making live rock

100 Pages·2013·37.03 MB·English

M WIN TMC AQUARAY LED LIGHTING!
a
rin ™
e
H
a
b
it
a
t
9
9
3.
£
|
ISSUE 14 MAR SSUE 14Mar-Apr 2013
-A I
P
R
2
0
1
3 BOB GOEMANS
FFFAAAVVVOOOUUURRRIIITTTEEE
SSOOFFTT CCOORRAALLSS
ALEX CORREA
MMMAAAKKKIIINNNGGG
LIVE ROCK
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
EEEEEXXXXXPPPPPEEEEERRRRRTTTTT AAAAADDDDDVVVVVIIIIICCCCCEEEEE
D
IS
C
O •
VE Coral ID
R
& •
M Feeding Requirements
A
S •
TER Bio Pearls
SA •
LTW Tank Relocation
A •
TER Temperature Fluctuations
F
IS
H
K
E
E
P
IN
G
Matt’s final instalment shows us how the professionals do it
ALAN MAY
HHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBYYYYYYYYYYYYYIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTT PPPPPPPPPPPPPRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFFIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEE
SCOTT MICHAEL
SSSEEELLLEEECCCTTTIIINNNGGG MMMAAARRRIIINNNEEE FFFIIISSSHHH
w
w
w
.m
a BEGINNER  INTERMEDIATE  ADVANCED 
rin
e
h
a
b
ita ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
tm
ag Reef to Retail Public Aquarium Review (Sea Life Scarborough) Nano Tanks Red Lions in Spain Frag Tanks (Part 2) Shop Profiles Coralbots
a
zin Top 10 – Non-photosynthetic Inverts Gear Guide News Round-up Beginner Tips Ultimate Species Guide Wordsearch Clean-up Crew
e
.c
o 1 0 0 P A G E S O F P U R E M A R I N E F I S H K E E P I N G
m
001_Coverv3_MH014.indd 1 17/02/2013 21:21:25
Keep Your Balance
with Red Sea Salts
d
NaturGalrowth celeraGtreowth
al Ac al
r r
o o
C C
RREEDD SSEEAA SSAALLTT CCOORRAALL PPRROO SSAALLTT
OOppttiimmaall RRaattiiooss && LLeevveellss ooff EElleemmeennttss Optimal Ratios & Levels of elements
ffoorr HHeeaalltthhyy MMaarriinnee LLiiffee for accelerated Coral Growth
Reef Foundation Elements Reef Foundation Elements
Salinity Ca Mg Alk / KH Salinity Ca Mg Alk / KH
ppt ppm ppm meq/l ºdKH ppt ppm ppm meq/l ºdKH
33.5 410 1230 2.8 / 7.7 33.0 450 1340 4.3 / 12.2
35.5 440 1310 2.9 / 8.2 35.0 475 1420 4.5 / 12.7
Fish Inverts Low LPS SPS Tridacna
Nutrient
SPS
Stay on top of your reef
% change in
At Red Sea our research team established that in a reef • All natural eco-friendly harvesting skeletal mass
aquarium an optimal balanced ratio among what we from the Red Sea Ca 460, Alk 12
Mg 1400
call the “Foundation Elements”( Calcium, Magnesium Balanced
• Biologically balanced levels of
and Carbonates) makes coral growth and other Ca 430, Alk 9
foundation elements
biological processes more energy efficient making it Mg 1290
easier to optimise coral growth and coloration. • Full complement of trace elements
Ca 450, Alk 7
As a result, we developed our new formulas of Red Sea • No Nitrates or Phosphates (algae Mg 1200
Unbalanced
and Coral Pro. These salts, which are created according nutrients)
to this balanced ratio, eliminate the need to adjust the
• No toxic levels of heavy metals
levels of foundation elements when making water Weeks
changes and significantly improve the vitality and well • No chemical binders
being of all corals
A blend of science and nature, with the living reef in
every harvested grain.
Red Sea Aquatics (UK) Ltd
PO Box 1237
Cheddar, BS279AG
www.redseafish.com
T: [phone]
[email protected]
_Adverts_MH014.indd 1 18/02/2013 01:41:07
OO RR AA LL SS
CC
NN
DDD I DII SSY OAAUPP KPPN OEEWAA? RR II NN GG CC AA RR II BB BB EE AA ArucBbaoadra,l ylC- ldeaesrisgb rrbeaeedafe nidn.
Coral-rich reef in
Bonaire, Caribbean.
Did you know that only 8% of Caribbean coral-choking algae – are also
reefs retain coral? This staggering claimed to be contributing factors.
statistic was revealed in a new report In another study, this time by scientists of
from the World Conservation Union. the Scripps Institution of Oceanography,
The dramatic decline is put down researchers concluded that the
to overfishing, pollution, disease, ‘cumulative effects of deforestation and
and bleaching caused as a result possible overfishing were degrading
of rising sea temperatures. Some 40 Caribbean coral and molluscan
years ago, though, ‘over half of the communities long before climate
reefs in the Caribbean sported coral’. change impacts began to really
Decline in parrotfish and sea urchin devastate reefs.’ So, whichever way we
populations – both of which consume look at it, we’ve got a lot to answer for.
BY JOHN DAWES
Marine Habitat – 3
003_Didyouknow_MH014.indd 2 18/02/2013 04:33:10
Issue 14 March-April 2013
Cover Image: Zoa – © Dobermaraner
Anthia: Image courtesy of Scott Michael.
Issue 14
Mar-Apr 2013
Publisher
Postal Address:
Fish Junkies Ltd.,
PO BOX 4838,
Sheffield S12 9DU
Tel: [phone] (UK Only)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fishjunkies.co.uk
Editors-in-Chief (Joint)
Andy Gascoigne and Dave Pitt
Editor – Dave Pitt
Designer – Andy Gascoigne
Website – Chris Arthur
Publishing Co-ordinator – Cat Hartley
Copy Editor – Lynda Glover
Circulation – Steve Tiernan
Subscriptions – Joe Broadhead
Advertising – Chris Brown
Accounts – Barbara Maycock
Regular Contributors
Bob Goemans, Gary Wallace,
Iggy Tavares, Jason Thresher,
John Clipperton, John Dawes,
Matt Pedersen, Nick Bryan,
Scott Michael, Tristan Lougher
Guest Contributors
Alan May, Albert Thiel, Alex Correa,
Ben Woodward, Gyles Westcott,
Lea-Anne Henry, Mark Lane,
Nick Stevenson, Philippe Poppe,
Wayne Oxborough
Contributing Forums
www.thesaltybox.com
www.reef-face.co.uk
www.ultimatereef.net
Join us on Facebook or Twitter now
Fish Junkies Ltd. thoroughly checks the
accuracy of all incoming content, however will
not be held responsible for inaccuracies within
supplied content.
All rights reserved. No part of Marine Habitat
may be reproduced in any way without prior
written consent from Fish Junkies Ltd. Copyright
2013 by Fish Junkies Ltd.
Printed in the UK by Buxton Press Limited.
www.buxtonpress.com
Registered Office:
Fish Junkies Ltd., Hart Shaw Building, Europa Link, Selecting fish is a very important
Sheffield Business Park, S9 1XU. part of our hobby and shouldnt
be taken likely. Check out Scott
Company No.: 07349873. Michael’s feature on page 41.
Registered in England & Wales.
6 – Marine Habitat
004-005_Contents_MH014.indd 1 27/02/2013 22:03:27
MarineHabitatMagazine.com
ON THE COVER
13> > Expert Advice
Expert Panel
Our experts discuss a range of interesting
13 41
topics including moving aquariums,
controlling temperatures to name a few.
41> > Selecting Marine Fish
Scott Michael
Scott identifies a section of suitable
aquarium fish for beginners, intermediates
and advanced hobbyists.
57> > How to Make Live Rock
Alex Correa
Alex takes us through the intricacies of live
rock; how to make it and why to make it.
57 75
75> > Bob’s Favourite Soft Corals
Bob Goemans
Bob describes his favourite soft corals, from
his personal experience, including Ricordia,
Anthelia and Discosoma.
REGULARS 50> > Spain Bans Sale of Red Lions COMPETITIONS
John Dawes
John reports on the announcement that
6 >> Welcome Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) imports have 38> > Competition
been permanently banned in Spain.
Dave Pitt TMC
A look back at the last couple of months, We are offering seven lucky readers the
54> > Setting Up a Frag Tank (Part 2)
and a brief welcome from the editor. chance to win one of the AquaRay ranges
Jason Thresher
of LED aquarium lights in the colour of their
82> > News Round-up Jason concludes his article by focusing choice, with a total prize value of over £800!
on adding the equipment that will be

running the tank.
Get up to date with marine-related news
from around the world.
57> > Top of the Rocks Competition > TMC
Tristan Lougher
FEATURES This time he focuses on sessile aquarium
invertebrates that lack photosynthetic
symbionts (zooxanthellae) and, as such,
8 >> The Journey from Reef to Retail are dependent on aquarists to feed them..
Gyles Westcott
Gyles discusses the journey of our aquarium 87> > Coralbots
inhabitants, from their natural ocean Lea-Anne Henry et al.
habitats to the LFS. A pioneering project which aims to use
underwater robots to help repair and
restore deep-sea coral reefs.
TMC LED COMPETITION
REVIEWS A9Q6U A> R>A WY oSrdOseLaIrDch S T A T E L I G H T I N G
BCUK
LaAEdDv atrenacchinnngog loitsg erya in s goaed fav alohnncgiing wgi htahl li- tt.hq Ien uttihmisae is, slauitneyd’s TcMCoCm apise tliationn, utsshuuesbp mpu lnyei ftrt,go ose okde t.eh oLpeos niet g dwl igceholl tr asd wmsi asruuysn tf rtonouom tth btephe ep r ouw wna eter r.
48>> Gear Guide wnfeeow aerrs etg oLEffDrea rliingbgh tr eusna idtisne. rs tthhe ceha nWceo to rwdin sonee aof rTMcCh’s coinsa kmTtnhuoeraw lli ngs uphants lp ig‘freouhldtl tsuhpctaeenicd tta rbuinmyoy wo’, htih.nietee.r iLta. EiqsD ucsa liosri suwemhr at ot
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have market-leading LED manufacturers lcigrehat tsionugr cthee. Tshaemy ea rdea ap pploeidn tl ilgighht te sfofeucrct e,
been around for many years, but including CREE® and OSRAM®. They that you get when sunlight refracts and
A quick rundown of some useful and been broignhlyt iann rde ceeffnict iteimnte es nhoauvgeh t htoe yu se arerneo uwsneedd t hlirvoeusgtohcoku ht oTMldCin’gs ffoaucr ilwitioersl,d a-nd rise falelscot sk nthorwoung ahs tthhee w‘sahtimerm’s esur refaffceec.t ’T.h is
as a primary light source. An LED consists confidence is so high that they come
interesting products for you to check out. of a tiny silicone chip (called a die) with an impressive 5-year guarantee*. *Cree and the Cree LEDs logo are
which emits light when electrical current Their small size and relatively low-heat registered trademarks of Cree, Inc
is applied to it. Chemical coatings can output enable them to be fitted into a slim
tchoelon ubr eo fa tphpel ileigdh tt oto t hthee d diee tsoire cdh alenvgeel. the afitqtinuga.r iuThIme yh ooSfofedr, upletimndaatSen ts oarf etatyn wk-imthUo unted LThEEiDs tEeNcEhRnGoYlo S gAyV oINff1GerSs many ene3rgy-
65 >> Hobbyist Profile TMC’S AQUARAY LED LIGHTS l(oIPw6-7v oralttaegde). LItE Dis si manpdo rataren tw toa tneor-tree stihstaatn t swaitvhining a bqeunaerifuitms, pligahrtticinugla, frloyr wehxaenm upslee:d
TMC’s high-power, award-winning, LED this does not mean they are water-proof, • Removes the need for reflectors
19> > Clean-up Crew Alan May lhigehatd uqnuitas raterers hina nthde- aUsKs,e amnbdl eudtil iaset TMC’s ainnvda liidndaeteedd i ft hwea 5te-yr eisa ar llgouwaeradn ttoe ee nwteillr be • bLoewc ahuesaet tthraen lsigfehr t tois mtheu cwha mteor, re direct
Nick h ighligNhitcsk t hBrey aimnportance of a clean- Itno tghuisi disesu ues wthero inuvgithe t hCeh edsehvireel olapdm Aelantn o Mf ahiys CeeTTTnnhhhOaaeeehhiiibbrrroo llssseeoommm ddttMhhaaa,, eelllpplll mmssseeiiizzznn eeettPddoo aaaaa bbnnnnneettdddE oo ffrrriittrreeett Teettlllaaaaaddtttnniii vvvIkkiinneee--mmttTlllooyyyoo lllaaooouuI wwwnnssOlltt---iieemmhhhddeee aa aaaffiiqqttttt Nttooouuiinnaauuuggtttrrpppiiuuuuu mmttt W • recTeIhnodeanu Ncbmceleionnsdgt rtu ahtlhteaee rdNh nni gaoehtneueldyrre wlf iogohErhfe atAr e lqec uvnhRaeeillRleesa drtoye dbeS
The most obvious benefit, however,
up crew in the marine aquarium and looks beautiful tank. 38S –E MNarEinYe HEa bCitatOMPETITION
at useful critters for the home aquarium. 032-033_TMPCCaompu_MHl01 4.Bindda 1tes (St Albans); Julie Turbitt (Coventry); Clare18/ 02/2013 05:09:11
72 >> Shop Profiles
Close (Cheshire); Gavin Snort (Peterborough); Chris
27> > Nano Reef Aquariums
Fleming (Dundee); Paul O’Connor (Cumbria).
Albert J. Thiel Amwell Aquatics, Mastin Moor Aquatics and
Albert discusses the importance of fragging, Wharf Aquatics are all offering a £10 off
FISH JUNKIES WORDSEARCH WINNERS
especially in the nano tank environment. voucher as part of their shop write-up.
Kevin Norwood (Staffordshire); Bradley Lowes
31> > Your Ultimate Species Guide 90 >> Scarborough Sea Sanctuary (Darlington); Karl Roberts (Colchester); Jeffrey
John Clipperton and Gary Wallace Dave Pitt Johnson (Wiltshire); Edward Graham (Carlisle);
The profiles this time are: Zoanthus, It was time for Marine Habitat to check out Richard Harding (Wiltshire); Jody Summers
Sailfin Tang, Cleaner Shrimp, and for the one of the fab Sea Life centres. Here Dave (Huddersfield); Mark Bradfield (Leicester); Gary
temperate species, Grey Topshell. describes our trip. Black (Reading); Trevor Parkin (Swansea).
Marine Habitat – 5
004-005_Contents_MH014.indd 2 27/02/2013 22:03:32
Back to my own trip, and although
I didn’t swim with any fish, I would be
lying if I didn’t tell you that I ate some. I
have to say that it’s really refreshing to
watch the fishermen return to shore with
their catch in the morning and then
be able to eat your selected fish the
same evening. Fish on offer included
red snapper, tuna, barracuda,
and on certain days, marlin. Marlin
(Istiophoridae) are magnificent fish;
they have a very long body, a very
long spear-like snout, and can reach
Welcome to the March/april issue of Marine Habitat magazine. This issue 5m in length. They have previously
is packed with articles, and it’s great to be able to introduce a couple been compared to lions, wolves and
of guest contributors this time round. albert Thiel gives us his view on eagles, in that they sit towards the top
the place of nano tanks within the hobby; Lea-anne Henry et al from of the food chain and help to maintain
Heriot-Watt University provide an insight into the world of coralbots; Gyles the ecosystem; however, reports of
Westcott talks through the journey from reef to retail; and alex correa over-fishing have been made.
gives a step-by–step guide on how to make your own live rock. During a morning walk, I discovered
some older local men hand-making
My IndIa ExpErIEncE coast, Goa, which is significantly more fishing nets. It was interesting to watch
With my rucksack packed commercial than where I was staying, them weave and tie the material,
and flights booked, off I went, offers diving excursions around Grand but it wasn’t going to be a quick task.
destination, Kerala, South India. Island. Here you can see coral gardens While talking about fish nets, I also
If I was after a culture difference, I filled with healthy marine life, together visited the famous Chinese fish nets in
certainly succeeded in finding it. Throw with numerous shipwrecks. Secondly, Fort Cochin. These nets are actually
the rule book out of the window, along and much more impressively, fixed constructions on shore, and
with everything you consider to be there are the Lakshadweep can be in the region of 20m
normal or take for granted, and you Islands. The cost was wide. A cantilever system
might be some way to understanding unfortunately a suspends the net over
how different India really is. prohibiting factor the sea, and then a
Unique, eye-opening, fascinating, here. There is a team of six men lower
infectious, and most certainly collection of 36 it down. Nets remain
memorable are some of the coral islands, in the water for a
words I would use to sum up my the majority of short time before
experience. I think it’s fair to say it which are actually being pulled up to
may not be to everyone’s taste, but uninhabited, only inspect the catch.
would I go again? Definitely! In fact, two have resorts on, Fish and crustaceans
I will be disappointed if I don’t! Agatti and Bangaram, are then sold in the
I spent my time in coastal towns, and even they have immediate vicinity, and
however as much as I would love to very strict controls over visitor should you wish, they can be
tell you about my snorkelling/diving numbers. From what I gather, the cooked and served there and then.
experiences, there were none. I think Maldives are considered crowded My only wildlife encounters of
it’s accepted that India isn’t a top dive by way of comparison. Eagle rays, note were a ghost crab on the
site, albeit there are a small number of moray eels, and hawksbill turtles are beach in Varkala, a Gecko (lizard)
diving opportunities, but unfortunately said to be common finds within the that took residence in my room,
I wasn’t able to travel to them. With 26°C turquoise waters. Anyway, check and a shoal of small fish that swam
more time, two options seemed this place out. If you’ve actually been, around my legs as I paddled, but
available. Firstly, a few hours up the west please do send me your stories. unfortunately I was unable to ID
them given their size and speed.
In conclusion, although it was only
for a couple of weeks, I cannot really
put into words how India made me
feel. What I will say is that I will be
doing everything in my power to
return one day, and I would highly
recommend it to anyone looking for an
adventure. In the meantime, I’d better
crack on and get this issue finished,
so here we go. Hope you enjoy it.
Dave Pitt, editor
GOT SOMETHInG TO Say?
Email the editor at: [email protected]
6 – Marine Habitat
007_Editorial_MH014.indd 1 18/02/2013 04:53:59
Keep Your Balance
with Red Sea Salts
d
NaturGalrowth celeraGtreowth
al Ac al
r r
o o
C C
C
M
RED SEA SALT CORAL PRO SALT Y
CM
MY
Optimal Ratios & Levels of Elements Optimal Ratios & Levels of elements
CY
for Healthy Marine Life for accelerated Coral Growth
CMY
Reef Foundation Elements Reef Foundation Elements
Salinity Ca Mg Alk / KH Salinity Ca Mg Alk / KH K
ppt ppm ppm meq/l ºdKH ppt ppm ppm meq/l ºdKH
33.5 410 1230 2.8 / 7.7 33.0 450 1340 4.3 / 12.2
35.5 440 1310 2.9 / 8.2 35.0 475 1420 4.5 / 12.7
Fish Inverts Low LPS SPS Tridacna
Nutrient
SPS
Stay on top of your reef
% change in www.facebook.com/ntlabs
At Red Sea our research team established that in a reef • All natural eco-friendly harvesting skeletal mass www.twitter.com/#!/OfficialNTLabs
aquarium an optimal balanced ratio among what we from the Red Sea Ca 460, Alk 12
Mg 1400 www.youtube.com/NTLabsOfficialSite
call the “Foundation Elements”( Calcium, Magnesium Balanced
• Biologically balanced levels of
and Carbonates) makes coral growth and other Ca 430, Alk 9
foundation elements
biological processes more energy efficient making it Mg 1290
Find your
easier to optimise coral growth and coloration. • Full complement of trace elements
Ca 450, Alk 7
local stockist
As a result, we developed our new formulas of Red Sea • No Nitrates or Phosphates (algae Mg 1200 Marine Marine
Unbalanced
and Coral Pro. These salts, which are created according nutrients)
Anti-Bacterial Parazoryne
to this balanced ratio, eliminate the need to adjust the
• No toxic levels of heavy metals
levels of foundation elements when making water Weeks
changes and significantly improve the vitality and well • No chemical binders Marine Anti-Bacterial is a reef Marine Parazoryne is a herbal
being of all corals safe medicine for treating treatment to support recovery
bacterial infections in marine from parasitic infections, including
A blend of science and nature, with the living reef in aquariums such as fin, tail, white spot and Oodinium in marine
every harvested grain. mouth rot, ulcers etc. Can also fish. Safe for use with all kind of
be used for treating marine white marine reef life. Can support the
spot and Oodinium in an regeneration of damaged skin
invertebrate reef aquarium. tissue and helps marine fish to
www.redseafish.com regain their original beauty. www.ntlabs.co.uk
_Adverts_MH014.indd 2 18/02/2013 01:42:48
CCoorraall BBoottss >> ????????????????????????????????
GYLES WESTCOTT
Age: 47
Hometown: Tring, Herts.
Full-time occupation:
Business Development and
Export Manager, TMC.
Marine experience: I grew
up on the south coast of
South Africa and started
collecting and keeping
fish when I was 6 (I started
out keeping some hermit
crabs in my mother’s punch
bowl!) – I’ve been involved
with marine livestock, to a
greater or lesser degree
ever since.
Aquarium Size: None of my
own at present – does the
TMC fish house count?
Favourite fish:
Emperor Angel
(Pomecanthus imperator)
and Barnacle Blenny
(Acanthemblemaria
spinosa).
coral: Acans!
Specialist areas: LED lighting.
THE JOURNEY FROM TO
REEF RETAIL
FIRST CLASS OR JUST ANOTHER FORM OF TRAFFICKING?
It’s fair to say that most of us probably don’t give be asking questions of our suppliers. Where
do the animals we’re buying come from,
a great deal of thought as to where the animals and can they be legally traded? What
is CITES, and which animals need to be
we keep originally came from, or the journey certified? Is there a sustainable stock of
these animals left in the wild? How have
they made to finish up in our aquaria.
they been housed and transported? Do
they have special requirements in terms of
I
n recent times, we have seen increasingly The reality is that the world’s oceans are husbandry, and are they actually suitable
vociferous criticism of our hobby from increasingly under threat, so any demand for the aquarium? Has the supply chain
various quarters. Conservation and on marine resources is increasingly going been shortened as far as possible to
animal rights organisations continue to be scrutinised. Of course, although the reduce stress and associated mortalities?
to lobby for wider restrictions on the ornamental trade is tiny in comparison to Of course, there’s a big difference
aquarium trade, and the popular press other harvesting that is done, these issues between asking a question and getting
seem to be more than willing to provide are important and we should all be aware an answer, and really knowing what’s
them with a platform. While it’s true that of the impact we have. So, if we want our happening at a collecting station on
we don’t always get a fair hearing, it’s hobby to survive and thrive, it is up to us, the other side of the world! However,
equally true that the trade does have as individuals, to be properly informed, if your preferred LFS has invested time
a responsibility as the custodian of the not just about our own tanks and their and money and is securing quality,
live animals it harvests and sells. When inhabitants, but about the wider trade ethically sourced animals, then it should
we buy these animals, that responsibility that supports us, and to make our buying be publicising that and be willing to talk
transfers to us as individual hobbyists. choices responsibly. To do this we need to about it; a less reputable outlet might well
8 – Marine Habitat
008-010_ReeftoRetail_MH014.indd 1 17/02/2013 17:35:24
The Journey From Reef to Retail > Gyles Westcott
ILLUSTRATION OF TONNAGE HARVESTED BY ORNAMENTAL TRADE COMPARED TO THAT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
be less forthcoming. All this really implies patterns, and you begin to appreciate
an understanding of the processes that the escalating pressure of going out every
begin on a reef in the tropics, and end in day to collect a viable catch. And at the
the display tank at your preferred retailer end of the day, they have to deliver the
– in other words, from reef to retail. yield safely, and in good condition, to
their local holding facility. Many of us will
COLLECTION probably admit to quietly dreaming of
To most people, the world our fish and living in the tropics and diving on pristine
corals come from is warm and sunny, with reefs every day to earn a living, but in truth
white beaches and palm trees; a calm it’s a tough life, with constant demands
and peaceful paradise where life is easy. to deliver the right animals at the right
The reality for many collectors earning price, and always in prime condition.
TMC supplier fish-holding facility.
a living from the reef is very different.
Collecting sites are remote, and conditions HOLDING FACILITIES
difficult and often dangerous. Boats need Of course, all this effort is wasted if there the chain of supply. This has a profound
to be fitted out with onboard circulation aren’t the facilities to take in and sustain effect on the quality and range of animals
equipment to sustain stock in transit, the animals once they’ve been collected. that ultimately reach the retail stores.
running costs and fuel need to be paid, Responsible wholesalers recognise how Animals can be acclimatised slowly,
and reliable collectors recruited. Local critical the collectors and this phase of the in well-equipped commercial-grade
knowledge and a high degree of skill and process are, and in many cases provide systems. They can be health-checked and
experience are needed to find the animals training, material investment, and the quarantined if necessary. Knowledgeable
and to capture them without causing technical support needed. Well-equipped staff ensures that incompatible species are
undue stress and injury. The regular phases modern holding facilities, located as close kept separately, and individual species get
of the tide mark out the narrow windows as possible to the main collection sites, accurately graded and sorted. Finally, there
of opportunity when the reef is accessible but with good links to the onward transport is a ready supply of pristine temperature-
– throw in the vagaries of tropical weather network, is the next critical ingredient in controlled system water, oxygen,
Marine Habitat – 9
008-010_ReeftoRetail_MH014.indd 2 17/02/2013 17:35:26
The Journey From Reef to Retail > Gyles Westcott
TMC London
skimmer room.
and all the appropriate packaging
resources to prepare stock for onward
shipping, and the transport to get
them to a local airport quickly and
in the best condition for the flight.
Again, all this contributes greatly to
the quality and range that ultimately
ends up in store and ready for sale.
DOMESTIC WHOLESALE
The best way to maintain the quality of
livestock between the overseas holding
facilities and your local fish shop is to TMC London fish house. TMC London cartridge filters and UV room.
maintain the quality of the care and
handling it receives. This is where the
domestic wholesaler comes into play. Here, other side of the world, your LFS is there to encourages them to value the resource
shipments of animals are received from the advise and support; to see that we have they are harvesting: experienced handlers
airlines that transport them. Full compliance access to all the supplies we need to look in well-equipped acclimation facilities;
with border control regulations means after the animals in our care. Indeed, we carefully packed and handled boxes of
shorter transit times, and by mirroring the expect a great deal from this resource precious cargo, loaded onto temperature-
water quality and husbandry practices put – we expect a clean store, and clean controlled flights that cover thousands of
in place at the original holding station, the tanks filled with a wide variety of healthy miles around the world; extensive state-of-
animals have a stress-free transition. Again, fish and corals. We expect friendly and the art holding facilities where retailers can
they are carefully knowledgeable call and hand-select perfect specimens;
health-checked It is important to acknowledge staff always on and ultimately, the livelihood of the retailer
and sorted, and what the final retail price hand to assist, who presents it to you in his store – clean,
held in quarantine, and we expect healthy and ready to add that extra
supports – a reasonable
ensuring that when them to be able something special to your home aquarium.
they finally come income for hard-working to source anything Most of us have to deal with the reality
through for display, collectors that encourages we need quickly of limited budgets and rising costs, but
they are in prime and efficiently. All when we think about what it takes and the
them to value the resource
health, feeding, this is as it should resources involved, it may be better to ask
and ready to they are harvesting be. Unfortunately, some questions about where these animals
become a vibrant we often also have come from and the conditions they’ve
addition to your home aquarium. expect all this at a bargain basement been subjected to. And if we’re satisfied
price, and we complain vocally when a that they have been responsibly harvested
THE FINAL STEP – YOUR LOCAL FISH SHOP fish or coral seems expensive, or we see and well looked after, and are in the good
The regular visit to our local (or not so local!) products advertised cheaply online. condition we expect, perhaps we should be
aquatics store is a vital part of our hobby. It is important to acknowledge what the prepared to pay a fair price for the privilege
Apart from being the link between our final retail price supports – a reasonable of nurturing a little part of some distant living
aquarium at home and the reef on the income for hard-working collectors that reef, right there in our living room. GW
10 – Marine Habitat
008-010_ReeftoRetail_MH014.indd 3 17/02/2013 17:35:27