Submariner Internal UV Sterilizer Review, such as Kokos Goldfish; Reviews Part 1

Updated 11/20/11

In this post of Fish as Pets, I will look at a popular trend on the Internet; the anecdotal review of products that is not based on any true professional knowledge use of the product.

The problem with these reviews in both negative and positive reviews is that little though of correct design, scientific controls and parameters of effectiveness, or simply time of use is considered.

However before I proceed, I want to clarify an important point; This article/post is NOT meant as an attack on this person or forum from which I am writing this review rebuttal.
Rather this is intended to convey the importance of correct information and product research.
I feel writing such review rebuttals are important even if they may seem harsh as I receive copious amounts of communications via emails, etc about this product and various "knock-offs" of this UV Sterilizer where the user would eventually end up with a failed product within months and/or realize the product was not aiding their fish in ways they expected.
The result was a person that would incorrectly "write off" UV Sterilization as a waste of money based on this poor purchase choice. And sadly, THIS VERY REVIEW I AM CRITICIZING HAS BEEN CITED AS A REASON FOR THEIR POOR PURCHASE CHOICE!

Back to the review rebuttal; This problem of correct design, scientific controls, time of use, and parameters of effectiveness would obviously extend into areas of product knowledge in other product such as computers where as I am certainly capable of performing many tasks on computers, I am still far from an expert about computers and while my opinions should not necessarily be discounted, they would likely be anecdotal.

With Aquarium Products, (in particular UV Sterilizer & aquarium filtration), I have spent over three decades in professionally use in many different scenarios, as well as outside research, and controlled tests. For this reason I often have to drop my jaw in the reviews I read in Amazon, Kokos Goldfish and more.

I will add more post later along this subject line, such anecdotal NEGATIVE reviews about the excellent Rena Smart Filter where a positive attribute is turned into a negative.

JBJ Submariner; Also sold under Brand Names such as AquaTop

Here is a review from Kokos Goldfish (in part divided up so as to comment on):

"After looking around and doing a fair amount of research I chose the Submariner because it bypasses all of the above in one self contained unit"

REALLY?? How can anyone say they did ANY research and come to such a conclusion, even many of the consumer reviews do not come to such a conclusion, yet alone information found here: UV Sterilization; Facts & Information or Professional Reviews found here: UV Sterilizer Reviews, Information

"Most UV systems, including this one boast a 99% kill rate but keep mind enough good bacteria that colonizes and lives in your filter and tank substrates aren't effected so the delicate ecosystem of the tank remains unharmed."

Most do make such claims, but what mater is flow rate per watt of UVC irradiation and Dwell Time (there is more than this, but this is a quick simplistic explanation.

"I thought the water in my 55 was clear and have had no problems with cloudiness. However the following morning after I had installed the unit the water was so unbelievably crystal and pristine that had it not been for the aeration it would have looked like my fish were floating in air."

Yes, almost any UV Sterilizer can perform water clarification, but what about more important Level One Sterilization (or even level 2)?

"Very strong pump and outflow - 211 GPH this is the same for all three units which range from tanks up to 40 , 100 gallon and 150 gallons. "

For the design of this unit, 10 watt would be the maximum effective wattage for Level One Sterilization (Dwell Time is also an issue with this UV). However the flow rate is fine for water clarification, hence the clear water.

"Excellent build quality, the unit is surprisingly heavy and well made"

AGAIN REALLY?? Sorry to come as rude or smug, but did this person really research this product?
The Submariner has severe leakage, ballast, and shorting issues.
Compared to a VASTLY better TMC 8 Watt Vecton in just "build quality" alone there is NO comparison. As well the construction and design of the Vecton allows for vastly higher flow rates and dwell times for less wattage used!

Also see:
UV Sterilizer Problems; JBJ Submariner
Dwell Time Tests Between UV Sterilizers

"Excellent kill rate for all the nasties"

I do not think so since Level One Sterilization is not going to be achieved.

"Water conditions seem more stabilized"

They may seem to be, but again since Level One Sterilization via flow rate, dwell time, and more, it is doubtful that you are aiding in proper Redox Balance which WILL aid in stabilized water conditions

"Bulb replacement is needed only once a year, pre filter sponges (one comes with the unit) should be changed monthly or bi monthly depending your tank conditions - a pack of three is $7.99"

ONCE AGAIN REALLY?? This is 100% false!!
For correct maintenance all high output UV Bulbs MUST be changed every six months for maximum effectiveness. In cold weather ponds, once per year during the growing season is OK, but this UV Sterilizer is not meant for ponds, so this is a mute point.

"The best price I found was at Fosterandsmithaquatics.com."

Need I say more!! (based on decades in the aquarium business and knowing others in the field and their thoughts about DR. F & S)

In Summary; I have noting against JBJ as a company (I have used many of their products over the years), as well this product can clear cloudy or green water; HOWEVER this is a product made in China that is sold now under many different brand names including AquaTop.
In my opinion, the reason many brands now market this Internal UV Sterilizer is due to the fact many potential users HAVE done their homework, so while one companies sales go down, another company picks up the this product and begins anew the marketing of this UV Sterilizer.

By Carl Strohmeyer

Pet Mountain Review; Parasite Reseller

"Just Say NO to Pet Mountain"

Updated 1/27/12

I will keep this Fish as Pets Aquatic News article short and to the point.
This review based on input from friends in the aquarium business is different from many which are generally based on misinformation and anecdotal aquarium/pond information often found on the Internet.
However in this review I will more point out the ethics of distributors/manufacturers that allegedly sell to parasite Pet/Aquatics resellers; in particular Pet Mountain.

Hopefully this article will "hit home" for those who consider ethics more important than saving .25 or more.

What is a parasite reseller? This is a reseller that jumps in after another business in the aquarium industry (or other business field of endeavor) has spent years and considerable amounts of time and money educating the public about new products or services that many may keeping aquarium keeping more successful. These parasite resellers will then often make unethical deals with manufacturers under cutting the businesses that have done all the work.

Pet Mountain
First, it should be pointed out, unlike ethical businesses, Pet Mountain hides in anonymity with no listing provided to business searches of ownership.
All that is known is that Pet Mountain is based out of Darmstadt Germany, yet they do no business there!!
This is just one evidence of their parasite retailer activities; they suck out US dollars, damaging otherwise honest US companies while sending the monies to Darmstadt Germany.
(Source: http://www.websitevalue.us/www/petmountain.com)

Second,
Pet Mountain is utilizing an unethical relationship with Lee-Mar Aquarium and Pet Supplies of Vista CA.
LeeMar is an authorized pet product distributor that is is sharing its facilities with Pet Mountain in what is likely an incestuous relationship to sell direct to the public (& likely much more, but so much is secretive).
This is no different than your local Chevy Dealership doing all the work only to see GM make a direct sale to the buyer; this is both unethical and illegal in many instances!!

It is also noteworthy that friend in the aquarium industry has has business dealing back in the early 1980s and discontinued business with them for dishonest practices.

Pet Mountain also hides its address from the general public so it takes some looking to find this unethical relationship.

Here are their addresses:

Lee Mar:
2459 Dogwood Way
Vista, CA

Pet Mountain:
2465 Dogwood Way,
Vista California 92081

Further,
In speaking with one of the largest Pet Supply distributors in North America (who would prefer anonymity), I would have to say the Pet Mountain gets the dishonor of being the worst offender by far as to this type of behavior.
Whether it be Marineland, Hagen, Commodity Axis, API, or Weco; Pet Mountain is selling products that others have spent copious amounts of time educating the general public about.

I should also note that this parasite reselling is not done by normal quantity buying discounts that more ethical large resellers such as Petco utilize, rather with many products I am familiar with at prices lower than those selling in originally higher quantities via unethical under the table deals!

In the case of the Weco Wonder Shell, this is an especially glaring example since although this product is not at all new, it was a regional secret that only in 2005 when American Aquarium Products spent copious amounts of time and money correctly educating the aquarium keeping (& pond keeping) public via blog posts, scientific articles, forum sponsorships, etc. as to what these mineral blocks can and cannot perform for one's aquarium. In steps Pet Mountain with a deal (likely through Lee Mar) under selling others for this product, all the while providing incorrect information about this product.
What is sad is Weco (the manufacturer) is dishonest in under selling those who have help build this product.


In conclusion; if you are considering a Rena Filstar Filter, Wonder Shell, Fluval, UV Sterilizer, etc.
Please consider ethics and those businesses whether internet based or local fish/aquarium stores that have helped you with your product knowledge and return the favor of their hard work for as a little as .25 cents extra.
This is not a lot to ask in a world where ethics has generally taken a back seat.

I might add this is especially important when your fish are sick, do you want a parasite retailer with no experience helping you or do you want a professional that has spent their life in hands on experience in Fish Medications Research for products such as Triple Sulfa, Furan 2, or Erythromycin??

Thankfully many of the best manufacturers of quality products such as TMC do NOT sell their products to these types of retailers. I am speaking of TMC UV Sterilizers & AquaRay LED Lights (these before mentioned web sites sell low end LED Lights such as Marineland Double Bright that should NEVER be used for anything other than basic aquatic lighting, not reef or high light planted; see this article: Aquarium LED Light Review).



By Steven W.

Aquarium Moon Lights Review; Is Moonlite truly Blue

Updated 11/26/11

The use of Moonlights in aquariums (Reef in particular) is one of the most misunderstood and inaccurately stated subjects that is sadly repeated by aquarium forums, websites, product manufacturers, and retailers.
The simple fact is moonlite is NOT Blue, rather this is a perception due to Rod Cone Interaction in the human eye.
See: Modeling Blue shift in Moonlit Scenes by Rod Cone Interaction

If you go outside on a purely moonlit night the surrounding appears to have a tinge of blue. This phenomenon often referred to as ‘Blue Shift’ is a perceptual illusion. Moon light itself is not blue; moonlight is simply full spectrum sunlight reflected off the grayish
surface of the moon. It is hard to observe blue shift in cities due to many artificial
sources of light, however it is a commonly observed phenomenon in places with low ambient light.
The blue shift is sometimes attributed to the spectral response of rods. Although rods are nominally color blind, they do not respond equally to all colors: Rods are more sensitive to blue-green photons and less sensitive to red photons. You can see this in your moonlit rose. By day, the red flower dominates the green leaves. At night, the situation is reversed. The green leaves are more vivid than the red flower.

Correct Application of Moon Light for Aquarium Use

Since even a full moon only reflects .2 lux of sunlight which is only about 1/400,000 to 500,000 the brightness of the sun, the main implication is the amount of light, as some studies suggest that plants and photosynthetic algae (such as the zooxanthellae that light sensitive corals, clams, nudibranchs and similar rely upon) are effected by bright full moon phases. So the implication is not how blue the light is, rather than how bright the “moonlight” is (moonlight is slightly higher at Tropical latitudes and even up to 1 lux at high altitudes at the equator, which of coarse there are no reefs on mountain tops in Nepal, except maybe according to Yahoo Answers LOL).
As well the Lunar phase or cycle is also extremely important as well in this equation, as coral reproduction/propagation spawns are 3-7 days following the first 2 Full moons in late spring and early summer (as found in the Great Barrier reef of Australia).

What an aquarium keeper needs to be concerned about if truly attempting to replicate Moonlite for his Reef aquarium is not the color, but the precise amount of light in a constantly dimming (from full to new moon) or increasing amount of moonlight (from new moon to full moon). This also must be in a lunar cycle which is 29.5 days (the Lunar Phase is 27.3 days).
See this website for more about the lunar cycle: Moon Calculator


Since timers are set up on a solar calendar, this is not possible with most of the equipment currently available in the aquarium hobby. This would take someone with precise measurements entered into a computer program to then plug ones aquarium Lights into these.
The other problem is the ability to dim and un-dim the moonlights according to the phases of the Moon; which would require a dimming, controller that recognizes these phase according to the lunar calendar to perform this function (your computer likely cannot perform this function.

For these functions (when available), LED Aquarium Lights are clearly the best choice and these should be full spectrum or at least a full spectrum mix such as the AquaRay Reef White.

Even without the ability to phase a moonlight phase via a lunar calendar, with the aid of a controller (such as TMC Standard and Multi-Controller with Storm Feature), an aquarium keeper can run their aquarium LED lights anywhere from 100% to 0%. As well these percentages can be slowly ramped up and down to create varying amounts of sun light.
As an example, for a Reef Tank; I would run the LED lights at 100% for 8 hours per day with 2 hour ramp up and 2 hour ramp down at the beginning and end of the day. Finally generally only 1% is required for moonlight (although you could manually vary this for more accurate moon light effects).

For those that insist on Blue Moon Lights and think they are providing an essential ingredient for a healthy reef aquarium, they are fooling themselves and only providing at best “cool” night lights for their aquarium.

For much more about Aquarium Lighting, including a discussion of Moon Lights, please visit this web page:
Aquarium Lighting; Facts & Information


Further Resources:
*Strange Moonlight
*Interference of moonlight with the photoperiodic measurement of time by plants
*UV Bulbs

Aquarium Maintenance/ Service Companies

REGIONAL AQUARIUM OR POND PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE/SERVICE COMPANIES.

This will be a growing list for those who would like to promote their professional aquarium (or pond) maintenance companies.
We will research wherever possible, but please note that often we will be trusting the submissions portfolio/resume

CALIFORNIA

*American Aquarium Design & Maintenance
*Phone: 909-592-4467
*Location: San Dimas California
*Over 20 Years Professional Experience
*Only taking new Aquarium Maintenance customers at this time (no new pond customers)
*Largest Client: Coaster Company of America; corporate headquarters, officer’s residences, satellite offices (over 30 aquariums/ponds with this client alone)
*Saltwater and Freshwater

*Ancient Mariner Aquarium Maintenance and Design
*Phone: 408-732-7378
*Location: Greater San Francisco Bay Area from San Mateo and Hayward south to the Almaden Valley: The “Fish Doctor” for the Greater SF Bay Area.
*Important clients include: Stanford Hospital & Saratoga Retirement Homes
*Over 22 Years Professional Experience
*Inventor of the Commercial APV 400 Aquarium Cleaning Machine as well as the home use Aquarium Cleaning Machine
*Saltwater and Freshwater

*All Aquatics USA
*Phone: 818-518-7529 or 818-812-9416
* email; info@allaquaticsusa.com
*Location: San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Malibu, Santa Monica, Beverly hills.
*Important clients include: Stanford Hospital & Saratoga Retirement Homes
*In business since 1998
*Aquarium maintenance, custom design, set up, break downs, and also pond maintenance.
*Area of Expertise; Aquarium custom design.
* Website Address: All Aquatics USA; Aquarium Maintenance

MICHIGAN

* AquaMaid Services LLC
Phone: 810-488-0531
Email: mike@aquamaidservices.com
Address: AquaMaid Services LLC
PO BOX 611324
Port Huron, MI 48061
Years in business: 7 months (I owned an aquarium maintenance business a few years ago ran it about 6 years.)
Refferal: Here you go Mike

"Mercy Health Center located in Fort Gratiot loves Aquamaid Services. Mike does a wonderful job in servicing our 150 gallon fresh water aquarium. We get compliments every day from patients and visitors on how clean our tank looks. Many people think it is a salt water tank because it is so colorful. I would highly recommend Aquamaid for all your aquarium service needs."

A satisfied customer
Lynn Burgett
Administrator Mercy Health Center

Lynn Burgett
Administrator of
Lakeshore Surgery Center
Mercy Health Center
Mercy Family & Surgical Care and People's Clinic
4190 24th Avenue
Fort Gratiot, MI 48059
phone (810) 989-7733
fax (810) 989-7652
email Burgettl@trinity-health.org

Area of Service: St. Clair County in Michigan
Type of Services: Fresh water, salt water, reef aquariums, garden and farm ponds
We specialize in salt and reef aquariums
AquaMaid Services is bonded and is insured. We maybe starting out but are a professional company. Any questions please feel free to call us. Thank you for you consideration.

Mike Blair
Owner
AquaMaid Services, LLC


*Sherwood International Marine
Phone 248-978-7170
• sherwoodaquariums@yahoo.com
• 832 Pine Tree Rd W
Lake Orion, MI 48362
• 18 years in business
• Any referrals or clients that can be used as a resume
• Counties Serviced: Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston
• Custom Aquariums, Aquarium Maintenance, Aquarium Moving, Aquarium Leasing, Sales, Setups, Tear Downs, Relocations, Overhauls, Consultations, Plumbing/Re-plumbs, Vacation feeding and tank sitting.
• Specializing in reef aquariums
• Emergency service is available 24 hours a day
Sherwood International Marine


CANADA

*Aqua Lease LTD
*Phone: 403-225-2348
*Calgary, Alberta, Canada
*Over 24 Years Professional Experience
*Aqua Lease has been around since 1986 and has since acquired many maintenance contracts, both residential and commercial. Tanks from 10 gallons to 1000 gallons are maintained as well as many ponds. Aquariums are either privately owned or leased out by David Sheremeta, the president and CEO. Fish can also be supplied by the company. Dave is the largest maintenance company in Calgary and also works directly with the SPCA rescuing and re-homing unwanted and sick fish. Clients often require Aqua Lease to indoor house pond fish through the tough Canadian winters. Samples of Dave’s work can be found at AquaLease




If interested in a listing for your area of aquarium or pond maintenance please comment on this blog (the comment may or may not be kept) or email carl@everything-aquatic.com with this information:
• Phone number,
• email (if available),
• Address (this is not required as many maintenance companies prefer not to have a listed address)
• Years in business
• Any referrals or clients that can be used as a resume
• Area of service
• Types of service offered
• Area(s) of expertise
• Only full time companies are accepted

Please understand that we reserve the right to not list maintenance companies that we feel are not truly professional maintenance companies or known feedback is poor.

Wonder Shells, Mineral Supplement; Aquarium Forums Hall of Shame

Aquarium Forums Hall of Shame 9; Wonder Shells from "Aquatic Community"

Updated 12/30/11

I will apologize in advance if I offend anyone who reads this because this is not my intention. However I should say I was offended by the anecdotal comments thrown around in the forum posts I reference in this blog entry.

Rather than have a discussions of the scientific merits of Wonder Shells and examine the evidence behind reasons it may or may not be beneficial, in these forum posts, it became "free for all" for non-scientific miss-statements in which it is clear that most persons read little or did not see what they read as well as personal attacks. They also did not read the referenced outside sources provided in the articles referenced on the Wonder Shell website.

It is also noteworthy (despite comments made on this referenced thread) that the articles that mention Wonder Shells do not attempt to all point to the "need" for this product. In fact, the Aquarium Chemistry Article notes as a disclaimer that the Wonder Shell is a useful tool for aquarium husbandry, but is not a "cure all" or a magic bullet.

Even more importantly, in of March of 2011, I met with another researcher who discovered the Aquarium Redox Article dealing with how much aquatic life (and all life) is affected by a properly balanced Redox (magnetically balanced is a term he used). He noted (just like in the past) how badly out of touch the aquarium hobby is with current research the aquarium hobby is. Regarding such research was surprised to find such a well researched and "current" article in an aquarium hobby web site.

What might this have to do with a Wonder Shells? Well, unlike the many anecdotal, poser experts who never even noted the importance of Redox Balance, this researcher understood that a Wonder Shell is an aid (again not a cure all) to establishing this Redox/Magnetic balance of aquarium water along with other procedures. To call Wonder Shells part of a "snake oil" scheme is ignorance at its most profound!!

There is no way an honest person can read either the Wonder Shell web page or the many articles referenced and make the statements I reference in this forum thread.

I was also made aware of another post from this same aquatic forum about the use of aquarium salt. This is how my Wonder Shells, Aquarium Forums Hall of Shame came about (as per a suggestion from friend, Tommy). I might add that the referenced aquarium answers post has nothing to sell and further discredits the many extremely shameful snake oil references. This is why these are the type of forum posts that give the aquarium hobby a black eye (this in the opinion of a few researchers I have consulted with over the years, including a good friend who retired from the industry in 1999).
In fact the before mentioned friend who ran a large aquarium supply distributor believed (based on feedback) that this type of misinformation that this aquatic community post displays harms the aquarium keeping hobby in that new hobbyists often get frustrated by conflicting information or take this type of bad information (as exemplified in this forum post) resulting in eventual fish losses that should not have happened; Is this what those who care for the "Fish as Pets" we keep desire?

Before I begin responding to the misinformation, lies, & anecdotal comments put forth in the aquaticcommunity.com thread, let me point out that due to the popularity of Wonder Shells, another large online seller is carrying them. However, this new online seller is simply selling the product without knowing the correct information for its use. Instead, I would recommend purchasing from a Wonder Shell seller with decades of experience AND the correct information for use such as: Wonder Shells, at American Aquarium Products

FROM:
aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=53323

POSTS IN THIS THREAD (snips):

(1) “As with most aquarium products, the write-up on Wonder Shells makes them sound absolutely vital for the health of your fish.

I've been using them for about 6 months now, and haven't seen anything that would indicate my fish are better, or worse, with them in the tank.”

My Comment:

Neither the Aquarium Chemistry Article nor the Wonder Shells webpage state they are essential. In fact, the webpage states this: “NOT a cure all for poor water management, but a useful tool in proper aquarium maintenance.”

The Chemistry Article also states this. It makes similar points within the article as well as makes other recommendations such as: “Before I over promote Wonder Shells, these can aid in proper water management, but they are not a magic bullet in an aquarium for poor aquarium husbandry such as mulm build up under gravel or decorations. However they can be one more piece of the water quality management puzzle and sometimes with fish such as Livebearers and Goldfish the results/benefits of use can be dramatic.”

Benefits of using Wonder Shells are not always readily noticed (although with fish that are more sensitive to poor mineral cation levels, the difference is often easier to spot).

It is also noteworthy (as I state in many places in my articles) that good aquarium husbandry will make Wonder Shell use less necessary (if at all) and a person that takes excellent care and has fish less sensitive to poor mineral cation levels are not as likely to notice any benefits. However, my controlled tests in the 1990s showed less incidence of disease & longer lifespan when mineral cations were maintained on a steady/regular basis, see: “A Healthy Aquarium; Disease Prevention”)


(2) “Never heard of them so guess they aren't too vital.
lol”

My Comment:

Not knowing of a product means nothing nor proves nothing. This is a plain ignorant answer IMHO that employs the worse kind of logic and is similar to stating that “I have never circled the earth on a plane or ship, therefore I doubt the planet is a sphere.”


(3)“Scare tactic marketing. I wouldn't pay that sort of thing too much mind. Most of that type of stuff doesn't do very much IME. Just another gimick to get a few dollars from you.”

My Comment:

What scare tactic marketing? Did this guy read the webpage or the links to more scientific articles listed on my page? Never does it state that if you do not use this product your fish will suffer or die (or anything similar). It is typical of so many in the aquarium hobby to post opinions without even reading the subject of which they are speaking.


(4) “Provides crabs, snails and turtles with an easily available source of calcium for healthy shell growth."
The above is the only reason I would even consider buying it. All the rest sounds like a bit of hooey.”

My Comment:

Again, did this person read the articles/links to back up statements or see that these links contain scientific references to even more .edu scientific articles?
I might also add at this time when I am down in Los Angeles for my business trips, I am often sought out by many experts in their own right that run some of the major outlets for marine and freshwater supplies/fish such as Quality Marine and Tideline. As well, I even had a call in 2009 from a pHd researcher complimenting my research into the Redox Balance as he has seen few outside of the medical community that even were aware of its importance in “life processes.”


(5) “They are not vital for anything. The calcium would help snails or possibly Rift Lake African Cichlids that need calcium for harder water, but other than that they're non essential. They don't do anything that regular water changes won't take care of.”

My Comment:

This is not quite so out of line as he is correct that water changes can and do many of what a Wonder Shells takes care of. However, Wonder Shells or similar liquid drips can provide important mineral cations that are useful for both osmoregulation and Redox balance in between water changes. This can be quite noticeable with some fish such as livebears, African cichlids, & goldfish. However, even with fish such as Bettas, this can still have a beneficial effect on fish health (otherwise why would others such as Atkinson’s Spa include calcium in their Betta formula?


(6) “I'm familiar with the site NG. There is a lot of good information there and at the links, but he does tend to promote the products he sells. And, IMHO, his review of Aquaclear HOBs is very inaccurate.

I don't know, to be honest, just how much the Wonder Shells would raise pH. But if there's calcium in them, the pH is going to go ^.

And I would trust Seachem's Paraguard before I ever used medicated wonder shells!”

My Comment:

It appears that at least this person has read some of the information/articles (& is more polite), but he is still off base in more than one area.

First of all, my review of Aqua Clears in my filtration article even states that these reviews are both facts and opinions, & I acknowledge that many have positive results (including the aquariums I have installed these on for clients). However I have also had higher break down and other issues as well based on the use of literally dozens.

I am glad this person is happy with his 2 or 3 Aqua Clear Filters (as many are), but this does not compare to the many I have maintained nor the feedback my colleagues in this business have given me about these filters. I did this for a living for over 20 years and employed others in this business before I had to move and I am sorry to sound smug (as this is not my intention), but using a few AC filters simply does not compare to the dozens I have used. His statement, “his review of Aquaclear HOBs is very inaccurate,” does not hold water when you factor in experience (kind of like a passenger of a jetliner critiquing an airline pilot with 20 years experience based on his (the passenger's) first solo flight in a Cessna).

Secondly, although he is not stating there is something wrong with me promoting products I sell, it sure seems inferred. What is wrong with this? I provide free information, answer emails and phone calls 7 days a week and often work 14 plus hours per day all for less than a $1000 per month income: am I not entitled to make any profit?

As well, 90% of what I sell I have used and tested. In particular, these Wonder Shells are an item I have used for almost 30 years and many of my clients even commented that I should try promoting them on the internet based on their positive results when I had to leave my Aquarium Maintenance business behind in 2002.

Thirdly, no where does it state that Wonder Shells raise pH, and he should read some chemistry basics as it is carbonates that primarily affect pH, which Wonder Shells have little (my comment here is not meant disrespectfully, however this is a very basic principle of KH and pH and it is carbonates that contribute to a higher pH/KH, not calcium and by making this statement one as to question his aquarium keeping knowledge)

Fourth, The Wonder Shells webpage (as well as my Ich article) state that SeaChem ParaGuard is a first choice for Ich.


(7) “I'd never heard of them but looking at the website they sound like snake oil. That's the place I've EVER seen anything suggesting trying to harden the water for discus and rams. To me it looks like a fad product that will do nothing but mess up my tank water. No thanks, even if they paid me I would not add it to my tank based on their claims.”

My Comment:

There is little I can say to this post as this person’s comments show he has little understanding of chemistry and cannot learn anything that is beyond is close minded views. He obviously has no understanding of bio-chemistry and worse, is unwilling to learn either. This guy would rather disgustingly label others (such as peddling snake oil) and totally show his lack of even basic knowledge of aquarium biochemistry and aquatic product history.

Stating “That's the place I've EVER seen anything suggesting trying to harden the water for discus and rams” really shows his strange reasoning. Not knowing about a subject does not make it false. As well, he should research Marc Weiss: he is one of the first to prove the need for positive mineral ions such as calcium.

I admit I learned from some of Marc Weiss's articles dating back to products he collaborated with the Premier Aquatic Chemical company with; Aquatronics (which sadly went out of business earlier in this decade due to corporate issues, not product quality). Marc Weiss and others in the field of Discus and similar soft water fish have proven the importance of calcium in Discus. Even more recently others have shown that keeping the water “charged” with positive calcium ions is important as well.

I have also demonstrated (after using one of Marc Weiss’s Aquatronics products) that the addition of calcium cations to the aquarium water can alleviate HITH Disease in Discus.
So much for never seeing anything about the FACT that even Rams and Discus require Calcium for long term health!
(See Aquarium Chemistry; Amazon, SE Asia River Water)

The term "snake oil" can only be applied to a product that provides no scientific benefit. The articles and the references within my own aquarium articles prove there is science behind Wonder Shells and similar products. Sadly this guy does not even know how to apply the term fad because this product has been around for more than 30 years with no marketing, promotion, or even good packaging. Why are Wonder Shells around then? Because they do work. 30 plus years of poorly marketed product does not make for a fad.

In Summary, here are just a few sites of uninformed, anecdotal, aquarists that believe the lies put forth in the aquarium thread (cited in “Aquarium Community”) should read Including the many references cited therein:


*Aquarium Chemistry
This article & the Redox aricle below are must reads because many aquarists simply do not understand the importance of mineral cations- even for fish that prefer softer water. Since Wonder Shells use calcium as the main carrier of mineral electrolytes, the constantly regurgitated mantra that too much GH is always bad (which is simply not true) often confuses many well-intentioned aquarium keepers.

Here is an email example that demonstrates this confusion, yet the person even admits that the Wonder Shell has helped improve fish vitality:

“I have used the WonderShells. I have 2 tanks, one 30gal. for goldfish and one 10gal. with a beta and catfish. They also raise the GH way over 30 drops, sometimes when I test for GH I have to drop 37+ drops in the tester for it to turn green. Is this still ok? because my fish seem more active when I use the Wonder Shells”.

As noted in the Aquarium Chemistry article, the use of Wonder Shells (or similar) will cause an increase in GH. However, this is not the problem many might consider. Please read the GH section, & the sub section "Depletion of Positive Ions" in this Aquarium Chemistry article. This article uses the example of a car battery to explain how a GH test cannot provide an accurate picture of aquarium electrolyte health.

*Aquarium Redox Balance

*Osmoregulation in Aquariums; Minerals; Use of RO Water, more

*A Healthy Aquarium; Disease Prevention

*Aquarium Lighting


Finally, a point for those who stick to the closely held anecdotal beliefs that so badly permeate the aquarium keeping hobby rather than read researched articles such my Aquarium Chemistry, Redox or Aquarium/Pond Answers articles/posts, is best summed up by another Mentor of mine, Reggie, who worked at an aquarium supply wholesaler and finished his business career there. After spending most of his decades of business in different industries specializing in making poorly managed businesses successful again, he told me this:

"I have never seen a more dishonest and back stabbing business than the Aquarium industry".

Though my blog post is technically not an aquarium industry post, nor is it back stabbing, it does certainly fit into what Reggie (& others I know at Quality Marine and elsewhere) has pointed out: that persons will ignore facts and take others out of context just to hold tightly onto anecdotal beliefs rather than admit that maybe they do not know something.

I know that I have been forced to change my understanding of aquarium concepts when either new evidence surfaces or I am corrected with more complete facts. The Redox Balance is a good example where I would have stated 180 degrees the opposite of what I know now about this still very misunderstood part of biochemistry.

LED Aquarium Lights vs Metal Halide

LED Aquarium Lights vs. Metal Halide;
Yahoo Answers Hall of Shame #8; Can you use LED Lights for planted freshwater or Reef Aquariums?

I do no know whether to laugh or cry as to two relatively recent Yahoo answers that were brought to my attention.
Both of these answers could not be more wrong, and sadly the correct answers are no mystery and are not hard to find.
What amplifies the disgust I find with these answers is both are by so-called top contributors and one even claims 15 years experience.

I will give each question and (bad) answer followed by a correction

QUESTION:
Saltwater aquarium LED lights?
I have a 4 ft tank and would like a LED lighting system as an upgrade from t8s. Are there any cheap systems available?

BAD ANSWER (from YA):
No, they are far from cheap, and the technology is still new and not that great. The one time manufacturer of these lights (PFO) was sued and stop making them. Other manufactures are have large problems with computer boards etc. I would avoid them for now , look at t-5s or a good metal halide setup.
15 yrs Reef keeping and this.

CORRECTION:
While cheap is a relative term, when you consider that a LED Light fixture lasts 50,000 hours vs. a T5 that he recommends, as well when you consider a comparable T5 costs about 70% of a LED, I would have to even question this subjective part of his answer.

As to the other part of his answer, I have to ask what planet this guy is on (I mean no disrespect, I just cannot grasp how he can come up with this comment), while some of the first generation lights (Solaris) were both pricy and not as "good", there is no "one" manufacturer (There are many from TMC, Lamp Elves, Current. LED Grow Lights to name a few). I know for a fact that TMC has had not problems with either its second generation or its newest 3rd generation.
As well when you look at all factors (PAR, Lumens Per Watt, Useful Energy, etc.) modern LEDs surpass T5s and even Metal Halide (there is tests/evidence to support this too).
What also makes me question the credibility of his answer is that he did not even mention two lighting types that others in the lighting community (not anecdotal reef keepers) are aware; the T2 and SHO Light. The T2 has a better useful light energy output over the older T5s he promotes.

QUESTION:
im starting a new tropical aquarium and im wondering if these lights are good enough for my fishes health i am planing to stock my tank with live plants as well

BAD ANSWER (from YA):
Generally LEDs are not bright enough for live plants. You can get LED arrays that are bright enough for a small tank, but they are expensive.

For a fish only tank the lights are not as important, you only need them to see the fish better.

CORRECTION

This answer is really bad, where does this person get his information?
Studies outside the anecdotal aquarium hobby/industry (from the horticulture/greenhouse industry where bad results puts them out of business) that go back to 2006 have no only shown that LED lights can grow plants, but growth is superior to a comparable Kelvin output Metal Halide.

In the picture to the left a 12 watt LED Grow Light similar to the Natural Daylight LED Aquarium Light showed superior growth to a 175 watt full spectrum Metal Halide.

I strongly suggest freshwater plant and reef keepers read this in depth and more importantly well researched and "current" article about aquarium lighting:
Aquarium Lighting; Facts & Information

LED and T2 Aquarium Lights

LED and T2 Aquarium Lights for Freshwater and Marine Reef Tanks
The LED and T2 as of this post are probably the best two aquarium lights in terms of output of useful light energy per watts used

Updated 6/4/11


Although the popularity of these two lights is still lagging behind many other lights used by aquarium hobbyists, hopefully the facts of these two styles will get out to many who will find these to be useful for marine reef and freshwater plant tanks in particular.

There is still a lot of misunderstanding about both of these lights (along with the other excellent light that is popular in greenhouses, but is still sadly not well known in the aquarium hobby/industry; the SHO).

In the case of the LED, many still cannot get past the watts per gallon rule of thumb that is badly outdated. As well, the other aspect that slows the popularity is cost (which is certainly more understandable). However, when one considers the 50,000 hour lifespan and the operating costs that are generally 1/3 or less of many popular CFLs, this is not truly the barrier it is often made out to be (although up front costs to acquire many of the better LED Systems such as the “Top of the Line” TMC Aqua Ray LED Aquarium Lights certainly can still be a hurdle for those on a budget).

This is where the newest generation T2 light systems shine. Although the output per energy used of the newer lights is not at the same level of an LED, it is an improvement over the still excellent but lower output per watts used T5 lights. As well, the T2 is a considerable improvement over many CFLs and even more so over standard T8 and T12 lights. The advantage of the T2 is cost of many of the fixtures priced around $30 usd. (as compared to the $150 usd plus for the better LED systems).


What sets these Lights Apart from others?

First, I would suggest that readers reference this excellent, well-researched article (as this Fish as Pets post is but an abbreviated summary):
Aquarium Lighting; Information, Facts

Here are some important points to consider rather than just the old watts per gallon “rule” only:

• Lumens per watt, PAR (often easiest determined by Kelvin output),
• Lumen focus
• PAR
• PUR/ Useful Light Energy (not wasted in yellow/green spectrum that plants and zooanthellic algae reflect)
• Output in relation to bulb length (this is where T2 and Power Compacts excel).
• Lux
• Watts per gallon; the reader might note that the watts per gallon, is still viable when comparing apples to apples.

Even with LED Lights, most of those on the market are cheap Chinese knock offs (such as the Marineland Single and Double Bright). The best of these knocks still use much older generations of Cree emitter bins that Cree is no longer obligated by contract with TMC and other high end users to provide exclusively for. Thus, an apples to apples comparison via watts per gallon cannot be made. For instance, the Marineland Double Bright 1 watt emitters do not put out the same useful light energy per watt as an AquaRay or Orphek.

*When “high end” (2nd half of 2010) TMC AquaRay LEDs are considered, only .6 watt per gallon for high light planted freshwater and .8 watt per gallon for most reef tanks is needed.
*With new generation 6500K T2 Lights, this watts per gallon for a high light planted aquarium would be about 1.5 (which would mean that two 13 Watt daylight T2 Lights would work for a 15 gallon “high light” planted aquarium)


The first five points are the most important. As well, it is noteworthy that although watts per gallon is still a consideration, it is at best ¼ of what determines a proper aquarium light for a given aquarium. With this under consideration one modern LED such as the TMC Aqua Ray LED 12 Watt Aquarium Light Fixtures can produce more useful light energy necessary for live freshwater plants or marine reefs than one older generation T8 or T12 Trichromatic Fluorescent of 20 watts by 4-5 times.
Even modern CFLs require about three times the wattage to produce the same amount of useful light energy.

When it comes to T2 Aquarium Lights, although they still fall short of an LED, these lights still have one of the highest lumens per watt outputs and still produce less yellow/green spectrum light energy than many others. As well, the purchase price is low, generally last about 10,000 compared to the 8,000 hours of most other fluorescent lights and are available in the most important Kelvin temperature for optimum PAR; 6400 K.

The only short coming of T2s is for larger aquariums. It make take too many of the T2 Fixtures. With larger aquariums, a SHO or T5 lights may be more practical.

Still, the T2 is quite adaptable and multiple fixtures can be linked together so they require only one outlet. Even for larger aquariums such as a fish only freshwater aquarium, two 13 watt T2 fixtures can easily provide enough light for a 60, 75 and even a 5 foot 100 gallon aquarium for a n excellent savings of energy over standard aquarium lights.


See the comparisons of different lights to pictorially explain these lights:
Please click on Pictures to enlarge

This picture shows the visible light of a 13 Watt T2 with two 15 Watt CFLs (both are 6400K):


This picture demonstrates one of the strengths of an new technology LED Light (Aqua Ray) using a special camera lens;

On the left is one daylight LED (12 Watts).
On the right is two daylight CFL (totaling 30 watts)

Besides the noticeable higher light output with lower watts, the filter on this camera shows the increase of yellow/green light which is useless to most green plants and zooanthellic algae.



Conclusion

Sadly I read many aquarium forums, especially Yahoo Answers (which should be avoided like the plague by those desiring factual aquarium information), which still slam LED lights as impractical and overly expensive.

As well, many have not even heard of T2 lights (or even SHO), even though the rest of the industrial lighting world has.

Yahoo Answers Hall of Shame, UV Sterilizers

Aquarium Forum/Yahoo Answers Hall of Shame #7; UV Sterilizers for Aquariums (Again) Part 2

Once again Yahoo Answers allowed a plagiarized post to stand as a best answer (even with multiple complaints).

In this answer, a person plagiarized and pasted points out of context from my UV Sterilization Article. He even contradicts his opening comments by using my material.

First I will post the Yahoo Answers so called “best answer” (with my plagiarized content in italics), followed by corrections:

UV sterilizers are good in multi-tank systems where risk of parasites and disease are great. In the average tank, it will destroy all the beneficial bacteria and tiny critters that are needed to maintain healthy life.

One on the big drawbacks of using one is that not all of the water and organisms will pass through the sterilizer, making it somewhat ineffective to control the problem.

UV sterilization will not cure infected fish of bacterial or fungal diseases. A UV can aid in cure by killing bacterial pathogens in the water column and fungal spores, also by improvement of the Redox potential and general water quality.

A UV sterilizer will not kill ich trophozoites already on the fish (but then medications don’t either), but UVC can again slow the spread of ich tomites in the water column (but usually not out right kill ich tomites).

A UV sterilizer will not kill beneficial bacteria such aerobic bacteria, as this bacterium is effective when attached to a surface of high water flow such as the sponge of a sponge filter, not when in the water column. It is best to turn off a Sterilizer unit when introducing bacteria to seed a new aquarium.

UV Sterilization will not remove or destroy algae growing on tank or pond sides, rocks, decorations, etc.

UV Sterilization will NOT make up for poor aquarium maintenance practices such as over crowding, over feeding, inadequate filtration, poor cleaning practices, improper water parameters, and more.

For me its not worth getting one not worth the cost I myself never use one...

Comments;
*First of all he contradicts the opening paragraph by pasting my content in paragraph #5, as he is dead wrong when it comes to real research.

*Second he does not even allow the asker to read the article for himself by referencing the article from which he plagiarized content (which is supposedly a rule in Yahoo Answers)

*Third, shame on Yahoo Answers for not removing clearly plagiarized content that was used to deliver incorrect information to an asker after this was called to Yahoo’s attention by several persons.
Yahoo Answers is CLEARLY not interested in providing useful information for its readers/askers by allowing this to stand after being notified of the issue.
BTW, if Yahoo were to claim that this is a matter of opinion, my response is twofold; Wrong, these are facts; Two, and more importantly this material was plagiarized and NOT cited/referenced for the readers to make up their own mind.

I will not provide a direct link, as I do not want to lend any credit to Yahoo Answers, so please paste this link into your browser if you would like to read the full thread (including comments made after the answer was awarded best answer):
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091020203346AAGk6s0

The bottom line is; a properly set up UV Sterilizer is not essential, however it is a major piece of equipment for any aquarium or pond keeper that is serious about disease prevention and water quality (UV Sterilization improves Redox too). If you do add a UV Sterilizer to your aquarium, it is important to provide regular maintenance of your UV Sterilizer as well such as changing the UV Bulbs on a regular schedule for maximum effectiveness.

Please see these articles for much more about UV Sterilization:
*UV Sterilization

*UV Sterilizer Articles/ Posts

*Aquarium Forum/Blog Hall of Shame 5; UV Sterilizers Part 1