Reef Ramblings

Announcing two new foods for the discerning reefkeeper.

Midland Reefs has just added two new foods to its Reef Scientific range, extending the available range of copepods, RS Frozen Pod-Mix fish & corals and RS Frozen Pod-Mix corals & fish

• RS Frozen Pod-Mix fish & corals, a 700 micron sized copepod mix suitable for most reef fishes and for LPS corals. Roughly equivalent in size to CyclopEeze.

• RS Frozen Pod-Mix corals & fish, a copepod mix containing ‘pods sized from 500 – 700 microns, suitable for feeding finicky corals such as Sea Fans and Gorgonians, Goniopora, and SPS corals, along with smaller reef fishes such as Dragonets or Mandarinfishes. Especially useful for use with fish breeding projects to feed early post larval juveniles, roughly equivalent in size to 2 day old enriched artemia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Natural Diet.

The Reef Scientific range of frozen copepods is the nearest thing currently available to the natural diet of the majority of the fishes in the reefkeeping hobby.

Fishes in the hobby tend to be smaller species, say less than 20 cms adult size, with diets mainly comprising copepods along with other small prey items such as fish eggs, fish larva, invertebrate larvae, faeces, etc.

To learn more about copepods and their role in the food chain see: Copepods for the Reef Aquarium. Part 1.

Reef Scientific frozen Calanoid Copepods – The highest quality frozen natural marine zooplankton available anywhere!

High Nutritional Value – High in protein, in omega3, Phospholipids, DHA & EPA, and Astaxanthin.

This range of marine zooplankton is rich in phospholipids, essential fatty acids and proteins along with the caratanoid Astaxanthin. The fatty acid, DHA, is only produced in marine algae and is accumulated in zooplankton as they graze in a process of natural enrichment.

Non-polluting! 100% clean. Needs no pre-rinsing before use. The product is pasteurized for bio-security and sealed, using natural components from crustaceans, minimizing nutrient leakage in the reef aquarium. Can be thawed and kept in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.

Suitable for all saltwater and freshwater fish, corals, and crustaceans.

A number of different species are present in each sizing, providing a rich variety of different nutritional profiles; species include: Temora longicornis, Acartia clausi and Centropages hamatus, Pseudocalanus spp., Paracalanus spp., Microcalanus spp. and early copepodites of C. finmarchicus

Breeding

The smaller-size food particles have a documented positive effect on fish and crustacean larvae.

In co-feeding experiments, clownfish have shown 100% higher growth compared to a diet solely with enriched rotifers and artemia. Survival has increased by 50%.

Dr. Ike Olivotto at the university of Ancona, Italy, has published a paper showing this food to be superior to live feeds such as rotifers and artemia. His research involved comparing two groups of clownfish larvae, one group fed a standard rotifer/Artemia nauplii, diet, the other fed a combination of rotifers/copepod nauplii and Artemia nauplii/copepodites-copepods.

His research showed 100% higher weight along with 30% length increase in clownfishes 10 days post hatching, compared to fish given a diet consisting of enriched rotifers and Artemia. 15 days post hatching, larvae fed with the copepod enhanced diet had a 62% survival rate compared to larvae fed a conventional rotifer/Artemia nauplii diet with a 41% survival rate.

We have used these foods to great success, here at Midland Reefs, raising healthy, well-pigmented, clownfishes, on a diet consisting of rotifers and copepods, whilst completely excluding artemia.

Tim Hayes

Midland Reefs

©2012

Reef Fishes of the East Indies is a 3-volume set of books written and compiled by Gerald R Allen & Mark V. Erdmann.

Weighing in at just over 6.5 kg, Reef Fishes of the East Indies represents a mammoth undertaking. Comprising three hardbound volumes, packed together in a slipcase (10 cms in width!), this fantastic work covers the fishes of the ‘Coral Triangle’ in 1292 pages and 3,600 high quality colour photographs, many never before seen in print.

Embracing an area extending from the Andaman Sea to the Solomon Islands this is the only reference work to cover every known reef fish, making it the most comprehensive treatment of the region in a century. The East Indies encompasses a vast array of marine habitats and an unsurpassed marine biological diversity. Home to approximately 2,600 species of reef fishes occurring on coral reefs and nearby habitats the ‘Coral Triangle’ forms the basis of the reef aquarium hobby. The reef and related marine ecosystems of the region are the most bio diverse and economically valuable on the planet whilst, at the same time, amongst the most at risk with over 80% of its coral reefs being considered endangered.

The text provides up to date information on the classification, habitat, and distributional range of each species as well as an overall synopsis for each of the 120 families covered. Volume one includes descriptions of the regions that make up the East Indies along with a discussion of the zoogeography i.e. the geographic distribution of the species of the area. All useful information for the reef keeper aiming to put together a biotope aquarium.

Many of the featured species have not been previously recorded from the region, nor have their photographs appeared in print. Reef Fishes of the East Indies features the 2,631 known reef fishes of the ‘Coral Triangle’, including 25 species new to science.

To see samples of some of the photography, go to the Guardian, environment section.

Reef Fishes of the East Indies is an essential reference for advanced reef keepers, professional aquarists, biologists, naturalists, and scuba divers.   The book has been written to engender an appreciation of the region’s amazing biodiversity and the urgent need to conserve it for the benefit of future generations.

The book represents a milestone in the prolific careers of two dedicated marine biologists, Dr. Gerald R. Allen and Dr. Mark V. Erdmann, who have spent a combined total in excess of 60 years exploring and describing the fishes in the ‘heart’ of marine fish biodiversity.

Gerald R. Allen served as Senior Curator of Fishes at the Western Australian Museum in Perth and is an international authority on the classification of coral reef fishes. Since leaving the Museum in 1997, he has worked as a private consultant, primarily involved with coral reef fish surveys in Southeast Asia for Conservation International.

Mark V. Erdmann is senior advisor for Conservation International–Indonesia’s marine program, with a primary focus on managing CI’s marine conservation initiatives in the Bird’s Head Seascape in West Papua.

Published by Conservation International.

Available to special order from Midland Reefs (delivery 3 – 5 days). Price for the three-volume set is £ 204.99 including post and packing

For more about Gerald Allen, see Alert Diver Online, ‘A Magnum Opus of Tropical Reefs’

Tim Hayes

Midland Reefs

©2012

Since its launch in 2005 the magazine Amazonas, edited by Hans-Georg Evers, has been widely considered to be one of the finest aquarium hobby publications in the world.  Up until now it has only been published in German. This year, 2012, sees the launch of the long-awaited English version with Volume 1, Issue 1, dated January/February 2012.

Amazonas issue 1, January/February 2012.

It’s fair to say that no better publication currently exists for dedicated freshwater hobbyists. Each issue featuring cutting-edge articles on fishes, invertebrates, aquatic plants, field trips to tropical destinations plus the latest in husbandry and breeding breakthroughs by expert aquarists, all accompanied by excellent photography throughout.

From the publishers of Coral magazine, this is a freshwater-only magazine with the same excitement and cover-to-cover excellence as Coral. Richly illustrated with high quality colour images and packed with in-depth articles by renowned authors, Amazonas appears every two months.

Coverage includes: new species, new ideas, new expert accounts on keeping and breeding freshwater fishes and invertebrates, planted tank aquascaping, travel to tropical source countries, visits to the fish rooms of legendary home aquarists and breeders, aquarium practice, biological background reports, aquarium technology and chemistry, interviews and much more. All printed on high-quality, sustainably harvested papers and non-toxic, soy-based inks.

The name ‘Amazonas’ is derived from the native Portuguese and Spanish name for the Rio Amazonas, the river that the Western world calls the Amazon.

I have a pre-publication sample issue and have to say that it lives up to the reputation of Coral magazine with amazing photography and in depth articles of a quality not seen elsewhere. If you are a serious fish keeper and value information, rather than the same old aquarium magazine content, you will not be disappointed.

Following the lead of Coral, the cover subject is dealt with in detail through extensive photo-reportage, accompanied by several in-depth accompanying articles.

As with the early issues of Coral, this first issue of Amazonas is sure to become a collector’s item.

See Midland Reefs: Amazonas

Retailers, if you are interested in stocking Amazonas, please contact us at Midland Reefs.

Tim Hayes, Midland Reefs, January 2012.

What is so special about the Miracle Mud?

Miracle Mud is 80% oceanic mud, harvested in a certain region at a certain depth, 20% trade secret when processed we blend minerals and trace elements that is time released into the water column. Therefore it is not necessary to add any chemicals or additives to balance the water chemistry.

How often should I do a 50% mud change?

New Ecosystems can run for two years before a mud change is required. After this initial two-year period, a 50% mud change is needed each year thereafter.

Why do I need to do a 50% mud change?

A 50% mud change is necessary to replenish the essential trace elements that are consumed by the animals.

How to prepare for a mud change.

Premixed saltwater prepared 24 hours ahead of time (all volumes approximate), 2410 use 38 litres, 3012 use 56 litres, 3612 use 76 litres, 3616 use 95 litres. – Wide flat spatula or spoon – Siphon hose (minimum of 3/4″ inch in diameter) (pump optional) – (1 – 2) 25 litre bucket(s) – A few towels (for clean up) – Replacement Miracle Mud (50% of total amount needed for sump/filter) 2410 use 2.25 kg, 3012 use 4.5 kg, 3612 use 6.75 kg, 3616 use 9 kg.

How to perform a 50% mud change?

1.     Unplug the lights and pumps in the sump/filter area. Allow the water to backflow into the sump/filter.

2.     Siphon the loose detritus off the top of the entire Chamber 2/mud-bed with the siphon hose (you might remove a little mud during this process – which is acceptable).

3.     Remove as much water as possible from Chamber 2/mud-bed area.

4.     At this point, divide Chamber 2/mud-bed into 2 halves (left and right). Decide which half you will replace. Leave other side untouched until next year.

5.     Remove the algae/plants from the half that you have decided to replace. Lay the plants on top of the other mud section for now.

6.     Remove the mud with the spatula/spoon and discard the used mud.

7.     Pour replacement mud into the filter and level off with your hand.

8.     Lay the empty miracle mud bag over the top of the mud-bed and slowly pour the new premixed saltwater on top of the bag until the water level is 1 inch over the mud-bed (using the bag prevents disruption of the mud-bed when water is poured over it).

9.     After a few minutes, carefully remove the bag and replant the algae/plants into the new mud-bed.

10.  Again, lay the empty miracle mud bag on top of the algae bed and fill Chamber 2/mud-bed with water to the top of Chamber 3’s overflow wall.

11.  Carefully remove plastic bag.

12.  Remove floating debris from mud-bed chamber.

13.  Allow system to settle for 1 hour.

14.  Start system up (lights and pumps)

Do I need to inoculate the mud-bed with sea critters?

No. This will happen within 4 – 6 weeks.

What kind of Caulerpa/Plant do I need for my sump????

The function of Caulerpa is to create photosynthesis, which will oxygenate the water, and also fixation of nutrients for example Nitrates and Phosphates into plant biomass. Therefore it is important to keep the Caulerpa trimmed, which will help remove excess nutrients. To answer the question, any type of Caulerpa will achieve the goal.

Do I need Caulerpa Plants in my EcoSystem????

Caulerpa plants are beneficial but not absolutely necessary. Your EcoSystem will perform at an optimum level with Caulerpa Plants. Without Caulerpa Plants you can expect to see some Hair Algae in the main tank. This can be overcome by introducing algae grazing fish, crabs and snails. All the benefits from the Miracle Mud will still exist.

Trimming the Caulerpa. When and how often??????

Caulerpa should be trimmed or thinned as needed by utilizing scissors to cut away thick growth at the surface allowing light to penetrate the base. Do not pull Caulerpa holdfasts (root-like structures) from mud-bed.

What species of Caulerpa are best?

There is no one species better than another.

Can I use multiple species of Caulerpa?

Yes. Although it is likely that a single species will end up out competing the others.

Can I use Seagrass in the mud-bed chamber?

Yes.

Can I use Chaetomorpha in the mud-bed chamber?

Yes.

Can I plant a mangrove in the mud-bed?

Yes.

Where do I get Caulerpa????

If your local dealer has an EcoSystem display, they should be harvesting Caulerpa on a regular basis. If they do not have a display, they should have a number of contacts in your area.

Will the EcoSystem mud filter work without algae or plants?

Yes.

Can I have substrate in the main tank?

Yes, keep it under 1″ deep.

How much Live Sand or Crushed Coral do I put into my Main Tank????

In an Ecosystem tank the purpose of the substrate is for decoration only!!!! The substrate does not contribute to the filtration of the system. Our experiments indicate a base of 1″ or more could become a nutrient sink and could produce an undesired effect. The Nitrites and Phosphates will become high, an Algae Bloom could occur, and maybe Hydrogen Sulphide Gas. We recommend the substrate in the main tank be limited to 3/8″ or less. We also recommend siphoning the substrate to remove detritus and regular water changes.

How often should I do water changes in an EcoSystem filtered tank?

1. Generally 5% – 10% per month (Marine of Freshwater)
2. The purpose for water changes in an EcoSystem filtered tank is to remove detritus from the main tank and substrate. First turn off all your pumps. Using a small power head or turkey baster blow detritus off all rockwork, allow debris to settle on substrate for around a half hour before syphoning off. Replace all siphoned water and restart your system. Fish only tanks should be done bi-weekly basis.

How often should I feed the fish?

As often as you eat!!!! Two to three times daily.

What Freshwater plants can I use in the mud?

Any kind of easy fast growing aquatic plants.

Should the lights be left on 24/7 over the mud?

Yes, Marine and Freshwater.

How often should I change the lights on my filter?

Once a year.

Do I need Carbon in an EcoSystem filtered tank?

No.

Can I use Carbon on an EcoSystem filtered tank?

Yes, carbon should only be used as a polisher after water change.

Is the EcoSystem method a modified algae scrubber?

No.

What elements should I be testing for in my reef tank?

Calcium and dKH/ALK

Calcium should be between 350 – 450ppm

dKH / Alkalinity should be between 7 – 10 dKH (2.5 – 3.5 meq/L)

Can the Ecosystem sumps handle overflow water in the event of power failure?

Yes. Be sure to use the recommended sump size:

150 – 227 Litres   System 2410	265 – 360 Litres   System 3012	380 -  511 Litres   System 3612
530 – 908 Litres   System 3616	946 – 1892 Litres   System 4822	1892 -  3785 Litres   System 7222

Can I use a pre filter on an EcoSystem filtered tank?

Yes. Must be cleaned weekly.

Can I use a UV Sterilizer with an EcoSystem Filter?

Yes.

Do I turn off my pump to feed my fish???

No!!! Not necessary.

Can I put a heater in the EcoSystem Sump????

Yes!!! We recommend you place it in chamber number one, please do not place it in chamber number two with the Miracle Mud and the live plants, the algae will grow on the heater and could kill the plants.

Can I use a calcium reactor in an EcoSystem mud filtered tank?

Yes.

Note: some dimensions may be subject to review for UK.

 

Leng Sy

EcoSystem Aquarium

 

Editor

Tim Hayes

EcoSystem aquarium UK

©2011

Miracle Mud from EcoSystem Aquarium is now available exclusively through EcoSystem Aquarium UK, a partnership between Midland Reefs and EcoSystem Aquarium US, formed to distribute the EcoSystem Aquarium / Miracle Mud range in the UK.

With the world famous EcoSystem Miracle Mud Method, keeping marine aquariums or reef aquariums is SUCCESS MADE SIMPLE!

Miracle Mud is the original refugium mud substrate developed by Leng Sy in late 1989. Miracle Mud is comprised of up to 80% oceanic mud, harvested from deep ocean water and then dried on land. The remaining 20% is a formulation of minerals and trace elements that make Miracle Mud a true MIRACLE.

• Miracle Mud continuously replenishes the mineral and trace element concentration in the aquarium, making this the most comprehensive filter medium available.
• Miracle Mud is the most efficient denitrifying filter medium for the money. While other comparable products require a minimum 6-inch deep sand bed for denitrification to occur, you will need only 1 inch of Miracle Mud, making it the least expensive filtration medium available today!
• Miracle Mud reverses Hole-in-the-Head disease!
• Miracle Mud helps maintain the vibrant coloration of corals, invertebrates and fishes in the reef aquarium!
• Not only is the EcoSystem Miracle Mud filter an efficient denitrifying and stand–alone unit (no protein skimmer required), it is also the most comprehensive filtration system on the market!

A larger range of EcoSystem Aquarium products is now available in the UK. This includes a range of supplements and additives formulated in Germany by EcoSystem Europe, such as the ECO Balling Method Calcium A, B and C, an efficient, easy to use method of maintaining consistent levels of calcium, magnesium, carbonates and trace elements in the reef system. Provides a readily available source of calcium carbonate for corals and other invertebrates in the system.

• Developed by dedicated German reef hobbyists/scientists
• Maintains consistent levels of calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, essential minerals and trace elements for the corals
• Simple and easy to use
• Brings out the best colours in the corals

Retailers – to become an authorised UK stockist, please contact EcoSystem Aquarium UK directly, phone 01543 685599 or email: info@ecosystemaquarium.co.uk

EcoSystem Aquarium UK, Unit 10, Mount Road Trading Estate,

Mount Road, Burntwood, Staffordshire, WS7 0AJ

 

When adding a MarinePure Block to your system, to help increase your filtration capacity for dealing with nitrates, it has to go through the process of cycling in much the way that a new aquarium does. This can delay the availability of the additional filtration capacity from the MarinePure media by a month or so while bacteria migrates to the new media and slowly colonises it.

You can speed up this process by inoculating the Marine Pure media with DrTim’s One and Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria; this product will almost instantly establish the media as a working bio filter capable of nitrification, shortening the time until it becomes capable of denitrification.

Procedure.

• Select a waterproof container large enough to accommodate the amount of MarinePure to be inoculated.
• Using water from the aquarium that the block is destined to be added to, fill with sufficient water to cover the media.
• Take a 2 oz bottle of DrTim’s One and Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria, shake vigorously, and then add to the water.
• Submerge the MarinePure in the container and agitate for a minute or so to ensure that the live bacteria thoroughly penetrate the media.
• Leave for around half an hour before transferring to your sump or aquarium.
• Return remaining water to the system.

You can improve on this technique by carrying out the inoculation inside a plastic bag; the inoculated media can then be transferred to the aquarium without it being exposed to the air.

This procedure can also be used to turn other dry media, such as dried out reef rock, into a live bio filter, although you won’t benefit from the consistent filtration capacity of MarinePure.

 

Tim Hayes

Midland Reefs

©2011

New from Magnavore as part of the PURA filtration range, Sparkle – Liquid Phosphate Remover.

For Fresh and Saltwater Aquariums

Sparkle is a potent product yet very safe for use in salt and fresh water aquariums when used according to instructions.

Removes Phosphates

Phosphates are the leading cause of unsightly algae growth in all aquariums. Removing phosphates will cause a natural decline in scum and algae formation and growth. Sparkle has been formulated to provide a safe and gradual removal of phosphates from aquarium water.

Increases Water Clarity

When high phosphate levels are present, the water may get hazy with the first few applications, but within a few hours of use sparkling-clean water will return.

Directions For Use:

Measure out indicated amount and pour slowly into aquarium next to filter intake. Do not overdose; sparkle is designed to lower high level of phosphates gradually and safely.

Mechanical Filtration

Sparkle greatly increases efficiency of mechanical filtration. Cartridges and filtration pads should be rinsed 24 to 48 hours after application.

This product contains Lanthanum – a natural rare-earth element.

For aquarium use only. Keep out of reach of children! Do not take internally. Avoid contact with skin and clothing. Flush with plenty of water in case of eye contact and consult a physician.

Note: Midland Reefs has added this product to the range in response to customer requests. Although the product works well and is safe when used according to the Magnavore instructions above, we’d like to add a note of caution aimed at its use in reef aquaria.

We recommend using Sparkle with caution and only use it to reduce high levels of phosphates down to a level where conventional phosphate removal media becomes economic. Dose conservatively until phosphate levels are down to around 0.1 mg/l; discontinue use of Sparkle and then switch to using Reef Scientific Phosphate Remover for long-term maintenance.

When using Sparkle monitor pH and carbonate alkalinity (dKH) as lanthanum can also precipitate carbonates which may result in a lowering of these two parameters.

Sparkle should be dosed within the filtration section of a system with the aim of removing all precipitates through mechanical filtration or by protein skimming.

We do not recommend the long-term use of Sparkle in the reef aquarium.

Tim Hayes

Midland Reefs

©2011

Although Coral is classified as being a magazine, it would be more accurately described as a journal. Rather than having the ephemeral content associated with magazines, each issue of Coral contains in-depth information on the featured species along with world class information in the accompanying articles making it a reference work you’ll go back to time and again.

This bibliography features the available back issues published by EcoSystem.

DOTTYBACKS Volume 5 Number 4             August/September 2008

Exploring the Red Sea           Iron Essentials            Moon Jellies

FLUORESCENCE Volume 5 Number 3             June/July 2008

Underwater Zanzibar             Nutrient Ratio Basics               Sea Hares

BLENNIES Volume 5 Number 2             June/July 2008

Blennies, takes a look at these endearing fishes with articles from Bruce Carlson, Daniel Knop, and Elen Thaler. Additional articles include “Keeping Moon Jellies”, “Artificial Coral Reefs”, an interview with Rudie Kuiter, and much more.

FIRE CORALS Volume 5 Number 1             February/March 2008

Underwater Sulawesi              Spider Crabs             How Fishes Move

SHRIMP GOBIES Volume 4 Number 6       December 2007/January 2008

Exploring the Lesser Antilles        Colour Enhancers        Competition for Space

SAND BED FILTERS Volume 4 Number 5             October/November 2007

Sand Bed Filters, delves into the subject of how Sand Bed Filters work with articles from Dr Ron Shimek and Anthony Calfo. Dieter Brockmann continues his look at Nitrate in the aquarium, this issue discussing Denitrifying filters. Dr Katharina Fabricius explores the Ecology and Nutrition of Azooxanthellate soft corals. Additional articles include a look at the Bluespotted Ray.

CORALLIMORPHARIANS Volume 4 Number 4    August/September 2007

Corallimorpharians, focuses (naturally enough) on the Corallimorpharians, or as they’re more familiarly referred to – Mushroom Anemones. Following on from The Large Reef Aquarium issue there’s a look at aquascaping large aquaria. Dieter Brockmann looks at Nitrate in the aqaurium. Additional articles include a look at Moorish Idols and Filefishes.

GREAT BARRIER REEF Volume 4 Number 3                     June/July 2007

Great Barrier Reef, focuses on the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem. Articles feature the reef itself, look at research on the reef, and at management of the reef. Additional articles include a look at The Sexy Shrimp, Weedy Sea Dragons, and Iodine use in the reef aquarium.

LARGE REEF AQUARIUMS Volume 4 Number 2          April/May 2007

Large Reef Aquariums, focuses on the recent trend for public aquariums to build very large reef aquaria. The systems featured include the 76000 litre reef aquarium at Atlantis Marine World, Long Island, The Dome Aquaree, in Berlin, Germany, and the new Pacific Barrier Reef exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium in the USA, a stunning 625 000 litres. Additional articles include a look at Ricordea florida, mushroom anemones, and there’s a feature from Professor Ellen Thaler on Wrasses in the aquarium.

DAMSELFISHES Volume 4 Number 1                   February/March 2007

This issue of Coral focuses on those ubiquitous small fishes the Damselfishes of the family Pomacentridae with articles by Frank Schneidewind, Torsten Luther, and Professor Ellen Thaler. This includes discussion of how this category of fishes is often misunderstood in terms of aquarium suitability. A secondary feature looks at Tubeworms with articles by Dr Lutz Gohr and Kai Velling. Also in this issue Dieter Brockmann looks at the interlinked processes of photosynthesis and calcification.

GORGONIANS Volume 3 Number 6         December 2006/January 2007

This issue of Coral focuses on those most beautiful of corals, the Gorgonians, with articles by Daniel Knop, Dieter Brockmann, and Todd Gardner. Additionally Scott Michael looks at the commensal animals that live in association with Gorgonians. Daniel Knop visits Raja Ampat, the centre of marine species diversity in Indonesia. Additional articles look at colour variations in Angel and Butterflyfishes,the propagation of Convict Blennies in the aquarium, and the part of Phosphate in the reef aquarium; plus much more besides.

FROGFISHES Volume 3 Number 5                 October/November 2006

This issue of Coral focuses on those bizzare beauties the Frogfishes of the family Antennariidae with articles by well-know Frogfish fanatic Scott Michael, Frank Schneidewind, and Professor Ellen Thaler. There’s a secondary feature looking at Sponges with articles by Daniel Knop and Kai Velling. Also in this issue we have the second part of the article on pathogenic bacteria in the saltwater aquarium, this time looking at bacterial contamination of Frozen Foods. Additional articles look at Zoanthids and Phosphate in the reef aquarium; plus much more besides.

CORALS: Sexual Propagation in the Aquarium Volume 3 Number 4 August/September 2006

This issue of Coral focuses on sexual reproduction of corals in the marine aquarium with articles by Dr Kirsten Micalek-Wagner, Anja Cargill, Dr Dirk Petersen, Professor Helmut Schumacher, and Daniella Stettler. (This may sound like a lot of academics but checkout the article about the SECORE project by Dirk Petersen – it’s really great stuff) There’s a secondary feature looking at Anthias with articles by Daniel Knop, Ellen Thaler, and Kai Velling. Also in this issue are articles covering pathogenic bacteria in the saltwater aquarium (an important topic, especially if you feed live foods) a look at the coral reefs around Yap; plus much more besides.PS, check out the overview of corals noted to have spawned in the aquarium. Yep, Tim’s got a mention again..

HAWKFISHES Volume 3 Number 3             June/July 2006

This issue of Coral focuses on Hawkfishes for the marine aquarium with articles by Frank Schneidewind and Professor Ellen Thaler. There’s a secondary feature looking at Anemones with articles by Daniel Knop, Andreus Neufeld, and Professor Daphne G. Fautin (including a look at Anemone propagation).Also in this issue are articles covering sweeper tentacles, MAC (Marine Aquarium Council), a look at the coral reefs around Vilamendhooin in the Maldives, a comparison of nutrient density in the wild and in the aquarium by Alf Jacob Nilsen; plus much more besides. PS, check out the EcoSystem ad on page 1 featuring a couple of Tim’s shark photos.

HERMIT CRABS Volume 3 Number 2             April/May 2006

This issue of Coral focuses on Hermit Crabs for the marine aquarium. It includes articles by Kai Velling and Proffesor Ellen Thaler. Also in this issue are articles covering trace elements, MAC (Marine Aquarium Council), a look at the coral gardens and reef walls of western Cuba, a look at the significance of ocelli in marine animals; plus much more besides.

LIVE FOODS Volume 3 Number 1             February/March 2006

This issue of Coral concentrates on the culturing and the value of live food for the marine aquarium. It includes articles on culturing phytoplankton and zooplankton by Wolfgang Mai, a look at copepods and their importance in raising larval marine fishes. Continuing the food theme, Scott Michael looks at the hunting strategies of carnivorous reef fishes. Also in this issue are articles covering aquarium photography, travel to Bali, Ricordia florida by Daniel Knop; plus much more besides.

RETICULATE EVOLUTION Volume 2 Number 6

This issue of Coral magazine features J. E. N. Veron writing on coral taxonomy and evolution. Also in this issue are: Julian Sprung on Seagrass Aquariums, Spawning the Spotted Mandarin by Wolfgang Mai, Scott Michael on the aquarium of Leng Sy, travel: the Celebes Sea, my interview with Scott Michael (I even got my name spelt correctly this time!!), plus much more besides.

ANEMONEFISHES Volume 2 Number 5             October/November 2005

This issue of Coral has everyone’s favourite reef fishes, the Anemonefishes, as the featured species, includes articles on breeding by Wolfgang Mai and Joe Lichtenbert. Also in this issue are articles covering Peanut Worms, Sea Stars by Daniel Knop; plus much more besides. (Not to mention my interview with Chris Buerner of Quality Marine – unfortunately credited to my non-existent brother Tom!)

SEA URCHINS Volume 2 Number 4             August/September 2005

Calcium Reactors                  Elba & Giglio              The Guinea Fowl Puffer

SURGEONFISHES Volume 2 Number 3             June/July 2005

This issue of Coral has Surgeon Fishes as the featured species, includes articles by Alf Jacob Nilsen and Scott michael. Also in this issue are articles covering Cleaning Behaviour and Skin Parasites in Fishes, both by Professor Ellen Thaler; a report about pest Acoel Worms; Dr. Elizabeth Wood on the Impact of the Tsunami on Indonesian Coral Reefs part 2; plus much more besides.

LEATHER CORALS Volume 2 Number 2             April/May 2005

This issue of Coral has Leather Corals as the featured species, includes articles by Alf Jacob Nilsen. Also in this issue are articles covering the Clown Triggerfish, a great article on Phytoplankton – the Ultimate Food, by Ron Shimek; Part VII of Nutrients in the Reef Aquarium; Dr. Elizabeth Wood on the Impact of the Tsunami on Indonesian Coral Reefs; plus much more besides.

OCTOPUSES Volume 2 Number 1             February/March 2005

This issue of Coral has Octopuses as the featured species, includes articles by Alf Jacob Nilsen. Also in this issue are articles covering the Leafy scorpionfish, the second part of an article looking at dealing with the problem of Aiptasia, Part VI of Nutrients in the Reef Aquarium, Julien Sprung on setting up a Monaco system aquarium, plus much more besides.

PYGMY ANGELFISHES Volume 1 Number 6      December 2004/January 2005

Also included are articles covering the propagation of Carpet Anemones, the first part of an article looking at dealing with the problem of Aiptasia, Part V of Nutrients in the Reef Aquarium, plus much more besides.

NUDIBRANCHS Volume 1 Number 5             October/November 2004

Atlantis Found                 Lowering Nitrates                  Martin Moe Interview

LIONFISHES Volume 1 Number 4             August/September 2004

Caribbean Biotopes                     Biological Filtration               Rarities

Coming soon …

Look out for the upcoming, buy 2 get 1 free, offer on Midland Reefs.

Tim Hayes

Midland Reefs

©2010

We’re proud to announce that Midland Reefs is to distribute the Dr Tim’s Aquatics range of products in the UK.

Without a doubt this is the finest range of bacterial products available for the aquarium hobby. For those of you not familiar with Dr Tim, Dr Timothy A. Hovanec, here is some background information:

Dr. Timothy A. Hovanec, the eponymous founder of DrTim’s Aquatics, is considered to be one of the World’s premier authorities on nitrifying bacteria in aquaria and closed aquatic life-support systems. Dr. Tim’s research was the first to show the importance that previously unknown species of ammonia and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria play in the nitrification of tropical fish aquaria and other recirculating systems, demonstrating that bacteria of the phylum Nitrospira were the active nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in aquatic systems such as aquaria.

Dr. Tim holds over ten U.S. and foreign patents related to nitrifying bacteria and their application to freshwater and saltwater aquaria.

For 17 years Dr. Tim, was the Chief Science Officer of Aquaria Inc., the parent company of Marineland Aquarium Products, Aquarium Systems (Instant Ocean) and Perfecto Manufacturing, He was in charge of the biology, chemistry and microbial ecology laboratories that comprise Marineland Labs where his groundbreaking research on nitrifying bacteria led to him discovering and developing BioSpira®.

This combination of original research and the practical application of that research makes Dr Tim Hovanec uniquely qualified in the tropical fish hobby when it comes to the subject of bacteria in the aquarium.

If you go to Dr Tim at Midland Reefs you can see the initial range that we are stocking in the UK. If you go to DrTim’s Aquatics you can see the full range that is available plus find background information and FAQs concerning the individual products – if there are any further items from Dr Tim’s range that you’d like to see available in the UK just get in contact with me at: tim@midlandreefs.co.uk

Tim Hayes

Midland Reefs

©2010-2011

Reef Scientific frozen Calanoid Copepods

The highest quality frozen natural marine zooplankton available anywhere!

High Nutritional Value!

High in protein, in omega3, Phospholipids, DHA & EPA, and Astaxanthin.

Although other companies market the calanoid copepod, Calanus finmarchicus, the nutritional quality of these is poor owing to the presence of autolytic enzymes that degrade fatty acids and proteins after freezing. With Reef Scientific Calanoid Copepods, these autolytic enzymes have been deactivated, consequently extending the storage time of the food from as little as one month to in excess of a year with no loss of nutritional value!

Non-polluting!

100% clean. Needs no pre-rinsing before use. The product is pasteurized for bio-security and sealed, using natural components from crustaceans, minimizing nutrient leakage in the reef aquarium. Can be thawed and kept in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.

Suitable for all saltwater and freshwater fish, corals, and crustaceans.

Originally developed in Norway as an initial feed for larval and juvenile stages of marine aquaculture species, it has since proven valuable for ornamental aquarium species. Trials have shown them to be particularly useful in larvaculture since almost all larvae of fish or crustaceans have high nutritional demands during their early stages of development,

This range of marine zooplankton is produced in land-locked bays in Northern Norway and, characteristically of high latitude calanoid copepods, are rich in phospholipids, essential fatty acids and proteins along with the caratanoid Astaxanthin. The fatty acid, DHA, is only produced in marine algae and is accumulated in zooplankton as they graze in a process of natural enrichment.

Although it’s not widely known, there is a problem associated with the preservation of zooplankton through freezing without the degradation of fatty acids and proteins. Zooplankton contains large amounts of autolytic enzymes that continue to degrade their fatty acids and proteins post mortem. These enzymes remain active when zooplankton is frozen; consequently, the maximum storage life is one month before valuable Phospholipids in the zooplankton become degraded.

Our Norwegian partners have succeeded in deactivating the autolytic enzymes present in the zooplankton; consequently, the storage time of the food has been extended to more than one year without loss of nutrients.

Furthermore, they have developed a method of coating the zooplankton with an ultra thin membrane derived from natural components of crustaceans that prohibits nutrient leakage from the food particles. This results in a frozen food of very high nutritional quality that will not pollute the aquarium by leaching nutrients into the water.

Size Range.

The food ranges in particle size from 2mm down to 0.1 mm. Currently only the 2mm size is generally available, although if you are a breeder please talk to us about the smaller size fractions. With the exception of the 2 mm zooplankton, C. finmarchicus, a number of different species are present in each sizing, providing a rich variety of different nutritional profiles. The smaller size fractions of our feed can be used to substitute the use of live feed such as rotifers and artemia. These are available, in small volumes, in the following size fractions 65-80, 80-150, and 150-200 µm, covering the size range of rotifers.

Although other companies market calanoid copepods, specifically Calanus finmarchicus, the nutritional quality of these is poor, as the autolytic enzymes have not been deactivated.

Aquarium

Aquarium shops in Norway trialing the product have been unambiguously positive. After 2-4 weeks feeding, all fish species responded with stronger and more intense coloration. Wild caught fish, fed with this food when first received, had a higher survival rate.

Clownfishes

The smaller-size food particles have a documented positive effect on fish and crustacean larvae.

In co-feeding experiments, clownfish have shown 100% higher growth compared to a diet solely with enriched rotifers and artemia. Survival has increased by 50%.

Norwegian ornamental fish breeder, Thomas Engels, has done extensive testing of the product and has substituted the artemia feeding period of clownfishes by 2-3 weeks using this product, finding it be the best food he’s ever used.

Dr. Ike Olivotto at the university of Ancona, Italy, is shortly to publish a paper showing this food to be superior to live feeds such as rotifers and artemia. His research involved comparing two groups of clownfish larvae, one group fed a standard rotifer/Artemia nauplii, diet, the other fed a combination of rotifers/copepod nauplii and Artemia nauplii/copepodites-copepods.

Analysing gene expression in clownfishes, growth promoting factors increased by 2.5 times, whilst growth-inhibiting factors (myostatin) decreased by 5 times. His research showed 100% higher weight along with 30% length increase in clownfishes 10 days post hatching, compared to fish given a diet consisting of enriched rotifers and Artemia. 15 days post hatching, larvae fed with the copepod enhanced diet had a 62% survival rate compared to larvae fed a conventional rotifer/Artemia nauplii diet with a 41% survival rate.

Aquaculture

A Norwegian lobster hatchery, Norsk Hummer AS, trialing the 500-700µm frozen food, found that the survival rate of lobster larvae during the three weeks prior to settlement, increased to approximately 15% from less than 1%! This increased survival rate was evident even when the lobster eggs were of poor quality.

In the UK, after an initial trial, the National Lobster Hatchery are now using the 2.0mm Calanus finmarchicus as part of their raising protocol.

The food is currently being trialed on newly hatched cod larvae with further testing on growth and survival planned for other species such as halibut, turbot and cleaner fish.

Midland Reefs, Unit 10 Mount Rd. Trading Estate,

Burntwood. Staffordshire, WS7 0AJ. UK.

Tel: +44 (0) 1543 685599

Zooplankton Technical Data.

Table 1. Size and Species

Size	Species
2 mm	Calanus finmarchicus	Food for adult planktivores and other fishes.
700-1000 µm
5-700 µm	Calanoid copepods Temora longicornis, Acartia clausi and Centropages hamatus. Additionally includes smaller quantities of the calanoid copepods Pseudocalanus spp., Paracalanus spp., Microcalanus spp. and early copepodites of C. finmarchicus	Food for smaller planktivores and juveniles
4-500 µm	T. longicornis, along with early copepodites of A. clausi, C. hamatus, Pseudocalanus spp., Paracalanus spp. Adult Microcalanus spp, and the cyclopoid copepod Oithona similis
3-400 µm	T. longicornis copepod nauplii Early copepodites of all calanoid copepods mentioned above,	Equivalent in size to 2 day old enriched artemia.
2-300 µm	Very young copepodit stages and nauplii of various copepod species. Additionally includes 2-5% bivalvia and gastropod larvae and 2-3% single celled Phytoplankton as Coscinodiscus spp. and Ceratium spp.	Equivalent in size to newly hatched artemia.
150-200 µm		Equivalent in size to rotifers
80-150 µm		Equivalent in size to rotifers
65-80 µm		Equivalent in size to rotifers

Table 2.

Fatty acid profile (mg/g dry weight and % of total fatty acids) of the 2 mm size fraction of copepods.

Fatty acid profile may vary depending on season, locality, and plankton species grazed.

Tim Hayes

Midland Reefs

©2010