Category Archives: How To

Cyanobacteria, or Cyano for short, is not an algae like what many of you might think but is in fact a photosynthetic bacteria that can quickly coat the surfaces inside your tank. Its ugly, prolific and can even out-compete your coral. Here is your guide to preventing this plague and some helpful tips for cleaning it up.

The TRITON Method is a holistic reef keeping system. You do not need to be a chemist to use it. Just test your seawater, know what’s in it, and act to fix it. To take full advantage of the program, it is recommended you have a sump with a refugium that is 10-20% of your total system volume.

Dr. Timothy A. Hovanec presents a short, concise recipe on how to fishless cycle your aquarium. You can add DrTim’s One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria or not with this method. By adding the bacteria, your cycling time will be shorter and you’ll be watching fish in your aquarium sooner.

Setting up an aquarium is an exciting project. Typically, we can’t wait to start adding fish, corals, and invertebrates, but, a newly set up aquarium is not ready for new animals right away. In this episode, we’ll share our best tips to help you succeed when cycling your new aquarium.

Growing coralline algae is one of the most discussed topics among reef aquarists. But here’s some good news: there is no magic formula or aquatic voodoo. Growing coralline algae is quite easy—and here’s what you need to know!

Backwards compatibility is one of the VorTech’s best features. Upgrade previous model pumps to the current QD versions. QD upgrade kits can significantly reduce motor noise from older version VorTechs and in some models will also increase flow.

The Reefer 350 is a beautiful 73 gallon reef system from Red Sea. There’s not much you can really improve upon, but aquarium hobbyists always seem to find a way! Metrokat found four easy modifications online and performed them on her own aquarium. Check out the results!

It’s always wise to run your smart aquarium products using the latest firmware. The most recent update for ATI Powermodule T5/LED Hybrid lights is important because it fixes time handling issues resulting from power interruptions. This update is for the WiFi version only.

Planted aquariums are not difficult but they do provide a challenge both in aquascaping along with plant care. Many tropical fish develop richer colors when kept with live plants. Follow along as we take a bottom to top approach to setting up a planted aquarium.

Thinking of setting up a quarantine tank? We quiz Kevin Costa of Hanna Instruments about the technology that went into building the Copper Checker and how you can use it to monitor your quarantine so you don’t overdose or under medicate fish.