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Yes, this often happens with X10 controllers and electronic ballasts. The problem is caused because the electronic ballasts run at a very high internal frequency, and some of this gets back into the power lines. It's just enough to mess up X10 controlled items. You can filter this, but it's more...

Ideally, as in "by the book" you want to use 10 to 12 hours of light per day. However, I use about 8, partly to keep heat down, and partly to keep the amount and cost of the electricity down. I don't think I'd want to go much below 8 hours, but some people do.

Yes, double ended MH do need to be run behind glass. I even prefer to run single ended bulbs that way, but that's not so critical. The replacement glass must be heat resistant. If you can't get it locally, you can use Robax glass. You can get it here, custom cut to your specs- (offsite link) -...

You may need to turn the pump 180 degrees. Also, the preskimmer box contains two chambers, one is where the pump goes in, the other is where the output from the skimmer goes. This is suposed to act like a bubble trap. The exact height and location of the preskimmer box is set by the two thumb...

Unless you run very demanding applications, like CAD, photo editing, video exiting, high end games, the choice of CPU chip doesn't make too much difference on a laptop. Because a laptop is usually built to conserve battery power, you'll find them using slower disk drives, sometimes slower...

With a delivery date in December, I can't but help feel that the keyboard is never going to be delivered, and you'll just be giving them money. It should be pointed out that the computer industry has a long history of products that are never delivered.

An excellent point! The cynic in me would add "...and after a few laughs at their jokes, ignore the advice and get what you really need." Most local LFSs, especially the chains are clueless about reef systems, however there are some exceptions. Always trust, but verify what the LFS store says.

The advice you read is correct, frag what is good, and try to save it. An iodine dip may help on the good frags, and it's worth a try on the bad sections, but put the bad sections in a QT tank. Do not attempt to treat the entire tank with iodine. Never ever medicate a reef system. In my...

It should be pointed out that many species of nudibranchs have very specific dietary requirements. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe only a few species will eat stinging hydroids. Be very careful in your selection. In general I'd say look for another way to control your problem.

Yes, few people today actually know what frankincense is. To combat this collective ignorance, and because it's interesting trivia, here is an offsite link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankincense

I really hate to see propaganda material like this published. While there are some facts in it, the piece is also loaded with errors, and half truths that are obvious to the most casual FW tropical fish hobbyist. It was then I noticed the source of the material...PETA. In my opinion this is a...

What you got is going to give you good light. I would have opted for a 14000K bulb though and skipped the actinic. This is personal preference though, and some feel the actinic bulbs give better color to SPS corals. One other note about Aqua Medic fixtures. I have an older one that uses three...

How blue do you want it to look? I would say that it would not look very blue at all, since 10000K bulbs look very white, and only the actinic would add a lot of blue. If the budget is limited, I'd get a single 150w HQI pendant, or a 175w m , and use that over one side of the tank or over the...

Lighting is the area that seems to have the most opinions as to what is best, so I'm going to start this off by saying that anyone else's opinion is just as valid. Assuming you have a 50 gal tank that is 36" long, and 18" wide, and your goal is to keep SPS corals, I would go with two 150w HQIs...

I have not used the skimmer in question, so I can't comment about it being any good or not, but I do see one red flag. Note that the skimmer only costs about $80. Compare that to an AquaC Remora at about $165, or an AquaMedic Turboflotor Hang on at about $245. In my opinion. to get the price...

In addition, bumblebee snails hide, and you will not see them much. You are much better off with one of the more standard snails.

I would run the skimmer 24 hours a day. If you don't, you have a pocket of stagnant water that can go bad on you, and you are dumping that right back into the system. Ever dump out a Remora skimmer? There is quit a bit of water in there. In addition, skimmers build up material on their insides...

I would say the coral beauty would be a good choice, and they may be reef safe. It's always a risk with an angel. While niger triggers are docile compared to most others, they are still on the aggressive side, and consider any crabs, shrimp, and most snails you may want as lunch. Ditto for...

If you can't find a specific fitting, the best thing to do is a search on the net for it. Prices can vary quite a lot. Look at 4 or 5 places and you get an idea of what the part goes for. Then select based on price. It may help to do a check on the vendor at "that big reef site" or at, offsite...

Here is the issue. You want to have a large fish that is aptly described as "pooping machine" by cayars. While triggers are tough hardy fish, you still want to maintain the best quality water conditions. In my opinion, you need both the skimmer and and the canister, preferably with carbon or...