Deal of the Week

JBJ 24 Gallon Nano Cube 150W HQI Aquarium Canopy Upgrade Kit

Regularly $299.99
Now Only $239.99

YOU SAVE $60 ... THAT'S 20% OFF!

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Thieves using Google Earth to steal koi

UK—They are believed to be using Internet mapping systems to identify gardens with ponds so they can take the sought-after specimens.

Twelve thefts of the exotic fish and pond equipment, some of which are worth hundreds of pounds, have been reported over a three-week period across Hull, East Yorks.

Humberside Police Community Support Officer Sam Gregory said all the evidence suggests the culprits are using the Internet to seek out their targets.

Google Earth provides satellite photos detailed enough to see what is in people's back gardens.

PCSO Gregory said: "Google shows what is in your garden and you can see people's ponds.

"One of the properties targeted has an eight foot fence and is set back from the road.

"The pond is in the corner and can't be seen.

"Unless you were standing right next to the wall, you wouldn't be able to hear the running water."

Robert Barnes lost four koi carp and expensive lilies from his pond. The 65 year-old said: "They took the smaller fish, probably because they last longer out of the water.

"My neighbor later told me she had seen two young men with a bike with a box on it and a big black net."

Nigel Dawson, 40, woke up one morning to find his expensive filter system and 13 koi carp had been taken from his back garden.

He said: "I am devastated. I didn't see or hear anything."

A spokesperson for Google said the search engine was just one provider of such satellite images.

They said: "Google Earth is built from information that is available worldwide from a wide range of both commercial and public sources.

"As such, Google Earth creates no appreciable increase in security risks, given the wide commercial availability of high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery of every country in the world.

"Criminals could use maps, phones and getaway cars but no one would argue that these technologies are responsible for the crime itself, that responsibility lies with the perpetrator.

Article and Images Courtesy of Telegraph Media Group

Breaking News: EcoTech Marine's VorTech MP10 Propeller Pump Shipping Next Week

Just got word from our purchasing department that the long-awaited VorTech MP10 for nano aquariums are now on their way to us and that we'll be shipping them to customers next week.

For more information on the MP10, click here. EcoTech's also posted some videos you can watch here.

These pumps will sell out quickly. If you'd like to reserve one now to ensure you're one of the first to be running an MP10 in your aquarium, click here ($194.99 with FREE shipping ... California residents enter coupon code NOCALTAX and pay no sales tax!).

Q&A with Keith, 6/24/09

QUESTION
What is a refugium?

ANSWER
A refugium, as defined in the aquarium hobby, is as an area or refuge where micro-organisms can live and breed without the worry of predation from fish or other organisms. Macro-algaes are also kept in refugiums to aid in waste (nitrate and phosphate) removal from the aquarium’s water. Many people setup refugiums as part of the filtration system for their saltwater aquarium, especially with reef tanks, where nutrient control is a huge concern.

Besides the roll of a micro-organism farm to help feed corals, fish and other invertebrates in your tank and a nutrient control filter, refugiums also help to stabilize the pH of your tank. During the daytime, while the lights are on over your reef tank, the different algae will photosynthesize. The algae will take in CO2 and release 02 while producing sugars to feed themselves. But during the nighttime, they will respire, meaning they take in O2 and release CO2. The CO2 produces carbonic acid which will lower the pH. By running the refugiums light on a reverse daylight period (opposite of the main tank’s light) the algae in the refugium will help balance out the CO2 and O2 production and maintain a more stable pH level.

I've written an article that answers some frequently asked questions about refugiums. You can check it out here. If you have any questions after reading this article, don't hesitate to contact us. We're happy to help!

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If you would like to ask Keith a question, click here.

Deal of the Week

Coralife 20 Inch Aqualight with 1x96W 50/50 4-Tube Square Pin Base (with fans)

Regularly $129.99
Now Only $90.99

YOU SAVE $39.00!

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Coralife 36 Inch Aqualight with 1x96W Actinic / 1x96W 10,000K Lamp Square Pin Base (with fans)

Regularly $232.99
Now Only $163.09

YOU SAVE $69.90!

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Coralife 24 Inch Aqualight w/ 2x65W Straight Pin Base + 2x3/4W Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow LED Lamps

Regularly $182.99
Now Only $128.09

YOU SAVE $54.90!

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New this Week, 6/17/09

Salifert Energy Plus Granular Food 250ml
Energy Plus does not pollute the water and is an unsurpassed granular food for marine fish (just compare the ingredient list with other brands and you will be surprised). Virtually all marine fish from approx. 1 up to 5 inches will be attracted to it. It contains approx. 20 times more protein than good quality frozen food. The same is true for the essential Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (HUFA) and vitamins.

JBJ Macro-Glo Adjustable Refugium Light
Available in 15 and 25-watt models, these energy efficient MACRO-GLO refugium lights are the smart solution for sumps that require powerful light output in a space-saving form. The MACRO-GLO securely clamps to the rim of the sump and can be easily positioned out of the way for routine maintenance without the fear of dropping the fixture in the water. These unique lamps equal 5 times the brightness of traditional incandescent lamps while producing less heat and lasting an amazing 8000 hours.

Deal of the Week

250 Watt 14000K Metal Halide Bulb - Phoenix, Mogul Base

Regularly $99.99
Now Only $89.99

YOU SAVE $10

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Lakers Celebratory Savings

Two weeks ago ReefBuilders announced that we would offer special celebratory savings if the Los Angeles Lakers brought the NBA title home to Southern California. Yesterday D-Fish and the gang did just that, handily defeating the Orlando Magic in game five of the best-of-seven series. So, as promised, here are your discounts!


33% off ALL AquaMaxx Bulbs - Expires June 30th
Enter Coupon Code 15RINGS during checkout






33% off AquaScape Aquarium Epoxy - Expires June 30th
Enter Coupon Code PURPLEGOLD during checkout






24% off Marine Depot Refractometer - Expires June 30th
Enter Coupon Code MYMVP during checkout




PS - Wanna save even more? Pay with Bill Me Later and take $10 off any order of $50 or more. This offer also expires on June 30th. Click here (or scroll down) for details.

Q&A with Keith, 6/12/09

QUESTION
I have an extra Two Little Fishies Phosban Reactor. Can it be used as a nitrate reactor? If so, would SeaChem de*nitrate be a good choice for media? Last question: what are the best nitrate test kits?

ANSWER
You can definitely turn Two Little Fishies Phosban Reactor into a nitrate reactor.

The key is to have very low flow going through it, almost to the point where the water is literally dripping out.

SeaChem de*nitrate is a great choice, along with Kent Marine Nitrate Sponge. The product description for Kent Marine's Nitrate Sponge also explains how to setup a nitrate filter using their media, which may be helpful.

For nitrate kits, I prefer Salifert, SeaChem and API. I have used each of them and find all to be accurate and easy to use.

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If you would like to ask Keith a question, click here.

Get $10 off a $50 order with Bill Me Later

From now until midnight (ET) on June 30, take $10 off any purchase of $50 or at MarineDepot.com.

This offer is good for new and existing Bill Me Later users and may be redeemed only once.

If you're new to Bill Me Later, it's a fast, easy and safe way to pay for purchases online. Instead of entering a credit card number, you just answer two simple questions. That's it!

Another benefit of Bill Me Later are the financing options. Sure, you can use Bill Me Later for your regular purchases, like food and additives. But you can also use Bill Me Later to buy more expensive merchandise, like a chiller or a protein skimmer (purchases of $300 or more), and pay nothing for 90 days. Plus, if you pay the product off within the promo period, there is no interest!

For more information about Bill Me Later, click here.

Zeolite Filtration in Reef Aquaria

Zeolite methods of filtration require you to maintain ultra-low nutrient levels and accurately control substances entering your aquarium system.

The result? Intense zooxanthellate coral coloration.

Zeolite is a mineral that adsorbs phosphate, ammonia and dissolved organic material from aquarium water. Of course, not all Zeolite is created equal.

Originally Zeolite was only used in freshwater aquaria. When Zeolite was applied to a reef aquariums, they would often crash. Why? Freshwater Zeolite adsorbs calcium before ammonia. Not a desirable trait. Fortunately, Brightwell and many other companies are now using a different form of the mineral that does not affect calcium levels.

Brightwell’s NeoZeo Method is easier to use than others kits. By combining a specific blend of key components in one bottle, Brightwell eliminates the guesswork out of an often complicated filtration method.

That is not to say that this type of filtration and supplementation is for the novice aquarium hobbyist. In fact, Zeolite filtration requires a very hands-on approach to reefkeeping. Daily effort is necessary to achieve optimal results when using Zeolites.

For more information about Zeolite filtration, contact us today. We put together some great starter kits that we featured in a recent e-newsletter. Check them out here.

New this Week, 6/9/09

JBJ 28 Gallon Nano Cube Protein Skimmer Kit
Includes air pump & air stone, skimmer column w/cup, adjustable hanging bracket and flexible airline tubing.







Argent Deep Frozen Cyclop-eez Pouch 750g
A dietary supplement for fresh and saltwater fish for dramatic improvement of color, growth, and disease resistance. Deep frozen and vacuum sealed in plastic pouches to prevent freezer burn, oxidative degradation, and also to preserve maximum nutrition. Deep Frozen CYCLOP-EEZE® are selectively-bred, bio-engineered micro-crustaceans containing the highest known concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids and natural carotenoids. Can also be used as an artemia replacement. Natural attractants stimulate feeding even by sick fish.

Azoo Battery Air Pump
Ideal for fish transportation and for emergencies such as power failure. Includes air tube and air stone. Requires AA batteries (not included).






Azoo Non-Stop Air Pump
The AZOO non-stop air pump is designed to help your aquarium residents survive a temporary power loss. This top-of-the-line Category 5 pump has many unique features, including continuous operation with or without power (automatically switches to the backup rechargeable battery pack upon power loss if the air pump is on), automatic recharge system charges battery pack when power is restored and a removable, 6V Ni-Cad rechargeable battery pack is included.

AquaEuroUSA Classic 55 Gallon Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer with Bubble Plate
In-sump protein skimmer body made with high-quality thick acrylic. Includes needle wheel 225 gph pump and bubble plate. Easy to set up and use. Very effective and efficient for skimming reef tanks up to 55 gallons. 17.25" x 4.5" height, 9" x 6" footprint and NW AquaEuro 225 pump included. 1-year warranty.


Lumatek 250W 120V/240V Dual Voltage Digital Ballast
The "brightest ballast on the market." Light meter readings indicate that Lumatek ballasts are up to 27% brighter than common core and coil magnetic ballasts and 10-15% brighter than other brands of digital ballasts on the market. Lumatek ballasts are E-ballasts: unlike other brands, which are actually electronic ballasts, E-ballasts use a microprocessor similar to a personal computer. This microprocessor allows the E-ballast to run either halide or sodium lamps, to switch between 50 and 60 hertz, to make adjustments for the type of bulb it is running and even to compensate for degraded lamps by increasing its output.

24 Inch 2x24 Watt AquaticLife T5 HO Light Link Fixture - Marine
Adjustable width aquarium frame mounts support fixture above aquarium. Single power cord makes it easy to mount on the aquarium or suspend from above. German-made specially angled individual reflectors maximize light by directing it into the aquarium. Suspension channels allow connection to optional cable for various mounting configurations. Metal attachments allow optional connection to multiple fixtures.

30 Inch 2x24 Watt AquaticLife T5 HO Light Link Fixture - Marine
120 Volt AC rated voltage. 60 Hz rated cycle. 0.55 Power Factor. 0.69A input current. 48W total wattage: 167 Deg F Tc max. 2 meters power cord.





36 Inch 2x39 Watt AquaticLife T5 HO Light Link Fixture - Marine
Includes 36 in T5 HO 24W 420/460 lamp, right end plate, 10,000K lamp, left end plate, aquarium frame mount, ballast (T5 HO), lens cover, installation & maintenance guide and metal attachment.




48 Inch 2x54 Watt AquaticLife T5 HO Light Link Fixture - Marine
Adjustable width aquarium frame mounts support fixture above aquarium. Single power cord makes it easy to mount on the aquarium or suspend from above. German-made specially angled individual reflectors maximize light by directing it into the aquarium. Suspension channels allow connection to optional cable for various mounting configurations. Metal attachments allow optional connection to multiple fixtures.

Deal of the Week

Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper Lite Controller - Level 1

Regularly $149.99
Now Only $99.99

YOU SAVE $50!

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Q&A with Keith, 6/5/09

QUESTION
Pre-made reef tanks are usually built with a lid/top of some kind, yet most of the aquariums I see in pictures are open on top and have the light fixture hanging, clamped or resting on legs. How come?

ANSWER
There are three main reasons why reef aquarium hobbyists choose to go with an open topped tank.

1. Glass tops block out some of the beneficial light corals and other photosynthetic organisms need.
2. A lid/top can trap heat, especially when a high-intensity light is used over the reef tank.
3. Open tops permit better gas exchange which helps prevent the build-up of CO2 and low pH levels.
   

There are a some advantages to having a lid/top. Evaporation rates will be lower and fish are far less likely to jump out. Some lids with built-in lights are also equipped with fans to combat the heat problem.

Most find the disadvantages of a lid/top exceed the advantages and thus choose an open top. If you have "jumpers," active fish that tend to jump (wrasses, anthias), you can use fluorescent grids (egg crate) to create a lid of sorts that will help keep your fish in the tank but will still permit line to shine in, too.

-------------------------------------------------
If you would like to ask Keith a question, click here.

AquaEuro Chiller Sale

From now until June 17th, we've lowered the prices of ALL AquaEuro chillers.

A normal price reduction may not be blog-worthy, but saving $50 to $100 PLUS getting free shipping is definitely worth a post. AquaEuro chillers are some of our hottest selling items right now so that's why we're getting this great deal to pass along to you.

If you you're new to chillers, we've got some great information in our KnowledgeBase. For a more personal touch, you're welcome to ask a question here on the blog as a comment and we'll post a reply right back.

More Deals Added to our Lakers Promo

Yesterday Reef Builders announced that we would knock 33% off all AquaMaxx aquarium light bulbs if the Los Angeles Lakers win the 2009 NBA finals.

Today we've sweetened the deal: if our beloved Lakers become the champions, we will also slash prices on one of our all-time best sellers, the Marine Depot Aquarium Refractometer, by 24% (in honor of #24, of course).

D-D also caught wind of these potential celebratory savings and agreed to lower their 4 oz. AquaScape Aquarium Epoxy by 33% if The Lake Show take the title.

And don't forget to watch the game tonight at 9 PM ET.

New this Week, 6/4/09

Hydor Koralia (Controllable) Wavemaker Pump Extension Cord
The Hydor Koralia extension cord accessory measures 2 m (6.6 ft) long. The useful cord guarantees connection between the Koralia Wavemaker and all low-voltage Koralia 12v models (Koralia Nano to Koralia 8).




Vertex ZeoVit 1.5 Liter Starter Kit for 50-100 Gallon Aquariums
Zeolith-based probiotic filtration has gained a strong following over recent years and rightly so. By utilizing the nutrient processing traits of selective bacteria strains as well as a substrate facilitative to their metabolic needs, Zeolith-based probiotic filtration effectively creates Ultra Low Nutrient (ULN) environments that most closely mimic reef environments.


BrightWell NeoZeo 1.5 Liter Starter Kit for 50-100 Gallon Aquariums
The Vertex 1.5 Liter Zeolith Filter is rated for aquariums 50-100 gallons. The filter measures 18.75" tall with a 10" x 7.5" base. The starter kit includes NeoZeo Zeolite Media For Reef (2.2 (lbs/1000g, MicroBacter7 - Complete Bioculture For Marine And FW Aquaria (500ml/17oz) and Reef Biofuel Liquid 17oz 500ml.


Vertex ZeoVit 3.0 Liter Starter Kit for 125-200 Gallon Aquariums
The Vertex 3.0 Liter Zeolith Filter is rated for aquariums 125-200 gallons. The media chamber is 3.0 liters, measures 21.5" tall with a 11.5" x 8" base. The starter kit includes ZEOvit Zeolite Reactor Media (1 Liter), ZEObak Nutrient Additive (10 ml), ZEOstart 2 Tank & Coral Accelerator (250 ml) and ZEOfood 7 Coral Food W/Amino Acids (50 ml).


BrightWell NeoZeo 3.0 Liter Starter Kit for 125-200 Gallon Aquariums
The Vertex 3.0 Liter Zeolith Filter is rated for aquariums from 125 to 200 gallons. The 3 liter media chamber measures 21.5" with an 11.5" x 8" base. The starter kit includes Neo Zeo Zeolite Media For Reef (2.2 lbs/1000g), MicroBacter7 - Complete Bioculture For Marine And FW Aquaria (500ml/17Oz) and Reef Biofuel Liquid 17oz 500ml.


250 Watt 14000K Metal Halide Bulb - German Ushio, Mogul Base
This German-made Ushio 14000K metal halide bulb offers excellent coloration and intensity. Crisp Ice White appearance, full spectrum - the combination of different wavelengths produce different colors in the spectrum and appear to the naked eye as crisp ice white light. Significantly brighter than U.S. made 14000K bulbs. Use alone or add Actinics for a bluer effect.

250 Watt 20000K Metal Halide Bulb - German Ushio, Mogul Base
This German-made Ushio 20000K metal halide bulb offers excellent coloration and intensity. Crisp Ice White appearance, full spectrum - the combination of different wavelengths produce different colors in the spectrum and appear to the naked eye as crisp ice white light. Significantly brighter than U.S. made 20000K bulbs. Use alone or add Actinics for a bluer effect.

400 Watt 10000K Metal Halide Bulb - German Ushio, Mogul Base
This German-made Ushio 10000K metal halide bulb offers excellent coloration and intensity. Crisp Ice White appearance, full spectrum - the combination of different wavelengths produce different colors in the spectrum and appear to the naked eye as crisp ice white light. Significantly brighter than U.S. made 10000K bulbs. Use alone or add Actinics for a bluer effect.

400 Watt 14000K Metal Halide Bulb - German Ushio, Mogul Base
This German-made Ushio 14000K metal halide bulb offers excellent coloration and intensity. Crisp Ice White appearance, full spectrum - the combination of different wavelengths produce different colors in the spectrum and appear to the naked eye as crisp ice white light. Significantly brighter than U.S. made 14000K bulbs. Use alone or add Actinics for a bluer effect.

400 Watt 20000K Metal Halide Bulb - German Ushio, Mogul Base
This German-made Ushio 20000K metal halide bulb offers excellent coloration and intensity. Crisp Ice White appearance, full spectrum - the combination of different wavelengths produce different colors in the spectrum and appear to the naked eye as crisp ice white light. Significantly brighter than U.S. made 20000K bulbs. Use alone or add Actinics for a bluer effect.

Silicone Compound Lubricant - 6 grams
Safe to use Silicone Lubricant on all brands of Water Filter Housing Rubber and Plastic O-Rings and Gaskets, all Reverse Osmosis System O-Rings, all Drinking Water Filtration Systems, all UltraViolet System O-Rings, all aquarium filter applications. This oring sealant is recommended for all water treatment o-rings and seals. It is food and beverage safe. It is FDA and NSF approved.


Puratek Small Booster Pump w/ Transformer For Up To 100 GPD RO or RO/DI Unit
HP Series pumps are ideal for use on water sources with pressure below 40 psi such as private wells and high rise apartments. Vertex™ HP Series booster pumps are supplied with all the necessary push to connect fittings and transformer. It will only take minutes to increase your system’s performance and reduce your waste water production.

Puratek 100 GPD RO Filter System
Puratek RO units all feature integrated manual backflush valves to maximize the life and output of the membrane cartridge. The unit is further furnished with an easily viewed oil-filled pressure gauge and an automatic shut-off valve which halts all water transit during instances of backpressure. A set of clear, easy-to-view canisters are unmistakably visible indicators of cartridge life. Finally, standardized fittings and cartridges remove all suppositions from installation and replacement routines.

Puratek 200 GPD RO/DI Filter System
The on-board microprocessor controller enables every Deluxe Puratek RO/DI unit to function with full automation. At set intervals, the unit will perform routine system backflushes, preserving the longevity of the membrane and efficiency. The unit is further featured with a shut-off solenoid which halts all water transit during instances of backpressure or loss of power to the controller.


Warner Marine 10 Inch Cone Protein Skimmer w/ VBT Technology
Power consumption/air flow is 22W @ 960LPH air flow (36 SCFH). This protein skimmer is rated for aquariums up to 300 gallons with a light bioload. The base reaction chamber diameter measures 10". Includes cover, custom venturi and molded pinwheel.



Neptune Systems AquaController Apex System
Introducing the AquaController Apex. The professional equipment your reef deserves is now within reach. Includes Apex Base Unit, Apex Display, EnergyBar 8 Power Strip, Temperature Probe and Standard Grade pH Probe. Connectivity features include Ethernet Interface, Embedded Web Server, Only controller with web browser Monitoring, Control & Configuration, Email Alarms. More info online.