The New Reef Aquarium:Setup, Care and Compatiblity

There are few things more relaxing than watching a living reef aquarium filled with bright, exotic, colorful fish. Your eyes are soon transfixed on the breath-taking corals with their mind-blowing colors and endless shapes. Having your own living reef is the ultimate hobby and a spectacular achievement.

To create a thriving living reef takes the right equipment, knowledge, compatible livestock and routine care. Over 25 years of working with reefs I have discovered many hidden secrets and have finally created a blue print to help you build your own amazing living reef aquarium! My book is packed with pictures to guide you through each step in creating, stocking and caring for your reef. To get you started, you will learn what essential equipment is needed. I explain the details clearly, and in laymen terms, so that everyone can immediately grasp the content.

You will learn that the foundation of a reef aquarium is live rock, just like is found in the ocean reefs. As its name suggests, live rock is rock with living organisms including animals, plants, algae, bacteria, etc. attached to and growing in and on it. We stack live rock in aquarium reefs to create caves and crevices which, besides being aesthetically pleasing, give fish and invertebrates hiding places so that they can feel secure. Shelves are built into the rockwork at varying depths to place corals upon. You will soon learn the hidden techniques to creating your own rockwork masterpiece. Read More Here…

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Why Are Tank-Raised Saltwater Fish a Great Choice?

Entrepreneurial saltwater fish hobbyists have spent years developing techniques, testing and perfecting the science of growing beautiful, hardy, colorful fish on fish farms right here in the United States! Captive-raised or tank-raised saltwater fish often cost a few dollars more than their wild-caught counterparts do, but they are worth every penny; these fish have avoided the stress of capture, rough handling and long shipping routes.  With the same vivid colors as fish found on a reef, tank-raised fish are significantly healthier and hardier – and they readily eat a variety of prepared fish foods!

One of the largest farms is Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums (ORA) is located in Florida. At ORA, they breed over 85 different species of marine fish.  The most popular are clownfish available in many different designer styles. 

One of ORA’s recent breeding successes is the Mandarin goby also called Mandarin Dragonets. Read More Here…

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Easiest Way to Feed Frozen Fish Foods

Feeding frozen fish food can be a hassle.  If you are like most people, you go to the freezer, pop out a few cubes or break off a section of frozen fish food; you place the food on a lid or a plate and go check FaceBook, watch TV or get involved in some work as you wait for it to thaw.  After a considerable amount of time – maybe even the next day – you remember, “Oh, NO!”  You find thawed, foul-smelling food on the counter or, you wonder why you have an aquarium full of skinny fish!  

Thus begs the question: can you simply feed the fish frozen food?  Many years ago, I attended a Fish Health Management course at the University of Georgia by Dr. Gratzek.  He took frozen food from the freezer and dropped it directly into his saltwater fish aquarium.  He claimed it did not make any difference whether the food was frozen or thawed. 

To be honest, most people have fed their fish frozen or partially thawed food at least some of the time.   This happens when we either are in a hurry or remember right at bedtime.  I know I would not be thrilled to eat steak and vegetables in their frozen form!  It still seems logical that the best and least stressful way to feed our finned friends is to let their food thaw before dropping it in the tank!

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You Can Create A Stunning Saltwater Aquarium, Volume 2: Care, Maintenance and Fish Compatibility

Volume 2 just released  is now available in the Kindle book store and its called You Can Create A Stunning Saltwater Aquarium, Volume 2:  Care, Maintenance and Fish Compatibility

This guide takes you through each step, breaking down the technical concepts to easy to understand non-technical language. As you follow each step of the guide, you will build a strong foundation. Your journey begins with The Nitrogen Cycle and water quality. The proven system in this book takes you through selecting hardy fish, groups of fish that are compatible with each other, the ins and outs of a quarantine aquarium, and even the safest way to introduce fish into your aquarium. When you have completed these sections, you will feel confident to know which fish will thrive together.

You will discover what really keeps these magnificent creatures alive and content for years, expert techniques to feeding and caring for your aquarium. Follow the same procedures as the pros and you will have same amazing results.

We know that watching fish swim can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Begin your own remarkable aquatic journey armed with knowledge, accurate information and you will be well on your way to a very successful and rewarding adventure.  To see more information click here https://www.amazon.com/author/laurrenschmoyer

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You Can Create A Stunning Saltwater Aquarium, Volume 1:Simple Step-By-Step Setup Guide

I just released a new Kindle Book: You Can Create A Stunning Saltwater Aquarium, Volume 1:Simple Step-By-Step Setup Guide

This guide discusses two different approaches to setting up your aquarium. The current trend is to setup new saltwater aquariums using live rock. The previous traditional method is to decorate with dead corals or synthetic decorations. Both practices have their advantages and this guide takes you through a step-by-step process to assembling the saltwater aquarium of your dreams, whichever method you decide! 

You will learn the answers to such questions as, “What is live rock?” “Where does it come from?” “What are the benefits of using live rock to decorate an aquarium?” 

Learn about the art to stacking live rock so that it creates underwater scenes which mimic ocean reefs. This book teaches you how the pros choose pieces of live rock and how to place and anchor these pieces. You will be able to replicate reef walls with large and small caverns through which fish can swim. You will discover secret techniques of this highly sought-after art.

This guide will also help you choose a proper filtration system and all the necessary equipment needed to create an amazing saltwater aquarium. Each step is broken down and the guide is packed with tips and photos.

Following this guide builds a strong foundation of saltwater knowledge, ensuring a fun and fulfilling fishkeeping future. All it takes is the right equipment and expert advice to keep fish healthy and thriving in an aquarium.  To check out this inexpensive guide click here https://www.amazon.com/author/laurrenschmoyer

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How To Clean Your Hydrometer For Accurate Readings

Water will evaporate from your aquarium and need to be replaced on a regular basis.  When adding replacement water only use prefiltered water i.e. reverse osmosis (RO) water or conditioned freshwater.  Salt in the water does not evaporate.  It is a good idea to check your specific gravity with a hydrometer every so often to ensure the salt content is at the desired level.  If the water has a low specific gravity ( the amount of salt in the water) instead of adding freshwater to top off your aquarium, add premix saltwater to raise the salt content.

Most hobbyist use plastic hydrometer with the swing arms which give an accurate reading on specific gravity.  But many hobbyist neglect to clean them.  The pointer or swing arm will accumulate deposits over time. Rinse the hydrometer in freshwater after each use.  For a thorough cleaning soak the entire hydrometer in vinegar (mild acid)  for about 30 mins. and rinse.  This will keep your hydrometer giving you an accurate reading for years.

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There is A New Live Rock In Town

Live rock is used to create stunning reef aquariums as well as to create a natural environment for saltwater fish only aquariums. As its name suggests live rock is rock with living organisms (animals, plants, algae, bacteria, etc.) attached to and growing on and in it.

In the past live rock was mainly collected from the ocean. Now we have new choice created by FHI Farms called Real Reef live rock. This manmade rock looks realistic and is available in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is made from calcium carbonate rock which gives the ability to buffer the water.

Once the rock is made it is placed in grow out tanks to bring it to life. In these tanks the good bacteria grows on the surface of the rock as well as coralline algae. Coralline algae give the rock a nice purple color. The picture shows a 150 gallon aquarium just set with “Real Reef” rock.

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Expert’s Guide To Saltwater Aquariums Just Got Revised and Expanded!

The original guide was great for the beginner setting up a saltwater aquarium, but I had tons of requests for information on what to do once the aquarium was set up and filled with fish. So I took their advice and now the guide is a whopping 291 pages!

It is now stuffed with even more information, tips, advice and pictures! The guide still has color pictures and advice to take you step by step to setting up a saltwater aquarium. Now it is even better with lots of advice and techniques for established aquariums. Just check out some of the new chapters from my revised Expert’s Guide To Saltwater Aquariums:

Fish Compatibility – One of the Biggest challenges saltwater customers face is knowing which fish live together.  No more!  This updated guide gives lists of compatible fish for a range of aquarium sizes. 

Artificial Decoration or Live Rock –  a new section comparing the two most popular ways to set up a saltwater aquarium – artificial decorations verses live rock

Using Purified Water – Explains the benefits and disadvantages of the different types of water Read More Here…

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Two Great Books On Marine and Reef Fish

With all the available books on keeping saltwater fish and reef aquariums, I want to share with you a couple of my favorites that can help you choose the right fish for your aquarium.

Scott W. Michael has written a number of books entirely on saltwater fish. In his collection there are two great, inexpensive reference books. Hobbyists would be wise to keep a copy of one or both on hand. A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species and A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes: 500+ Essential-to-Know Species are quick reference guides on particular species of fish. Their compact size allows them to be carried to fish stores where you can look up fish you are thinking about purchasing. You will quickly discover if a fish is right for your aquarium. Both books have more than 500 color photos. Scott includes scientific and common names, maximum length, range, minimum aquarium size, foods & feeding, aquarium suitability index, reef aquarium Read More Here…

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How To Set Up A Saltwater Aquarium With Live Rock

Saltwater fish keeping is a great hobby and entertaining. Starting out with the correct equipment and information is essential to ensure your success.

1. Choose Your Aquarium – Start with an aquarium of at least 29 gallons. The larger the aquarium the more stable the environment.
2. Placing The Aquarium – Choose a location that is out of direct sunlight and away from heating or cooling ducts as well as doorways leading to the outside. Make certain you have an electrical outlet near the aquarium. Finally, choose a room where you spend a lot of time and where you can sit down and enjoy your aquarium.
3. Leveling Your Aquarium – Use a beam level to level your aquarium. Use shims under the stand at floor level. Once shims are placed under the stand and the tank reads level you are ready to begin filling your aquarium.
4. Preparing The Aquarium – Using a soft cloth or damp paper towel, wipe down the inside of the aquarium to remove dirt and dust. NEVER use soap or household cleaning agents in or on your aquarium. Read More Here…

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