Page 215 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

SELECTING THE DECOR 213

invertebrates but are soon colonized and discolored by
algae, which are hard to remove. Dead coral skeletons and
shells carry toxins or even undesirable dormant organisms, so DECORATIVE ALGAE
they should be sterilized by boiling for at least 30 minutes and Microscopic algae will naturally colonize a marine aquarium. Their
then cooled before introduction to the tank. Many hobbyists excessive growth is undesirable (see p.220), but in limited numbers
prefer synthetic corals, which look far more convincing and they help to maintain diversity in the tank and provide additional
natural than dead skeletons, and are free from these problems. sources of food for reef fish. Larger algae, or macroalgae, by
contrast, are usually bought specially to decorate the aquarium.
There is a great diversity of colors and growth habits from which
Live rock to choose, a small selection of which is shown below. When buying,
The most beneficial of all tank decorations is live rock, which select specimens that are firm, well colored, and, if possible,
is made up of the compacted calcium-rich skeletons of long- attached to substrate (such as live rock).
dead corals and other hard-shelled marine animals. Live rock
naturally accumulates in areas adjacent to coral reefs, where
its porous structure provides a home for diverse bacteria,
invertebrates, and algae. When placed in an aquarium, live
rock brings with it its population of beneficial organisms,
which can significantly improve water quality in the tank.
With its many pores and pits colonized by microbes, the rock Bladed Sand Moss Fan Weed (Avrainvillea Grape Caulerpa
serves as a highly efficient biological filter, removing waste (Caulerpa prolifera) is sp.) has a fan-shaped (Caulerpa racemosa)
a popular and fast-
resembles small bunches
head held above the
products, such as ammonia and nitrite, from the solution; growing green alga. sand by a central stalk. of grapes.
algae and photosynthetic corals on the rock also take up the
resulting nitrates. Indeed, live rock is so good at cleaning the
water that, when used in conjunction with a protein skimming
device (see p.211), it can eliminate the need for more complex
filtration systems. Using live rock as the basis of filtration in
a marine tank is known as the Berlin method.
Live rock has other benefits, too: it provides an ideal
substrate for larger algae and invertebrates, such as anemones Flagweed (Halymenia Turtleweed (Chlorodesmis Shaving Brush
and sponges, and it is a living pantry for fish, which can floresia) is a prized, fastigiata) grows in (Penicillus capitatus) has
a smooth stalk topped
emerald-green tufts. It
slow-growing red alga
browse on the teeming life it houses. Live rock benefits the with ragged margins. is browsed by tangs. with a brushlike head.
simplest fish-only marine setup but is almost essential for
the larger reef tank, where it provides the basis for any re-
creation of the reef habitat.

A reef aquarium is never entirely
stable because it depends on
dynamic interactions between
many life forms. Watching
its evolution over
the years is a large
part of its appeal.

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