Recent content by cpeluso

I was wondering why my pH was staying low (about 7.8) in both my 34 and 12 gallon reefs despite buffers, water changes, etc. I did a CO2 test. A cup of tank water aerated outside for one hour went from 7.8 to 8.8. A cup of tank water aerated inside stayed at 7.8. So the result means that I have...

I'm about to purchase a smalll (20 gal/10 gal sump) established reef system. I'm told that the two false perculas (2.5 inches) and bi-colored blennie have slowly "killed" two Pacific anenomies, a "torch" and a "bubble" coral in the past by "rubbing against them all the time." I was also told...

Clare, I've been having trouble lately with my 25 watt Marineland "Neptune" heater. For the first two weeks, I set it at 78 and it consistently kept the temp at 78. Several days ago, the temp suddenly started to climb. I've been "tweeking it" ever since. Any suggestions? Chris

Bob, Here is the picture you requested which will hopefully give a much better idea of the size of my 1 gallon globe. Chris

Brandon, the use of established system water for water changes is considered to be an essential part of this "German" system. Some copepods and worms did come along with the rock, but I'm seeing a few microscopic-size organanisms bopping around also. I just started feeding a miniscule amount (I...

Thanks so much, Brandon! So far, so good, but it's only been in existence about three weeks and I'm doing my best to limit variables at this point. Even after three weeks, I feel that I've learned a lot more from my "German nano" than any other tank I've ever kept. It definitely forces you to...

I was thinking about the (financial) economy of a nano. My 1 gallon reefbowl total cost was $55 (including some mushrooms and star polyps). I calculate the average cost of setting up and stocking a 55 gallon reef to be approximately $3,000. Based upon just these two examples (and assuming my...

Thanks, Matt! It's fascinating to think about temperature fluctuations as being a "necessary feature." I'm sure that we may eventually understand that many other parameters which we work so hard to keep "constant" may also need to vary for optimum coral health. Chris

Thanks for the info., Brandon. So far, so good. This heater is keeping my pico at 78 degrees with an ambient room temp. ranging between 68 and 80. By the way, in a perfect reef world, if it were possible to keep a reef at a constant temperature, what do you feel that temperature should be? Chris

I decided to try a 25 watt, 6" "Neptune" aquarium heater from Marineland ($13). It fits OK (diagonally) in back of the center rock in my bowl. I'll keep you all posted on how it works out. I can't believe how chilly it gets at night-time in Phoenix this time of year! Chris

Brandon, I'm not sure that this heater is "always on." Might it not be thermostatically controlled to a particular temperature? By the way, why would your ideal heater be 25 watts? I will ask Michael to join this forum as you suggested when I go to get my gallon of "system water" for my 100%...

Brandon, I was given a couple sprigs of grape caulerpa (?SP) and within a week it began attatching itself to everything in the bowl. I removed it immediately, but remember what a pain it becomes. I wish I would have never added any since I'm sure it will soon start reappearing in my bowl. It's...

This posting is most specifically for Brandon who has been longing for a nano heater. I don't know if I've found anything new, but I came upon a heater at petdiscounters.com/ called the "Junior Aquarium Heater" (just go to the site and click on "heaters"). The ad states that it is a 4 inch...

Thanks for the compliments, Brandon (but it's Chris, not Charles!). I was wondering if you felt that there were any disadvantages in having as much macroalgae as I do? Also, what are your thought about calcium additions to a bowl like this if I don't add any stony corals? The guy (Michael) who...

Brandon, As you requested, here are a couple of pics of my German 1 gallon pico at 8 days old (one day after 100% water change and Superglueing star polyps and a couple shrooms). Chris