Harlequinmania

Click through to see the images. Lucas was born and raised in Zimbabwe, South Africa. He studied Fine Art (majoring in sculpture) at Rhodes University in South Africa, achieving Distinctions and winning the Purvis Prize for best Honour's results. This year, one of his wildlife art pieces was one of the ~160 selected out of over a thousand submissions to be featured in the David Shepherd Wildlife Fund's Wildlife Artist of the Year, one of the premiere wildlife art competitions in the world. While this article naturally focuses on aquatic artwork, Lucas' work encompasses a range of wildlife, notably (and not surprisingly) African wildlife expressed through a variety of mediums (charcoal, graphite, photography, et al.). Lucas is available for original commissioned artwork including affordable ($40 USD) pastel charcoal drawings of your favorite fish on vintage dictionary pages. These drawings are gorgeous and sure-fire conversation pieces; I can personally attest to this because I own and display several Lucas Grant pieces. Lucas currently lives and works in Cape Town. When he's not producing his splendid artwork (his full-time profession), he works part-time as a high school English and Art teacher. To view Lucas Grant's artwork, visit these websites: Lucas' website: http://lucasgrant.co.za/ (predominantly African wildlife) Luca's Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LucasGrantWildlife (you can purchase original artwork and prints here) Collage of his aquatic artwork: http://imgur.com/a/NehTG#0 Angling fish album: http://imgur.com/a/10Dpd#0 Large-sized "square series" album: http://imgur.com/a/6cLyB Lucas' Instagram account: lucasforrest On to the eye candy! We now bombard you with a massive collage of some of Lucas Grant's chalk pastels. View the full article

ok will try to do so when got time

Yap, and I can see my fishes quickly hiding away for shelter when thunder strike lol.

Yap, and I can see my fishes quickly hiding away for shelter when thunder strike lol.

Tank is still to ugly for a open house

Yap , i already share on above lol.

Click through to see the images. From the San Diego State University (by Michael Price) The study’s lead author, Linda Wegley Kelly, is a postdoctoral scholar in the lab of SDSU virologist Forest Rohwer. She's been involved in some capacity with Rohwer's lab for the past 13 years, beginning as a lab technician. For the study, she looked at seawater samples collected from the surfaces of reefs surrounding all 11 of the Line Islands, a chain of atolls in the central Pacific Ocean. Over the past five years, Kelly and her colleagues have made sporadic trips to the islands, collecting the samples with a specially adapted bilge pump that sucks up approximately 100 liters of water in a given area. "It's like vacuuming the reef," Kelly said. Kelly sequenced the microbiomes of the samples to determine the DNA encoded by the viruses, bacteria, archaea (tiny, single-celled microorganisms like Halobacteria), and protists (similarly tiny eukaryotic microorganisms such as diatoms) all living in the same space. Within these millions of DNA sequences, Kelly found that certain types of bacteria predicted whether the reef was predominantly composed up of coral or algae. Algae or coral? The preponderance of either of these organisms has huge ramifications for the health of the surrounding sea. “Corals are fierce competitors for space on the reef,” Kelly said. “In a healthy marine environment, reefs support a vibrant population of corals and other calcifying organisms that continuously build the reef skyward.” If reefs are dominated by algae, however, the entire habitat dissolves over time and the fish don’t have anywhere to go, Kelly explained. When she sequenced the surfaces of algae-covered reefs, Kelly identified microbes that may contribute to an ecological feedback loop which impairs coral growth. Her study was published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Population centers Another observation, that the reef microbiomes on unpopulated islands were more similar to one another than to other geographically closer — but populated — islands, suggests that the entire community of reef inhabitants, including the microbes, is more significantly influenced by the degree of the reef’s coral or algal cover than researchers previously realized. Her results have implications for conservationists looking for ways to improve strategies for managing coral reef ecosystems. “How do you create an environment for corals to thrive?” Kelly asked. “In addition to practicing sustainable fishing, one way to rehabilitate a reef would be to transplant corals to the site. This should promote an environment more conducive to coral growth by fostering a beneficial community of microorganisms.” Journal Reference: L. W. Kelly, G. J. Williams, K. L. Barott, C. A. Carlson, E. A. Dinsdale, R. A. Edwards, A. F. Haas, M. Haynes, Y. W. Lim, T. McDole, C. E. Nelson, E. Sala, S. A. Sandin, J. E. Smith, M. J. A. Vermeij, M. Youle, F. Rohwer. Local genomic adaptation of coral reef-associated microbiomes to gradients of natural variability and anthropogenic stressors. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2014; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1403319111 View the full article

Guess what, it was raining yesterday afternoon and due to the regional setting that draw the local weather on the internet, my tank was having a thunder storm as well of course without the rain water but the thunder and cloud effect look really cool .

I am starting this thread for all AI user to share their AI light setting, as i believe it would make it easily and useful for reefer to refer to, and adjust according to their tank need reducing the time to setup their lighting. Below is my setting for Hydra 52 , Hydra White : 65 % Blue : 80 % RB: 80% DB : 80 % Red: 30 % Green : 30% Violet : 30 % UV : 20 % Light is abut 18" above water level, and tank height is 18" . Ramp time 4 hour ( 11.30 - 3.30 pm ). Mostly SPS corals.

It take some try and error to catch the ideal setting especially for the tank espeically for SPS corals, as if you are not careful enough you might bleach the corals. After a few try and research on the internet which i got some data from, I adjust it to my tank height and coral placement. Never under estimated the power and intensity of LEDs nowsaday, as it can easily beat MH . White : 65 % Blue : 80 % RB: 80% DB : 80 % Red: 30 % Green : 30% Violet : 30 % UV : 20 % Light is abut 18" above water level, and tank height is 18" . Ramp time 4 hour ( 11.30 - 3.30 pm ) We really have to be careful with the White, violet and UV setting not to ramp it too high as it can easily bleach your coral. I also discover that if the Red and Green setting was set too high, there is a problem with algae growth on the rock.

Just finish setting up the AI Director today, and was really impress how the technology in the aquarium trade has evolve today with the use of internet. I could still remember it was only like 2 year ago that my first controllable LED at that time was the latest technology in the market . Basically, the AI director came only with a power cord, and a wireless adaptor. Below is some of the screen shot of the director setup page when you login to the personal myaquaillution page. Straight away when i login, it will prompt you to update the firmware for your director or your light wirelessly . The setting up page for the different light setting throughout the day. With the AI Director, if you have different model of AI lighting like me, you will be able to set up different setting for each model of AI which the normal controller is unable to do so. The weather effect setting page for lighting, cloud and Lunar which you can draw data of the local weather from the internet.

I like the simple but colorful looks !

Click through to see the images. View the full article

Lck jumbo fish shipmsnt

Saw a few nice pcs at aquamarine yesterday

Click through to see the images. Scientists at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University, Australia, have been studying the effect of carbon dioxide on the schooling behaviour of the tropical damselfish Chromis viridis. Lead investigator Miss Lauren Nadler found that juvenile fish normally require three weeks to recognise their school-mates, however elevated carbon dioxide levels significantly impaired this ability. Climate change models predict that carbon dioxide levels and ocean acidity will more than double before the end of the century. To investigate if this would affect social recognition in fish, schools were kept under elevated levels of carbon dioxide, similar to those projected for 2100 by models produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Individual fish were then given a "choice test" where they were placed between two schools – one of familiar fish and the other made up of strangers. Whilst fish kept under normal conditions consistently chose the familiar school, fish reared under high CO2 conditions showed no preference for either the unfamiliar or familiar school. It is thought that carbon dioxide interferes with the functioning of neuroreceptors in the fish brains. Higher carbon dioxide levels change the concentration of ions (electrically charged atoms and molecules) in the fishes' blood, altering the way that the neuroreceptors work. This impairs basic senses, such as sight and smell, which are vital for recognition in fish. These results could have serious implications for tropical fish, whose habitat is already threatened by climate change. "Familiarity is an important trait for defence, particularly in a predator-rich environment like a coral reef", says Miss Nadler. "Since half of all fish species in the world school at some point during their lives, including economically important species, these effects could be critical for species that rely on group-living to avoid predators". [via Society for Experimental Biology] View the full article

Click through to see the images. Reef Eden supplied Advanced Aquarist with the following literature about their new SYNGNA AIO seahorse aquarium system. The attention to detail (addressing the special requirements for seahorses) and the parts quality (e.g. partnership with Tunze and Giesemann) are admirable. SYNGNA systems are certainly not cheap, but the design and build quality reflect the price point. Of interest to North American aquarist: Reef Eden will soon announce CoralVue as their US master distributor for both the SYNGNA and Aurelia (Jellyfish AIO System). The art of keeping an animal successfully in captivity, rests not only in understanding the animal’s nature, but also the nature of the habitat it occupies. Seahorses and their close relatives the Pipefish which frequently inhabit regions such as sea-grass beds and lagoon habitats, have long been adored by hobbyists the world over, and have for many years been bred both privately and commercially for the aquatics trade. Sadly however, many of these delicate animals all too often end up in aquariums that are either completely inadequate for their needs, or are a compromise of miss-matched components leading to avoidable losses and high mortality rates. Following on from our class leading Aurelia Jellyfish systems which combine unique technology with a deep understanding of the animals physical and environmental requirements, SYNGNA has for the last two years been a parallel project, combining input from retailors worldwide requesting a high quality, yet simple off the shelf Seahorse aquarium for novices, and from a range of experienced Seahorse breeders and keepers who pushed the envelope further by requesting not only a single system, but one that was adaptable to many different scenarios, be that to use as a display or breeding and rearing system, and one that could be run in both natural format with substrates and associated algae or sea-grasses, or in a clinical bare bottom format for greater environmental control when breeding. Developed exclusively by Reef-Eden, SYNGNA borrows the same Gravity-induced-Kreisel-Flow-system as that found in the AURELIA, where a powerful Tunze circulation pump with combined surface skimming and bottom scavenging is used to feed a high velocity stream of water to a large volume bio-media chamber. From here, flow is diverted by gravity, downward toward the base of the aquarium to exit via a special arrangement of baffles which convert the high velocity flow into a smooth mass volume water motion similar to that found in the Seahorses natural environment. This system allows flow rates within the display in excess of 22 times per hour, whilst at the same time avoiding localised turbulence or the excessive velocity typically found when using standard pumps and power-heads. For running In natural format, SYNGNA comes as standard with a removable substrate tray unique flow underpass feature that allows unimpeded flow and circulation generation within the main display. Each SYNGNA also comes equipped with a high efficiency Tunze skimmer rated up-to 1.5 times the systems actual capacity ensuring both excellent waste removal combined with increased gas exchange for better pH stability. Along with Tunze equipment, SYNGNA also incorporates a dedicated Led lighting system manufactured in collaboration with acclaimed German lighting company Giesemann Aquaristik, featuring the very latest Cree XH-G and ML-E series LEDs in a crisp 16k format perfect for both visual appeal, and for those wanting to run the system incorporating algae’s or seagrass. Temperature control is of paramount importance with many Seahorses requiring more temperate conditions, so SYNGNA uses only the most efficient components drawing the smallest amount of power, thereby reducing heat transference in the process, with all equipment held in the rear section behind the removable diffuser plate that allows maximum water exchange between the filtration assembly and display area without any localised areas of suction. Appreciating that many breeders may wish to run multiple systems, or wish to run systems to sumps or remote equipment, each SYNGNA comes as standard with rear inlet and outlet ports that allow connection in series or to remote devices, or connection to an optional rear-mounted overflow box if wishing to connect to a sump system. Also available is an optional micromesh screen which neatly slots over the front of the rear diffuser plate, protecting even the smallest juveniles from the filtration system whilst still allowing optimal flow. CNC machined and manufactured in the UK from ultra-clear cast acrylic, Syngna is available in both 80ltr 43x43x43cm format ideal as a single desktop display for housing smaller species or raising juveniles, and a larger 60x60x60 220ltr aquarium and cabinet set for those wanting a centrepiece aquarium, or those wishing to maintain and breed larger species, with both sizes available in crisp high gloss white, or luxurious high gloss black. Specifications: SYNGNA-80 / SYNGNA-220 Construction: CNC machined Cast acrylic main body with glass rear cover plates, removable rear diffuser plate and inner substrate tray with flow underpass feature. Dimensions: 43x43x43cm / 60x60x60cm (outer dimensions excluding light bar) Optional cabinet for SYNGNA-220: Giesemann Aquaristik manufactured in high gloss white or black with colour matched laminate glass front door panel. 60x60x70cm (LWH) Filtration: low wattage high efficiency Tunze filtration system incorporating Tunze comline / turbelle pumps and Tunze comline skimmer technology, combined with large volume bio-media chamber with capacity for additional media-bag storage. Lighting: Giesemann Aquaristik manufactured 16K LED lighting system incorporating high efficiency Cree XH-G Leds. Connectivity: 2 x rear ports with removable hosetails: Optional extras: Rear mounted overflow box for connection to sump systems / Breeders removable slot in Micro-Mesh safety screen (photo right). Prices: UK: SYNGNA-80 Desktop RRP £829.95 / SYNGNA-220 including cabinet RRP £1529.00 US**: SYNGNA-80 Desktop RRP $1369.00 / SYNGNA-220 including cabinet RRP $2599.00 Availability: UK / Europe (JULY-AUGUST 2014) US (AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2014) ** US Prices estimated at time of going to press. For SYNGNA and AURELIA ordering and Distribution enquiries (Non US) Please contact http://www.Reef-Eden-International.com For all US based SYNGNA and AURELIA enquiries, please contact http://www.coralvue.com/ All specifications correct at time of going to press. Subject to change without notice. All images, text integrated concepts and designs copyright Reef-Eden international 2014. View the full article

It's from previous group buy in the forum

Another secret recipe

Aragonite sand from caribsea.

Click through to see the images. In early 2013, CAD Lights set out to improve the performance and ease-of-use of their pipeless nano skimmers. They will launch their new PLS-50 Elite on July 21, 2014 for the same price as the current generation PLS-50 ($134.99 USD). The Elite is now rated by the manufacturer for 5 to 60 gallons. The new PLS-50 Elite nano skimmer features a revamped adjustment system. Users still twist the skimmer body left and right to adjust the internal water level (thus adjusting the wetness/dryness of the skimmate), and like the current generation PLS-50, settings are locked in place via a red lock knob. However, the tension lock and swivel point are diverted to the bottom of the new nano skimmer, resulting in simpler, smoother, and more precise control (functioning more like CAD Lights' full-size pipeless skimmers). Furthermore, the PLS-50 Elite has a larger diameter bubble chamber and plate as well as a 25% larger collection neck and cup. These features extend skimming capacity for the new nano skimmer, which uses the same TIA pin-wheel pump (rated at 190GPH with an air draw of 187LPH). CAD Lights states the new PLS-50 Elite will virtually eliminate all micro-bubble discharge and is also more accommodating of a wider range of external water levels (4-7.5"). Noise levels should be comparable to the previous PLS-50 meaning its nearly inaudible from our experience with these skimmers. To top it all off, all the new features are further refined into a slightly smaller dimension (3.25x3.25x14.24"). " height="383" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="680"> "> "> View the full article

A few more lousy pics taken with my china phone to end the update for today. Didnt add much new corals yet, while waiting for the exciting stuff... Heehee.. Part of the Bonsai SPS tree .

Spider crab from last week henry's shipment. It is a fun creature in your tank to keep your baby or children amaze !

Another "Must have" fish list in my reef tank - Queen angel

Due to the huge evaporation rate in an aircon room , i added another unit of the DI filter mix with a little bit of the commercial N03 removal resin .