Reefkeeping South Africa » Marine Aquariums of South Africa

Marine Aquariums of South Africa

Angle Iron better than square tubing for stand?

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 12:19am CDT by Louis Scheepers

Hi Hennie

I am planning a 600x600x550 tank. My sump will be bigger than the display tank, since I want to incorporate a dsb and top-up part.

I want to make the stand 900(l) x 800(w) x 800(h). A top (formica or something) will be placed on top of the stand, for the tank to stand on.

I have read somewhere (cant find it anywhere now) that angle iron is stronger than square tubing...? It should also be cheaper to galvanize.

I don't want a center leg, since I want to be able to work in the sump freely, so the question is:

1. Angle iron or square tubing?
2. What wall thickness and width?

Thanks
Strange bugs crawling around!

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 9:31pm CDT by vinesh

Hi All,

Please help! My new marine tank has been running for 4 weeks now. I have live rock, 1 star polyp and 1 mushroom ?polyp. A few days ago I noticed lots and lots of little creepy crawlies on the glass and tank bed.They, for lack of a better description, look like lice!!! The largest specimen I have seen is about 5mm long, they have a pair of longish feelers and are off-white to transparent in colour.
My water parameters are all 100%, this includes temp, SG, pH, Phos, Nitrites, Ammonia and kH approx 9.
Is it time to introduce the clean up crew?
What are they? What do I do?
HELP! HELP! HELP!
Keeping your tank shiny... on the outside.

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 9:21pm CDT by pXius

I would just like to hear your opinion on cleaning the outside glass of your tank?

I personally spray into a polishing cloth and then wipe her down, not wanting the chemicals in the air and all.

What chemicals do you guys/gals use?

And secondly, scratches... Are there any ways of making them a little bit less of an eyesore? I bought a new algae magnet today only to scratch my front glass panel on the first use. A bit (*&^&*&^ about that :cursing:

Any recomended recommended magnets, not skimping on this area again... :lol:
DD salt

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 7:51pm CDT by sumeshan

Hi Guys.

Great news.:thumbup: The DD H2Ocean Pro reef salt has finally arrived.

Please read below for more information on the salt.

The salt should be at all your favourite LFS soon.

The retail price should be under R900.00 for a 23 KG bucket and a 6.6KG bucket R290.00

If you are having trouble locating this salt please contact me and we can deliver to you.:)

H2Ocean Pro+ Premium Reef SaltVoted Best in TestBy Practical Fishkeeping Magazine.
At 35ppt this salt is the closest to natural seawater in our test, and at
35.5ppt it has even higher calcium and magnesium levels without dropping
the alkalinity too much. It dissolves quickly and is perfect for those who
dont want to mess around with supplements.
H2Ocean is an excellent all-rounder that has the added advantage of
having its levels of calcium, alkalinity and magnesium at the right level for
reef tanks.All tests considered, this was the best marine salt in our lab test.Natural SaltH2Ocean is a pro formula aquarium salt - produced by a solar evaporative process which produces a totally natural base salt where all of
the main and trace elements are in complete balance as nature intended.
The pure natural salt is then specially enhanced for aquarium use by elevating specifi c elements that over time become depleted, such as
calcium and magnesium which are used by corals and coralline algae for growth.
Its natural origin ensures that the salt contains all 70 main and trace elements in the correct proportions mixed to a homogeneous blend
by nature.
Balanced FormulaIn nature there is a natural balance between the calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels. Many salts are found to be either unnaturally
high in calcium or high in alkalinity and therefore with these salts either extra buffer or extra calcium is required to be added to return the
natural balance.
With H2Ocean Pro+ the calcium and alkalinity are in the correct ratios keeping the ionic balance in equilibrium with natural levels which
is so important for healthy coral growth.ChemistryThe formulation for H2Ocean+ salt was developed by D-D following many months of testing and evaluation. The salt is designed to
dissolve quickly and easily and to have a specifi c chemistry which in our opinion is the optimum formulation to maintain a healthy reef and
allow regular water changes whilst maintaining a natural balance.
Calcium and magnesium levels are boosted to replace that used up through coral growth within the aquarium whereas chloride levels are
slightly lowered to allow post additions of calcium and magnesium chloride with a minimized affect on the chloride balance.
Parameters Level Range UnitspH 8.3 8.2 - 8.4
dKH 9.3 8.7 - 9.8
Calcium 440 430 - 460 mg/l
Magnesium 1340 1300 - 1380 mg/l
Chloride 19550 19960 - 20130 mg/l
Potassium 410 380 - 420 mg/l
Measured parameters when correctly mixed to a salinity of 35.5 ppt
Pink sps

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 6:09pm CDT by Hermanus

Looking for pink bird's nest
Prodibio vs Vodka

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 6:03pm CDT by Tremayn

Hey guys, Ive been having some GHA problems and my montis are loosing colour. I was dosing biodigest with vodka and it seemed to help when I was dosing 2 vials every 2 weeks. When I started dosing 1 vial a week then GHA started creeping up.. Now my biodigest is finished so I was wondering if I get BioClean, can I still use vodka or will the Bioclean give me a low nutrient environment?

Which do you guys think is better? Also, with vodka dosing, is it better to dose bacteria daily or according to the manufacturers directions (biodigest once every 2 weeks). I believe that when vodka dosing, the skimmer removes the nutrients along with the bacteria, so that would reduce the amount of good bacteria in the system? If that is true, then would it be better to use something like stability?

So what Im asking is, should I go:
1) BioClean only
2) BioClean with vodka
3) BioDigest with vodka or
4) Stability with vodka

Cost is also a factor :) .. Thanks guys :)
Wanted: Salt - JHB

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 5:08pm CDT by dogstar

Sponsors and other please advise if you are selling salt.

Please advise the brand, quantity and how many litres it makes.

Thanks
Entire 1.2m setup for sale: Fourways

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 4:53pm CDT by geoffrey

Full system sales or multiple items for sale.Thread title:
Entire 1.2m setup

Location:
Fourways

Shipping or Collection only:
Collection after 5pm

Photo's and description/list of items for sale:
Hi everyone. Im selling my entire 1.2m setup as I'm travelling too often for work and wont be able to look after the tank properly.

Here is the system.

Notes:
I will upload more pics of the engine room and hardware tomorrow. Camera is not co-operating

The following is a list of what is available.

Hardware etc

Tank, stand, cabinet and sump R1700 (minor scratches on display)

light pendant R2800 (2*150w mh and 2*54w t5's) (globes =7mnths old)

skimmer R1000 Aqua excell (very good skimmer, its a replica of a reef octopus)
phos reactor R450 (2 fishies) dibs flamming angel
auto top up R200 (DIY)
auto feeder R100
salt R300 (+- 3.5 kgs)
power head (3000lph) R50 (Sun sun)
powerhead (5000lph) R100 (Sun sun)
Heaters R200. (2 * 300watts @ R100 each)
additives and food R200.

Livestock and corals
live rock R50 pkg 10kgs CJT
regal tang R250. dibs flamming angel
fire goby R100. dibs flamming angel
copperband R375. (eats brine and aiptasia)
fire shrimp R100. dibs flamming angel
cleaner shrimp R90.
Lobster R100.
hermits R30. 2 available
turbo R40. 1 available
cone snail R40. 3 available

magnificent R250 Dibs furbz
candy cane R150
shroom rock (blue) R300
shroom rock (red) R300
ricordea rock R250 Dibs furbz
star polyps R80 dibs flamming angel
Official Response from TUNZE reef flow rate

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 4:52pm CDT by George

Stellungnahme bezüglich des Artikels von Michael Sandford, William Straka, Sanjay Joshi bezüglich Flow Output of Aquarium Propeller Pumps
Der veröffentlichte Artikel über Strömungsmessungen in der Firma EcoTech USA zeigt auf, dass offensichtlich die Pumpen der genannten Firma gute Ergebnisse aufweisen. Aufgrund dieser wirtschaftlichen Zusammenhänge ist klar, dass die Messungen so ausgefallen sind, dass ein wirtschaftlicher Vorteil erreicht wird. Die Messanordnung, sowie die korrekte Berücksichtigung von Turbulenzen erscheinen jedoch nicht vollständig bearbeitet. Die hier gemessenen Pumpen der Mitbewerber haben alle keine Strömungsausrichtung zur Turbulenzreduzierung wie unsere Pumpen. Das Ergebnis ist, dass die Turbulenzen große Messfehler verursachen.

Als Erfinder dieser Pumpenklasse wurden wir oft kopiert, nun aber auch kritisiert. Wir stellen jedoch in Frage, ob diese Messung ein Beleg dafür ist, wie gut sich eine Pumpe tatsächlich im Aquarium eignet. Durch die Konstruktion erweisen sich TUNZE® Pumpen im Allgemeinen strömungsstärker am Riffgestein als Pumpen von anderen Anbietern. Dieses wichtige praktische Ergebnis langjähriger Forschung wurde ebenfalls nicht berücksichtigt.

Comment regarding the article by Michael Sandford, William Straka, Sanjay Joshi, regarding " flow output of aquarium propeller pumps"
The published articles on flow measurements at EcoTech USA shows that obviously the pumps of this company have good results. Because of these economic relationships it is clear that the measurements used, had an issue in order to achieve an economic benefit. The measuring constellation and the correct consideration of turbulences appear, however, not to be fully processed. The measured pumps of competitors have no flow correction to reduce turbulences, like our pumps. The result is, that these turbulences cause a big measuring failure.

Since inventing this pump class in Jan 2002 and shown to the world at Interzoo May 2002, we have been copied many times. We put into question, however, that this measurement is only evidence of how suitable a pump has to be for an aquarium. Due to the construction of our pumps, it is proved in general, we have stronger, directional design for flow across the aquarium reef than other providers.This important practical result has also not taken into account.
NeoZeo and Mirobe-Lift special blend

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 3:35pm CDT by charlv

Howzit All

Want to go the NeoZeo method with stones.
Can i use Microbe-Lift special blend as bateria and leave mb7 when running NeoZeo method or do i need to dose mb7 aswell.
Did anybody tried this and what was the result.

Thanks Charl
Is this LED worth getting excited about?

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 1:57pm CDT by ThaneF

I came across this site and they have a "400w metal halide" replacement LED flood light - don't think it's quite 400w metal halide but an alternative?
Here are the specs:
Power consumption 100W
Voltage 220V
Lumens 8500
Beam angle 120°
Color temperature 2700 - 12000
Kelvin Warm White - White
Lifespan 30,000 hours
Product Width 185mm
Product Length 370mm
Product Height 289mm
Product Weight 5,300g
Package Width 190mm
Package Length 392mm
Package Height 292mmP
ackage Weight 5,500g
How bad is the white of kalkwasser

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 12:49pm CDT by Hermanus

If you put kalkwasser in your auto top up and it tops up with the milky water , how bad is the White in the top up water?

I know not to top up to much at a time and PH differences and all that, it is balanced with switches so it does not top up more than 200ml at any time that will be the max. Tank vol is 1200l
Tsr nano tanks special

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 12:33pm CDT by Submariner

We are currently running a special on our locally made Nanos.

These are professional nanos utilising the best equipment available to reefers today

Specs

TANK
400 x 400 x 400 tank 64 litres volume (6mm glass)

STAND
400 x 400 x 800 high

FLOW
2 X Hydor Koralia nano pumps (Magnet mount)

SKIMMER
Hydor Slim Skim (Magnet Mount)

LIGHTING

Solarmax 36 watt LED Unit

HEATER

Hydor Theo 100 watt heater

Launch price

R5499
resun wave maker for sale: randburg

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 12:32pm CDT by boetie

Hardware for saleThread title:
resun wave maker
Location:
randburg
Shipping or Collection only:
colletction only
Photo's and description/list of items for sale:
still in the box 2 months old had it in my tank to strong for mi tank r650
Notes:
-
ULNS and NSW combination

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 12:30pm CDT by SchyffS

I wanted to get more detail from reefers that run ULNS together with NSW water changes only.
From reading through some members tank threads i realised that alot of them run ULNS together with NSW water changes, for eg, MUDSHARK (i may be wrong)
I wanted to know if using NSW is best run with ULNS systems as adding NSW can increase water parameters such phosphate and nitrates. NSW with less efficient filtration systems should rather stay away from NSW water changes.
What is the opinion of reefers currently maintaining their tanks with this method.

My logic is that a ULNS reef has virtually zero phosphates and nitrates, therefore by adding NSW it will not have any effect on the reef tank water parameters(dilution). Infact, my opinion is it will be good for the system as it will add deficient yet crucial chemicals etc.

Any thoughts....
Holiday home for my Regal

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 12:17pm CDT by lcornelius

Hi all,

I'm in the process of shutting down my tank. Busy planning new tank that will be up and running by December.

All my fish and coral are visiting Frans in Hermanus, unfortunately his tank is too shallow to keep my Regal.

Is there any CPT reefers willing to keep him for me until December?
I really don't want to sell him, he is part of the family.

Thanks
Lean
Clam as a host

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 12:01pm CDT by jacoc

I got this clam from Pet masters this weekend...yesterday I saw a strange little what looks like a tadpole about (1,5cm long)coming from the clams mouth...this morning I saw it again and when I wanted to suck it up it went in to the larger opening at the other end of the clam...It is transparent to white in colour with two eyes that looks like pces of glitter...I will try and take a pick when I see it again...my other question is ...Shouldn't the clam eat whatever enters its mouth...?
Mini Carpet Pics

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 11:26am CDT by SIMS

Hi Sidney and Brin

Thanks for the effort in getting me my mini carpets. I finally had some time to take a few pics. Sorry they with my phone so not the greatest.

I had just done a waterchange so they were not all that happy.
Plumbing a skimmer into the overflow

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 10:29am CDT by deadmeat2016

Can someone please draw me a diagram or explain how you can plumb a skimmer into the overflow? Planning the plumbing for me 850liter and need some ideas....:blush:
Large skimmer needed in cape town, gordons bay

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 10:21am CDT by deadmeat2016

Starting up my 850liter tank and need a skimmer :blush: reeftek dnw250 recirculating would be perfect
Iphone 3gs 32gig white (R3800)

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 10:08am CDT by Furbz

Hi Guys,

We have a white iphone 3gs 32gig at home that is not being used so i thought it might as well go to someone who will use it.

the phone is in immaculate condition. it spent its entire life in a cover and this shows by its condition.

i have left it as it is as it will then come with certain apps not available in SA.
crazy birds being a win of a game!

i will post pictures later today as the phone is at home and i'm at work.

Regards

Furbz
Tank camera

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 9:44am CDT by Cgoodburn

Dear MASA Members. I travel a fair amount, and having just started my marine aquarium, was wondering if anyone knew anything about remote cameras that could be viewed via the internet or cell phone. My wife has the basic instructions, but it would be great to view the latest developments via the world wide web... Any thoughts?
Kudos The Serious Reefer

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 9:34am CDT by jumboswart

Just want to say that the service one gets from Nathan is nothing short of spectacular, always friendly and willing to help. My skimmer pump packed up and was replaced no questions asked, the o-ring of the skimmer cup torn by me was also replaced. While I am waiting for my new Vertex Illumina he has been kind enough to lend me a unit in the interim. Give him a try you wont regret it.:thumbup:
My RBTA Split!!!

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 8:34am CDT by Sentari

Over the last 2 days my nennie decided to start walking around. It also didnt look to great. So i was wondering why...

Last night after looking closely i spotted another nennie. Sooo.... My nennie split.

They both looked very healthy last night.

My question is when do i start feeding again?

Really chuffed on it splitting!
One of my handy work

Posted: July 19th, 2011, 8:06am CDT by coral diver

By coraldiver at 2011-07-18

By coraldiver at 2011-07-18

tank dims is 108"L X 20"D X 24"H