AQUATECH
A publication of AquaTouch containing Tips & Techniques for being a successful
Marine Aquarist...
AquaTips:
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To calculate gallons in a rectangular aquarium... multiply length X width X height (in
inches), then divide by 231.
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Metal Halide lamps should be replaced every 12 months. Use rubbing alcohol on a paper
towel to clean any fingerprints from the bulb exterior prior to firing. When new lamps are
in place, reduce the time they are on by a few hours for 2-3 weeks. This allows the corals
to adapt to your new, brighter bulbs.
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When attempting to clean mineral deposits from pump components and impellers; try
soaking them overnight in vinegar. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with water before
reassembling.
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Grape algae (Caulerpa racemosa) is eaten with coconut milk by natives of Indo-Pacific
islands. Mmmm! :-)
Fish Spotlight:
BANGGAI CARDINAL
These fish were
rediscovered in 1995 and quickly made their way into the aquarium hobby. The Pterapogon
kauderni or Banggai, belong to the cardinalfish family Apogonidae. They are a quite
mannered, schooling fish. Banggai's grow to three inches in total length and exhibit black
stripes and dots on a silver body. Keep them in pairs or in small groups. They are a
perfect fish for any size reef aquarium as they will not bother corals. Feeding is not
difficult as they will readily accept most meaty prepared food. Avoid keeping them with
active swimming fish like wrasses, dottybacks or large tangs. To much activity can stress
the Banggai cardinals into hiding. Also since they are mouth-brooders, the Banggai have
been successfully bred in captivity, even by hobbyist. In fact, the first captive raised
in the U.S.A., occurred in Phoenix, by a hobbyist!
FEATHER DUSTERS
Feather Dusters are worms, belonging to the phylum Annelida.
That includes more than 13,000 worms! Among them are the feather-worms from the families
Serpulidae, Sabellidae and Terrebellidae. All are an attractive addition to the reef
aquarium. All are sedentary animals, some build an outer tube by secreting mucus that
fuses sediments together. Other types build calcareous tubes on rock like Coco-worms or on
coral like Bisma-worms in porites coral. Their feathery cap is used to collect tiny food
particles. Ideal foods include; phytoplankton, zooplankton, amphipod larvae and brine
shrimp nauplii. Light is not a necessity but the worms do appreciate water current as it
brings them food. Avoid worm eating fish like dottybacks and some wrasses. Also Arrow
crabs can attack and eat feather dusters too!
AquaTouch News:
WATER TESTING
We all know how important water quality is to our animals. But
how many of you test regularly? In an effort to help you keep in control of your tank, we
now offer Water Test Slips that give you first hand information concerning such acceptable
levels as Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate, Alkalinity, Calcium & Salinity. These
values differ for Reef and Fish systems, with our new Water Test Slips it is all spelled
out clearly as to the acceptable levels. Upon bringing in your sample we will have you
fill out the highlighted information prior to completing your tests. You will receive a
copy of completed test and instructions to adjust values if necessary. There is a service
charge of one dollar per test.
Q: Are there any saltwater plants that I can put in my aquarium?
A: The answer is actually "yes and no". True saltwater plants are difficult
to come by. One you are likely to encounter is Turtle grass. It can be difficult to grow
if not given the right conditions. Although commonly referred to as “plants”,
marine macro-algae or seaweed photosynthesis like a plant. These types of algae are easier
to control than the nuisance “hair algae” or green boring algae that sometimes
frustrate hobbyists. In the ocean, algae plays an important role in cycling organic
nutrients. For many years European hobbyists have employed macro-algae as a type of
organic filter. These macro-algae assist in the uptake of nitrogen compounds from their
aquariums. The use of algae in American aquariums declined with the advent of the powerful
protein skimmer and nutrient poor SPS coral aquariums. Hobbyists are once again beginning
to show interest in growing macro-algae.
Green algae belong to the Class Chlorophyceae, this is due to
their photosynthesizing pigment chlorophyll. The most common forms of algae kept by
aquarist are, "rooted plants” which have a primary stalk and "loose
types" which form runners with widely spaced roots. These include the Caulerpas,
Halimedas and Corallinas. Stalked forms with significant root clusters require four inches
of substrate or more. The loose kinds will attach to the surface of rocks or the
substrate. This type should be pruned every few weeks to keep them in check. If you are
interested in adding colorful marine algae to your aquarium, consult the Baench Atlas vol.
1 and/or Modern Reef Aquarium vol. 1 for additional information.
