TB Aquatics is you’re source for all the leds that are currently in short supply.
Also have Maxspect Mazzara.
We also will be one of the first to have the Ecotech Radion.
Archive for Cool Stuff
Hanna checkers have you covered
Hanna has added a calcium checker to their lineup.
Now you can test alkalinity, phosphate, nitrate, calcium and phosphate with these accurate affordable checkers.
http://www.tbaquatics.com/manufacturers/hanna-instruments-16/
The bio plastic phenomenon
Over the past six months bio plastics as a medium to house bacteria that reduce nitrates and phosphates has taken off. Currently there are two main manufacturers of the plastic. So even though there are countless brands out there, in reality most if not all the product are from one of these two manufacturers.
Based on our research and results of our customers, these products work well as long as you follow directions, start out with smaller amounts than recommended on the packaging and ramp up and use a slower flow rate to prevent three bacteria from entering the water column.
We carry two brands one of each of the plastic from the main manufacturers. The Warner Marine outsells the npx slightly but both work well. The Next Reef reactor is the only reactor we recommend. It is well constructed and US made.
Huge Sale on Coral Fragging Tools
15-25% or more off coral propagation tools.
Limited to stock on hand.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get stainless steel coral propagation tools at an amazing price.
http://www.tbaquatics.com/shop/specials/
Combating Hair Algae
Being a hobbyist first, like everyone else I have battled hair algae. Here’s how I am winning the battle.
First and foremost, ensure your water parameters are in check:
Nitrates as low as possible, at worst 30-40, lower is better
Low Phosphate – should be 0 and even so a kit says 0 you probably have some
Alk – 8-10 dkh
Calcium 400+
Magnesium 1300
For testing we recommend Elos Test Kits. If you really want to know your phosphate level, there are Hanna and Milwaukee Photometers.
If you need to lower phosphate, GFO works wonders.
For maintaining your Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium 3 part kits work great.
Next you need to make sure your bulbs are quality and not too old resulting in shifted spectrum. For T5s we like ATI, Geissman, UVL, GE and KZ. They should be replaced every 6 months or so.
For Metal Halide we like EVC, Phoenix and Radium. These should be changed every year or so.
The third part of our hair algae control recipe is good flow. This makes a huge difference. Keeping detrius in the water column so it can be filtered out rather than having it settle on the rocks helps a ton. We love our Ecotech Vortech’s. On my own tank, this made the biggest difference in controlling hair algae.
A good protein skimmer like ATB, Eshopps, Precision Marine, Bubble Magus is a requirement.
Finally is just good maintenance. Change water regularly and remove any algae you can grab by hand. Before long your algae will be under control.