Actually, despite the name the tank clearly has a few soft corals, too.

Tanks like this are cleverer than they look. They’re not just pleasing on the eye — keeping the decoration in the middle like that effectively doubles the territory, and keeps fish out of each other’s sight.

The drilled rock has been pinned together using plastic rods. A fair bit of effort, but worth it!

Further reading:

1. Fluval Edge aquarium offers style in a box
2. Creating a coral bommie reef tank in a small cube aquarium
3. Pink Skunk clownfish spawning video

But that doesn’t mean such hopes aren’t right, that efforts are futile, or that this video isn’t worth sharing with as many people as you can, via your own reef blogs and websites:

Coral reefs and climate change, a message for Copenhagen.

Further reading:

1. Coral reefs recover from 2004 tsunami
2. Seacology’s Indonesia EcoReef project restores coral reefs with ceramic structures
3. Three new deep water reefs discovered off the coast of Florida

The highlight of the London Aquarium relaunch is new ‘Shark Walk’ over the surface of the water.

Perspex viewing windows enable you to look down on tiger, brown, zebra and nurse sharks, as well as southern stingrays, and an escape route has been built in for those who find a 4-metre long shark scarier than they expected to.

The aquarium, which employs 64 staff and is now aiming to position itself as a research and breeding centre, says that dozens more fishes have been added to the collection, which includes the world’s biggest captive shoal of cownose rays.

The Times has reviewed the new aquarium, noting that:

At £15.25 a ticket for an adult and £11.75 for kids, the spruced up London Aquarium isn’t cheap.

There is a small discount for a family of four, but you’ll easily spend quadruple that on a round of ice creams in the café. It can get crowded and the darker, smaller parts of the tour can be a bit claustrophobic, so avoid peak times.

But there’s a bountiful supply of amphibians to look at. Watching the rays being fed, listening to a shark talk and making sea life badges will keep most kids and adult fish fans amused for the best part of a day.

The revamped London Aquarium isn’t vastly different from its former self, but it remains a safe bet for an Easter outing.

The Evening Standard says the sharks justified the trip:

The £5million refit has seen several changes, most notably a glass tunnel under the tropical tank and a floating glass walkway above the sharks. And yet at first glance, not a lot seems to have changed in the depths of the former County Hall building. [...]

There are masses of educational videos and notices, but in reality it’s the shark walkway that makes it worth the £15.25 entry fee.

The aquarium was re-opened last night with a Return to Atlantis-themed launch party for 450-guests, as the management also stressed its credentials as a conference and events venue.

With London Zoo’s Biota! being built out in East London, the London Aquarium must hope its new sharks have some long-term bite.

Further reading:

1. The London Aquarium is to get a £5 million makeover
2. London Zoo Aquarium looking for qualified keepers
3. Moscow Zoo to get giant new public aquarium

The Vortech MP10 pushes 500 to 1,575 gallons per hour

Rated for tanks from 20 to 50 gallons in size, Ecotech Marine’s new Vortech MP10 propeller pump looks an excellent addition to the company’s innovative line of circulation devices.

Vortech MP10 specs

Flow: 500 to 1575 gph
Wattage: 8 to 18 watts
Maximum Tank Thickness: 3/8″
Tank range: 2.5 to 50 gal
Dimensions: Wet Side- 2.5″ by 1.5″ long; Dry Side – 2.5″ by 2″ long
Space needed behind aquarium: 2.25″

Like EcoTech’s other Vortech pumps, the nicest aspect of the MP10 is that the pump comes in two parts. The electrics and motor sits outside of the glass, with the propeller powered within the tank via magnetic induction through the tank glass.

This two-part design keeps heat transfer in the tank to a minimum, compared to other water-cooled pumps, which is especially handy for the nano-range tanks the MP10 is aimed at.

The manufacturer claims it’s safer, too.

MP10 ideal for nanos

Ecotech Marin’s president Tim Marks says:

“Minimal visual intrusion in the aquarium is essential to the nano reef enthusiast experience. The MP10, without question, offers the smallest in-tank foot print of any commercially available pump capable of pushing 1,575 gallons per hour, once again proving that size does matter.

The marketplace demanded this product so we’ve applied our expertise in developing low-profile pumps to this burgeoning segment and the early indications are people are blown away by its sleek looks, versatility and broad flow.”

The MP10 is due out in the U.S. in late Spring, priced $195.

We haven’t seen UK release details yet, but we’d expect it to sell for around £145, and to arrive around June.

For full specifications, check out Ecotech’s MP10 Propeller Pump page.

Further reading:

1. New Ecotech Marine Vortech 20 pump looks promising
2. Tunze launches new Silence pump range
3. The Warner Marine RX150 reviewed by Glassbox Design

Non-photosynthetic coldwater corals are definitely not for beginners

Photo by: Steve Weast

Blame my holiday, but I’ve only just caught up with the latest issue of Advanced Aquarist, and its article on coldwater marine aquariums.

It’s a pretty good read, particularly if you want to know more about the physics of heat and light that leads to such different coastal habitats in the chilly North compared to that enjoyed near the equator:

Due to differences in seawater density (the result of different seawater temperatures), sea level is approximately 8 cm (3 in) higher at the equator than it is at the poles. The resulting slope is sufficiently steep enough to move enormous amounts of water to the poles. Cooled, denser polar waters sink and creep back to the tropics from the deep.

Another, more complex, system of currents is driven by the planetary wind system. At the equator, moist, heated air rises and drifts toward the poles. Much of the moisture is lost by rain as the air cools en rout. At about 30° north and south, this drier, cooler, denser air sinks. It is then reheated and rehydrated, it rises again and flows to about 60° north and south were it produces yet another high-precipitation area. These much cooler winds flow into the polar regions.

There’s lots more where that came from, as well as a discussion about whether coldwater marine keeping could take up some of the demand currently exerted on tropical reefing, and what the consequences might be.

Keeping coldwater marine creatures

While the article touches on one big problem – the limited supply of livestock – there’s not much else about the practicalities of coldwater marine fishkeeping.

I’ve kept coldwater marines here in the UK, and by far the biggest problem is keeping the tank cool.

It’s often not enough to simply use a chiller, as you would with a tropical reef system. With a reef tank you’re only looking to lower the temperature a few degrees to keep it around the 24°C range, whereas with a coldwater tank you want to go much cooler for long-term success.

If you can, it’s therefore best to head underground into a cellar or basement to setup your coldwater tank. Failing, that a naturally chilly North-facing room that’s cut off from the rest of your house might work.

Once you’ve got a cool tank, use low wattage pumps like streams and try to keep heat out of the aquarium. The Ecotech pumps, which mount the hot element outside of the tank, would be ideal.

Lighting isn’t a problem traditionally for coldwater tanks, but that’s because few of us have tried to keep many seaweeds. As the Advanced Aquarist author says, a proper temperate habitat would be dominated by kelp and the like. That said, you’d probably get away with T5s or better yet cool running LEDs in shallow tanks.

Use a big tank if possible, partly because coldwater animals really like to eat, and also their oxygen requirements are higher so if you want to keep multiple fish and the like, a bigger tank is the way to go.

Filtration is best achieved using the old marine system stalwarts of undergravel filters (possibly reverse flow) and/or an external wet-dry filter.

Use a big skimmer, since your tank will generate lots of waste. I’d consider exploring an algae filter for nutrient export, though I don’t know if anyone has done that yet.

Want to know more? I looked at Jon Olav Bjørndal’s Scandanavian coldwater set-up in my great aquarium blogs post. It’s well worth checking out. Steve Weast’s coldwater system, as cited in the Advanced Aquarist text, is also an inspiring read.

Responsible note regarding coldwater corals

I know I probably bore some readers banging on about conservation, but nevertheless I have to say I hope keeping coldwater corals doesn’t take off until we understand a lot more about them, particularly their care and growth rates, and ideally propagation.

Coldwater corals are generally solitary or form far smaller colonies than their tropical brethren, require feeding with planktonic organisms, and as I understand it grow very slowly. A few experienced fishkeepers like Steve Weast developing techniques is one thing, but hordes of us suddenly donning wetsuits to plunder a limited supply would be bad news.

Besides, there’s plenty of other cool coldwater creatures to keep, including various seaweeds, molluscs, crustaceans, worms and, of course, fish!

Further reading:

1. Coldwater marine tank in Norway
2. CO2 in planted aquariums
3. Advanced Aquarist’s Online: January 2009

The Fluval Edge is clearly meant as a designer aquarium

Hagen’s new Fluval Edge aquarium is due to go on sale next week. It’s a striking design, but I’ve got a few queries about how this fish tank will perform in every day use.

The new six-gallon rimless aquarium is a nearly-sealed tank. The filter and lighting equipment are housed in special boxes above and to the back of the aquarium, and the top of the tank is covered off with glass, too.

Access to the water is via an area concealed beneath the lighting pod.

According to Hagen:

Inspired by architectural styling, the EDGE aquarium, a 23 L three-dimensional water cube, provides a unique visual effect capturing emotion and serenity within a contemporary setting.

Sealed glass top provides high definition viewing and reduces evaporation for less maintenance. Retractable halogen lighting system, suitable for aquatic plants and casts a unique shimmering effect. Removable cover for easy aquarium and filter access. Overhead ventilation grill dissipates lamp heat and avoids moisture. Powerful easy to use EDGE filter with 3 stage filtration to ensure clear water and a healthy environment.

Until the tank arrives it’s unclear how easy it will be to aquascape the tank, let alone catch fish or clean-up algae, but according to Practical Fishkeeping’s preview, special tools will be provided to help keep this unique tank looking trim:

A small range of Edge accessories is available, including specific tools to aid cleaning the aquarium, including a gravel cleaner, algae magnet and a specially shaped net “to ensure it is easy to keep the Edge in pristine condition”.

The Edge aquarium is due to arrive in the UK on April 6th priced £119.00, though I haven’t spotted any for sale online in the UK yet.

I have, however, found a U.S. online retailer, Lots of Pets, offering the tanks for $149.00.

Hagen says the tank is suitable for tropical fish like tetras and rasboras, as well as goldfish. I’d question the latter, and not only because the tank is far too small for coldwater fish with their high oxygen requirements and bigger size, but also because the tank will probably need to be crammed full of plants to keep algae down and reduce what’s likely to be painful maintenance.

It’s clearly not a marine tank out of the box, but no doubt some of the nano reef crowd will pimp the lighting and produce some special Edge tanks. Certainly the top down viewing conditions will appeal to those who love mushroom corals and ricordea, for instance.

Perhaps that sums up the trouble with these little designer tanks (I’d include the BioOrbs and other designer nanos in this bracket). They are okay for keeping a few small guppies or similar in, but the beginners who buy them are the most likely to overstock them, and the least likely to have the skills to keep them in great condition. Looking after a 40-gallon tank is easier than keeping a five-gallon tank healthy, period.

That aside, it’s nice to see Hagen responding to new developments in fishkeeping. A plain, affordable rimless pre-drilled shallow four-foot by two-foot glass tank would be my suggestion for any manufacturer looking for a hot trend to follow next.

Update 5 April 2009: I’ve spotted the Fluval Edge for sale in one UK aquatic chain in London, priced £89.99.

Further reading:

1. How to choose an aquarium heater
2. This FOWLR offers a true slice of a reef
3. Algae control in a freshwater aquarium

Captive Aquatics is Maddox’s new Texas, U.S.-based aquarium installation and care business:

The staff at Captive Aquatics have over twenty years’ combined experience in the field of aquatic science. We are experts, and are well-renowned in our field. Experience is what sets us apart: anyone can read a book about aquarium keeping, or buy a few animals and hope for the best, but we have vast amounts of experience to draw upon. This isn’t our first time to set up an aquarium: we’ve done this before, and done it well, and can do the same for you.

The company says it will cater for clients of all sizes, from those looking for an expertly set-up home aquarium to a company putting together a collecting station in the Philippines.

Further reading:

1. Zolux and Hobby unite in UK with new joint venture
2. A lovely lost nature aquarium blog
3. Leonardo joins Glassbox-Design blog

The method delivers safe, low voltage electrical currents via cables, and through seawater, to submerged metal reef structures. This causes dissolved minerals to crystallise out onto the structures as a white limestone substrate (similar to that which naturally makes up coral reefs and tropical white sand beaches), meanwhile accelerating the formation and growth of the skeletons of corals and other shell-bearing animals – at two to six times natural rates.

The structures eventually become rapidly colonised by a full range of coral reef organisms, including fish, crabs, clams, octopus, lobster and sea urchins. Species typically found in healthy reef environments are given an electrical advantage over the weedy organisms which often overgrow them in reefs stressed by humans.

According to Dr Goreau, if the current is maintained, coral reefs can often be restored in areas where water quality would prevent their recovery by any other method.

Read the full story at Science Alert.

Further reading:

1. Seacology’s Indonesia EcoReef project restores coral reefs with ceramic structures
2. New coral reef discovered off Brazil
3. Octopus squeezed into a tight spot at the Boston Aquarium

This complex freshwater system uses plants in refugiums.

Further reading:

1. Macropinna microstoma: Fish of the week
2. Video guide to setting up your first tropical fish tank
3. Amano’s nature aquarium gallery: Fish of the week

Bommies often occur in the semi-sandy, semi-rocky back reef areas known as patch reefs.

If I was setting up the larger tank my heart would love but my head resists (because I’ll very likely be moving house soon) then I’d definitely create a patch reef habitat.

One of the nicest tanks I’ve ever seen was basically a patch reef:

This patch reef tank did service as a frag nursery

(More details here)

That tank is not exactly a looker, compared to the spectacular reefs you see winning Tank of the Month over at Reef Central.

But what I love about it is it’s naturalistic:

• Loose groupings of assorted small corals
• Little stands of macroalgae
• Small amount of living rock placed directly into the sand

All these elements together evoke the No Man’s Land of a patch reef.

Here’s a real image to compare it with:

Two angelfish flit over a Caribbean patch reef

(Image from USGS)

The closest most of us come to this is if we set up a lagoonal-style aquarium, perhaps to keep LPS corals or certain soft corals.

Yet hard corals are just as well-suited to this habitat.

Certainly hard corals can grow perpendicular to a reef wall like in a typical reef tank, but if you were going to generalize you’d say they more often grow upwards from a horizontal plane, whether they be flattish table Acropora corals or massive boulders like Favia.

Forcing them to grow up and away from living rock like we often do in our aquariums isn’t exactly unnatural – coral can and does grow wherever it is able – but it’s not typical, either.

Setting up a patch reef tank

If I was setting up a patch reef aquarium, I’d want to use a six-foot or longer tank, with at least two-foot from front-to-back.

Live rock would be scattered on the surface of a sandy substrate, occasionally buried deeper into the fairly fine white sand, and rising in one or two places to form mini-bommies.

Tangs and similar fish would have an unusual amount of space to range over the rock and coral, since their movement would be unimpeded by the structures of a typical reef aquarium.

It would also be fairly easy to create currents in such a tank, again due to the lack of rock walls.

Unfortunately for me (but not for you, if you feel inspired and have a spare six-foot aquarium) I think it’d be a mistake to set up a large tank with a deep sandbed when I’m very likely to have to move house soon.

Could I create a patch reef effect in a smaller aquarium?

I’m not sure.

There are some nice examples of sand-based nanos floating around the Internet, such as the little 20-gallon tank below which I think is lovely:

This stunning nano is on the line between patch reef and grotto.

(Full details here).

While the tiny Zoanthids and other corals scattered across the sandy bed evoke a messy patch reef habitat, there’s no doubt this little nano gets at least as much of its impact from the rocky wall towards the back of the tank (as well as the clever lighting).

I do think the undulating substrate and the choice of small specimens suggests it’s not impossible to create the illusion of a patch reef in a small tank.

But there’s a clear risk of it looking like a holding tank at your local fish store, if you lack the artistic vision of that reefer.

Possible inhabitants of a nano patch reef

Corals and sessile invertebrates

Almost any corals could be appropriate in a patch reef tank, since patch reefs frequently play home to all kinds of juvenile sessile invertebrates.

It’s through establishing a foothold in such places and putting down layers of growth that corals eventually build new reef areas.

In practical terms for our nano aquarium, smaller soft corals and hardier, more encrusting hard corals, as well as frags of LPS would be best.

Anything that grows big or quickly will soon throw the tank out of scale.

Appropriate fish species

Fish choice would unfortunately be limited by the size of the nano tank.

In particular the tangs, surgeonfish, butterflies, parrotfish and larger angels that would benefit so much from the open space of a patch reef aquarium would be completely ruled out on size grounds.

Equally, many of the fish that are best suited to life in smaller aquaria also feel most at home in dense rocky environments – they don’t wander far, which is what makes them suitable for small tanks, but they also like a complicated territory to feel secure.

Small Centropyge angels are one species that would not be suitable for this reason.

The best choice might be one or two small gobies, and perhaps a few Chromis damsels.

Neither fish will add much ecologically to the tank – they won’t graze algae, for instance – but they will fulfil an aesthetic function.

Other invertebrates

Reef snails like Astrea would be definite additions to the tank. I’d probably add a small hermit or two, for all their foibles.

Plant life

Although not a full-on lagoonal habitat, patch reefs often feature stands of macro algae, and I’d look to include some slower-growing types in any patch reef habitat.

Environmental factors and equipment

The environmental requirements and equipment needed would be very similar to that detailed for the coral bommie aquarium earlier, so refer back to that post for more information.

Bommies are often located in patch reefs.

In terms of flow, you could probably get away with less powerful pumps, especially while the tank was relatively young, as there would be a very clear run for the water without coral or rock structures to push back.

A sandbed is surely a must for a patch reef tank, not least for aesthetics, which will present some constraints to the current, also.

In terms of lighting the patch reef, a longer shallow tank could use less intensive lighting.

T5s would do the trick in sufficient numbers. For a nano tank patch reef, I’d even consider trying out LED strips.

There are many ways to filter such a tank, but again there would be no need to do anything very different from the bommie nano tank.

Using algae / mud-based filtration and encouraging an extensive sandbed fauna would be an option, but it wouldn’t be as compelling as if you were creating a lagoonal habitat with eelgrass, mangroves, filter-feeders and seahorses, say.

Final thoughts on the nano patch reef

I’m not finding this idea as compelling as the nano bommie tank.

I’d love to set up a long, flat and shallow tank without live rock walls, but as I said above I’d hope to enjoy algae-eating herbivores such as tangs gliding above it.

In a nano tank, the sense of scale would be lost, while the growth of most specimens would soon give the appearance more of a grotto.

I think a 48×18x18” tank is the minimum size to attempt a patch reef habitat, and ideally it’d be a couple of feet longer.

For me, that must wait until I’m in a more permanent home, but please let me know if you’ve taken this biotype further in the comments below!

Further reading:

1. Creating a coral bommie reef tank in a small cube aquarium
2. Nano reef tanks to die for every month
3. Setting up a reef tank