The "Purple Porcelain Crab," Petrolisthes sp., is a small, flat-bodied crab with a distinctive coloration, known for its vibrant purple hues and the ability to detach its claws when threatened. These crabs are found in tropical oceans and are popular additions to reef aquariums due to their peaceful nature and reef-safe qualities.
Physical Characteristics:
Size:
The carapace (body shell) can grow up to 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) wide.
Shape:
They have a flattened, rounded body, well-suited for hiding in crevices and under rocks.
Coloration:
While often reddish-brown or blueish-grey, they are known for their vibrant purple claws and markings on the body. The claws (chelipeds) are disproportionately large and may have a blueish hue, particularly at the joints (knuckles).
Claws:
They possess large claws that are easily detachable as a defense mechanism.
Legs:
They have four pairs of walking legs, with the fifth pair being reduced and tucked under the abdomen.
Antennae:
Long antennae are located beside the eyes.
Behavior and Ecology:
Habitat:
They are typically found on rocky substrates in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones.
Feeding:
Petrolisthes sp. are filter feeders, using specialized limbs near their mouths to capture plankton and other small particles from the water. They may also scavenge for food and are known to feed on "marine snow" and micro-invertebrates.
Defense:
They are known for autotomy, the ability to detach limbs, especially claws, when threatened.
Reef Safe:
They are generally considered reef safe and pose no threat to other inhabitants of a reef aquarium.
Social Behavior:
They often live in pairs or small groups.
In Aquariums:
Tank Setup: They do well in aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and feeding.
Water Parameters: Maintain stable water parameters suitable for a marine aquarium.
Feeding: Supplement their filter feeding with meaty foods, such as small pieces of fish or shrimp, and plankton-based foods.
The Dispar Anthias, Pseudanthias dispar, is a small, colorful reef fish known for its vibrant colors and peaceful temperament. It's a popular choice for home aquariums, particularly for those with reef tanks.
Key Features:
Coloration: Males have a bright red dorsal fin and a distinctive purple-edged orange stripe. Females display a yellowish-orange top and pale lavender to white underside.
Size: They grow to a maximum of 10 cm (4 inches).
Temperament: They are generally peaceful and reef-safe, making them suitable for community tanks.
Habitat: They are found in shallow waters on coral reefs and outer reef slopes.
Aquarium Care:
Water Parameters: They prefer a temperature of 23-28°C, a pH between 8 and 8.5, and good water quality with low nitrates.
Tank Size: A minimum of 200 liters (50 gallons) is recommended for a small group.
Social Structure: They are social and thrive in groups of one male and 3-4 females.
Diet: They are active planktivores and prefer a diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality flake food.
Reef Compatibility: They are reef-safe and can be kept with other peaceful reef inhabitants.
Distinctive Features:
Hermaphroditic: Anthias are known for being hermaphroditic, meaning they can change sex if a dominant male dies.
Schooling Behavior: They naturally live in schools, so keeping them in groups is recommended.
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
Re-Fresh for Brown/Green Water helps:
Revitalizes old, green/brown water
Preserves clear water
Keeps water odor free
Reduces organics
Use frequently to maintain sparkling water
100% Natural
No one wants an aquarium covered in green or brown grunge that smells. But many people do not want to add toxic chemicals to their aquarium either. The answer is ASF Re-Fresh. This 100% natural product is a potent mixture of beneficial bacteria that work to eliminate green and brown grunge in your water and on surfaces in the aquarium.
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.
price per polyp
Rhodactis, commonly known as mushroom corals, are a type of corallimorph that are easily recognizable by their large, individual polyps that resemble mushrooms. They are related to stony corals but do not form a stony skeleton. Rhodactis are popular in reef aquariums for their easy care and adaptable nature.
Key Characteristics of Rhodactis:
Appearance:
They are soft, fleshy, and have a jelly-like texture. Their individual polyps can be quite large, often reaching 1-18 inches in size.
Color and Texture:
They come in a wide variety of colors, including green, brown, tan, pink, and purple, and can have different textures, some even resembling hairy mushrooms.
Habitat:
They are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Care:
Rhodactis are known for being easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of aquarium environments.
Feeding:
They are photosynthetic and can also feed on particulate matter and small invertebrates.
Lighting:
Rhodactis generally prefer low to moderate lighting, ideally in the range of 75-150 PAR.
Flow:
They prefer low to moderate water flow.
Rhodactis in Reef Aquariums:
Rhodactis mushrooms are a popular choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
They can be placed in a variety of reef tank environments, making them a versatile choice.
They can be propagated (fragged) by experienced hobbyists.
Some species, like the Elephant Ear variety, can even be aggressive feeders and may consume smaller fish.
Price per 1 polyp
Ricordea florida, a type of corallimorph, is a popular and hardy "false coral" known for its bright colors and ease of care in saltwater aquariums. They are characterized by a small, disc-like body with short, bubble-like tentacles and come in various shades of purple, orange, green, blue, and yellow. While they are not true corals, they are still considered a popular addition to many reef tanks.
Key characteristics of Ricordea florida:
Appearance: They have a disc-like body with a smooth, sometimes ruffled edge, and a central oral disk where the mouth and tentacles are located.
Tentacles: Short, rounded tentacles cover the body, and these can be various colors, including the mouth.
Coloration: They exhibit a wide range of colors, including purple, orange, green, blue, and yellow.
Ease of Care: Ricordea florida is known for being easy to care for, making it suitable for beginners.
Habitat: They are native to the Caribbean and are found in shallow, turbid waters.
Feeding: They are primarily suspension feeders and can also photosynthesize, making them relatively easy to maintain.
Growth and Reproduction: They can grow quickly and often reproduce by splitting or budding.
Water Conditions: They prefer a moderate water current and light.
