Reef Builders - The Source for Reef Keeping Information

The experts at ATB released a new hang-on-back protein skimmer. Based off the cone design for their in-sump systems. This new skimmer grants you the power of having a ATB skimmer without needing a sump. Details are very scarce but they are using a hagen powerhead, bubbleplate to reduce turbluence (yey) and a custom meshwheel. Pricing has not been announced, but we imagine this being above $400 easily. Now, if Euro-reef would just get their act together and confirm the rumors of their hang-on-the-back protein skimmer.

Via [Glass-Box Design]

ATB

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Coral Frenzy was developed to reach certain specifications for feeding a coral tank. It was designed to be an all in one food source for your corals so you would not have to hassle with 10 different foods to satisfy all of your corals. Coral Frenzy Contains: Oyster Larvae, Salmon Roe, Fish Protein, Rotifers, Copepods, Daphnia, Dunaliella salina, Haematococcus Pluvialis, Spirulina, & Schizochytrium. It is rich in amino acids, proteins, carotenoids, HUFA, PUFA, & Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. The combination of these ingredients creates a notable feeding response and helps with coral growth and color as they consume the product. Coral Frenzy is a great food for sps, lps, zoanthids, softies, and other filter feeding organisms. Avaiable online or at your favorite local fish store.

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Elos released a new update to their Biotopus II controller. This fresh update will add several new features including:

• an improved child lock out,
• fan functions,
  
• dosing function for extra level control
• functions for the new Aqua Rescue.

You will need to email Elos so they can email it to you, or if you prefer they can mail you a CD.

Source: [Elos USA]

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Everyone here at Reef Builders would like to welcome Aqua Fx to Reef Builders. Aqua Fx supplies the reef aquarium industry with high end Reverse Osmosis systems for your home aquarium. They also carry supplies for Local fish stores RO/DI needs. If you are under a budget their $99 system is a best buy!

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JBJ isn’t sitting still while the Red Sea max arrives at the home of thousands of new reef builders. Say hello to the beautiful 28 gallon nano aquarium, featuring among other things: Metal halide aquarium lighting, protein skimmer, and a wavemaker! Would have thought to include that? An actual wavemaker? Not to mention a 150 Watt HQI metal halide! Wow! Don’t fret with the thought of heating your tank up, they added 4 fans to cool the lighting down. Still I am a bit uneasy with a 150 watt enclosed metal halide beaming down on 28 gallons of saltwater. The protein skimmer is counter current (aka you need to replace the air stone every few months, booo!). We feel that the moding community will fix this problem. It seems JBJ continues the tradition of annoying us serious reefers by including a form of bio balls. Regardless of the possible heat issues, protein skimmer and bio ball addition, we will take two please.

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Designed as either a hang on or in sump model the new Aquac Medic Turboflotor “blue” line of protein skimmer is sure to get you all foamy. This skimmer is rather large at a footprint of 14” x 7”. About the size of a Euro Reef RC 80 skimmer.

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Instead of using sheets of acrylic which is the common norm now-a-days, Aqua Medic has designed to go the plastic injection route with their new line filter systems/sumps. The nice thing about this is that the unit has “sliding doors” that keep the whole thing contained so you needn’t worry about to much evaporation from this big boy. ( Tank dimensions: 32.2” L x 18.6” W x 23.62” H) It comes with the usually biological media which you should promptly throw out or recycle and substitute for nothing or live rock. All of this is cool, however, the coolest part is that since this is a modular system.  You can buy the optional refugium section or top off reservoir although there are no release dates yet for those two products. D’oh!

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We finally updated the reef builders gear website via cafepress. This newest release of new gear features are new circle design which is our current favorite. You can easily tell which affiliation you are with when other reef keepers see you wearing it. Since cafepress actually makes/ships the product you can order thru them directly. We also added a coffee mug and hat which were requested by our members, just don’t put saltwater in your coffee mug mkay? Start ordering!

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Fluctuations in temperature cause changes to the water`s specific gravity, ability to hold oxygen and causes stress to fish, often leading to disease. A consistent temperature is a key element of stability, and stability is a cornerstone of the successful marine aquarium. The Aqua Medic Biotherm Controller provides a remote sensing thermometer and digitally precise temperature control for the Biotherm Heater or your existing heater. Know in a single glance the thermostat setting and the aquarium temperature with two bright independent LED displays on each Biotherm Controller. This becomes quite useful in monitoring the swings in temperature above your set point, during the course of the day or from season to season. Operation is simple and straight-forward and you will enjoy the integrated safety features that include overheat and dry running protection cutouts. When you consider the investment you have made to stock your tank, a high-quality heater controller like the Biotherm Controller becomes an essential insurance policy.

Biotherm Controller Up to 1000W

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T-5 kits can be a good alternative for people who wants to built up their own canopy. The GIESEMANN T-5 kits are available in : 2 x 24, 2 x 39, 2 x 54 and 2 x 80 Watt (230 Volt versions) or in 2 x 24, 2 x 39 and 2 x 54 Watt (120 Volt versions) Our ballasts have been on the market for many years and are known for high quality that are very versatile. They can run 2 T-5 bulbs, and the electronic guarantees a flickerfree rapid start. The T5 premium kit contains:

* High performance reflector (real made in Germany)
* 99,8% reflective material, 150 % lightoutput
* high quality electronic ballast, runs 2 lamps
* German waterproof end-caps, screwable
* stainless steel T-5 clips and mounting material
* coded wiring material
* power cord—120V
* installation manual

All you need to do is wiring up the end caps and connect the plug. Then mount and install your bulbs and you are ready.

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The INFINITI is the next big leap forward in the evolution of aquarium lighting—a completely new generation of pendant lighting which offers you all the latest innovations in lighting technology.

(more…)

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Because Quality Does Matter!
Wherever there is a need to duplicate natural seawater . . . Crystal Sea® is essential. Scientifically formulated to contain the major, minor, and trace elements to support any form of marine life. Ideally suited for use in public aquaria, aquaculture, university research, environmnetal study, ornamental fish, and reef aquaria. Over three decades of success internationally!

One Salt Does It All!
“One Salt Does It All” by maintaining both marine fish, delicate corals and invertebrate life without the addition of liquid trace elements or the use of two separate salts.

Offers complete duplication of natural sea water`s major, minor, and trace elements

Over 70 Elements Included
Calcium and other specific elements have been enhanced to support delicate marine life

Crystal Sea¨ clears within minutes without insoluble residue

Dechlorinator added to each batch to ensure instant removal of harmful chlorine from tap water

Superior Formulation Using Modern Technology
Scientifically blended utilizing a superior computer controlled blending system insuring exact mixing of anhydrous ingredients

No organics or unnecessary additives No ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, silicate or E.D.T.A. added

Used by Industry Professionals and Hobbyists
Crystal Sea¨ Marinemix is the number-one selling marinemix sold worldwide!

Used by major public aquariums, universities, biological research facilities and government testing agencies

Professionally used since 1968

Attractively illustrated consumer and professional sizes available for use in the U.S. and for export

Complete Duplication of Natural Sea Water
Crystal Sea¨ offers complete duplication of natural seawater`s major, minor, and trace elements contained in a single stage homogeneous blend. Crystal Sea¨ contains only 100% natural elements to support even the most delicate fish, corals, and invertebrate life.

Over 70 Elements
Over 70 major and minor elements are included in Crystal Sea¨. Calcium and other specific items are enhanced over natural sea water for reef aquariums. Except for a dechlorinating compound, there are no other additives. No nitrates, phosphates, ammonia, silicates or E.D.T.A.

Easy to Mix
A single-stage blend contains all elements in one dry, crystalline mixture. Addition of any liquid trace solution at the time of hydration is unnecessary. Solubility is immediate and complete, clearing within minutes without insoluble residue. A proper pH of 8.3 is attained upon hydration.

Quality Assured
Crystal Sea® Marinemix is manufactured under the most stringent quality control guidelines using a superior computer controlled blending system. This insures exact mixing of anhydrous ingredients throughout each batch. The crystalline ingredients used in Crystal Sea® Marinemix are highly soluble, dissolving immediately, and clearing completely within minutes. Crystal Sea® Marinemix is ideal for reef aquariums as well as all other types of marine aquaria. Crystal Sea® Marinemix contains NO other additives or organics such as . . . ammonica, nitrate, phosphate, silicate, or E.D.T.A. Guaranteed!

Experience Rated for Over 30 Years
Crystal Sea¨ is the number-one selling marinemix worldwide in the combined fields of environmental testing, university research, aquiculture, public aquaria, retail dealers, marine fish wholesalers, and marine hobbyists.

U.S. and Export Sizes Available
Five package sizes are available. Consumer sizes are available in 10, 25, and 50 gallon packages, beautifully illustrated with aquatic reef life. Professional sizes are available in 100 and 150 gallon cartons or bucket. Export sizes are also available in a variety of sizes with instructions in 10 languages. Export sizes include: 2kg./6L; 4kg./120L; 6.67kg./200L; 8kg./240L.; 20kg./600L.

The Pros Know. . .
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey Center, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratories, North Carolina State University, University of Arizona, University of Alberta, Canada, University of Alaska, University of Maryland, University of California, University of Delaware, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Virginia, Cornell University, Rutgers University, University of Rhode Island, University of Kansas, Exxon Bio-Medical Sciences, AMOCO Corporation - Research Lab, Public Aquariums - Worldwide.

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Experience a whole new level of brightness

* European style high output T5 lamps
* Performance driven electronic ballast
* Slim design & German parabolic reflector
* Energy efficient

Simplicity by design
The Nova Extreme combines the best in both design and functionality and is a great addition to any aquarium. The sleek black-aluminum construction not only maintains a low profile on the aquarium, its design also allows it to dissipate heat away from the aquarium, lamps and components. German-style polished reflector directs over 99% of the T5 lighting into the aquarium while a polycarbonate splash lens protects lamps. Sliding aquarium mounts adjust easily to ensure a proper fit for your aquarium. Only a single power cord delivers all the lighting you need for the ultimate looking aquarium.

The ultimate in performance
SlimPaq High Output T-5 lamps offer a quantum leap in lamp performance, nearly doubling the lumen output compared to an ordinary T5, T8 or T12 fluorescent system. Using our proprietary blend of tri-phosphors, the high PAR & CRI levels produce stunning color rendition and penetrating intensity. Coupled with our finely tuned electronic driving system, SlimPaq lamps have the longest usable life-span of any aquarium lamp.

Lamp illumination
Each Nova Extreme includes two high output T5 SlimPaq lamps and sliding docking mounts.

* SlimPaq Actinic T5HO (Saltwater models only) - A super actinic blue lamp emitting light energy required by corals and invertebrates, along with producing a high UV output. Outstanding color rendition that makes corals, invertebrates and fish fluoresce brilliantly.
* SlimPaq Freshwater T5HO (Freshwater models only) - A bright pinkish hue lamp emits the ideal light energy and spectrum required by freshwater plants for photosynthesis. High color rendition enhances the brilliant colors in freshwater fish and brings out the lush green in plants.
* SlimPaq 10,000K T5HO - A powerful, penetrating full spectrum lamp replicating sunlight found on living coral reefs. Exceptional high lumen output concentrated between 400-480nm stimulates zooxanthellae production increasing both coral and invertebrate growth.

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Don’t have enough moon lighting in your tank? You might be interested in the Lunar Simulator (LS) which allows the AquaController to control and vary the intensity to a 2 to 5 LED module for a realistic moon cycle simulation. The LS uses high intensity LEDs with a wide angle lense (100+ degrees) to provide the best possible coverage.
Features:
High intensity LEDs with a wide angle lense (100+ degrees) to provide the best possible coverage.
High reliability direct wired control connection to the AquaController.
User configurable maximum LED intensity.
User configurable control address.
The AquaController dims the LEDs in phase with the true lunar cycle.
Can be purchased with 2 to 5 LEDs.
2 Mounting Holes on Lunar Simulator and LED modules for easy installation.

The Lunar Simulator should be screwed onto a wall or cabinet in a dry location so that water damage is not possible. Available from your LFS or online for under $100.

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Great for Dawn to Dusk Cycles

Use this automatic dual outlet timer for your lights and wave-making power heads. It has a splash resistant cover to protect the timers and your 3-prong plugs from getting wet. A master on/off switch allows easy control and the front interval dial can be set to a minimum of 15 minute intervals. UL Listed. Pick up at your favorite LFS for under $10.

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