The NetClub ™ Library of Articles
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There are presently 80 articles in the NetClub Library
Vitamin C Additions revisited and updated. I have updated this article that was originally written a few years ago, pointing out all the reasons why you should use Vitamin C and what its benefits are. Includes how to calculate how much Vitamin C to add. Also outlines the therapeutic and prophylactic use of Vitamin C.
Calcium Demand, a non technical review Quick and non technical look at calcium demand and what you should know about it. Excellent for those who are not sure what it is and for those who want to learn more about calcium demand, and why it varies.
Introduction and Background Information to the New Marine Fish and Invert Reef Aquarium Book. This is in text format. It recaps what is happening and sets the stage for the entire book. Great read !
Feeding your Corals How much should you feed and what type of foods? What does the amount of feeding depend on? How do you remove excess nutrients? How do you decide whether to increase the amount or not? What corals remove which nutrients. Skimmer impact and efficiency and feeding, what do excess nutrients do, and so on.
Controlling Nutrient Levels and Algae Growth in the Aquarium. This is a greatly expanded version of the talk I gave on #reefs. 1500 words extra. Deals with the sources of nutrients and especially how to remove them to ensure that your tank does not get overgrown with algae. Deals with nutrients such as phosphate, nitrate, silicate, carbon dioxide and also lighting and protein skimming and also using corals, yes corals, to lower nutrients.
Live Rock for the Reef Tank Part I. Excerpt from the New Marine Fish and Invert Reef Aquarium.
Mushroom Soft Corals Actinodiscus and Rhodactis Types. The Tips of the Day from The New Marine Fish and Invert Reef Aquarium. There are 4 Different TIP files
Live Sand Thickness Layers. Excerpts from The New Marine Fish and Invert Reef Aquarium book. There are 3 different documents.
Using Dylox for Treating and Disinfectin One file (excerpt from The New Marine Fish and Invert Reef Aquarium. No one else gives you as much detail on how to use Dylox and how much to use (+ an example of how to calculate the quantity required exactly exactly!).
Stress and Stress Factors. A document by Dr. John Linville DVM. What causes stress, what does it bring about, how to deal with it, progression of the effects and so on. Detailed with graphic showing progression.
How to Prepare and How to Drip and Use Kalkwasser. This document details what you need to know about Kalkwasser, how to make it, how to use it, how much to use, drip and other dispensing methods and what happens in terms of calcium carbonate precipitation, dKH, pH and and so on. This is a multi-part document. This is part I and II
Raising Your pH and exactly How to go About it Full details on all the various steps you need to take and the kind of additives needed and what procedures to follow. Very detailed article.
Custom Food Preparation. This is the custom food preparation I use myself for both corals and fish. The make up is given in percentages and what other additives are added are listed too.
Antimicrobial Treatments and Info. Detailed article by Dr. John Linville, DVM, on Microbial problems in aquariums and how to deal with them. This supplements the other articles on disease and protection against disease in aquariums very well.
Refugia in greater detail by John Walsh and Albert Thiel. A detailed article including what kind of animals to put in a refugium. What is it, how large should it be, etc. All the info you need. Read Ian's article below as well to get a full overview.
Detailed Article about the Various Types of Refugia and how to set them up. Ever thought of setting up a Refugium but did not know how to go about it? Here are all the details you need to know. Will be updated from time to time. Plenty of info to get you going though. By Ian McDonald. Very detailed with plenty of graphics.
Do-It-Yourself Air Driven Skimmer (Stand Alone) : all the parts and all the info you need to build your own air driven skimmers and graphics on how to build such a skimmer. This is a very efficient skimmer modified and redesigned till we were able to offer you this version. By Ian McDonald.
Do-It-Yourself Downdraft Skimmer Full plans and Details : here are all the parts you need and how to construct your own Downdraft skimmer! What you have here is the end result of many designs, tests, modifications, adjustments and redesigning until the skimmer as it is explained in detail here, outperforms just about any skimmer on the market. By Ian McDonald who agrees to let you use his plans. With graphic illustration and all details you need.
The New Disease Primer. A very in depth view at disease in the Marine Aquarium by Dr. John Linville DVM. This is a very comprehensive article that guides you through the entire process and will be updated from time to time although it is very extensive already.
In depth overview of Skimmers and Skimming, including the latest skimming technology. With plenty of graphics. Covers all the popular types and goes into detail but their merits and skimming efficiences. Ian McDonald has done a real thorough job at putting this article together and adding graphics illustrating the various principles. If you are in the market for one this is a must-read article.
Review of the Amyloodinium Article by Dr. John Linville DVM and some more info on this dreaded disease. This is presented in table format and very easy to follow. Highly recommended reading for everyone. You may not have disease in your tank now, but if it appears you should know the signs, Read the article right below as well.
Amyloodinium ocellatum or the Velvet disease dinoflagellate parasite. A look at the life cycle, when to act, how to treat, medications to use and more details to help you combat this disease. Part I to 4. Very comprehensive. Peer Reviewed.
The 7 Good and Desirable Habits of Reefkeeping. Practice these are increase your success rate by far. These are not difficult to adhere to at all. Practice and looking at them from time to time will help!
Disease in the Reef Aquarium. An expanded version of the Chat I gave recently. Deals with fish and corals, live rock, sand, snails, and so on. How to treat, medications, names of books you may wish to acquire, diagnosis, etc. A most important document to allow you to know how to approach potential disease in the reef tank.
Adding Animals To The Aquarium: Installments 1 through 6. How do you go about adding animals to the aquarium? What needs to be done first? Is it really important what you add first? What do you need to watch out for? How do you go about it? Testing and equipment requirements, and so on. What animals are hardy and which one are not. How to deal with stressed animals, how to add live rock to the tank and how to clean it before doing so. How to get bristle worms, crabs and mantis shrimp out of the rock etc. etc.
Progagating Bubble Coral by fragging the skeleton. Complete and detailed explanation on how to propagate this coral. Tools needed. Where to get them. All the steps you need to follow. Tips. Several thousand words long. Applies to Plerogyra sinuosa.
Tips and Recommendations - Part 3. More tips and recommendations. This document did not appear in the general library. Tips are short and to the point and can be applied easily by anyone.
Tips, Tricks and Recommendations - Part 2. More recommendations. Largely expanded doc from what appeared in the public section. Deals with features you should really pay attention to when running both LPS and SPS coral tanks or combination ones. Covers many aspects of reef tank operation. These are pointers that you should implement to end up with a more successful tank.
Tips, Tricks and Recommendations - Part 1. Largely expanded doc from what appeared in the public section. Deals with features you should really pay attention to when running both LPS and SPS coral tanks or combination ones. Covers many aspects of reef tank operation. These are pointers that you should implement to end up with a more successful tank.
Introduction to the Live Sand Method: an Introductory article for those considering applying this method to their aquariums. Gives you all the basic information you need to know. Other articles cover the subject more in detail.
The Falling pH Syndrome and how to solve it for sure Not so infrequently, hobbyists struggle with a pH falling syndrome over a period of time that can occur at any period in the lifecycle of the aquarium. Their pH may be too low to begin with when they just start their aquarium, and/or if may become too low even after the cycle is just completed. As the tank ages, the pH may suddenly start to take a drop and often the hobbyists is at a loss to understand why. This document explains how to solve the problem and also why this syndrome occurs. Long article.
The reason and causes of one type of Bacterial Infection in Corals. What causes brown jelly disease, how do you treat it, how do you prevent it from happening, what do you need to treat, what should you be looking for that may have led to the onset of the bacterial disease. What products do you need to treat. How do you treat. Nearly 4000 words.
Sudden and Unexplained Outbreaks of Algae. How do you cope with sudden outbreaks of brown or green algae that occur spontaneously even though based on the water quality parameters these algae should not appear since all levels of nutrients are real low. This happens to the best of us! Algae appear and we really do not know why and what to do. An explanation, the reasons and the solution.
Reef Events™ : The First issue of the Reef Events ™ Newsletter for NetClub ™ members was added to the Library. Check from time to time for updates to this first issue.
The Plenum - A positive development of Nutrient Accumulation: Based on my articles that plenums accumulate nutrients. How can we take advantage of this fact and turn the negative into a positive? Suggestions and how to do so.
Acclimating corals to new lighting conditions. An article that describes the steps you need to take to ensure that you do not commit errors when introducing a new coral to your tank with regard to the amount of lighting that you expose it to right from the start. What you need to know and how to proceed.
Problem solving Your Aquarium. What to do and how to do it when things get out of hand and your tank is experiencing all sorts of problems that need to be addressed. An in-depth analysis with suggestions and recommended parameters. Includes how to problem solve.
Acclimating New Animals. An in-depth several thousand word long detailed set of guidelines on how to introduce corals, fishes, other animals, how to deal with lighting, disease and so on. A must read for anyone who plans on adding new animals to his or her tank.
KSM and its beneficial effects in the reef tank in great detail. This article decribes the product but also goes into areas of coral disease and trace element requirements. Long and detailed article on the benefits and the prevention of disease in SPS and LPS corals
Converting to Live Rock and Live Sand. Another set of parameters and tank conditions and a description of how to deal with them. This situation is one where eggcrate was at the bottom and needs to be removed. Also deals with the pros and cons of plenums.
Zooxanthelllae. Photoadaptation. Varieties of. Abstract from an academic article plus comments on Photoadaptation and impact on Zooxantellae.
Cerianthid Tube Anemones. Detailed article on the types, behavior, requirements, predation, feeding, lighting, tank conditions required for these anemones. What to do and how to do if yours decide to leave its tube (methods to deal with this are described in detail). 5 Graphics of different types of Cerianthids.
The Live Sand and Live Rock Method Continued. This continues the series on the Berlin and Live Sand method. Articles includes 5 graphics of Live rocks types. This is an expanded version of the article that was posted to the web site but will no longer be available for free.
Redox Potential in Layman's Terms. This document explains the value of redox potential and how it can be interpreted to get meaningful information about what is actually going on in the aquarium. Enough detail to give you a real good understanding of what redox potential means and how it can be used.
Favia Species Corals. This easy to keep coral is described in detail with recommendations on what you will need to do to be successful with this great looking LPS coral. Compatibility, additives, lighting, water quality, etc. are all covered. With graphics.
Testing the water in the Plenum. Details of an actual test that took place on a large aquarium and tables with results of these measurements. Conclusions and suggestions as to why it may be better to run your LR/LS tank without a plenum in light of the findings. Largely expanded article from the free one available in the SW library. Much more detail.
Do's and Don'ts for the reef aquarium: Not an exhaustive list but quite comprehensive in terms of what you should do and not do. The list updated. More will be added as more input is received.
How to use and how to make a Carbon Yellowing Test. Allow you to determine your skimmer's efficiency and whether or not it needs adjusting or perhaps an upgrade. Also allows you to determine the state of the activated carbon you are using and whether or not it needs to be replaced.
Positioning Clams in the Aquarium and other information that will help you. Largely expanded from original article, for Netclub members.
Adding Sodium Carbonate to combat a falling pH. Expanded version of the article in the general library. Contains far more details. How to deal with this problem and why it can take so long to resolve. Why quickfixes are not suggested.
The 3 banded Clownfish Amphiprion tricinctus. Great Clownfish but needs a host anemone. Details on care and characteristics. More info than general library article. A most interesting clownfish for the reef tank.
The Sarcophyton ehrenbergi Leather Coral. This is one of the more special types of Leather corals, with long large polyps that do not retract as often as other corals do.
Grounding the Aquarium. Why you should do so, how to do so inexpensively and where to get parts. Additional health benefits for fish and corals. Expanded version of original article.
On the Benefits of Using Vitamin C and How to Dose Correctly for Therapeutic and Prophylactic Purposes. This is a largely expanded version of the basic article that appears in the main Library of the web site and is for this Library only. New text and changes and additions are in blue so you can easily see what has been added. Mind you you may wish to read the entire article anyway. It is about 6000 words in length.
Introduction to the addition of Elements and Compounds. A detailed article reviewing additives and a few other reef tank related matters.
Testing the tank's water. What to test and how often, and why. Article expanded from the basic one in the main web site library.
On the use, benefits and drawbacks of using activated carbon. How much should you use, what type, when should you change it, and so on. Expanded article for NetClub members.
How to add Live Sand to the Aquarium. Greatly expanded article lots and lots of more detail than the one in the general library. Expanded on especially for the NetClub ™.
Eradicating Parasites through the use of Vitamin C. Greatly updated article from the original one, with a lot more detail.
How to Culture your own Live Sand and save a great deal of money in the process. Hundreds of dollars are at stake especially if you run a large tank. Full details on various approaches and methods on how to do so easily.
Eradicating and Preventing the growth of Cyanobacteria and slime algae by using the Potassium Permanganate treatment method. This is a long long article that covers how to eradicate these algae when they are present, how to maitain water quality to prevent their reappearance, and how to treat the water to prevent them from appearing altogether. Covers all details and recommends step by step approach. Allows you to send me email from within the doc. should you have questions or need clarification.
Setting Up Your Own MicroReef. Article written by © Luis Mercado, 1996-1997. This is a long article with many graphics. This article describes what you need to set up a Micro Reef at minimal cost, and does so in great detail. Photos of what such a reef can look like are included. Details of how to do so, and what you need to set the tank up are of course part of this article. Detailed and straight-to-the-point. This will save you lots of money. Learn how to install your own Microreef from a Hobbyist who has been in the field for close to 20 years. Luis also has his own site: Planet Reef Site.
How to rid the aquarium of Bristle Worms (can be used to rid the tank of Mantis Shrimp too. Outlines how to go about getting unwanted animals out of the aquarium and the procedures you need to follow.
The Relationship between dKH and Calcium levels. Methods to control dKH and lower it, recommended levels for maintaining and obtaining appropriate calcium levels. Explains how to control both.
Suggested Water Quality Parameters. Detailed look at what the water quality parameters in your tank should be. List of all the ranges in which they should fall.
Heteractis Anemomes. Article covers all major Heteractis types anemones with photos and lots of text and information to successfully keep these anemones. If you decide to save this to your hard disk, save the file first then all the graphics individually and all to one and the same directory. Article includes clownfish associations.
Adding Kalkwasser to your aquarium. How to do so and how to prepare the KW. How long is it good for? Various methods of adding the KW are described. What to pay attention to and what to watch out for. Very detailed. Updated Feb. 1997. Links to the main TAT library are provided. If you go there and want to return to the NetClub™ click on the Back button of your browser.
Nemenzophyllia, Fox Coral. A detailed article with photos on the Fox coral and its care. Details how to maintain Fox coral and be successful at it. Updated Feb. 1997 for the NetClub™ site. Plenty of information to allow you to buy one if you do not have one yet and know how to care for it.
The Berlin and Live Sand Method in great detail. An how to guide with some historical perspectives as well. Photos. Lots of details. Contribution between L. Mercado and A. Thiel. Learn how to use these methods successfully. Over 18000 words just on this subject. A must read. Ask questions if you have any and I will be glad to answer you.
Bubble Algae and what to do when they appear in your Tank. A closer look at the four main types and how you can deal with them if they appear in your aquarium. Very helpful if you need to rid your aquarium of Bubble Algae.
Propagating Leather Corals Yourself. How to safely propagate Leather corals in your aquarium from an existing one, by making cuttings and transplating these cuttings. Explains the method step by step. Safe and sure to lead to success and more Leather corals in your tank without having to buy extra ones. Grow more Leather corals and sell them to a store or another hobbyist.
Catalaphyllia Elegance Coral A very long article with photos on the care and water quality required for this favorite reef tank coral. Very detailed article. Lots of information too on how to deal with corals that are not doing well. Step by step instructions. How to propagate Catalaphyllia is covered as well.
Sarcophyton Leather Corals. Care and requirements of Leather Corals. With photos. Water quality parameters. How to deal with difficulties. General recommendations on how to keep these corals. There is another article in this library on propagating Leather Corals. Details the care and requirements including pH and so on. How to deal with rotting of certain portions and so on.
How to maintain your Calcium Levels in our Reef Aquarium. Explains the various methods of maintaining Calcium levels and what affects them. Why do they go down, why are they not rising and so on. Detailed and further updates coming free to you as a NetClub™ Member.
Cladiella Corals - Colt Coral. Details on this harder to keep coral's requirements. With graphics. Very little info is found elsewhere in literature. This article gives you more info than you would find in magazines or books.
Live Sand Update. What kind to use and how. This article is regularly updated and represents what the lastest thinking is in using live sand and how such sand should be nurtured and kept for optimum efficiency. Check this one from time to time to determine changes in thinking and usage of live sand.
Actinodiscus Mushroom Corals. How to keep these soft corals and get them to multiply. Water quality requirements. Current and so on. Lighting. Photos. Will be updated as more info becomes available.
Alcyonium Leather Corals. One of the most unusual Leather Corals. This one is encrusting. Full details. Photo. A gourgeous addition to your aquarium if you can find one.
Plerogyra sinuosa, the common Bubble Coral. Needs little description here as this is a very well know coral. The article goes into details about their requirements and why different types may have different needs. Check this out from time to time as this article gets updated.