Fish Spotlight:
Green Chromis
If you are looking for a fish with unique color and
reasonably priced, then this may be your fish. The Chromis caerulea has a brilliant
green-blue sheen which will compliment most any aquarium void of predators. They originate
from the Indo-Pacific to the Red Sea. In the wild they can reach nearly 4 inches… in
the aquarium you will usually not see them over 2 inches. Although they are in the Damsel
family, this schooling fish is far from aggressive. In fact, maintaining several together
in a small shoal is actually the best approach. These fish seem to need security in
numbers to feel comfortable. They willingly take a variety of foods, from flake to frozen.
And they are reef safe too!
Maxima Clam
Aquarist are always amazed at the diversity associated with
reef tanks. The Tridacna maxima is another one of those animals that adds to the beauty
and diversity of a thriving reef. These animals are primarily farm raised, but recently
wild collected specimens have been showing up. They range in color from blue to green to
gold.
Place them on a hard surface so their byssal strands can
firmly attach. This helps keeps them upright allowing them to seek nutrition from the
light source. They should never be placed in the sand as their byssal opening would be
unprotected to predators. Provide high intensity lighting with minimal waterflow. Maintain
good calcium & alkalinity balance. Strontium is also important to good health. All
Tridacna clams seem to enjoy the waste of fish… acting as a filter, they processing
those nutrients into food.
AquaTouch News:
New Hours & New Faces
Several changes have taken place recently. Please note that
our store hours have changed as follows: New opening time is 1pm
on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. We will still open at 11am on Friday & Saturday
and noon on Sunday.
Our new 750 GPD (gallon per day) RO unit is now operational.
Teamed with the original 350 GPD unit, means we will not turn anyone away for their RO
needs.
We have once again brought in some new products. MoonStrip
from BrightLights Tech., simulates moonlight with emissive light technology. JBJ Lighting
products, offering alternative powercompact lighting.
We would also like to introduce you to Paul Askins, the
newest member to our professional staff. He has already shown us his aquatic skills. Paul
has also proven to aid customers in the AquaTouch way. Welcome aboard Paul!
Q: What is the maintenace of a skimmer... Should you ever clean them?
A: Many hobbyist ignore this very important step. The skimmer is the core of the cleaning
system. Aside from emptying the overflow cup… the basic upkeep revolves around the
bubble making device. For those using air-driven units, replace the wood diffusers at
least every 6 weeks. Once the wood pores are enlarged from airflow, they will never make
small bubbles again. Replacement of the wood stones is your only choice. If you have a
venturi style unit… spend your time cleaning the venturi assembly. DO NOT use any
tools to scrape the buildup, as this can damage the venturi or cause quicker buildup to
occur on any scratches. Your best option is to soak the venturi assembly in vinegar
overnight before attempting to clean. As for weekly maintenance of the venturi, place the
air intake hose into a cup of boiling RO water. This will help keep the intake from
forming deposits.
On all styles, the water pumps should be disconnected and cleaned. Pay special
attention to cleaning the intake screens and the impellers. Your skimmers performance is
also hampered by internal buildup of life forms like sponges, limpets, snails, even
aiptasia! We recommend you do a complete internal cleaning every 3-4 months. As for the
actual disassembly you should always consult the manufacturers instructions first. Rinse
the entire housing with forced water to remove as much debris as possible. If it is really
overgrown, soaking with water and bleach will result in easier removal. For those with
ReefSweepers & BakPaks try placing in a full bucket of bleach water and plugging in
the pump. Make sure to rinse very well with forced water. Reassemble and under adjust your
foam for the first day. Make your final adjustments the next morning.
