Sign In
Free Newsletter
Replicating a Reef Environment
Pet Age Staff //May 1, 2019//
Listen to this articleAs experts are already aware, setting up a marine aquarium takes a bit of effort. Interested aquatic hobbyists can’t purchase some corals and anemones, plop them in a tank with some water and call it a day—much like a homeowner wouldn’t just purchase a pool, fill it with a hose and then consider it safe to swim in without constant monitoring and care.
There are several water parameters that must be maintained in order for a reef setup to be successful and, hopefully, its livestock to thrive for a long time. Critical water parameters that need to be controlled include temperature as well as proper levels of calcium, alkalinity, salinity, pH, magnesium, phosphate and ammonia. Other considerations include filtration, lighting and water movement.
While it may seem like consumers need to spend a lot of time and money in order to maintain a healthy marine setup, the effort is certainly worth the reward for those who enjoy the peaceful ambience of being in the presence of a beautiful marine organism.
To help aquarists achieve their reefkeeping goals, retailers should make sure they are offering the products that are needed for success and that make the process as convenient and easy as possible. In addition, retailers need to educate those who are new to the marine hobby. Not only will this help customers by providing valuable information, but it also will lead to repeat customers who will return for future livestock, food and accessories.
The following products can help maintain a healthy marine aquarium. One helps clear cloudy, green or polluted water within hours of application, while another is a multi-pack that includes everything necessary to feed a reef. There is also an all-in-one aquarium, an all-in-one filter media, a two-part system to control calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels, a first aid kit, a customizable feeding system, a line of smartphone-activated tank accessories and more.
Acurel F
Fast-acting and easy to use, Acurel F clears cloudy, green or polluted water within hours of application. It combats the harmful effects of overfeeding and improves filter efficiency, resulting in a crystal clear environment for fish. Safe and effective, it will not disturb the beneficial bacteria in biological filtration systems of healthy established aquariums. Made in the USA with organic extracts from renewable resources, it is safe for all freshwater fish and plants, and environmentally friendly.
Reef Multi-Pack
Reef Multi-Pack is everything that’s needed to feed a reef in one package. It contains six cubes each of Marine Cuisine, Coral Cuisine, Fish Eggs and Reef Plankton. These four foods offer a variety of particle sizes and seven types of zooplankton that stimulate the natural feeding behaviors of reef inhabitants. Reef Multi-Pack is an excellent choice for feeding mixed reef aquariums.
JBJ Rimless Desktop Aquariums
JBJ’s new Rimless Desktop Series are all-in-one aquariums that come with low-iron glass tanks, a removable bio-filter that includes the signature three-stage filtration system, and the dimmable two-channel LED light fixture. JBJ Rimless Desktop Aquariums are small in size but packed with features that will be the perfect addition to home décor.
Chemi-pure Blue
Chemi-pure Blue is specially created for fantastic results in reef and marine aquariums. The new proprietary blend of premium, low-dust pelleted carbon and high-capacity ion-exchange resins are skillfully combined to create a superior all-in-one filter media in a nylon bag. Chemi-pure Blue significantly reduces organic compounds and phosphates while raising redox and helping stabilize pH for a healthy, crystal clear aquarium.
Fritz RPM Reef Elements
The Fritz RPM Calcium/Buffer System and Fritz RPM Magnesium allows aquarists to maintain a marine aquarium’s calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels. Fritz RPM Reef Elements do not contain unmeasured and unnecessary ions and metals. Part 1 is formulated to provide the highest purity carbonate alkalinity, and when used in conjunction with Part 2 along with regular water changes with a high-quality salt-like Fritz RPM Salt, it will provide the correct ionic balance necessary for healthy and beautiful fish, corals and invertebrates. Fritz RPM Magnesium is formulated using only the highest purity magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate in a balanced ratio.
Ruby Reef First Aid Kit
The Ruby Reef First Aid Kit in a Box can be used for freshwater and saltwater tanks. It’s reef-safe, copper-free and non-toxic, combatting ich, marine velvet, clownfish disease, gill flukes, tail and fin rot, bacterial infections and more.
AquaLife Reef Café
AquaLife Reef Café is the industry’s first customizable system for feeding marine life from fish to corals. Reef Café is a four-part system: Brew Base for mixing the other components, Zoo-ka Moka zooplankton component, Phyto-Frappe phytoplankton component and Amino Shot amino acids, vitamin C and sugars component. Components are mixed at the point of sale to produce a customized nutritional profile for any reef system.
Aqamai Wi-fi Controlled Tank Accessories
Aqamai’s new line of smartphone-controlled tank accessories can be driven by an app without any mechanical controls necessary. The Aqamai KPM and KPS are compact devices designed to create gentle water flow in any aquarium. The Aqamai LRM is a professional reef aquarium lighting system that is silent, easy to install and has six channels to control color and intensity of UV.
Vibrant Sea
Vibrant Sea is a highly concentrated blend of salts formulated for marine and reef aquariums that contains all essential major, minor and trace components found in natural seawaters, plus the added advantage of enhanced potassium levels. Its formulation is ideal for the reef environment and will provide accurate seawater concentrations of magnesium, calcium and strontium with proper alkalinity and pH for closed reef aquarium systems.
Ascent Frameless Aquarium Kits
Far from the traditional aquarium frame, Ascent Frameless Aquarium Kits feature polished edges and a floating base accentuating its modern design. The angled top creates a distinctive silhouette truly unique and perfect for home or office. The ultramodern design serves aesthetic and functional purposes. The kit includes the glass aquarium, a cover with LED lighting, QuietFlow Power Filtration, a filter cartridge, premium fish food, water conditioner and a set-up guide.
