Latest Articles
Feature Aquarium: Behind the scenes at The Deep Part 1
In the first of a two part investigation, Richard Aspinall has a behind the scenes tour of The Deep in Hull, one of Europe’s largest and most well respected public aquariums.
Feature Article: Zooxanthellae: Biology and Isolation for Scientific Study
The mutualistic symbiosis between corals and zooxanthellae is a well-known fact amongst aquarists. To improve our understanding of zooxanthellae biology, scientists isolate these symbionts from the coral host under a variety of environmental conditions. This article will provide an overview of zooxanthellae biology, and how these dinoflagellates are isolated for scientific study. This will give the aquarist more insight into, and hopefully appreciation for, the symbiosis between zooxanthellae and the corals they grow in their home aquaria.
Feature Aquarium: Bryn Roberts' 360-gallon reef aquarium
Conventional reefkeeping wisdom says live corals should not coexist with big angelfish and butterflyfish. Don't tell that Bryn Roberts. With careful selection of fish, corals, and invertebrates, Bryn pushes the boundaries of "reef safe." Large, colorful coral colonies thrive in the presence of rare angels and butterflies.
Aquarium Invertebrates: A Look at the Giant Clam Tridacna squamosa
There are several species of giant clam available to us, all of which belong to the family Tridacnidae, with each being unique in its own ways. Of these, Tridacna squamosa, is one of the hardiest and easiest to care for, and can be one of the most attractive, too. So, this month I'll give you some information about T. squamosa, which is commonly called the squamosa clam, scaly clam, scaled giant clam, or fluted clam.
Equipment Review: Propeller Pump Performance, A Different Look: Tunze Nanostream Pumps
Dana provides a very in-dept look at the Tunze Nanostream pumps, their flow characteristics, and water velocities and compares them to various water velocity zones found on reefs.
Aquarium Fish: An Overview of Stingrays of the genus Potamotrygon, Part Two
Stingrays of the genus Potamotrygon can be stunning aquarium animals. While they have a much better record of captive survivability than other batoids, their husbandry is hardly undemanding or uncomplicated. In actual fact, properly caring for these unusual creatures requires a considerable amount of preparation and resources.
Aquarium Corals: Corals of the Genus Sarcophyton: The Toadstools
Overall toadstools are attractive, hardy, and easy to propagate, making it easy to see why they are a long-time hobby favorite.
Product Review: Build My LED 48" Strip Light: Custom LED Lighting for Freshwater and Reef Aquaria
"I want a reliable lighting device and Build My LED seems to have hit the right note." Dana evaluates the construction, performance, and customer service of a custom-configured LED light from the new company, Build My LED.
Aquarium Fish: In Search of Chrysogaster
Richard Aspinall travels to Mauritius to photograph Amphiprion chrysogaster, the exotic and beautiful Mauritian Clownfish.
Aquarium Fish: Chloroquine: A "New" Drug for Treating Fish Diseases
While not a panacea or miracle drug, chloroquine is experiencing resurgence in popularity for use in fish-only aquariums and quarantine systems to treat a variety of problems ranging from Cryptocaryon to Aiptasia anemone infestations.
Aquarium Equipment: PAR Meters and LEDs - How Accurate are the Measurements? A Comparison of Three Meters and Lux to PAR Conversion Factors for LEDs
How do PAR meters stack up to one another? Dana delves into the data comparing and contrasting three light meters and gives us his take on the results.
Feature Article: Coral growth under Light Emitting Diode and Light Emitting Plasma: a cross-family comparison
With the advent of new technology, aquarists are able to customize light spectra with great flexibility. However, our knowledge of how light spectrum affects aquarium life, including corals, is still limited. Here, we show the effects of two light spectra, emitted by Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Light Emitting Plasma (LEP), on the growth of ten commercially important scleractinian corals. It appears that the effect of spectrum is highly species dependent, and that most efficient coral growth is invariably attained at low irradiance. The results from this study can be used to optimize sustainable coral aquaculture.
Feature Aquarium: Paul Bruns 427 Gallon Sunroom Reef
There are reef aquariums, then there are REEF AQUARIUMS. Paul Bruns' 427 gallon captive reef is a true masterwork of aquascaping, husbandry, technology, and technique.
Product Review: Ecotech Marine Radion XR30w Pro
It's been a little over a year since Ecotech Marine introduced the Radion LED light. The Radion made big waves with aquarists and quickly ascended to mass popularity. In January 2013, Ecotech Marine began shipments of their latest and most powerful incarnation of the Radion platform: the XR30w Pro. Advanced Aquarist takes a closer look at the Pro.
Feature Article: LED Lighting Tests: Maxspect Mazarra P and Aqua Illuminiation Vega
As LED lighting moves further into the mainstream, there is new effort being made to provide a fuller spectrum light that can be tuned by the aquarist to satisfy both the demands of the corals as well as the visual pleasure of the aquarist.
