Posted by gerard on February 20, 2009 under Products & Reviews | 
The ReefKeeper Elite is true to its name, standing alone in the industry as the most innovative aquarium controller on the market. With the most intuitive interface and easy to use system controls, you’ll find it will simplify all aspects of your aquarium system that it controls. There’s also no need to find a power outlet near the head unit as there’s no power cord needed; power is provided right from the bus. The compact and convenient design, multiple mounting options and great looks makes the ReefKeeper Elite right for almost any installation; and without any unsightly probe wires dangling about, the head unit will add a touch of class to any tank!
The ReefKeeper is the most expandable controller we know of, allowing the control of over 250 outlets. It has the capability of reading more probes and input devices than even the most demanding system will ever need. All this makes the RKE suitable for tanks from 1 to 10,000 gallons and beyond.
One of the biggest advantages of the RKE system is what it comes with! Other controllers leave you wanting and having to purchase add-ons just to get them to a usable level. The RKE system includes two PC4s; that’s 8 outlets to control! You also get an SL1 that will allow you to monitor pH, ORP, temperature and two switches; not to mention a free temperature probe and pH probe. All this for hundreds of dollars less than other controllers that barely give you enough to get started. read more....
Posted by gerard on October 20, 2008 under Saltwater Fish |
This species is a primarily marine species. This fish is found in Tropical Indo-Pacific and Red Sea coastal waters from 1-75 metres in depth (3-250 ft). This fish is generally uncommon or rare throughout its range, which includes East Africa to South Africa, through to Indonesia, and all the way to Japan and New Caledonia.
The clown triggerfish is most commonly found around coral reefs. It lives in clear coastal to outer reef habitats. It also occurs in clear, seaward reefs near steep drop-offs.It also resides in the Great Barrier reef.
Anatomy and appearance
The fish can reach up to about 50 cm (20 in) in length. It has strong jaws which can be used to crush and eat sea urchins, crustaceans and hard-shelled mollusks. This fish has unique coloration. The ventral surface has large, white spots on a dark background, and its dorsal surface has black spots on yellow. There is a vertical, white (slightly yellow) stripe on the caudal fin. The brightly painted yellow mouth may be used to deter potential predators. This fish has a form of camouflage that is, or is similar to, countershading. From below, the white spots look like the surface of the water above it. From above, the fish will blend in more with the coral reef environment.
In the aquarium
Because of its attractive coloration, this fish is one of the most highly prized aquarium fish. Like many other triggerfish, it can require a large aquarium and be aggressive towards other fish. It should not be kept with small fishes. It will also prey on invertebrates in the aquarium. This fish can become tame enough to be hand-fed, however one should beware of the fish’s sharp teeth.
Posted by gerard on October 17, 2008 under Saltwater Fish |
The Twospined Angelfish, Dusky Angelfish, or Coral Beauty (Centropyge bispinosa), is an omnivorous marine angelfish. Some individuals have a dark purplish blue body with yellow to red stripes, and usually an electric blue rim; in others are orange stripes dominate, with the purple distributed in spots. Some bright orange forms are very similar in appearance to the golden angelfish, Centropyge aurantia. The twospined angelfish is native to the Indo-Pacific where it lives in coral reefs and lagoons. It reaches a maximum length of 3 inches (8 cm). It eats algae.
When kept in an aquarium they are distributed throughout the tank. They prefer reef tanks over fish only tanks, but are suitable for both. This species does not seem to be suitable for beginners, as the difficulty is rated high.
Tags: angel, angelfish, aquarium, aquariums, Coral, Coral Beauty Angel, corals, fish, marine, reef, Saltwater Fish, tank
Posted by gerard on October 15, 2008 under Saltwater Fish |
Lionfish is any of several species of venomous marine fish in the genera Pterois, Parapterois, Brachypterois, Ebosia or Dendrochirus, of the family Scorpaenidae. The lionfish is also known as the Turkey Fish, Dragon Fish or Scorpion Fish. They are notable for their extremely long and separated spines, and have a generally striped appearance, red, brown, orange, yellow, black, maroon, or white.
Native environment
The lionfish is native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region of the world, but various species can be found worldwide. Due to a recent introduction, the lionfish has recently been spotted in the warmer coral regions of the Eastern Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Lionfish are an invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea regions. Successful breeding of the lionfish in captivity has not been looked upon.
Size
The common lionfish generally reaches a size of 30-35cm. Smaller lionfish (e.g., the Fuzzy Dwarf) are typically the size of a tennis ball (not including fins). There are many types of lionfish that vary in size. The lionfish has been one of the most venomous fish in the ocean bottom floor.
Venom
Lionfish have venomous spines that are deadly to their prey, but usually not to humans (though the venom is used purely for defense, not attack). If a human is envenomed, that person will experience severe pain and possible headaches and vomiting. A common treatment is soaking the afflicted area in hot water, as very few hospitals carry specific treatments. However, immediate emergency medical treatment is still advised, as some people may be more susceptible to the venom than others.
Feeding
Lionfish are voracious predators. When hunting, they corner prey using their large fins and then use their quick reflexes to swallow the prey whole. In captivity, lionfish can be trained to eat frozen brine shrimp, mysis, and krill.
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Posted by gerard on October 13, 2008 under Saltwater Fish |
The flame angel, Centropyge loricula, is a marine angelfish of the family Pomacanthidae found in tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean at depths of between 15 and 60 m. Its length is up to 15 cm. The flame angel is found in clear lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of 60 m. It is secretive and stays near shelter. It feeds on algae and forms harems of 3 to 7 individuals. Coloration is bright orange-red with a vertical elongate black blotch and 4 or 5 bars on the sides, the posterior part of the dorsal and anal fins with alternating short purple-blue and black bands. Specimens from the Marquesas lack the vertical black bars.
In the aquarium
It has been reared in captivity. Frequently exported through the aquarium trade. In captivity, this species feeds on a variety of food including live brine shrimp, frozen meaty foods as well as spirulina, seaweed sheets and pellets. Easy to feed. The Flame Angel is known to be shy upon introduction to an established aquarium (especially smaller specimens) but within a week will gain confidence and is then constantly seen grazing around live rock during the day. Will fight with other fish if challenged for space or kept with similar species (dwarf angels) in a small tank. Some texts advise that this should be a final addition to a tank.
Range
It is found in various reefs of Oceania, most common in Marshall, Line, and Cook Islands. The fish is also, although less commonly, found in the Hawaiian islands.
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Tags: angel, angelfish, aquarium, aquariums, fish, Flame Angel, marine, reef, rock, Saltwater Fish, tank
