One of the topics I wanted to address as a full video is biopellets. Short answer: they work. Earlier this year, nitrates spiked in my reef and despite lots of effort it didn't get them down and keep them down, so I opted to get biopellets running again on my 400g reef. The results were spectacular, as expected.
I've been uploading videos to Youtube pretty regularly lately. Did you happen to catch the Youtube Live show last week? Here's the latest one, so if you've missed a few you need to get caught up. I describe how I set up the 60g frag system I built myself, including all the acrylic work.
This year has moved quickly. Already February 10th has passed, which is the 27th month since the 400g was restarted. Seeing how I missed doing a 2-year update video due to being out of town, I figured such an update was way overdue. This video showcases the reef from three angles, as well as the 60g, the new frag system, and why the rimless old frag tank HAS TO GO!
After 21 days, the tank finally measured 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and 5 ppm nitrate. Good enough for me, and the Red Spot Glass Cardinalfish. I filmed their introduction for an upcoming video, but here's a picture of them in the tank. They are eating well, which is perfect. They were ordered from Live Aquaria's Divers Den, and arrived in a well packed box. Pictured above.
The next thing that it needs is lights. I had to install a shelf to hang the lights from, and that's done now.
When I visited the Long Island Aquarium, I asked Joe to do an interview with me about his 15 year old reef exhibit. This is his full time daily job, and he explains exactly what is involved. I hope you enjoy the entire hour, which includes behind the scenes and top down footage.
Instead of a write up with pictures, this year I opted to shoot video. It was a fun event, and I ran into a lot of friends as well as a bunch of happy hobbyists bursting with excitement. People get re-energized by the three day event, and find their passion for reefkeeping back in the forefront of their minds. See for yourself.
Early last year, I built a huge sump for a customer in the Dallas area. In January I reached out for an update, and was sent a few pictures showing a beautiful reef that resulted in a trip out there to capture this on camera for everyone to enjoy. Tammy's reef is a massive undertaking, and she loves it daily. Here's a brief tour, including a few seconds of that sump if you watch closely.
What can you do to assure a BTA in your aquarium will live for years? Here are my thoughts, based on person experience. My original BTA is over 12 years old, and my original Sherman RBTA is 8 years old.
