the Prodigal Cube

Interesting TRIO.

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:52:00 +0000

Not sure what to make out of this trio. Are they responsible for producing the Amphiprion thiellei?

Red Carpet!

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:32:00 +0000

a treat for clownfish/anemone freaks..

The Beautiful Reef from Turkey: Eren Yelkenci’s

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 22:13:00 +0000

ELEVEN Hawaiian Yellow Tangs!! nine Anthias, nice Chromiis, two Unicorns and the list goes on. Even just two HYT in a Reef Tank is a master piece. IMAGINE those eleven Yellow Tang's > that would be a sight to behold and a show tank not easily forgotten.

follow his thread in RC:

and a video to gaze upon.

YouTubeVideo

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Hello fellow prodigal reefers... Apologies for not having any updated entries. I don't want to give any lame excuses but I should be changing my blog style soon. Watch out for my new style entry>.... in the mean time enjoy a video shared to us by jwre1966 of Amsterdam.

Maxspect G Series LED spied at AQUARAMA 2011

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Mon, 23 May 2011 18:46:00 +0000

Singapore Aquarama 2011: As one of the main sponsor of the biggest Fish Show in the whole of Asia, Maxspect has supplied not one but a whole school of LED fixture to supply the only SOURCE of light for the Marine Tank Category.


first hand pictures of maxspect G series fixture before the opening of the Aquarama show as pictured by Harlequin Mania.

Looking at the picture above, it is very clear how the company has completely overhauled the whole fixture while comparing the same in its debut at Orlando's MACNA. The unit now looks stunningly sexy with a sleek and slim iPadish body. Moreover, it seems like the LED fixture comes in a smaller package where, instead of having a specific length to cover the whole tank.. it will now be done in modules. Good Move Maxspect!!

And just to top the icing on the cake... maxspect led comes with a controller... now sure how the controller works.. one thing for sure is that it will be able to handle those modules.

Picasso Clarkii exported by Aquarich.

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 01:42:00 +0000


screenshot of Aquarich logo..

Picasso Clarkii is a new designer clown produced by Bali Aquarich: the company that gave us the tank bred pinnatus batfish. The designer clown takes the cue from the it's sibling Percula which is now as well being produced in hundreds by the said company. Though, the picasso clarkii, is still rare in the market... it will only take much time for the demand to soar and will push Aquarich no choice but to let go of their hidden gems...

picture courtesy of Baliaquarich

Picasso Clarkii officially called as GALAXY Clownfish:

But few from the United Kingdom was lucky enough to have them. If only I have the right to post some of the pictures. Sorry guys, google is your friend here.

Key LED: Show-off video

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Key Led showing its prowess for the first time. Complete with storm/lightning demo. With the addition of the RGB led strip at the middle of the light fixture: I still could not grasp the idea of having a tank with all those colors. The blue to purple is nice but not the green - red.

What do you guys think.. hit up the feed back button and let me know what you think.

KEY LED: now with dimming controls.

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:34:00 +0000

Not a very long time ago when the Chinese company Shanghai Key Industrial introduces us with their very own interpretation of led lightning for aquarium application. Few reefers even bothered to have a look. Most, if not all ignored the potential. Among those who had a chance to fiddle with these light noted that the fixture comes with basic functionality. One to switch the blue lights and one switch for the white.

That all will change will the introduction of their 2011 models. Not only that it is fully controllable, they have as well slapped a strip of RGB LED to simulate sunrise and sunset.

here is a simulation:

The different color combination of the RGB Led to simulate dusk, dawn, storm, and the hobbyist preferential color to bring the best of their coral collection.... sweet!

and the best part of the fixture is its heart.

improved and silent temperature controlled fan for good ventilation.

Easy connect for LED upgrade/replacement.

Dimmable PWM driver.

microcomputer for smart controlling.

your choice of Cree or BridgeLux

coming in four flavors:

Model

Size(cm)

MAX Power

Suitable for tank

Chips

E7848-D-TC

78*27*4

165W

120CM*60CM

E7836-D-TC

78*27*4

130W

100CM*60CM

E5832-D-TC

58*27*4

115W

60CM*6

E7848-T-TC
Specifications:
Input Voltage:110v/220v
Max Power Output:165 Watt
LED Configuration:48 x 3 Watt(Blue16/White32)
LED High-Power Chips:USA
Nighttime:Moonlight(RGB-P)
Total Lumen:7200 Lm
Lifespan:50,000 Hrs
WaveLenght:White—12K, Blue—460~465nm
Dimension:78x27x4cm

E5832-T
Specifications:
Input Voltage:110v/220v
Max Power Output:100 Watt
LED Configuration:32 x 3 Watt LED(Blue12/White20)
LED High-Power Chips:USA
Nighttime:Moonlight(Blue)
Total Lumen:4800 Lm
Lifespan:50,000 Hrs
WaveLenght:White—12K, Blue—460~465nm
Dimension:58x27x4cm

E5832-T
Specifications:
Input Voltage:110v/220v
Max Power Output:100 Watt
LED Configuration:32 x 3 Watt LED(Blue12/White20)
LED High-Power Chips:USA
Nighttime:Moonlight(Blue)
Total Lumen:4800 Lm
Lifespan:50,000 Hrs
WaveLenght:White—12K, Blue—460~465nm
Dimension:58x27x4cm

E4024-T
Specifications:
Input Voltage:110v/220v
Max Power Output:75 Watt
LED Configuration:24 x 3 Watt LED(Blue8/White16)
LED High-Power Chips:USA
Nighttime:Moonlight(Blue)
Total Lumen:3400 Lm
Lifespan:50,000 Hrs
WaveLenght:White—12K, Blue—460~465nm
Dimension:40x27x4cm

RR wavemaker upgrade to 2nd Gen: Video

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 08:20:00 +0000

RR wavemaker has now been upgraded to second generation improving the overall design of the controller and giving it a digital capabilities. And not only that; the controller may now support up to four pumps.

RR Wave Maker System Mark-2

RR Wave Maker Mark-2 inside motor is new design, It already Improve the impeller and use 3 phase 6 coil, Let it more powerful and use low power comsumption. Over current and over heat protect circuit guarantee the system can run on different environment.

New digital Controller accurate control timing at 0.01 second, One bottom one function easy to use, Error alarm is added.

New digital Power Supply with LCD display, Voltage selection 0.5v per time.

Controller Specification:

Standard Voltage: DC5V - 24V

Standard Current: 250mA
LCD Dispaly: 2 Row x 16 Character
Function Key: 3 x 4 12 Keys
Fuse: 4 x 24V-2.5A
Power Consumption: 850mW
Size: 145.8 x 84.3 x 30mm
Pulse Adjust range: 0.50 - 39.99Sec
Transformer DC Socket: 5.5 x 2.5mm
Motor DC Socket: 5.5 x 2.1mm
Light Sensor RCA Jack Socket: 2.2mm

With these upgrades, the capability of the RR wavemaker to produce a wave and/or gyre motion in the reef tank is; if not better than that of Vortech is comparable. Now that would be a serious threat to the aforementioned and top favorite wavemaker. If only RR could go under a surgeon's knife for a facelift...

enjoy the video!

u.Tube

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:00:00 +0000

100 of the most sought after fish for the industry. Thanks RikiOh for the video.

Flatworm..

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:51:00 +0000

The flatworms (Convolutriloba retrogemma) featured in the video are shown at 3x normal speed. They each range from 2-4mm in total length.

These particular flatworms harbor symbiotic zooxanthellae in their thin tissue and utilize the excess sugars they create as their primary energy source. Packets of zooxanthellae can be seen as the tiny, red-brown dots along the back of flatworm. Their reliance upon this photosynthesis requires that these flatworms bask in sunlight like little photovoltaic cells, and enables them to live without a developed digestive system.

Music, Video, and Aquarium
MORPHOLOGIC STUDIOS

Pseudochromis Tapienosoma or A New Dottyback??

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:38:00 +0000

photo courtesy of LemonLemon

Singapore: close knit reefers from this country was in a frantic mode to search for a proper ID of a newly imported dottyback. The picture was taken by LemonLemon who is a big collector of unusual and rare fish and here is how he describe the new fish:

"It resembles very closely to Pseudochromis tapeinosoma but we strongly feel it's an unidentified species. I show the picture to other people overseas and they also feel it's something new. pictures have already been sent for confirmation to see if it is indeed a new species or just a colour variation of tapeinosoma. the body is yellow with a navy blue stripe that runs from the snout to the end of the body along the dorsal. the tail is encircled in the blue stripe forming a horshoe shape."

If you think you know the true identity of this particular dottyback; why not give as a heads-up. This fish will surely be a big hit for a rare fish collector.

Macro Aqua DC Wave Maker

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 23:52:00 +0000

Macro Aqua that brought us independent (pH, ORP) controllers with a unique stand&display integration is back with few more controllers. One of such product is their very own version of a wave maker that is able to control up to 2 of their designed propeller pumps.

MACROWAVE MAKER	F1	F2	F3	F4	F5	F6
FLOW RATE	3000L/H	2600L/H	5200L/H	4000L/H	10800L/H	9200L/H
RECOMMENDED AQUARIUM SIZE(liters)	120~200L	100~180L	200~400L	150~350L	360~800L	300~700L
WATTAGE	7W	7W	10W	9W	17W	15W

MODE SELECT KEY

(the mode can be swltched at any time): There are 4 modes to choose from.

Mode 1:

(Two pumps with six sections of speed adjustment)
The speed of Pump 1 and pump 2 can be adjusted independently

Mode 2:(Tidal mode)

The pumps run according to the variation of the tidal cycle.
(Two pumps are with independent tidal.)
No adjustable function.
The tidal cycle changes every 120 mins.

Mode 3:

(pump 1 with adjustable duration time and pump 2 with tidal mode)
The duration time for pump 1 can be adjusted by the user.
The pump runs at the first speed for 5 seconds and then changes to the sixth speed for 10-60 seconds.
This is one cycle (See the picture below) The factory default is 10 seconds.Pump 2 is with tidal mode.
The variation for the tidal mode is 120 mins.

Mode4:

(Pump 1 with adjustable duration time and Pump 2 with adjustable six sections of speed)
The duration time for pump 1 can be adjusted by the user.
The pump speed will be changed from 1-2-3-4-5-6 in
6 seconds and run at the sixth speed for 10-60 seconds and then change to the first speed for 4 seconds.
This is one cycle.The factory default is 10 seconds.

Macro Aqua DC Controllable Skimmer

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:34:00 +0000

How could this sweet skimmer slip thru our radar when it has got everything you need in a skimmer: The Taiwanese base company - Macro Acro has released this this skimmer late of 2010. Despite having the ultimate killer feature for a skimmer; a sleek body cone design coupled with a bubble plate and equip with a controllable DC pump this skimmer did not make it to the Headline of any reefing forum. Let's take another look and give this skimmer a chance to shine.

SC Series	Specification(cm)		Tank Size(litre)	Power (Watt)	Air inflow (Litre/h)
Internal	Base	Height	Tank Size(litre)	Power (Watt)	Air inflow (Litre/h)
MDSE550	30x20	53	1800	28-40	500-900
MDSE650	35x23	60	2500	36-48	700-1200

CONE BODY:

new design,centralize bubble,
high efficiency,made of impact resistant material

SUPER FINE ADJUSTMENTS:

work DC pump with controller,make skimmer dry,traditional method with hand cannot get such achievements

BURST-LEVEL PROOF MODE:

auto induction with abnormal water level,auto stop and warning of
on running

NIGHT MODE:

auto night-inducation mode,reduce running flow rate

FEEDING MODE:

auto feeding mode,reduce foods and odditives waste

VARIABLE FREQUENCY PUMP:

DC12v-24v,safe,energy-saving,low temperature,
power-saving,new technology product

AquaController Apex : 220V native energy bar.

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:10:00 +0000

Well, few of us has been waiting for this news. . .

I have posted the same topic in April and was told by Neptune System (Curt P.) that the said controller was under work and would be expected by end of 2010. It is now the beginning of another year, yet we haven't heard anything from Neptune. I have seen few post across different forum about the coming of 220v version so I have contacted Neptune System about it and here is the reply:

theprodigalcube asks:

Hello Curt..

Just a follow up inquiry of the Apex 220V that was plan to be in production
last year. My last info was it was planned to be released late of 2010;

Are you guys still planning on releasing such model?

and this is the reply from Curt:

Hi,

Yes, we are developing a 220V version of our EnergyBars; it is expected to ship in 2011.

Curt

Now that is just a very good news for all reefers. Another must have toy.

Bubble Pioneer

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Bubble Pioneer reintroducing a new line of Cone Skimmer. First stop; a compact BP-CE180 and slightly larger BP-CE 200. Flashback year 2009; Bubble Pioneer was one of the company that introduce us a cheaper cone skimmer. Now, come 2011 ...we are expecting that this company from Singapore to introduce more models.

BP- CE 180

Size : 33.5cm X 22cm X 56cm (L x W x H)
Base Diameter : 180mm
Pump : BP3000 Needle Wheel
Total power consumption : 28watt
Max Air : 800Liter
Tank rating : 800Liter

BP-CE 200

Size : 38cm X 23.5cm X 56cm (L x W x H)
Base Diameter : 200mm
Pump : BP5000 Needle Wheel
Total power consumption : 32watt
Max Air : 1200Liters
Tank rating : 1200Liters

Utilizing a compact design and using an Italian pump with modified volute. This skimmer should soon be available soon to reefers in asia and launching to US & EU shortly.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:22:00 +0000

Happy New Year to you all Prodigal Reefers....

Abyzz 200 WaveMaker To Challenge Vortech Pumps.

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 22:28:00 +0000

Yup you read it right.

The Abyzz 200 controllable brushless DC pump, may sound like a new pump but rather this is the same pump produce by Schunk Module Technik formerly known as Triton 420, aka RD2 of Royal Exclusive. Not exactly as beautiful as that of the vortech or as small as the MP60 but this pump's ability to produce waves not only mimics that of the said pump but has copied the real waves. Up and down motion and at the same time pushing a stream of water to produce a current. It's hard to explain so lets see the video below.

With the ability of the Abyzz 200 to produce such realistic wave, this will push the benchmark of making waves in the reef aquairum. I hope that Schunk Module Technik would shrunk the size of the pump and as well as the price.

here's the specs of the pump (as per our fellow blogger: Reef News.Blog)

Maximum capacity : 17.000 l/h
Normal capacity : 14.500 l/h
Out flow speed : max. 5,4m/s, normal. 4,6m/s
Max head. 6,5m
Power form : 4…200W
Operating voltage : 230V~, 50…60Hz
Ambient temperature : +2°C…+40°C
Maximum operating pressure : 1,2 bar
Maximum operating depth : 2 Meter
Cable length : 3m oder 10m
Inlet / Outlet connections : 50mm/40mm
Suitable for PVC/ABS socket fittings

HERO : the new skimmer from Bubble Magus!

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 22:23:00 +0000

Bubble Magus, the now famous maker of ~~cheap~~ skimmer from China has just introduce their new HERO: the skimmer that will save us from other skimmer. Bless with good look and beastly performance, these new skimmer will save us from disasters.

oh loooook!...... it's a shark!..... it's a submarine!.... NO! ITS HERO!!!

The best looking skimmer yet from Bubble Magus.

Coming in three models, the specs of this skimmer is yet to be announce but Bubble Magus has step forward to share on what has been improved of this models.

* New parabolic body cone design greatly enhances the efficiency up to 10%
* Innovative collection cup shroud enhancing the collection to 5%
* Unique air nozzle, promoting excellent mixing ratio of air and water to achieve dense micro bubble.
* Advance collection cup, easy to disassemble.
* Improved Bubble plate to reduce water turbulence.
* Quick-Release design for easy pump access and cleaning
* Ergonomic adjustment knob, sleeker and smoother for fine tuning
* New thicker materials and advance processing technology.

head pass the break to see the other two models:
small model:

Large Model:

and details of the make;

Lotilia graciliosa: invades Singapore by the DOZEN!

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:40:00 +0000

Yes! the once very very very RARE and once very very very expensive white cap goby is no more; i mean no longer holds it's tittle as such. Few online retailer are dropping prices, even LiveAquaria has drop the price more than half.

Now Singapore is the next destination to get their fair share of the goby trade. Not only that they're getting few specimens but getting it by the dozen> or 15 pieces to be exact in a single shipment. This is not the first time for this fish to see Singaporean hobbyist but the first to see them in great number in one single shipment.

the goby retails around 150 US$ in singapore. Which is the cheapest price so far we've seen in the trade. So don't forget to buy your white cap goby when you're in singapore.

Water Proof LumenAqua

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:14:00 +0000

Lumen Aqua is showing off their new ware: Demoed from CIPS 2010 (China International Pet Show).. this new LED fixture is design to cater for SPS loving tank. It looks just like any other fixture, but the real talent of this lights is swimming in your tank- YES.

click pass the break to see the light dunk in the tank..

With such hidden second personality, I would like to take this baby with me diving to see how those beauties would look like in the tank.

Stay dry Max and AI!

BEWARE: Sympodium Predator

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:53:00 +0000

I recently acquired a healthy maricultured colony of the Sympodium coral. It open straight up after placing it in the display tank. Days past and I've noticed that some of the corals are not opening, though Did not really paid much attentention to it as this coral was maricultured and I expected it to still slowly acclimate in my tank's condition.

      A week past after, I was losing small parts of the colony until I was down to few stalks that I have decided to save the last few remaining of the green xenia.     Did not notice anything until I placed it back in the tank. Three blue stalks floated away and all I thought was that the xenia was melting and then suddenly one of the bluish stalks starts moving that
it all hit me...

     Sympodium eating Nudibranch. my.. my... what a discovery. Cleverly mimicking the stalks of the sympodium that it was in front of me yet it was invisible.

I could not believe that three of these beautiful slugs was peacefully living in the colony and slowly eating the coral.    Very beautiful invertebrate that I could not just flushed them down.   As a matter of fact, I still have the trio as of writing.

did you noticed that yourself?

I told you! they are best in camouflaging themselves..

and some close-up shot of the beautiful blue colored plumage predator.
don't forget to click the picture for a bigger view. Also, inspect your sympodium if you have one.

NEW BabyFish Doser; rivals that of Bubble Magus.

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 22:35:00 +0000

I am not exactly sure if this product is the same as the BM doser, infact the two dosing pumps share plenty of similarities; similar look, similar color as well as similar extention doser. The only part where these two products differs is the price. Babyfish doser retails only half of that than the BMT-01 Kit.

The only thing that we could not compare is the specs of the Babyfish doser as nothing is said about by the seller. Perhaps, It is likely that this is piece of equipment is an OEM branded by Bubble Magus. A quick search about the company yields nothing either.

Looking at this product, without a knowledge about the maker - without warranty from the seller, it is only the price point where hobbyist might consider this. A total gamble? or perhaps a total winner?

BLUE Sun Coral Appears..

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:02:00 +0000

photo courtesy of: Endless blue's blog

Not exactly from the family as that of the Tubastrea and/or Dendrophyllia, but this lovely rare blue azooxanthellae coral is from the Genus Oulangia, Species; Oulangia stokesiana coming from Indo-West Pacific region.

So it's not surprising that a local reefer base in Manila have some polyps in possession... actually have few polyps for sale. I tried to get a polyp or two from his collection unfortunately, my contact was not able to meet him.

Here's some picture he had posted on the local forum.

Bleed!

Break Time: light show

noreply@blogger.com (spy) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:27:00 +0000

imagine what this controller can do to your reeftank. Dusk, dawn. storm, or even simulate rare fish that are unobtainble; say to project an image of Centropyge boylei swimming with the rest of your collection.