Percnon gibbesi, commonly known as the Sally Lightfoot Crab or Nimble Spray Crab, is a marine crab species characterized by its very flat, thin, and wide carapace (shell). It has a distinctive red to brown coloration, sometimes with fine green marbling, and legs with yellow rings at the joints. Adults can reach a carapace width of about 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). They are known for their agility and speed, especially in their natural rocky habitat.
Physical Characteristics:
Carapace: Flat and thin, with a width of about 30mm.
Coloration: Varies from red to brown, sometimes with green marbling.
Legs: Long and flattened, with yellow rings at the joints.
Spines: Each of the five pairs of walking legs has a row of spines along the leading edge.
Habitat and Behavior:
Percnon gibbesi is native to the Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands.
It is considered an invasive species in many parts of the Mediterranean.
It is commonly found in rocky, intertidal and subtidal zones, often hiding under rocks and in crevices.
They are known for their scavenging behavior, feeding on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.
While generally reef-safe, larger individuals can become aggressive and may prey on small fish and other invertebrates
Percnon planissimum, commonly known as the flat rock crab or nimble spray crab, is a small, highly compressed, and rapid-moving crab (3-6 cm) found in tropical Indo-Pacific shallow rocky shores and coral reefs. Identified by its mottled brown/red color, bright green-blue stripes, and yellow-orange leg segments, this species inhabits shallow, turbulent waters, hiding under
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Extremely flat, orbicular carapace (rounded) which allows them to fit into tight rocky crevices.
Coloration: Distinctively mottled brown to reddish with bright yellow/beige longitudinal stripes, often featuring blue highlights.
Size: Generally, the carapace width ranges from 3 to 6 cm.
Limbs: The walking legs often have yellow-orange tips.
Distinguishing Feature: Unlike P. gibbesi (which has banded legs), P. planissimum is recognized by yellowish streaks on the legs, though they are often confused.
Habitat and Behavior
Location: Found in the tropical Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines.
Environment: Intertidal zone, coral reef flats, and exposed rocky shores, often found in shallow, turbulent water (0–30 meters).
Behavior: Known for being fast-moving and shy, retreating quickly into cracks when disturbed.
Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae, but sometimes omnivorous, consuming small invertebrates and detritus.
P. planissimum belongs to the family Percnidae and is a common species in its native range, often seen clinging to rock walls in the intertidal zone
Plexaurella nutans is a gorgonian sea rod commonly called the Giant slit-pore sea rod, which grows to over 1 meter tall with thick, branching, and often club-ended branches. It is characterized by a brownish-tan to lavender color and has unique slit-shaped apertures where the polyps emerge, creating a "fuzzy" or "dimpled" surface when extended. This photosynthetic, zooxanthellate coral is found in the Caribbean and South Florida, and it feeds on plankton.
Appearance
Height: Colonies can grow to over 1 meter tall.
Colony form: Moderately branched, bushy, or tall with sparse branching.
Branches: Thick, cylindrical, and moderately robust, with diameters of 7-18 mm. They often have club-shaped or bulbous tips.
Apertures: Distinctly slit-shaped, often raised on small mounds, giving the surface a dimpled or fuzzy appearance.
Color: Ranges from tan, yellowish-brown, or light brown to gray or sometimes mauve.
Biology and Ecology
Habitat:
Found on patch reefs, outer slopes, and fore reefs in depths from 3 to 49 meters.
Diet:
A mixotrophic species; it feeds on zooplankton using its polyps and also contains symbiotic photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) in its tissues.
Axis:
The internal axis is heavily mineralized with calcite.
Location:
Found in the waters of South Florida, Bermuda, and throughout the Caribbean Sea.
Psammocora superficialis е вид твърд корал (SPS), често наричан „Кадифен килим“ (Velvet Carpet) заради своята ултра фина, почти мъхната текстура. Той е популярен избор за морски аквариуми, тъй като е изключително издръжлив, бързорастящ и адаптивен.
Основни характеристики
Визия: Обикновено образува тънки, прилепнали (енкрустиращи) колонии, които следват формата на скалите.
Цветове: Варират от златисто, оранжево и зелено до по-редки екзотични морфове в неоново зелено или ярко синьо.
Текстура: Повърхността му е покрита с много малки коралити, които му придават специфичен гранулиран вид.
Грижа в аквариум
Светлина: Предпочита средна до силна осветеност.
Течение: Изисква умерено до силно течение, за да предотврати натрупването на детрит върху фината си повърхност.
Агресивност: Смята се за сравнително кротък, но може да обхване съседни корали чрез бързия си растеж.
The Orchid Dottyback, Pseudochromis fridmani, is a small, vibrant purple fish known for its striking color and tendency to dart around in search of food. They are found in the Red Sea and are relatively easy to keep in aquariums, making them a popular choice for reef tanks.
Key Features:
Appearance:
These fish are typically a bright purple with a bluish hue on the head and a thin, dark stripe through their eyes.
Size:
They grow to a maximum length of about 6.3 centimeters.
Habitat:
In the wild, they are found near reefs, often sheltering in holes and under overhangs.
Behavior:
While generally peaceful, they can be territorial and may defend their hiding places from other fish, especially those with similar coloration.
Diet:
They are carnivores and primarily eat plankton and small crustaceans like brine shrimp and krill.
Aquarium Care:
They thrive in reef aquariums and prefer plenty of hiding places like live rock. They are also relatively easy to feed, especially with meaty foods.
Pusiostoma, commonly known as the Bumble Bee Snail, is a small, striking marine gastropod mollusk with a distinctive black and yellow striped shell. These snails are native to the Indo-Pacific region and are known for their scavenging abilities and ability to fit into tight spaces. They are a popular addition to reef aquariums for their beauty and helpfulness in maintaining tank cleanliness.
Here's a more detailed look:
Appearance:
The Bumble Bee Snail's shell has a white or yellowish background with several black, transverse bands, mimicking the colors of a bumblebee. It's a small snail, typically ranging from 1 to 2 cm in length.
Habitat:
These snails are found in tropical and subtropical waters, primarily in rocky and reef environments.
Diet:
Bumble Bee Snails are known to be algivores, meaning they feed primarily on algae, detritus, and uneaten food. They are also known to eat vermetid snails.
Behavior:
They are generally peaceful and are considered reef-safe, making them a good addition to reef aquariums. They are also known to be nocturnal and can be found hiding in crevices.
Care:
They are considered moderately hardy, but require stable water parameters, including temperature, salinity, and pH.
Breeding:
Breeding in captivity is not well-documented, but they are known to lay eggs above the waterline
Reef Crystals sea salt is the first formulation of enriched sea water to contain the additional benefit of elements important to Reef aquarium enthusiasts.
1. Additional calcium that enables Reef organisms to form their shells or skeletal structures.
2. Additional trace elements that provide additional important nutritional elements.
3. Additional vitamins that promote the optimal growth and survival of corals, anemones, algae, etc.
4. A neutraliser that eradicates the dangers presented by the heavy metals in the domestic water supply.
Reef Crystals represents a significant improvement in the field of aquarium maintenance.
Fully compatible with all salt water aquariums, it presents no danger to animals which are not specifically Reef-dwelling.
Dissolves rapidly
• Mixes crystal clear in just a few minutes.
• Can be used immediatley.
• Reaches and maintains correct ph quickly.
• Unique crystal structure makes this the fastest dissolving enriched salt.
• Guaranteed uniform consistency.
Complete Formula
• Easy to use.
• Each batch is analyzed to ensure the correct levels of all elements.
Rich in Calcium and Magnesium
• Helps reef organisms to form their skeletal structure.
• May eliminate the need for additional calcium.
Trace element enriched
• Contains all the elements to support the growth of coralline algea.
• Creates the ideal environment for the maintenance and growth of even the most demanding marine organisms.
• May remove the need for additional trace elements.
Contains vitamins
• Provides essential vitamins for the optimal growth of invertebrates, corals and anemones.
• Raw materials from the prehistoric salt mines in Lorraine (France).
• Free of pollutants.
• Environmentally friendly.
Reef Crystals sea salt is the first formulation of enriched sea water to contain the additional benefit of elements important to Reef aquarium enthusiasts.
1. Additional calcium that enables Reef organisms to form their shells or skeletal structures.
2. Additional trace elements that provide additional important nutritional elements.
3. Additional vitamins that promote the optimal growth and survival of corals, anemones, algae, etc.
4. A neutraliser that eradicates the dangers presented by the heavy metals in the domestic water supply.
Reef Crystals represents a significant improvement in the field of aquarium maintenance.
Fully compatible with all salt water aquariums, it presents no danger to animals which are not specifically Reef-dwelling.
Dissolves rapidly
• Mixes crystal clear in just a few minutes.
• Can be used immediatley.
• Reaches and maintains correct ph quickly.
• Unique crystal structure makes this the fastest dissolving enriched salt.
• Guaranteed uniform consistency.
Complete Formula
• Easy to use.
• Each batch is analyzed to ensure the correct levels of all elements.
Rich in Calcium and Magnesium
• Helps reef organisms to form their skeletal structure.
• May eliminate the need for additional calcium.
Trace element enriched
• Contains all the elements to support the growth of coralline algea.
• Creates the ideal environment for the maintenance and growth of even the most demanding marine organisms.
• May remove the need for additional trace elements.
Contains vitamins
• Provides essential vitamins for the optimal growth of invertebrates, corals and anemones.
• Raw materials from the prehistoric salt mines in Lorraine (France).
• Free of pollutants.
• Environmentally friendly.
Reef Crystals sea salt is the first formulation of enriched sea water to contain the additional benefit of elements important to Reef aquarium enthusiasts.
1. Additional calcium that enables Reef organisms to form their shells or skeletal structures.
2. Additional trace elements that provide additional important nutritional elements.
3. Additional vitamins that promote the optimal growth and survival of corals, anemones, algae, etc.
4. A neutraliser that eradicates the dangers presented by the heavy metals in the domestic water supply.
Reef Crystals represents a significant improvement in the field of aquarium maintenance.
Fully compatible with all salt water aquariums, it presents no danger to animals which are not specifically Reef-dwelling.
Dissolves rapidly
• Mixes crystal clear in just a few minutes.
• Can be used immediatley.
• Reaches and maintains correct ph quickly.
• Unique crystal structure makes this the fastest dissolving enriched salt.
• Guaranteed uniform consistency.
Complete Formula
• Easy to use.
• Each batch is analyzed to ensure the correct levels of all elements.
Rich in Calcium and Magnesium
• Helps reef organisms to form their skeletal structure.
• May eliminate the need for additional calcium.
Trace element enriched
• Contains all the elements to support the growth of coralline algea.
• Creates the ideal environment for the maintenance and growth of even the most demanding marine organisms.
• May remove the need for additional trace elements.
Contains vitamins
• Provides essential vitamins for the optimal growth of invertebrates, corals and anemones.
• Raw materials from the prehistoric salt mines in Lorraine (France).
• Free of pollutants.
• Environmentally friendly.
Reef Evolution Salt has been formulated to fulfill the needs of reef tanks, with average fish population, with a regular supply of trace elements, calcium, magnesium and alkalinity. It contains food for beneficial bacteria, amino acids and vitamins that support the biological processes in your tank for optimal growth and coloring of your corals as well as the health of your fishes. Reef Evolution salt can be used permanently and for the setting of a new tank.
USAGE: Dissolve the required amount of salt in RO water, 35-37 grams of salt dissolved in 1 liter will give you a specific gravity between 1024-1025 at a temperature of 25° Celsius. Agitate until fully dissolved. We recommend a water change of 10 % of the total water volume every 1-2 weeks.
Since 1964, Instant Ocean is the most carefully formulated and manufactured sea salt in the world. An extensive biological and scientific program, particularly with the scientific community and in our hatchery – where we have reproduced millions of tropical sea fish – has enabled us to elaborate and refine a formula that fulfils the needs of captive marine organisms.
Each ingredient used in the composition of Instant Ocean is carefully selected and tested. Each batch is analysed in order to guarantee that all important elements have been perfectly mixed. Each batch is also continuously monitored in laboratory aquatic systems containing delicate marine animals and plants, because live organisms are always the most sensitive indicators of quality.
Exceptional solubility
• Provides a clear solution in minutes.
• Allows for immediate use.
• Reaches and maintains proper pH quickly.
Complete formula
• Provides the ideal environment for the care of all marine organisms in the aquarium, including even the most sensitive species.
• Contains every necessary major, minor, and trace elements.
Uniform particle size
• Guarantees consistency throughout.
Mono-composant
• Makes it easy to use.
• Every batch is analysed to ensure the presence of important elements.
• Raw material from the mine of the prehistoric german sea in Lorraine (France).
• No pollution.
• Green friendly extraction method.
Aquarium Systems Reef Tonic 2x5 L is a two-part liquid solution designed to stabilize pH and alkalinity in reef aquariums, mimicking natural seawater conditions. It helps maintain the balance between carbon dioxide and calcium, which can be disrupted by aquarium inhabitants. The product is available in two sizes, 2x500 ml and 2x5 L, and is suitable for use with dosing pumps according to Instagram posts from Aquarium Systems.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Two-Part Solution:
Reef Tonic is composed of two separate liquids, indicated as Component I and Component II, which are designed to be added to the aquarium in a specific ratio to achieve the desired buffering effect.
pH and Alkalinity Buffer:
The primary function of Reef Tonic is to buffer or stabilize the pH and alkalinity (carbonate hardness) levels in the aquarium water.
Natural Balance:
By maintaining these parameters, Reef Tonic aims to replicate the natural conditions found in seawater, which is crucial for the health and well-being of reef inhabitants.
Calcium and Carbon Dioxide Balance:
It specifically addresses the imbalance between calcium and carbon dioxide, which can be affected by the metabolic processes of corals and other reef organisms.
Dosing Pump Compatibility:
The 2x5 L size is designed for easy and convenient use with automatic dosing pumps, allowing for precise and consistent addition of the solution to the aquarium.
Reef Keeping:
Reef Tonic is a component of reef-keeping systems, helping maintain the essential water parameters for healthy coral growth and overall reef ecosystem stability.
