finbir

Dear fellow reefers, I've just been told that a local company has produced a safe-cure for the dreaded white spots and it's available at a local fish-shop, located in Chinatown area. It costs only $8++ per bottle. Let's get some feedbacks from u all out there 'cos over the yrs the local lads have indeed come up with wonderful inventions, but this fish medication.....?? finbir.

The problem lies with getting a healthy specimen. Usually if the guy is okay, even 'off-limit' like the regal will start eating on day one. Angels can't resist live artemia not to mention the frozen mysids.Ur fish's refusal to touch food spells bad news. My previous charges even go for market lettuce attached to Acropora bit with rubber band. Happy hunting. Finbir.

Singapore waters also have the six-barred angel and the blue-ringed angel. So there r 3 types of local angels. Under the right environment, all three should be able to survive. Finbir.

Hi fren, One simple method I use is to hose the newly acquired rocks in the loo and wait. Soon u'll see worms crawling out not to mention small hairy crabs. One just use a pair of tweezers to remove them! It has been my observation that during low tide, the rocks r exposed n Mother Nature unleashes her fury be it bright sunlight or heavy downpour. Despite the hourly exposure, life continues to thrive. So, after the shower, I place the rocks into the tank n the algae n small sps r none the worse. Next the skimmer goes into operation. BTW I use artificial sw with the proper S.G. and ph. Finbir.

First thing I do is set water level in reaction chamber. Next I adjust the air intake until foam starts to rise in reaction chamber. The trick is to see the foam slowly building up at the set water level but should the water level rise, then I lower it. My idea is to see the foam moving slowly towards the discharge of the cup. Too strong an air intake will prevent the formation of rising foam,instead the column may just rise and fall and not move upwards due to the turbulence. Macro needlewheel user.

Wonderful grazers to keep algae in check. Mostly peaceful be careful of the dorsal spines. Shouldn't be a problem unless u want it to turn podgy with pellets.

Hi bro, Put a layer of plastic under the chiller coil(to prevent dirt from falling into ur sump ). Carefully unwrap the affected area n clean up the mess. Next use metal polish to restore the original copper shine. Carefully apply a thin layer of varnish. Allow to dry n re-wrap with tape from aircon shop. Happy reefing, Finbir.

Hi fren, I've used the Weipro skimmers from 2011-2014. My 2-cents worth is that the 2013 n 2014 models r worth using provided one uses the right pumps. My is powered by the Eheim 1000.

Never place ur hand into an aquarium with pumps running unless u r sure the electricals r okay. Jus dip the end of a test-pen into the water to check if there is voltage. If so, u have a problem. Get the canister checked by a reliable guy or buy a new one. I'm sure u want to enjoy this hobby s long s u can.

A good concept but it looks 2 me that the foam output is just a shade off the thick cloudy swirl one sees in needlewheel skimmers.

Hi, I live in Bedok North Ave 4. I've about 4 tow huay tubs 4 sale@$5. Mind u I'm only getting what I'd paid from a fello reefer n from Iwarna, 2 yrs ago after repeated failures. Hence I can't give away free. But those living in the west r willing to let u have them free. So u have a choice. Finbir.

Just 2 add, Most reefers use the chaeto( chaetomorphora) n it's rated s the best algae 2 assist in water quality(see review on chaeto). Unless u want to use the algae filter mooted by Santa Monica.

Hi Alvin, (1) macroalgae: There are several types, the most common being C. racemosa -looks like bunches of grapes n can morph into oarlike shape. Usually available from Pinnacle, Ah Meng n Iwarna. Has a tendency to collapse n turn the water milky if conditions r not suitable. C. sertularoides --feathery-like like coconut leaf fronds. Prolific grower n rated a nuisance algae in the U.S. where large areas have resulted in local algae being killed off. BTW they r inedible unlike racemosa. Curretly Iwarna grows the C. mexicana below their hanging algae filter. Just to name a few from the long list. (2) Halimeda is a calcareous algae like little prickly pear cactus. Most attached to the mushrooms on rocks u buy. Never seen any for sale 'cos they come foc. (3) Bubble algae will bloom in ur tank if the water has high nitrate. Lords knows where they come from . It's considered a nuisance algae. (4) Sargassum can be easily obtained from the breakwater at the East Coast Park, at low tide n washed ashore. U'll need MH to keep them alive. N the naso literatus is very fond of eating them. A natural source of algae feed. All things said, Ah Meng nearly always have algae on rocks of a few species for sale. Hope the above info is useful to u. Once n algae breeder, Finbir.

Oops, my apologies. On the rt. side of the road is a small stream. No fish shop. It's on the left side. There r lots of freshwater fish and plants 4 sale. Have a safe trip. Finbir.

The freshwater shop on the rt of the road leading to Iwarna.

Best is to ask Victor or Elaine , the sellers themselves. Good day, Finbir.

Hi, Normally old folks r quite uncooperative. Knew of one lady who put black trigger into her 7' tank despite being told not to s she'd 5 sea urchins kept to clean the algae infested coral set-ups. The advice fell on 'death ears'. Pardon the pun. Eventually he'll clean up the act himself. Disturbing s it may be u might s well get someone to take out the rock formation n reset the tank. Do remember to take photos from different angles so u know how to place the rocks in their original settings. Happy reefing. Finbir.

Skimmers are very sensitive to oily substances. Even dipping in the hands to arrange the rocks will affect the skimming. On the other hand, it will just foam if there's nothing to skim. Finbir

Kelantan Lane at Sungei Rd, there r 3 shops jus behind the row of shophouses facing the flea mart carrying diff types of aluminium rods n plates. Parking is free after 5pm.

Kudos to u Gary, Picked up a well used but otherwise good conditone KDK stand fan on me way home. Went to Sim Lin n found a similar capacitor. Now it's up n running. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Cheers.

Not uncommon 4 this fella to enter the tank as a tiny juv along with ur new rocks. Unless u boil the rocks (stupid suggestion)... When it reaches a certain size u can hear its snapping claws especially at night. It will even reproduce like its freshwater cousin from Australia. Harmless far s my tank goes. N there u have it.

According to Iwarna (saw several in their huge display tank couple of years ago) redness due to daily feeding of cyclopeeze. Otherwise it's normal and yes, it's peaceful. Used to keep several with C. aurantius in a 3 footer' three yrs ago until my tank crashed when I added some new fish . Usually happens when aggression occurs. U asked n I replied.

Best is to get a new one from one of the outlets at Pasir Ris farms. They tend to clatter after some usage n also will jam if not properly locked after dismantling. Bought 2 left one and having to poke index in to turn impeller whenever want to use. Horrible but then...