Thursday, November 25, 2010

Ecoxotic PAR38 LED: Aqua Buys Reviews


The new PAR38 LED lamps from Ecoxotic offer high light levels with low power consumption at only 21 watts. These lights are perfect for nano reef tanks to larger reef aquarium systems and install in any standard socket . I have tested one of the 12K version PAR38 lamps over a 12g Aquapod and am impressed with the results.
  • Size 5.25”L x 4.75” Dia
  • 40 Degree Optics
  • 3 - Cree Day White 6500K LED's
  • 2 - Cree 455nm Royal Blue LED's
  • LED’s last up to 50,000 hours
  • Fits standard E26/E27 Sockets
Light testing was done with an Apogee Instruments Quantum Meter. With the PAR38 lamp mounted about 12" above the tank the LED produced over 200 PPFD at 20" down! 415 PPFD at the top of the aquarium. This is a nice level of light for only 21 watts and is effective for about 10-12" square. At only $114 the Ecoxotic PAR38 LED offers a big bang making LED lighting more attractive to aquarium hobbyists. Photos courtesy of samsreef.com.


Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Aiptasia-X Anemone Remedy: Aqua Buys Reviews

Since having an issue with Aiptasia anemones in my reef tank I have tried various methods to get rid of them. The most effective so far has been the direct treatment with Aiptasia-X from Red Sea. This liquid product seems to be more effective at eliminating these pests than other things I have tried including Peppermint Shrimp. It is also easier to apply than some of the paste style remedies.

During treatment the anemones do not withdraw and instead seem to want to ingest this stuff. Hmm? Anemone crack?

I give Aiptasia-X a thumbs up as an effective treatment to rid your aquarium of the pest Aiptasia anemone. Take your time and read the instructions. This stuff seems safe but it is important that you:
  • Halt all of the flow in your tank during treatment
  • Use fresh activated carbon after treatment
  • Do not treat more than the recommended amount in one day
Check out this video for more information on treating your reef aquarium for Aiptasia anemones:

Friday, April 3, 2009

Current USA Solana XL 60 Gallon Aquarium System

The Solana XL 60 is the newest aquarium system from Current USA. The system includes just about everything you need to get started - Aquarium, stand, sump, lighting system and more!

This is a true reef ready tank with a built in overflow. The front and sides are high clarity, low iron glass making the viewing panes ultra clear. The frame on the top of the tank is removable allowing you to set up the system as an open top or you can use the frame as a full cover.

The stand is a unique design with ventilation holes for a chiller and a small light inside to help you see under the stand. The included sump has a filter sock assembly and plenty of room for accessories.

The Sunpod 250w 14k HQI light system is also included making this system great for reef aquarium hobbyists. The hanging arm assembly allows the light to be suspended without having to put holes in your ceiling.

We have more details and pricing on the Solana XL 60 on the Aqua Buys website.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Oceanic BioCube Aquarium Nano Reef System

The BioCube has turned out to be one of more popular all-in-one nano reef systems. Oceanic has taken the time to produce the BioCube Protein Skimmer that fits the 14g BioCube and the 29g BioCube. This is a reef ready nano style aquarium with a good selection of accesories.

The stand has a sleek design and makes the whole setup look good in any setting. The 14g would even work as a dorm nano reef! All the different size BioCube Aquariums and accessories are available on our websit at Aquabuys.com.

More pics showing the built-in filtration, power compact lighting system, cooling fans, LED moon glow night lights...



Red Sea Max 130D new design 34g nano reef

Stop worrying about equipment selection and start enjoying your reef aquarium. The newly redesigned Red Sea Max 130D 34g aquarium is ready to go!

With the dizzying array of aquarium equipment available today it is sometimes difficult to make decisions on components for a complete working reef aquarium system. When I was planning my first nano reef aquarium I know I spent many hours looking at lighting, pumps, protein skimmers, cooling options and other supplies I thought I might need. I did end up with a decent aquarium but had to re-buy certain items that did not match up well with the rest of the system.

If you are considering a coral reef aquarium, you should ensure it achieves three basic criteria, in order for your corals and other inhabitants to thrive. Remember, it is often difficult to upgrade an aquarium, so consider this factor also when making your choice:

  • Coral Reef Spec Lighting
  • Coral Reef Spec Filtration
  • Coral Reef Spec Circulation

Check out the bonus starter kit and free USA shipping on the Red Sea Max 130D 34g aquarium system at Aqua Buys.


Tuesday, September 23, 2008

NeoZeo Method from Brightwell Aquatics



Brightwell Aquatics has released their new NeoZeo Media and also an 18 page manual describing the complete NeoZeo method for reef tanks. This method includes dosing probiotics (microbes and a carbon source) as well as the use of a Zeolite media in a reactor or canister filter. The method also covers dosing schedules with certain supplements that are known to encourage great coral coloration and increase the health of reef aquaria.

The NeoZeo manual is nicely written and breaks the method into logical categories of nutrient limitation and then nutrient supplementation. This basically works to limit the bad nutrients and then add all the good stuff for the corals and other reef animals.

Nutrient supplementation is also broken down into inorganic supplementation and organic supplementation. This helps to distinguish between adding major elements and feeding. This section of the manual covers dosing the very important potassium and also the addition of amino acids. Both of these supplements have improved coloration in my sps aquarium and I am looking forward to trying the full method.

Check out Aqua Buys selection of Brightwell Aquatics supplements, filter media and foods.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

ReefKeeper Elite from Digital Aquatics

Digital Aquatics has announced the newest in their line of aquarium controllers - the ReefKeeper Elite. Only a few details on the units have been released. The Elite set is basically modular with separate components for power control and parameter measurement. You can add several of these modules to control lots of aquarium equipment and even multiple aquariums.The top picture is the PC4 power module, the center is the ReefKeeper Elite main controller and bottom is the SL-1 parameter unit (ORP, pH, Temp, two switch connections and bus channels!). We have the popular ReefKeeper 2 unit available now and will have the new ReefKeeper Elite (Suggested Retail around $500?) in stock as soon as they are released to the market (Spring 2008?). I will post more details as they become available but here is a sneak peak for now.

Check Digital Aquatics website for more details on the ReefKeeper Elite. This looks like it will be a great aquarium controller!