Condylactis and Friends
The primary distinction between this tank and the Bartholomea aquarium is the need for proper lighting for the anemone. Bartholomea lack zooxanthellae and lighting is thus immaterial to its well-being. This model design is a miniature version of the sea grass bed tank described in the previous chapter. Aquarium Capacity 20 gallons long Life Support live sand, hang-on filter with built-in skimmer Lighting two to four fluorescent lamps Background light green Decoration plastic reproductions of...
Lighting Systems
Fluorescent lamps come in many types that vary in terms of their intensity, color, and the amount of electricity they consume. The most important of these factors from a purely aesthetic point of view is the color. Ever notice how people appear unhealthy under industrial fluorescent lighting This is because the lamps typically used in such applications are the cool white type. This lamp imparts a yellowish green cast to everything, although it is supposedly the best for illuminating a work...
Amyloodinium and Cryptocaryon
Two microorganisms, one a free-swimming protozoan and the other a form of algae, are responsible for almost all of the disease problems with which saltwater aquarium enthusiasts must cope. Both of these parasites can be easily treated with copper medication, but a novice aquarist may fail to notice the telltale signs of disease until it is too late. Don't make this common mistake Any fish that exhibits rapid, shallow fanning of the gill covers or that stays in an area of high water movement...
Tank Proportions and Habitat Types
Unless you plan on ordering a custom-built tank, you will have to make do with one of the stock sizes. In my experience, people usually purchase a tank based on their budget. I would suggest you consider both the size and proportions of any tank in terms of how your intended habitat will fit. Appendix C lists typical aquarium sizes from 20 to 300 gallons. A quick inspection of this table reveals that manufacturers maintain certain proportions from one tank to the next. In aquarium lingo, depth...
Catalog of Saltwater Fish
In the foregoing pages, I have covered over one hundred species of saltwater fish and their aquarium care. My list represents roughly one-fourth of the coral reef fish imported for the aquarium trade, but includes 90 percent of the species that are both commonly available and well suited to captive care by a home aquarist. The taxonomic outline should help you make sense of all this diversity. The cross-reference lists will assist you in choosing the perfect fish for any aquarium community you...
Symbiotic Invertebrates
Aside from the well-known symbioses between anemones and clownfish, and between corals and zooxan-thellae, numerous forms of cooperative living have evolved on the reef. Cleaning, for example, is a form of mutualism practiced by many species of crustaceans and fish. The cleaner removes parasites from the host, usually a larger fish, thereby gaining food while performing a valuable service. Distinctive coloration and behavior patterns identify cleaners, and predators often spare them. This has...