Equipment

Here's a webpage about cooling your tank, if you feel the need. Summer is almost here, and this method is cheaper than buying a chiller.

I added some cooling fans to the 55g's canopy finally. Since the water temperature has been reaching 83F and we aren't even in summer yet, I knew it was time to get this done. Over the weekend, I modified the woodwork and reflector to allow for the cooling fans.

These are 24v fans, with a powersupply that can run up to four at a time.

Here's the picture of the Alveopora I promised. I updated the ID page, now with 128 items identified.

While cleaning the 55g's glass today, I rearranged a few corals and rockwork to make things look better. It also makes it easier to clean the glass because I was able to sqeeze out a little more space between the reef and the front pane.

So which do you want first? :(

Yesterday, I did a 10g water change on the 29g. That's basically a 33% swap.

I cleaned the MaxiJet 1200 to my Remora skimmer on the 29g today. It was so encrusted with coralline that it was almost impossible to pull off the front section where the impellar is located. While I was cleaning, I went ahead and cleaned out the injector in the skimmer itself, and found a snail in the bubble reaction chamber. I gave him a lift to the refugium ;)

The new 5100K bulb over my refugium is really making a difference. The macro plants are growing fast and furious. I was worried about it, but it looks like it was a success. :)

The sand storm from yesterday morning (in the 55g reef) left half the tank looking super clean. I'm ready to start a man-made sandstorm on the other end just so it will match. LOL

ARGH!!!!! I walked into the living room and saw the 55g was a little too white, like it snowed in there. The actinic lights were the only ones turned on, so it took a second for me to figure out what had happened. A powerhead came loose from the glass wall, and blew a good chunk of sand out of the corner and across the entire tank. Basically, suction cups suck!

I've been worrying about my Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA) for some time now. It simply hasn't looked healthy, or even coming close to its former glory. However, I've continued to feed it various things trying to give it the energy to rebound. I believe what has been happening is that it simply isn't getting enough to eat.

When you install a Mag drive on your system, such as a return pump or a closed loop, that isn't the end of it. The pump needs to be cleaned and inspected to keep it running at peak performance. Ideally, it should be connected to your plumbing in a way where it can be easily removed. One nice option is the use of a "union," which is two threaded parts held together with a threaded collar. By twisting the collar counter-clockwise, the pump can be disconnected from the plumbing and is ready to clean.