Forum Etiquette

I just wanted to convey that many people do not know how to talk properly when posting to forums. Unless you use emoticons to convey emotions people can take what you say completely opposite to what you had thought you had wrote. In the future make sure that what you wrote conveys your feelings.

100th Visitor

Wow. 100 visits to my little corner of the ocean. Some upcoming posts include a review of the AquaC Urchin Protein Skimmer. A review of my new 48" Coralife Pro 150HQI fixture once I get it set up. A review of my new in tank pump for water flow (as of yet undecided on what I want to pick up) as well as new creature profiles. So check back often for new content and feel free to let me know if there is anything you would like to see on here that would make your lives easier.

Regards,

Profile: Algae Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)

Scientific Name: Salarias fasciatus

Family: Acanthuridae

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon

Size: Grows to maximum of about 5" in length.

Hardiness: Very hardy.

Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of at least 75-84°F.

Description: Lawnmower Blennies are very interesting looking with a long body and gray to tan colored vertical bars on the sides. A long dorsal fin extends the length of the body. Small light-blue dots adorn the face and body. Feathery projections called 'cirri' around the face give this blenny what looks like a bad hair-cut.

Natural Environment:Indo-Pacific

Reef Suitability: Lawnmower Blennies are usually very good reef tank inhabitants in larger tanks that can sustain their appitite. While somewhat plain in comparison to the bright colours of other fish found on the reef they are known as a very personable fish. They spend most of their day perched on rocks surveying their surroundings followed by short bursts of algae munching.

Disposition: May chase or bully other fish in close quarters, but usually not an issue in larger tanks. I've only seen my specimin being bullied by my larger convict blenny. They should be kept as single specimens or as a male/female pair in tanks less than about 55 gallons.

Feeding: Lawnmower Blennies are primarily vegetarian. They have teeth that are adapt at scraping algae from the surface of rocks and the walls of the tank. Mine loves zipping up and down the tank walls eating as he goes. They do best in tanks that have algae on which they can forage throughout the day.

Project Update: Building an Aquarium Scraper

I had said that I was going to attempt to build an aquarium scraper for my 75 gallon marine aquarium. I took the plunge, bought the parts and put it together. My costs were as follows:
5ft 1/2" cpvc pipe: $2.79
45degree 1/2"cpvc coupler: $0.49
10 razor blades in a case: $3.89
Total cost with tax: $8.17

I kept the handle on my scraper quite long as I want to avoid having to put my hands in my tank if I can.
To make the holder for the blade I used the razor blade itself to cut out two notches. It was really quite easy and the blade is held firmly.

Results:
Fantastic. The blade was excellent at removing the stubborn algae from the aquarium glass. A big plus is that the blade is easily replaceable when dull at a very low cost. Why would any one pay the hefty price for a commercial glass scraper when one of these are super effective is beyond me. I recommend anyone who is looking to have clean glass in their marine aquarium to build one of these.

Project: Building an aquarium scraper

I am going to attempt to build a DIY aquarium algae scraper as shown at http://www.fishlore.com/algae-scraper.htm

The tool claims to work on red marine algae, green algae, brown algae or any others that will grow on the fish tank glass. This scraper can only be used on a glass tank as it will scratch an acrylic tank. This tool isn't very pretty, but should do a good job on that hard to scrape algae!

Materials Needed:
1/2 inch size pvc pipe, comes in 10 foot long pieces - approximately $5
1/2 inch size 45° angle elbow joint - approximately $1
pvc pipe cutter or a hacksaw
razor blade - pack of 100 is $8
Total Cost: approx $14

Directions:

1) Measure off about a 36 inch piece of pvc pipe and make the cut with your pvc cutters or hacksaw. You could make this piece shorter than 36 inches if you have a smaller tank. You want to prevent having to put your hands in the tank and possibly polluting the tank water.
2) Measure off a 3 inch piece of pvc pipe and make the cut.
3) Stand the 3 inch pvc on end and use a knife to make a 1/2 inch cut in the middle of the pvc pipe. The trick is to make this cut with the right size blade. You don't want to make the cut too wide or the razor blade won't stay secured. Be careful doing this!
4) Assemble the parts together. Plug the 45° elbow joint into one end of the 36 inch pvc and then connect the uncut end of the 3 inch pvc into the other end of the elbow joint.
5) Place a razor blade into the cut end of the 3 inch pvc.
6) Scrape off that algae! Be very careful around the aquarium sealant that holds the glass walls together. You don't want to compromise the glue that holds your tank together! Take your time and gently use an up and down motion to scrape off that marine algae. Don't push too hard, in fact you shouldn't even need to with the razor blade.

The good thing about this scraper is that you can change out the razor blade easily once it becomes dull. This makes the tool cost effective over time.

I will post an update once I have crafted this tool along with pictures and a review on how it performs.

Profile: Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus)

Common Name: Coral Banded Shrimp

Scientific Name: Stenopus hispidus

Max Size: Up to 2"

Min Tank Size: 30 gallon

Distribution: Indo-Pacific

Selection: The best way to know that you are choosing a healthy specimin is one that has been in the dealers tank for some time.

Food/Feeding: This shrimp is an omnivore and will scavange the tank in search of anything and everything to eat.

Environment: This shrimp is generally a solitary crature (with the exception of a mated pair). They are best kept away from other shrimp and members of the tank who will take them as a health meal. Generally they will hide in the rockwork and come out to feed around the tank.

Behaviour: The coral banded shrimp is generally peaceful unless there are other shrimp around and especially other coral banded shrimp.

Product Review: Visi-Therm® Deluxe Aquarium Heaters

This Double sealed heater is completely waterproof and submersible. It has a direct read fahrenheit and centigrade scale which makes pre-setting temperatures very simple. The custom double-suction mounting bracket features an adjustable three-position window that ensures easy-to-view temperature setting. With a simple "click" of the dial, you choose the ideal water temperature. Water-calibrated to ensure precise temperature selection and superior performance. CSA listed. Marine design tolerates harsh saltwater tank conditions.

I have found that this heater is fantastic at maintaing the exact temperature set. It seems well built and it is easy to read. A red light indicaters when the heater is on. The one odd thing I have noticed is that the manufacturer symbol that covers the glass wears off. I am using two heaters in my system in case one encounters a problem. I would give this product 5 stars for ease of use and accuracy. I have no way to give an indication of reliability only that the two I have are working fine.

Profile: Green Chromis (Chromis viridis)

Common Name: Green Chromis

Scientific Name: Chromis viridis

Family: Pomacentridae

Max Size: 3"

Min Tank Size: 30 gallon

My Green Chromis: Green & Chrome

Distribution: Found in the Indo-Pacific & Red Sea

Selection: Look for individuals who are not shying away from the pack, have no torn/bit fins and seem interested in their environment.

Food/Feeding: Green Chromis are omnivores. Feed them a good diet of frozen mysis shrimp and other marine fish feed. Variety in their food will help keep them healthy. They are not shy to feed and will start hovering around the top of the tank when you approach looking for food. They will zoom around the tank for food when added.

Environment: They prefer caves and holes they can swim into when they wish to be left alone. They like to swim around and explore.

Behaviour: Green Chrmois are one of the least aggressive damselfish. They school in groups as a defensive mechanism and prefer to have other members around. (They are not solitary fish) It is probably best to keep a group as an odd number as an even number seems to have an odd man out that can be picked on. They add a flash to your tank as they are always on the move and get along well with other tank mates.