3 shots of Tequila."

Bartender lines them up.

Guy 2 is pretty nervous tho, and Guy 1 reassures him it's safe.

Finally guy 2 says, "ok, here goes"

Takes a deep breath,
does the 3 shots of Tequila,
jumps out the window,
and crashes on the ground to his death.

The bartender says, "You know, Superman, you're a real a$$hole when you're drunk."

================================================== ===========

i laughed big at this one :)

===============================================

A man is concerned with the size of his member, and feels extremely insecure. His friends tell him of a "natural doctor" who can fix these problems. He goes to this doctor and the doctor tells him,
"I have had many people with your condition, and i know of a solution. There is a frog in the middle of the forest near here, and every time you get him to say 'no' it will grow larger."
So the man goes into the forest and finds the frog and asks him
"Will you give me a kiss?"
To which the frog replies,
"No"
The man looks in his pants and sees it is larger than before, and so decides to repeat it.
"Will you give me a kiss?"
"No"
Will you give me a kiss?"
"NO"
Will you give me a kiss?"
"NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO"
The man goes back to the doctor and tells him of this new problem. The doctor tells him,
"There is a fix, but it wont work again, so make sure you get this one right, okay? Go into the town nearby and bump into people on the street, every time they apologise it will shrink a bit."
So the man goes into the town and bumps into someone.
"Sorry mate" comes the reply.
He bumps into another,
"sorry about that" the other person says.
Then he bumps into another man, and he turns and says,
"A million apologies."

================================================== ==

A few overworked deputy sheriffs deserved a vaction, together they decided to go on a mountain retreat. Since police officers are so underpaid, they decided to sleap two per room so they could afford the trip.

Now, nobody wanted to sleep in the same room with Daryl - hes got a well known reputation for snoring and since it wasnt fair to make one of them stay with him the whole time - so they voted to take turns.

The first deputy to bunk with Daryl and comes to breakfast the next morning with his hair a mess and his eyes all bloodshot, looking like he didnt get any sleep. They said, Man, what happened to you? He said, Daryl snored so loudly, I just sat up and watched him all night, couldnt get any sleep.

The following night it was a different deputys turn. In the morning, same thing - hair all messed up, eyes blood-shot, etc. They said, Man, what happened to you? You look awful! He said, Man, that Daryl! Shakes the roof hes so loud. I watched him all night.

The third night was Franks turn. Now Frank was a big burly ex-football player; a mans man. Said he wasnt gonna put up with any snoring, Well see! said the other deputies. The next morning he came to breakfast bright eyed and bushy tailed. �
Good morning, wonderful day outside isnt it? he said.

They couldnt believe it! They said, Man, what happened? He said, Well, we got ready for bed. I went over and tucked Daryl into bed, then kissed him good night. He sat up all night just watching me. Didnt snore a bit, hehe.

================================================== ==

Bill worked in a pickle factory. He had been employed there for a number of

years when he came home one day to confess to his wife that he had a

terrible compulsion. He had an urge to stick things into the pickle

slicer.

His wife suggested that he should see a therapist to talk about it, but

Bill said he would be too embarrassed.

He vowed to overcome the compulsion on his own.

One day a few weeks later, Bill came home and his wife could see at once

that something was seriously wrong.

"What's wrong, Bill?" she asked.

"Do you remember that I told you how I had this tremendous urge about the pickle slicer?"

"Oh, Bill, you didn't" she exclaimed.

"Yes, I did." he replied.

"My gosh, Bill, what happened?"

"I got fired."

"No, Bill. I mean, what happened with the pickle slicer?"

"Oh...she got fired too."

================================================

There was once a captain of a privateer ship that was well-know for raising the morale of his crew.
One day the ship-hand from the Crow's nest yells: "Captain! Two enemy ships sighted and closing!"
The Captain upon hearing this,commands the nearest crew member :"Fetch my red shirt!"
After the battle a new, young crew member asks the Captain:" Why is it that you called for a red shirt before the battle?"
The Captain responds:"The red shirt would hide if I was wounded and you men wouldn't lose hope at seeing me hurt."
The young man is astounded at the Captain's ingenius thinking.

The next day another yell comes from the Crow's nest:"CAPTAIN! TEN ENEMY SHIPS APPROACH!!"
The Captain stands for a short moment and then calls to a nearby ship-hand:"Bring my brown pants!!!"

================================================== ======

Bubba died in a fire and his body was burned pretty badly.
The morgue needed someone to identify the body, so they sent for his two best friends,Cooter and Gomer.
The three men had always done everything together.
Cooter arrived first, and when the mortician pulled back the sheet,
Cooter said, 'Yup, his face is burned up pretty bad. You better roll him over.'
The mortician rolled him over and Cooter said, 'Nope, ain't Bubba.'
The mortician thought this was rather strange.
So he brought Gomer in to confirm the identity of the body.
Gomer looked at the body and said, 'Yup, he's pretty well burnt up.
Roll him over.'
The mortician rolled him over and Gomer said, 'No, it ain't Bubba.'
The mortician asked, 'How can you tell?'
Gomer said, 'Well, Bubba had two assholes.'
'What? He had two assholes?' asked the mortician.
'Yup, we never seen 'em, but everybody used to say:
'There's Bubba with them two assholes.'

================================================== =======

A mature (over 40) lady gets pulled over for speeding...
Older Woman: Is there a problem, Officer?
Officer: Ma'am, you were speeding.
Older Woman: Oh, I see.
Officer: Can I see your license please?
Older Woman: I'd give it to you but I don't have one.
Officer: Don't have one?
Older Woman: Lost it, 4 years ago for drunk driving.
Officer: I see...Can I see your vehicle registration papers please.
Older Woman: I can't do that.
Officer: Why not?
Older Woman: I stole this car.
Officer: Stole it?
Older Woman: Yes, and I killed and hacked up the owner.
Officer: You what?
Older Woman: His body parts are in plastic bags in the trunk if you want
to see
The Officer looks at the woman and slowly backs away to his car and calls
for back up. Within minutes 5 police cars circle the car. A senior officer
slowly approaches the car, clasping his half drawn gun.
Officer 2: Ma'am, could you step out of your vehicle please!The woman
steps out of her vehicle.
Older woman: Is there a problem sir?
Officer 2: One of my officers told me that you have stolen this car and
murdered the owner.
Older Woman: Murdered the owner?
Officer 2: Yes, could you please open the trunk of your car, please.
The woman opens the trunk, revealing nothing but an empty trunk.
Officer 2: Is this your car, ma'am?
Older Woman: Yes, here are the registration papers.
The officer is quite stunned.
Officer 2: One of my officers claims that you do not have a driving
license.
The woman digs into her handbag and pulls out a clutch purse and hands it
to the officer.
The officer examines the license. He looks quite puzzled.
Officer 2: Thank you ma'am, one of my officers told me you didn't have a
license, that you stole this car, and that you murdered and hacked up the
owner.
Older Woman: Bet the liar told you I was speeding, too.

if there is anything wrong with these its vipers fault for not editing them :P

xmas specials and microbacter7 and biofuel is here

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 8:54pm CST by The Waterboy

hello all and compliments of the silly season......:thumbup:

first of all, microbacter7 , neo-zeo and biofuel is here!!!!

here is our list of xmas specials for our masa customers!!!!

first of all

D&D deltec 23kg bucket salt...................R 750.00 (first 10 buckets only):rockon:

250ml combo pack micro bacter7 and biofuel.......R 250.00:yeahdude:

zeo combo pack (neo-zeo 1000g , 250ml microbacter 7 and 250ml biofuel)......R 400.00:1:

extraxphos...................R 180.00

rio return pumps 20hf.............R 350.00

ocean nutrition combo (formula 1 and formula 2 pellets).....R 170.00

real ocean salt box................R 530.00

seachem salt 6.3kg bags...........R 230.00

10% off all reefoctopus skimmers, reactors and hardware.

waterboy marine r.o. units range

reefmaster marine r.o. unit.............R 1500 plus vat with free t.d.s meter worth R450!!!:wtf:.......yip...you read right....what a deal!
first 5 units only

reefmaster evolution plus r.o.unit............R1750.00 plus vat with free t.d.s meter worth R 450!!!:wtf:........again....you read right....what a xmas deal
first 5 units only.

firts 10 r.o.units sold will also recieve free set of pre filters worth R250 for free:yeahdude:

waterboy supplements combo

250ml iodine, 250 ml strontium, 250 ml magnesium, 250 ml trace, 250 ml kh buffer.......R 250.00:kangakiller:blowing away the competition!!!

electric float valves................R 130.00

all prices exclude vat!
orders over R1800.00 free shipping!

Is this Normal

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 8:28pm CST by Wolve

ok didnt know where to ask this so here goes. i have started dosing micro bacter and vodka, and the result is that my skimmer is now skimming a very very dark really really smelly skimate, before it used to be a dark brown and didnt smell so bad, now its black and the cup fills up quicker with the water level in the skimmer about the same as before. skimmer is a reef octo extreme 200.

Reef inmate's Light fittings

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 6:29pm CST by Leigh

Hi there Reefers.

For those not in the know I am the only local manufacturer of purpose built aquarium light fittings in South Africa.

The specifications of the units I build are as follows:

1. The entire units is manufactured from corrosion resistant aluminium sheeting, laser cut, with two coats of epoxy powder coating inside and out.

2. All hardware and fasteners are stainless steel.

3. T5 lamp holders are splash proof protecting the ends of the lamps from salt water corrosion.

4. The unit is self ventilating - no noisy fans needed.

5. The chassis is light yet strong allowing no thermal distortion.

6. No external ballast boxes required - all gear housed within the unit.

7. Lamp changes are quick and simple.

8. Reflectors are made from 90% reflective German Alanod material.

9. All ballasts and gear are high quality German units.

Some photos of the fittings I make.

Standard T5 units in 2 foot, 3 foot, 4 foot or five foot lengths with 4, 6 8 or 10 lamps.

New T5 units with reflectors folded around each lamp in 2 foot, 3 foot, 4 foot or five foot lengths with 4, 6, 8, or 10 lamps.

Single Metal Halide pendants 250 or 400 watt

SPS Extreme 1. A 250/400 watt metal halide with 4 x 2 foot T5's

SPS Extreme 2. 2 x 250/400 watt metal halides with 4 x 4 foot T5's.

SPS Extreme 3. 3 x 250/400watt metal halides and 4 x 80 watt or 8 x 39 watt T5's.

Metal Halide reflector detail

The Nano Extreme

1 x 150 watt metal halide and 4 x 2foot T5's

I also have a range of metal halide lamps in 14K

Custom Light units built as well

Email me at leigh@reefinmates.co.za for pricing

Various frags for sale: Norwood,JHB

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 6:06pm CST by poiromaniax

Various frags for saleCommon Names:

Star Polyps

Scientific Names:

Pachyclavularia

Size of frags

+- 5-6cm in diameter

How long have you had the frags?

Mother Colony (1 year) Frags (4 weeks)

Are the frags mounted?

Yes

Shipping or Collection only:

Shipping at buyers expense

Your location.

Norwood,JHB

Price:

R50

Photo's:

Pic of the mother colony (courtesy of Sweetnsour as I sold it to him :P )

Notes:

-

Can i add an overflow to a built tank

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 6:02pm CST by Slummies

hey guys

im am wanting to move from my 3ft to my 5ft custom in the near future. only thing is, is that it doesnt have an over flow. does anyone know how i can add one. i got told that i cant do it unless i take a pane out. which is impossible..

Les, any ideas?

thanks

Steven

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 4:35pm CST by Steven

Hi Everyone
Finally a member of MASA!

[FS] 4ft tank for sale

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 4:19pm CST by leslie hempel

Hi Guys i am handling a sale on behalf of JustinM because he has moved and is unable to access the internet, he is selling his:

1.2m x .600 x .600 (10mm) tank
stand and lid (lid includes 2 x 30w phillips actinic tubes and 30w normal balasts)
1.2m x .450 x .450 (5mm i think) sump.

above goods are included in R2500 price

there is also some other equipment

Reef octopus DNW110 skimmer (external) R1500
2 x 150w eurolux hailides and balasts incl of 2 x 13k aquamedic bulbs (run for approx a year so will need replacing) R1000 for both
2 x Seio M1100 pumps R500 for both

Reasonable offers welcome i will communicate with justin or alternitavley offer you his cell number should there be questions i am unable to answer.

[FS] Paintball Gun

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 3:52pm CST by Francois

Spyder E-marker with apex barrel,
Cylinder, JT mask and Hopper

Starting Afresh

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 3:36pm CST by Cryp

Greetings All

Can someone please advise me on the best way to get ride of worms in my tank that have taken over while I am in the process of strating afresh. What I am looking at doing is draining the tank completely, cleaning it and then refilling it. I do have some live rock at present and not sure what to do with it while the tank cycles. Please guys I am in need of help here:(.

The questions are:
How do I get ride of those worms?
How do i look after the live rock while in the process of draining and cleaning the tank?

Any ones help will be greatly appreciated.

White VS Aluminium Reflectors

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 2:14pm CST by keyaam

I spoke to a fellow reefer and advised me on rather painting my diy hood with white enamel as a reflector instead of using regular reflectors. I bought my lamps today and the agent also advised the same. Does white reflect light better than the aluminium we use as reflectors. I see Reefinmates does not add reflectors to there units and uses a white reflector.

First water Test.

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 1:30pm CST by Dean76

pH - 8
KH Alkalinity - 8
Nitrit - 0
Nitrat - 1
Ammonium - 0,1

My tank is up and running for 1 week now and this was the first water reading test that I done. Yes only about 4 weeks to go before I can put my first live stock in.

Will run the test in about 4 days time again.

Is there anything I should look out for over the next 3 to 4 weeks or any more important info that I need to know?

Thanks

controller for my tank

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 12:44pm CST by marcel

Hi All,

Ive been looking at controllers for marine tanks, and nothing thats available impressed me. For me a controllers function must be to help keep everything alive. So I made my own controller, to do what I want it to do.
The biggest problem for me is a power failure when no ones home. So my controller had to run of batteries. I dont like the genie root its useless if no ones home to switch it on, and even if you could automate, it will only run till the fuel is finished. I dont like inverters but for now its the best option. The question is whats required to keep everything alive? On one of the U.S forums a guy had too leave his house for a week because of a hurricane, with just a battery-operated air pump running and everything survived. Then you hear of others that start loosing livestock after only 8 hours. Escom is not the only reason for power failures. Even your tanks equipment could be responsible for a power failure.

This is what I will be using for my tank

1)
My controller
8x time programmable relays 1x temp probe/ meter
1x PH probe/ meter
.S
MS programmable alarm on all functions

2) Cheap1.5 volt air pump. I converted it to 12v by using a regulator. This pump will come on when the power fails, it will not work from my controller.

3) My dosing pumps, any one can make them and its cheap. All you need is a plastic container, small submersible fish pump and a one-way valve on the end of your dosing pipe. I will also be using an air pump, blowing in air before dosing.

4) Cheap inverter. You get from an auto shop. The inverter will be used for top-ups and dosing it will also be used for powering a small heater during a power failure. The inverter will remain off and only switch on to perform a function.

5) Deep cycle battery, 12v 202Ah. This battery will be my only souse of power during a power failure.

6) Solar panels, I have two different types I want to experiment with. Most of the marine guys seem to run a total lost system. I would like my system to be self-sustaining as far as possible.

7) Small 50w heater, I will place this in my main tank. This is the component that consumes the most power. When it run of the inverter it consumes nearly 5Amp from the 12v side.

8) Pc power supply, I will use this for powering all my lights. I will use a 250w unit.

9) All lights will be led lights. I will be using 6x Cree leds on a motorized rail that will change every 12 hours from day white lights to blue night lights. And 3x Cree leds without optical lenses for a wide viewing angle.

What I want my system to do normally
Send me SMS if the temp/Ph is to hi/low
Dose by time set for dosing.
Top-up by time set. No switches
Send me SMS if dose/ top-up liquids are low.

What do I want my system to do when the power fails?
Send me a SMS telling me the power is out.
Send me a SMS with temp/ Ph parameters every hours set
Execute option one for power out after set time.
Execute option two for power out. After set time
Send me a SMS telling me the power is back on.

At this stage I dont know whats required for a survival mode. Ambient temperature will also play a role.
Does one need to run return pumps during a power outage? Return pumps consume lots of power, and the movement will also cool the water faster. If its winter you may not want to run those return pumps. For now I will not use them during a power failure.
The small 50W heater will not be enough for my size tank, running it from an inverter continuously will give me around 21 hours from a 102 Ah battery. After a period of no power the system must go over to option two. Now switching the heater on only 30 min in every hour increasing my battery life. Hopefully fish will move to areas with warmer water.
The water temp around Durban can go down to around 18C during the winter months, would the things in our tanks survive temperatures like that? In the sea there are also many cold currents moving around.

I see some reefers go for a big battery pack/ inverter combination, and continue running their whole system. Thats fine if you know how long the power will be out for. Let say you have a system that will keep everything running for 24 hours at what stage do you start cutting down on consumption? You need a plan B that will extend your time by switching at least some of the system on and of. I would also not like to use my same equipment; what if the reason for the power failure was a faulty return pump that tripped the earth leakage? Depending on ones wiring setup, switching an inverter on with a short on the load is not a good idea.

RIO Grande

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 12:35pm CST by Rax123

hi, can anyone help, been on the Aqua H2O website, seen a cylindrical shaped tank....complete called Rio Grande. looking for something like that for a FOWLR tank.
any idea what they go for, and who might tock them. tried calling no. on the web site, no answer.
cheers

Quarantine Tank and Stressed Fish

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 10:52am CST by RiaanP

A lot has been said about a quarantine tank and that all new fish and other livestock bought should first be quarantined for at least 6 weeks.

Now to throw a spanner into the works.

Will a bare bottom empty tank not stress out a new fish more?

A week ago he was still in the sea. Now he is in a tank with no hiding spots, place to sleep, rocks he is used to. He is already stress, now he is going
"where the f___ am I?"
"Is this the fish equivalent of hell?"
"open water, swim swim swim, find hiding spot, where's the predators?"
:whistling:

(I asked this in another thread, but think it should be a discussion on its own)

Basically how do you prevent a fish to stress even more in this empty tank?

introducing pumpkin

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 9:49am CST by pumpkin

Hi, i'm a newby as far as having my own tank, i have a small jebo "fuge" atached to my husband's (Dv8) DT with nothing much happening there at the moment. Planning on putting seahorses in when i can get some and move the shrimp breeding to another tank. i have loads of second hand experience - helping my husband with his tanks. its pretty cool, as i gain all the knowledge without the loss of livestock.

How this mantis!

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 9:03am CST by gaboon

[www.youtube.com]

cabinet design help

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 8:24am CST by gaboon

Ok its more of a sleeve than a cabinet, have to do it myself to save costs. First pic is the basic look of it. Haven't decided on finish, just want to get the design right.

This is the front view, the red line is the stand,

Side view x 2

Both front and sides are 70mm wider on each side to allow for the top pieces

This is a top view, blue area is tank/stand

Now, front piece, 2 side pieces and top pieces edges are all cut at 45 degree angles so they all have a flush join.

Can this work? What is the best way to tack the pieces together?

MH lamps

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 7:36am CST by Tim S

Hi guys (sponcers),

I'm looking for a price on 2 x 150 or 250 watt MH lamps double ended with 12 000k rating. Can someone advise to help me in descission making to fix my lighting problem.

Thanks,

Tim

RBTA, how much light?

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 7:10am CST by RiaanP

This is my first proper anemone. I got different rock anemones, especially Natal Rock Anemones (small dark green) and a few others.

Anyway I got a Rose Bubble Tip Anemone on Saterday. It used to be under a 150W MH. That bothered me as I'm only on 4 T5 tubes. 2*10000L, 1*20000K and 1*Actinic. Tank is 450 deep.

Luckily I got it still attached to the rock it was anchored on. I put the rock long way up, between my other rocks. And the RBTA keep on moving around. And I keep on moving the rock so that I can see him and he is exposed to the light. Eventually Monday I gave up and let the RBTA decide where he wants to be.

Well this morning he is way down. Around 370-400 deep in the water. Where there are almost no water movement. Tentacles are barely moving. Fully opened up, feeding time tonight, last time he ate was Friday night. And he looks happy.

So what is a RBTA requirement in respect to

Lightning.
Water movement.

My 50 G LPS tank

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 12:45am CST by ronaldgv

After moving a couple of big rocks I had in front, I liked the result and decided to submit it to your judgement. I still need to move a couple of things, and sell some mushroom that got too big, but I am liking the results.

What do you think?

Bossi's first tank

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 10:56pm CST by johanboshoff

Hi Everyone

Here is what I have been up to in the last couple of weeks. I have read quite a bit and I'm a little confused with all the info I have read through. So here is my game plan.

I have decided my budget is too tight to set up a 3 meter or 2 meter tank as I initially wanted and now im going to do a 1,2m x 0.45w x 0.41h tank with a 1.0m x 0.4w x 0.45h sump.

Here is a sketch of what I'm planning

The overflow is a little bit of a problem but as I understand the larger the area of water falling over the edge the better (surface skimming), so I tried to make it as wide as possible. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

The tank should hold approx. 213 liters of water with nothing in it and the sump approx 100 liters. Maybe I can make the sump hold a little more water.

The tanks is a standard 6mm 4 ft tank and i saw on the tank glass calculator that the minimum glass should be 6,9mm. I was thinking of adding the middle brace on top and maybe side braces aswell and dropping another pane of 6mm glass into the bottom thus making the base 12mm. The existing top euro braces are 6mm glass and 60mm wide. The existing bottom bracing are 6mm glass and are 30mm wide.

Then due the amount of weight the stand has to carry I am also a bit worried. Its built from 25mm tubing. Should I weld in a couple of extra supports? The top is angle iron and I am going to put a piece of 20mm shutter board in there before placing the tank on top. At the sump I will also place a piece of shutter board for a base.

Regards Bossi

cleaner wrasse or cleaner shrimps ?

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 10:52pm CST by toppdogg

hey all i am thinking of putting in wrasse or cleaner shrimps what are the genral thoughts as to what is the better to put in in case of white spot ect
thoughts ?

Atlanta aquarium

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 9:45pm CST by Annoying

Hey

was surfing the web when I came accros these pics of the aquarium in atlanta

Now mostly you only see yellow and blue bur closer...

All that yellow are yellow tangs!!! Who ever said you can only keep one:lol:

Some glow in the dark jellies...

Charl's Cube

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 8:03pm CST by charlv

Hi All

I thought i post some pics of my 3 month old cube. So okay here we go:
Sorry about quality of photos still taking photos with a mik en druk

Jebo Marine Tank (250L).

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 4:05pm CST by Dean76

Would like to find out if this is a good type of tank?

tiny bubbles?

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 3:59pm CST by wayne83

Hey all, my tank been running for a week now, and i noticing that the live rock is growing dark green almost brown, looks like algae? and there are tiny bubbles forming on the live rock, then floating up 2 the surface? is this normal for the cycling stage?

Brent's 2.7... It has begun!

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 3:43pm CST by brentv

Hey just to let you all know you guys at MASA have inspired me to start my DIY project.
This is my current tank! all is happy tank has been runnning for about 2 months and is just not gonna cope with my enthuisiam for our hobby!!!
:void(0)" target="_blank">

.......So the plan is to supersize!!!
I've been thinking of a couple of ways, means, hows, don'ts the whole bangshoot and I've decided what I am going to do!
let me show the first week up to today that has been done!

:void(0)" target="_blank">

....first step was finding the right place in my house to start!!!! Oh and permission to use the spot from the Girlfriend!!!!:whistling:
(This area looks sunny but stay with the build! have it all under control!!!)

:void(0)" target="_blank">

The gap between the house portion and the column is just over 3M so I've planned the DT to be 2.7M

:void(0)" target="_blank">

My Sparky... doin the maths on power needed!
:void(0)" target="_blank">

Reinforced concrete beams going across with a opening for the sump compartment at the bottom being 1.9M ( beam span opening can hold a weight of 2.5tons tank with water will weigh 1.4tons!!!)..... still gonna crap myself when we fill water... BOOOOOM!!!! just kidding!
:void(0)" target="_blank">

....just in case!!!! makes me sleep better!!! haa haa haa!
:void(0)" target="_blank">

back view of sump area and opening where the tank is going to be built!!!:void(0)" target="_blank">

...and the front view area of the display tank!!!
...stay tuned for next week....
Painting
sump build
lighting and some plumbing....oh yeah!!!!:wave2:

white spot

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 3:23pm CST by charlv

Hi all

Please need some help here. Got regal last week but now he's full of white spot. They say i must turn up the water temp to 29-30c bit scared to do this. he's eating very well. Can anyone advice me what to do

thanks

Chiller plumbing re-think

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 3:03pm CST by Pugsly

Hey guys,

Been thinking (i know - sometimes I can think:lol:)
Currently my chiller is installed running on it's own pump to supply it and have it pumping from the return chamber in the sump and returns to the sump return chamber. But as we all know that pumps do generate added heat to the water. So all this said, here is my plan and want to know what you guys think of it.

Going to add a "T" piece to my return line with a valve that will feed the chiller and then return from the chiller to the return chamber. Thus, I remove one pump from the system, and that means one less heat source?!?!?!

Does this make sense? What is your guys feelings on this?

Idol Marine Christmas Bonus

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 2:28pm CST by Bob the (reef)builder

IDOL MARINE CHRISTMAS BONUS:thumbup:

DEAREST CUSTOMERS,FOR THE COMPLETE MONTH OF DECEMBER WE ARE OFFERING A 10% VOUCHER BASED ON ALL PURCHASES.THIS OFFER IS REDEEMABLE TILL 28 FEBRUARY 2010.

WE WISH YOU AND YOURS A PEACEFUL AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS.MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS FOR THE NEW YEAR BE REALISED.
:mbounce::lookhere::mbounce:
IDOL MARINE CREW.

How do you connect ATO to JoJo RO container?

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 2:00pm CST by gaboon

How do I go about plumbing and wiring this? Container is 260L and will be outside. I'm drilling through a wall for plumbing and wiring.

I've got the reef octo auto top up kit, what is the best, most reliable pump should I upgrade to and how do I connect it to the float switch?

Thanks!

Fragging help needed.

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 1:53pm CST by viper357

Hi guys

I have a very large pin cushion in my 4ft that I need to cut up, I am wanting to cut a ring around the entire head. The problem now is that this coral has attached itself to 3 other rocks in the tank, there is no way I can take it out.

I have 2 options, either cut it in the tank or cut the whole coral off of the 3 rocks so that I can take it out to frag it.

I am leaning towards cutting it in the tank but I am a bit worried about it excessively sliming up and causing chaos in the tank. Does anybody think it will be ok to cut it in the tank?

Water Parameters Software Or Database

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 11:45am CST by Drk

HI

DO ANYONE HAVE A SOFTWARE OR DATABASE SYSTEM TO DO YOUR PARAMETER HISTORY ON.

I DOWNLOAD A SYSTEM OF THE NET BUT DID NOT WORK THAT NICE, OTHER'S HAVE A 30 DAY TRIAL BUT STILL NOT TO SMART. NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR A SYSTEM WITH HIC UPS.

I CAN DO IT IN ACCESS BUT DO NOT HAVE THE TIME TO DO IT.

dO ANY ONE KNOW ABOUT SUCH A SYSTEM.

for the HOB skimmer fans

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 11:15am CST by ziyaadb

Taken from GLASSBOX DESIGN - Modern Reef Aquarium Blog
Check here.

Coral Vue / Octopus is working on two new hang on (HOB) skimmers that utilize their askoll like bubble blaster pump. The larger LX-2000 model shown above features the bubble blaster pump mounted externally. This design does add back pressure to the pump, reducing air intakebut over the past few years HOB skimmers have not necessarily been in need of more air. If this skimmer comes anywhere close to the 85 scfh that the bubble blaster pulls on in-sump models it may even be too much.

The smaller LX-1000 Skimmer places the bubble blaster internally. This is most likely a detuned pump for reduced air intake, but we wouldnt mind seeing a smaller pump model made. Note the significantly smaller neck and CPR style collection cup.
In both cases were curious to see what has been done to the pump and what type of electrical consumption and power factor their seeing.

joke

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 11:09am CST by ben lloyd

What do you get when you mix PMS with GPS?

A crazy b*tch who will find you.

Shark gives "birth"

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 11:02am CST by Neil H

While at 2 Oceans, i was privilaged to walk around a corner and see this happening right in front of me......... I think it is amazing, the shark, which i am led to believe is a pyjama shark was giving birth / laying an egg right up against the viewing pain of glass, she was moving rather quickly so getting a good pic was hard and the lighting was poor..... but here is what i managed to capture for masadonians..... I also have a video i will try and upload when i have a bit more time ...........

Naso Tang

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 10:57am CST by Neil H

Please help with the id and cure /s for this fishes infection??

thanks guys

2 Oceans Pics

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 10:52am CST by Neil H

I know the CT guys get to see the 2 oceans often enough, so this is for the guys a little further afield ...... mostly random pics, but enjoy none the less

Scuba Tank checking, hydrostatic etc

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 10:41am CST by dallasg

hi,

anyone in jhb know where i can get my 2 tanks checked in a hurry :)

thanks

Shauno's TL 550

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 10:25am CST by shauno

Ok PPl

so i decided to go biger and buy a TL550(thanks Furbz-ps no heaterwith the tank??)

What a mission let me tell you

Ok so what i did was take all the water from the TL 450 and put it into the 550 and kept the heater and pump Running in the bigger tank.

I then added (kinda slowly) 70L of RO saltwater into the tank as to start cycling also added some of the playsand that i had in the 450 just to start things up and as not to get rid of all the "goodness" that the substrate was holding.

I know that this is gonna throw my paramaters around but the 2 x clowns ,puffer fish and hawk fish seem to be loving their new home

My Xenia and elephant ear are slightly upset but seem to be getting better by the day ..

Any suggestions to speed up the cycle and get my prams up quciker?

so its 55L of water that was in my old tank and 70L of Ro water( this was probably a stupid thing to do- but all seems okay)

Will try post pics Tomorrow.

Wanted Hulk or Superman Monti Frag

Posted: December 1st, 2009, 9:37am CST by Boendoe

Hi all does anyone have Hulk or Superman Monti frags available for sale. Pleaseeeee....

Reefkeeping South Africa » Marine Aquariums of South Africa » December 2009

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Marine Aquariums of South Africa

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