tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79771994152678022482026-08-09T01:08:18.776-07:00Welcome to my Reef Blog of my Nano sized Reef Aquarium. Read about all the latest goings on of my saltwater aquarium. I have created and will continue to create some really useful Articles. Please feel free to add comments and links to your own blog and reef websites. You can also vote in the current reef related poll.Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-30992716064619362072018-12-11T11:33:00.001-08:002018-12-11T11:39:45.748-08:00

So it’s a cold winters morning your frozen to the bone, you jump into your vauxhall vivaro and turn the heaters on, it doesn’t work. In this article I will explain how to repair. There are commonly three things that can go wrong and it true to be said with most vehicles. These are the fuse, the motor, and or the heater resister. These should be checked in this order. Not only to keep costs down

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-10552235806469184262018-05-03T15:08:00.002-07:002018-05-07T12:20:17.466-07:00

The rising cost of energy could be enough to consider closing down your Aquarium but there are a couple of really simple ways you can reduce this by approximately 40%. The first won’t cost anything and can be completed in no time at all. Changing your utility supplier every 12 months is highly recommended  and can save you a reasonable amount of cash. You may not realise but after twelve

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-53959954232672397512018-04-28T14:10:00.003-07:002018-04-29T13:07:35.171-07:00

The Deep Hull Aquarium in the United Kingdom is a great day out for anyone including families and reef keepers too. Maybe you have already been if so please leave a comment below of your experience. This place certainly has the wow factor. Plenty to see including to really big fish that will blow you away. What’s more you can pay a little extra and get s season pass to see it all again and

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-27446443181291561132018-01-24T13:55:00.000-08:002018-04-28T14:11:46.066-07:00

window._epn = {campaign:5338297167}; We all know the feeling of being at the end of your tether, not knowing what to to or how to do something. There are so many ways to find information, ideas and inspiration. Obviously there’s blogs like this but there’s many resources on google that includes photos, you tube videos and obviously google search. I have listed on this blog a few websites. &nbsp

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-86320925794590364592017-10-26T13:46:00.000-07:002018-12-17T13:20:44.703-08:00

window._epn = {campaign:5338297167}; It has been some time since I posted on this blog. But with most things everything goes in cycles and though I should keep it going maybe not reef related but a great opportunity to save money and get cash back in a great fun way to spend on your reef keeping hobby.  TopCashback  allows you to shop as normal but currently at time of

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-1676445632441075272017-10-26T13:41:00.003-07:002018-04-30T14:42:06.241-07:00

It has been some time since I posted on this blog. But with most things everything goes in cycles and though I should keep it going maybe not reef related but a great opportunity to save money and get cash back in a great fun way.  TopCashback  allows you to shop as normal but currently at time of publishing this post eBay are giving 4% cashback. All you need to to is click the&

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-55565818416811916772017-10-26T13:41:00.001-07:002018-04-28T14:16:24.943-07:00

window._epn = {campaign:5338297167}; It has been some time since I posted on this blog. But with most things everything goes in cycles and though I should keep it going maybe not reef related but a great opportunity to save money and get cash back in a great fun way.  TopCashback  allows you to shop as normal but currently at time of publishing this post eBay are giving 4%

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-35687146563787608582017-10-26T13:40:00.001-07:002017-10-26T13:40:54.328-07:00

It has been some time since I posted on this blog. But with most things everything goes in cycles and though I should keep it going maybe not reef related but a great opportunity to save money and get cash back in a great fun way.  TopCashback  allows you to shop as normal but currently at time of publishing this post eBay are giving 4% cashback. All you need to to is click the&

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-49116140740571117262013-10-14T14:31:00.001-07:002013-10-14T14:31:23.979-07:00

My last post informed you of my temporary end to my reef aquarium. There are a couple of ways to close a reef aquarium both have advantages. This post explains selling as a complete aquarium. The first is to sell as a complete unit with everything in one go. A job lot so to speak. The good thing about this is, everything can be gone all in one go including a few items you may have struggled

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-10479804171389912122013-09-19T13:19:00.001-07:002013-09-19T13:38:42.707-07:00

After much time thinking and debating it has become time for me to close down my reef aquarium. Having two children, a full time job and many other hobbies something had to give. I feel my commitment at the moment to my reef is not as it should be.  Don't get me wrong I still love this hobby but feel it right for the conservation of animals and my commitment to my family it be right to

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-32218818194589750892013-02-04T14:01:00.001-08:002013-02-04T14:01:54.425-08:00

As promised a while back I would review this auto top up unit. All I can can say is it is faultless, works with no problems. Just set and forget!! Just remember to keep your top up reserve tank topped every week or so, depending on it's capacity. The only indication of it been there is the small hum from the pump when it is activated. I would say though this top up unit would only be suitable for

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-34802900382473119662012-07-07T15:42:00.001-07:002018-04-21T12:21:40.600-07:00

After needing an auto top up unit for some time, with quite high costs for a unit that function seems very minimal. I have always been put off until now. Whilst reading ultra marine I saw a review and advertisements for the TMC V2 auto top up and more surprising is it's very affordable price tag. After further investigation it seems to have really good reviews on forums and blogs. I have to

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-6204983847887306362012-06-24T13:28:00.000-07:002012-06-25T13:29:04.447-07:00

After mixing fauna Marin balling lite mixes for some time with confusion and no simple reference guide I have decided to add a small article to help me and fellow reefers. To simplify matters for all I am publishing this information in grams per litre not the confusing unit as used by fauna Marin. This is because myself and many others mix using smaller amounts. Magnesium mix = magnesium

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-20270928340115852722012-04-17T14:25:00.001-07:002012-04-17T14:26:49.480-07:00

Google have created a new interface for it's users to vote/like websites or blogs. I felt it only right to integrate this to this blog and give you the opportunity to vote if you so wish to do so. The add on is found in the right hand user column. Don't forget to vote for all your other favourite sites and help other hobbyist find these great websites much easier.

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-37949646948599807452012-04-11T12:46:00.000-07:002012-04-11T12:46:35.179-07:00

Well after a few months of introducing this poll to this blog it appears that led lighting is becoming the norm when selecting a lighting option for a nano reef tank. It's surprising that this option is used as much as T5's. Metal halide appears to be used very little maybe this is due to the cost of energy bills? Please post your thoughts and opinions as always.

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-20374063790345760472012-01-02T08:03:00.000-08:002012-01-02T08:03:43.507-08:00

Christmas has just been and i decided to treat myself. As you may well know from previous posts. One of my to buys, was a new skimmer. After reading reviews and comments posted on reefing forums i decided to buy a Deltec MCE skimmer.  It's awesome, running at just 10 watts it produces loads of micro bubbles. It is producing much more waste than my old TMC V2 500 skimmer and this was running

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-67921806986383676372011-11-26T15:56:00.000-08:002011-11-26T15:56:26.592-08:00

With all the lighting options available. LED, Metel halide, T5's. What is your preffered option? For the very first time i have added a poll for all blog readers to let everyone collectively know. You can enter your option on the top of this page. lets see what reefers use and prefer. All comments welcome in this blog post. 

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-71069475721437085162011-11-22T13:41:00.000-08:002011-11-22T13:41:43.520-08:00

Upon the desisson to adopt metal halide with my current led setup. I may now be changing my mind again. The news of big aquarium manufacturers such as ecotech and D&D, utilising the new Cree LED lighting technology  is making me listen.  Metal halide performance is becoming achievable with led lighting with many advatages, such as reduced heat, lower running costs, and

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-10964541086321533432011-11-04T14:27:00.000-07:002011-11-04T14:27:52.279-07:00

For some time now i have used the Vortech MP10 power head for water movement and i am really happy with it's performance, even more so from reading articles about there underrated flow rates. These power heads produce much more flow than stated on there specification sheet, leaving other competing brands behind with rated turn over/flow. Regular readers of this blog will know

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-21580375878797063932011-10-20T14:45:00.000-07:002011-10-20T14:45:12.381-07:00

The challenge of keeping LPS and SPS is demanding enough just maintaining good stable parameters but many say they cant thrive under LED lighting. I have to disagree, below are some growth shots for you take a look at. I know colouration is'nt great but these corals have almost doubled in size in the last 12 months. Before Now Before Now

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-38325716394416750742011-07-14T14:25:00.000-07:002018-04-19T13:35:36.146-07:00

Total dissolved solids, or TDS as it is otherwise known can be the cause of many problems. One of the main problems that it can cause, is nuisance algae like i have had. As you will know from following my blog, i have had major issues with Algae. The RO water with a TDS reading of 9 that was being used woud'nt have helped. So how do you overcome this? Get yourself an in line TDS meter to

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-82201784147234380742011-07-12T13:25:00.000-07:002011-07-12T13:28:24.848-07:00

It was my Birthday last week and i decided i wanted to visit a local fish shop. Off we with the intention to get a  few bits and bobs and came away with a Pair of tank bred Percula clown fish, a really nice acropora frag and the new Algae Control test kit from Red Sea. My intention was to purchase the high sensitivity Phosphate Merck kit from D-D, But as informed  by the shop

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-18615888323350103412011-06-28T13:51:00.000-07:002011-06-28T13:51:32.190-07:00

After waiting for the latest Ultra Marine magazine to drop through the door and wondering about this months contents it arrived. upon arrival it appeared some what thicker and heavier than usual? The reason, a wonderful glossy magazine/ catalogue from D-D aquarium solutions. What a fab magazine this is, it is full of really helpful reef keeping articles, these are Rowaphos, why waste your

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-49316603921859839922011-05-17T14:06:00.000-07:002011-05-18T14:20:46.873-07:00

After some thought and discussion with my partner we have decided to pursue a new hobby in photography. This has brought to us to the purchase of a Digital SLR canon EOS 500D camera. It's an amazing piece of kit and to say it is an entry level camera, there is like reef keeping, loads to learn. The trouble with many hobbies is it tends to lead you into other interests. I suppose it is

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977199415267802248.post-38242770989573634992011-04-25T12:35:00.000-07:002011-04-25T12:35:57.308-07:00

I have today finally made it to one of my local fish shops. I managed to get hold of a peppermint shrimp, although i wanted two. These seem very difficult to get hold of at the moment. My other purchase was a mythrax crab, to munch away on the overwhelming amount of bubble algae. I have just checked my water parameters that now have been resolved. Alkalinity is back to 9.0 and the

Garethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13743674549695270884noreply@blogger.com1