Here’s a quick video was saw of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. This relatively new public aquarium is the only free-standing aquarium in Ohio. In includes an Ohio Lakes and Rivers exhibit, showcasing some local aquatic life. In addition, there are exotic freshwater displays, a tropical reef, a shark exhibit and more.
The Aquarium is open daily from 10am – 6pm.
For more information, visit http://greaterclevelandaquarium.com
In this Fish Tank Kings video, Francis helps out Tennessee Aquarium curator Thom Demas with an Giant Octopus Emergency. A giant pacific octopus was extremely unhappy in it’s exhibit, and had to be moved to a small holding tank. After close inspection, the rock in the octopus exhibit was almost “sponge-like.” A sample of the rock was sent to the lab and PBA was found in the epoxy used, and later on in the water. The toxic chemical, commonly found in hard plastics and some water bottles, used in the epoxy of the artificial rock, can have extremely harmful effects if it leeches out.
In this case, the endocrine system of the Giant Octopus was poisoned by the PBA in the exhibit. Fish Tank Kings decided to build a new Pacific Northwest exhibit with no epoxy-based rock. Look out for future updates from National Geographic where we will show you the results.
Kessil has finally released some info about a few long-anticipated new products, the Kessil A350 and the Kessil A350W Tuna Blue LED Aquarium Pendants.
Ever since the splash of the Kessil A150W, reef enthusiasts have been waiting to see what Kessil is going to do next. The Kessil A350 provides more than twice the light, of the A150W and is rated at 90W. The A350 models, use Kessil’s dense LED matrix to provide the combined output of many LED chips in a compact form factor. Additionally, this new aquarium LED pendant uses the vapor phase change cooling element to provide long LED life and cooler running temperature.
The A350 and A350W utilize 2 control knobs; the first control’s Kessil’s proprietary “Sky Blue” spectrum, while the second controls another one of Kessil’s proprietary spectrum “Ocean Blue.” Since each is independently controlled, each hobbyist, can achieve the color spectrum they feel is best for their setup.
Here is a comparison of the two lights:
The A350 LED is designed for tanks deeper than 24 inches, or where corals require more intense lighting. The A350W LED model, offers wider spread for tanks of up to 24 inches in depth.
Kessil will be releasing the A350 towards the end of April, and the A350W towards the end of May 2012, each for a retail price of $399.
We wanted to get the word out as soon as possible. Get 10% off your next purchase at Live Aquaria (www.liveaquaria.com), Drs. Fosters and Smith (www.drsfostersmith.com). Use this Live Aquaria Coupon to get 10% off some new corals and fish, or use the Drs Fosters and Smith coupon to get 10% off salt, heaters, reef supplements, aquariums, and practically anything else for your reef tank or other pets. Use coupon code 365/8659.
This summer, CoralVue will be releasing a 4 stage 100 GPD controllable product-to-waste water ratio RO/DI unit. This sleek RO/DI unit is currently being tested by CoralVue for safety, efficiency, reliability and ease of use. This RO/DI unit comes with a system controller, and a digital TDS monitor which shows your the TDS of the output water. The RO membrane gets flushed each time the system is shut down, which helps prolong the life of the membrane. The unit will auto-shutoff when the reservoir gets full, which results in a completely automated system. The system is reported by CoralVue to have been tested to produce a ratio of ~1:2 Product/Waste water. A high-efficiency pressure pump ensures water is being moved through the unit at optimal pressure.
Here is a complete list of features and technical data for this new RO/DI unit.
System Features
Technical Data
The Porcupine Puffer, Diodon holocanthus, sometimes called the Porcupinefish is named for the spiny appendages covering almost the entirety of it’s body. The Porcupine Puffers body is “camouflaged” with a variety of gray and tan spots.
As a primary defense system, the Porcupine Puffer is able to inflate it’s body to almost double it’s vertical height by swallowing water or air. The sharp spines are used as a secondary defense mechanism when this fish feels threatened. Some species are poisonous, with a tetrodotoxin being present in some of their internal organs. This neurotoxin, believed to be produced by several types of bacteria obtained in this puffer’s diet, is at least 1200 times more potent than cyanide.
An well-skimmed FISH-ONLY aquarium of 180 gallons or more is ideal. It is important to note that this fish may be aggressive at times, and may nip at other tank mates. This puffer will eat invertebrates often found in reef tanks, so again, a fish-only tank is the best choice.
The Porcupine Puffer should be offered a varied diet consisting of meaty foods (clams, squid, krill, clams, etc). Hard-shelled shrimp will help file back this puffer’s ever-growing teeth.
On the heals of the 2012 Lake Erie Frag Fest, comes another reef event which is sure to be blast. The Western Ohio Reef Club (WORC) is putting on their Annual Frag Swap on Saturday March 24th from 12:00 – 4:00PM. The event has a great lineup of vendors and sponsors, and anyone within driving distance should attend. Admission is only $5 for each adult, free for children and WORC Premium Members. An Early-bird fee of $25 entitles you to a 4×8 table, with power (if you’re interested, please PayPal $25 to treasurer@worcreef.org along with the yellow table number you wish to have, from the map below).
(please make sure to visit the WORC Website as this map will continue to be updated)
Vendor booths are also available, and will include 2 4×8 tables. Cost is $75+ raffle item of your choosing. PayPal 50$ deposit to treasurer@worcreef.org and include in notes the blue table number you wish to reserve from the floor plan.
NOTE: The first 400 paid attendees/premium members will receive a goodie bag courtesy of Drs. Fosters and Smith.
Here is a list of vendors:
Diamond Raffle Sponsors
Platinum Raffle Sponsors
Gold Raffle Sponsors
WORC was founded by a group of saltwater aquarium enthusiasts in western Ohio as a way to share ideas, information and knowledge of the marine aquarium hobby. Along with an annual Frag Swap, we also hold monthly meetings.
For more information about the upcoming event , please visit worcreef.org.
Just in case you missed it, here is a summery of last week’s most popular Reef News.
A few months ago, we shot a video of a freshwater setup using the EcoPico Desktop Aquarium by Ecoxotic. Last week, we had a chance to shoot a beautiful EcoPico Ricordea Garden. Don’t forget to watch it in HD.
For aquascaping, this EcoPico setup, uses one coralline covered rock, which is slowly being taken over by a colorful selection of ricordeas and yumas. You’ll also see a neat collection of critters (extra credit for ID’ing the nudi at 1:12).
Let us know what you think, and post links to your own nanos in the comment section below.
We all know that real estate in our aquariums is a limited and valued commodity. Thrive Aquatics has released a well thought out product designed to grow out frags in small areas. The Frag Tree 360 has an 8”x8” foot print and stands 8 1/2 “ tall. The unit consists of a center post with individually attached branches holding a single frag with a maximum of 27 frags total. The configuration and design of the Frag Tree 360 allows for flow to move through the unit. A great item for the hobbyist fragger with limited tank space.
To find a store near you, click here.
