New Aquarium Salt from Tropic Marin Coming Soon

Just got word from our friends at Tropic Marin that they've got a new aquarium salt that should arrive on our virtual shelves mid-December.

Tropic Marin's BIO-ACTIF Sea Salt will be available in a bucket (mixes 200 gallons) or a box (32 gallons) to fit your aquariums needs.

Here's the gist, straight from Tropic Marin:

The new synthetic sea salt combines maximum purity in terms of its components with the protective and growth-promoting action of bioactive substances naturally found in the sea. They form effective protection for the mucous membranes of the fish whose improved health is clearly reflected in their increased levels of mating and reproduction.

Corals respond by displaying even brighter and more vibrant colors. The extent to which both stony and leather corals enlarge and open their polyps is unprecedented. Indications of the improved conditions seen in the corals are greater growth and stronger tissue. They build up reserves which strengthen them and make them less sensitive to unavoidable fluctuations in their surrounding conditions.

At the same time BIO-ACTIF SEA SALT encourages the breakdown of pollutants in the water which is evident in the brilliant clarity of the water after every change. Regular use of BIO-ACTIF SEA SALT maintains optimised conditions at a consistent level over the long term.

It is never too early to add Tropic Marin BIO-ACTIF SEA SALT to the aquarium and, if added when the tank is filled for the first time, it will guarantee healthy microbiological development from the outset and the best possible preparation of the water before the aquarium is stocked with fish and corals. This effect is revived and prolonged each time the water is changed. Changing up to 15% of the water on a weekly basis will sustain the quality of the water at a level which is conducive to the well-being of fish, corals and other invertebrates.

In addition to the new aquarium salt, Tropic Marin will also be introducing a complimentary line of additives. Although we don't have an ETA of when those will be in stock, you're always welcome to check back and drop us a line to ask if you don't see them yet on our website.

For more information on Tropic Marin's new BIO-ACTIF products, click here.

New this Week, 11/4/09

Vertex Alpha 170 Internal Cone Protein Skimmer
This is the Protein Skimmer you have been waiting for. The revolutionary conical body paired with the refinement of the Red Dragon pump creates a potent combination of exceptional waste extraction, whisper quiet operation and low-impact energy conservation. The precision construction from the highest quality materials coalesces together in a form that is both durable and being feature-rich. These meticulous attentions to design result in an execution that is conclusively untouchable. Owing to its full-body conical reaction chamber, the Vertex™ Alpha Kone eclipses all the traditional conditions of conventional protein skimming. By allowing the foam mass to accumulate in a gently sloping transition zone, protein extraction is remarkably increased.

AquaEuroUSA Classic 135 Protein Skimmer w/ Needle Wheel Pump and Bubble Plate
AquaEuroUSA's Protein Skimmers are popular among aquarists due their superior craftmanship, body design, performance and affordability. Rated for aquariums up to 135 gallons, the AquaEuroUSA Classic 135 Protein Skimmer features high-grade acrylic construction, high-quality needle wheel pumps and a 2" diamater chamber. This efficient, durable and reliable skimmer has a footprint of 11.4" x 8.9", easy water height adjustment and a low noise design. Available now from MarineDepot.com for only $199.99 with free shipping.

Deltec External Protein Skimmer TC Series
Deltec's innovative new TC (twin chamber) range of external protein skimmers feature Deltec's brand-new high-performance pump and class-leading energy-to-air ratio (E-T-A). Choose from four high-end skimmers ($1349.99 to $3399.99) rated for aquariums from 375 to 1060 gallons. The new products have an E-T-A Ratio of around 60-to-1 and can produce 1500 lts of air per hour whilst using only 25W of power. Compare this with the current Deltec modified Eheim pumps, (already renowned for their performance), which only produce 600 lts of air for 36W of power and you will understand why we are so excited. The TC name describes the special Twin Chamber design of the bubble chamber which is patented and has the benefit of pressurizing the pumps for higher performance and ensures that only unskimmed water passes through he pump rather than reskimming and reprocessing water in the chamber.

Deltec Internal Protein Skimmer SC Series
Deltec's innovative new SC (single chamber) range of in-sump skimmers feature Deltec's brand-new high-performance pump and class-leading energy-to-air ratio (E-T-A). Choose from four high-end skimmers ($1349.99 to $3399.99) rated for aquariums from 375 to 1060 gallons. The new bubble plate design allows the height of the skimmers to be reduced compared with the current range to allow them to fit in a greater number of installations and cabinets. The air-to-water ratio is so high that there is almost immediate reaction with waste. Therefore there is no need for the tall reaction chambers found on some low air skimmers (thus keeping the units compact).

Polyp Lab ONE Calcium Supplement 500ml
One is a revolutionary calcium supplement for reef aquariums containing balanced levels of calcium, alkalinity and magnesium. It is a complete calcium system in a single bottle. Traditional calcium supplementation methods such as calcium reactors and two-part systems can be confusing and troublesome. Additionally, they often require extra steps to correct ionic imbalances. One was designed with simplicity and convenience in mind. Every addition made with One ensures balanced levels without building up any unwanted residual ions.

JBJ Macro-Glo Replacement CF 6400K Lamp
Available in 15-watt ($11.99) and 25-watt ($12.99) 6400K models, these lamps by JBJ are replacements bulbs for their Macro-Glo Adjustable Refugium Light ($39.99 to $49.99).






JBJ Nano Cube Replacement Remote Ballast
If you own a JBJ 12- or 24-Gallon Nano Cube Aquarium, you may at some point need to replace your ballast. Never fear, MarineDepot.com is here. We've got both models in-stock and ready to ship ($45.99 to $59.99 each).

Marine Depot Coupons: Catalog Coupons for 11/09

Free stand with purchase of 12-gallon, 28-gallon Quad PC and 28-gallon HQI JBJ Nano Aquariums – Coupon Code JBF011111

20% off 5-watt, 9-watt and 13-watt JBJ Submariner UV Sterilizers – Coupon Code JBF011212

20% off Hydor Koralia 1-4 and Nano Pumps/Powerheads – Coupon Code HDF011113

Free Azoo Reef Strontium & Molybdenum with purchase of Azoo Reef Calcium & Magnesium – Coupon Code AZF011114

Deal of the Week, 11/2/09

AquaEuroUSA Classic 135 Protein Skimmer w/ Needle Wheel Pump and Bubble Plate

Regularly $199.99
Now Only $139.99

YOU SAVE $60!

Learn More...

Vertex Alpha Kone: Deal of the Day

I just wanted to throw out an update to yesterday's post about the new Vertex Alpha Kone skimmer.

For Halloween day only, we have listed the Alpha 170 as our Deal of the Day.

That means until midnight tonight you'll save a whopping $100 off the price of the skimmer! Remember, this deal is for today only and will not be extended, so act fast if you're interested.

The Kones are coming! The Kones are coming!

Today we're highlighting the new Vertex Alpha Kone series skimmers. I figured what better way to celebrate Halloween weekend than to talk about the freakishly good performance of the Alpha 170 Kone. If you were at Reef-A-Palooza we had one on display at our booth.

At the heart of this Vertex skimmers performance is a Red Dragon pump which produces an amazing 1000-1200 LPH of air at a mere 18 watts and runs very quiet. Red Dragon pumps are becoming very popular for their efficiency and silent operation. In fact, they are marketed for "lifestyle applications" like that noisy reef tank sitting in your living room keeping you from enjoying your television. All this, and it produces some serious foam to boot.

The performance features of the Alpha Kone don't stop there. Included is a bubble plate which decreaces turbulence inside the skimmer chamber. Decreasing turbulence helps the bubbles, already coated with protein, from reducing performance by falling back down in the chamber. In addition, the cone shaped chamber helps gently guide the bubbles towards the collection cup which increases efficiency.

Alpha series skimmers also show attention to detail in their design. The Red Dragon pump can be mounted on either side of the cone, depending on your application. The skimmer itself can be disassembled for easy cleaning and is attached by corrosion resistant titanium fasteners. High quality components are also used throughout.

This skimmer is in stock and ready to ship out now. Feel free to check out more details on our website here.

Deltec's Sleek New Designs

Thanks to Deltec and D-D, MarineDepot.com had several of the new Deltec protein skimmers on display at Reef-A-Palooza.

Since Deltec patented their pinwheel design several years ago, many advances have been made in protein skimmer technology. These brand new skimmers take those advancements and raise the bar even higher.

Most impressive on the new skimmer designs are the pumps. The Eheim pumps that came with the older model Deltecs were great performers for their time, but the new pumps produce an amazing 4x more liters of air per watt!

Several design updates have also made their way into the new Deltecs. Bubble chambers reduce turbulence, allowing for a more compact design while still increasing performance. On the SC models, the pump is placed underneath the skimmer. This increases performance by increasing pressure on the pump and ensuring only unskimmed water is passed through.

Deltec has long been known for their innovation and quality design. These new models look like they will live up to Deltec's reputation. Their high end attention to detail and price tag may not be for every hobbyist, but they certainly deliver high-end performance to match.

Deal of the Week, 10/26/09

Current USA SunPod 14K HQI-MH w/ Lunar Lights

Regularly $427.99 to $699.99
Now Only $320.99 to $524.99

SAVE UP TO $175!

Learn More...

Super Lumens!

For those of you not in sunny southern California (and to those who missed it), there were a lot of great new and soon-to-be-released products on display at Reef-A-Palooza this past weekend. Over the next couple of days, I'd like to go over some of the equipment we are most looking forward to.

Today, I'd like to show off some tricked-out new ballasts that will be available on our website soon. Lumatek, which is a definite favorite of MarineDepot.com's Reef Squad, recently sent us prototypes of ballasts that we will be selling soon.

So what makes them so fancy, you ask?

Each ballast can run bulbs of different wattages. The smaller one will fire a 150-250W HQI bulb while the larger ballast goes between 250W-400W with ease. This is easily done on both ballasts by the turn of a knob. Better yet, the 400W ballast has a "Super Lumens" mode that will overdrive a 400 watter.

But wait, there's more!

Turn the knob down if you're looking to save on electricity or acclimate your brand new LE chalice that costs as much as your firstborn child. The MD Reef Squad has been testing several bulbs at different wattages with no noticeable color shift. Add to that all the other great features Lumatek E-ballasts bring to the table and you're looking at a great new product.

Check back for more details, including pricing. Until then!

Wear an old MD shirt, get a new MD shirt!

Hey there, fellow reefer.

You might not know this but we like you so much we're willing to give you the shirt off our back.

Wait, you don't want our cooties? Fine, fine. We understand.

How about a brand new shirt?

All you have to do is wear one of your old MarineDepot.com t-shirts (two examples are pictured above) to Reef-A-Palooza this weekend or place an order with us at the event and we'll hook you up with our new Reef Squad tee picture below.