Available
in Video CD format and PC CDROM executable format.
This video CD contains 79 slide images
and 60 minutes of highly detailed narration.
Steve Tyree has done an excellent job of extending the ways
in which currently available audio-visual media can enhance
the education of the modern aquarist. As a media columnist
for aquarist's publications I have reviewed books, articles
and videotapes - but this is the first time I have reviewed
a compact disk full of information. Steve talks fast to get
all of his information across in 60 minutes and for some
of the slides he essentially reads the text presented on
the screen, but all in all the CD is successful at transmitting
loads of information as well as provocative hypotheses about
the light requirements of corals and their observed pigmentation
under differing light regimes. Much of this material was
presented at the recent MACNA XVI conference in Boston, but
due to the crowded presentation schedule, many of us, including
myself, missed this information.
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sponsor of this column
The presentation starts by examining the curves representing
the light collecting capabilities of the symbiotic Symbiodinium algae
that live within photosynthetic coral cells. He then compares
these curves with the spectral output of a number of metal
halide bulbs commonly used to illuminate aquarium minireefs.
In this opening section he concentrates on an examination
of the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) output of
6,500K, 10,000K and 20,000K halide bulbs and compares their
respective strengths and weaknesses with respect to coral
pigmentation. He also presents interesting notes on the effects
of shading on color.
The main section of this presentation however
is centered on the topic of colorful coral pigmentation.
Tyree discusses the three main types of coral pigments and
recent scientific research about these pigments. In what
was to me the most exciting section of his presentation,
he outlines a technique he refers to as "Light Bracketing" which
can be used by aquarists to learn what type of pigments they
have in their specific corals. He includes discussion of
the effects of "Black Light" and
UV radiation on observed coloration and fluorescence. He
also presents information on specific spectra, especially
blue and green light effects. I'm off to pick up a Black
Light tomorrow to play with, and I may get a green mini-spotlight
too. If you watch his material you may be tempted to experiment
also.
Tyree concludes his presentation with what he believes is
an example of what he calls "pigment grafting" based on an
aquarium reef observation in which it seemed that the pigments
of one coral were "grafted" onto an adjacent colony from
a different family which it touched. If this can be replicated
it is an interesting discovery indeed with implications for "tailored" coral
colors.
The CD is available in two formats. Tyree's advice on playback
is as follows: The Video CD format will run on any DVD player
like any DVD movie. It is best viewed on a 20-inch or larger
TV. The Video CD can also be viewed on a computer with a
DVD and DVD player software. This resolution is recommended
that for those who do not have a Windows PC or who want the
comfort of viewing this presentation on a DVD and TV set.
The presentation is also available in PC CDROM executable
format, which will auto run the presentation on a PC with
Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 2000 or Windows 1998. Minimum
system requirements are a CDROM drive, at least 64 Megs of
RAM and a 600 MHz processor. He recommends the PC CDROM format
for Windows PC's because this format is displayed in a high
resolution format (1024 x 768) that shows greater detail.
My copy is apparently in the Video CD format. I was surprised
that slides were clearer on my TV set than on my 17" LCD
monitor, but the clarity was not optimal in either case.
The PC CDROM version may be superior in that way.
The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking
Guide
This 8 1/2" x11" volume contains 114 pages that are illustrated
with many color photographs and informative line drawings.
An appendix containing a list of resources, a bibliography
and an index is included.
Although this book has been in my library for a few years,
I have not reviewed it for Advanced Aquarist because
it is clearly written for novices. Two recent requests for
advice on setting up new tanks, an experience I'm sure many
of you have also had, reminded me of how useful Mike Paletta's
well illustrated handbook for planning and setting up a marine
aquarium is. His advice on starting "fish only" marine aquariums
was especially helpful for me here in Hawaii, where strict
regulations on collecting or importing corals are in effect.
Thus, while this book is not directed at advanced aquarists
per se, it is a very worthwhile item to have on your list
of recommendations for newcomers to the field and a good
source of information on the basics you may have come to
take for granted.
Mike, well known to marine aquarists, emphasizes a simplified
approach. He starts with "Getting Started" by emphasizing
good pIanning and includes a detailed checklist and advice
on aquarium budgeting. He has clear and concise descriptions
of appropriate equipment for filtration, lighting and water
movement with pros and cons for each type along with sensible
discussions of differences in cost. His material on lighting
however stops with standard output fluorescent bulbs and
does not include higher intensity - and more expensive -
lighting. The second chapter, "Saltwater Primer," presents
the basics of the nitrogen cycle and nutrient cycling as
well as water chemistry including pH, alkalinity and salinity.
Chapter 3 covers the use of live-rock biofiltration and has
a very worthwhile discussion of aquascaping basics. Chapter
4, "Establishing A New Aquarium," is organized with the "Step-By-Step" system
mentioned in the book's title. He offers another detailed
checklist and a list of common mistakes to be avoided. This
is a thorough presentation that if followed could save new
aquarists considerable grief. He concludes the chapter with
a section on what he calls "The Barebones Desktop Tank, or
Young Aquarist's Starter System" for a 15-20 gallon tank
with fishes, ornamental shrimp and fan worms in addition
to the snail and hermit crab clean up crew, again with a
detailed checklist.
The next section is a fish-selection guide. He suggests
5 basic stocking strategies: a 40 gallon "Peaceful Community" tank,
two versions of a "Mixed Community" tank - one for 50 gallons,
the other for 75 gallons, a 90 gallon "Caribbean Community" tank
and a 120 gallon "Predator/Aggressive" tank. Any of these
would make fine fish-only displays, especially with the addition
of "hardy invertebrates." Corals are omitted from these setups
because of the use of low cost - low intensity lighting.
The book concludes with a chapter on feeding and maintenance
schedules and a final chapter on diseases and treatment.
This book can be of great help to starting marine aquarists,
and the checklist may even be of help for more advanced aquarists
advising others or setting up their own new systems. Its
greatest limitation is what can be considered overly budget-conscious
recommendations on lighting, neglecting to discuss even VHO
or compact fluorescent fixtures that would considerably extend
the range of potential inhabitants.
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