Aquarium Power Compact
Saltwater Fish and Nano Reef Basics
These basics are intended for a marine fish aquarium (and basic Nano Reefs), not an advanced marine reef aquarium. A properly set up and maintained Salt Water Aquarium can be relatively easy to keep, in fact, sometimes easier than some freshwater fish such as discus.
These facts and opinions are based on my experience of keeping and professionally maintaining marine fish (and reef) aquariums for over 27 years with one of the largest aquarium maintenance companies in Los Angeles, California.
NANO REEFS:
For Nano reefs much of this basic information applies. I still recommend a UV sterilizer if it can be fitted to you nano reef (a small internal filter such as a Via Aqua 305 Internal Filter” connected to a compact UV works well)
*Cured live rock is a must.
*A fine #00 sand with a ½” layer of #3 sand on top works best in my opinion for cleaning and de-nitrification.
*Water changes and regular checks of water parameters are a must (do not forget to check alkali reserve, the same as KH in FW). Water parameters change more rapidly in a Nano aquarium.
*Two power compact light, changed every six months and cleaned regularly in between. They should be one daylight and one actinic or two 50/50.
[1] Filtration; Good filtration is a must for a successful marine aquarium. There are many different filters available too.
Canister filters are good for their capacity, but can become Nitrate factories is not rinsed very regularly. I do not recommend Fluvals due to their poor impeller design. Via Aqua. Eheim, Jebo, and Magnum are the ones I recommend.
Wet/Dry filters are good, but usually are poor mechanical filters. The bio ball media in them also should be rinsed regularly in de-chlorinated water to prevent a buildup of organic material, increasing nitrates.
Sump systems with live rock, plants, and sponge filters work well. The live rock is excellent for aerobic filtration (ammonia and nitrite removal) and anaerobic filtration (nitrate removal). The live plants and green algae are good for nitrogen fixing and phosphate removal. The sponge filter is a simple to clean aerobic bio-filter and mechanical filter.
As for live rock, I strongly recommend using it. Make sure it is cured, many stores sell live rock right after it comes to them, and this is not cured live rock. Live rock arrives to the stores wrapped in newspaper and mostly dead by this time, it takes up to 6 weeks to fully cure live rock. Fully cured live rock has the benefit of containing aerobic and anaerobic bacteria; the later helps convert nitrates to nitrogen which is released harmlessly into the atmosphere. Cured live rock also contains many “creatures”, many of which are both interesting and beneficial. You may also create your own using rock high in calcium carbonate, or even dead coral skeletons by placing them under healthy cured live rock for a couple of months in a healthy aquarium (reef set ups are best for this). It is important to use very porous rock for the proper benefits of live rock
Hang on back filters are very limited, but can be used too, especially if combined with other bio filters. Internal filters are also limited, but once again are good combined with others.
Ecosystem mud filtration is effective for nitrate removal (due to the large colonies of anaerobic bacteria), they are much simpler to use than a protein Skimmer in my opinion (which I believe are over sold for fish aquaria).
Unfortunately there are many stores pushing these systems as the end all of filtration, and they are not. They are a good part of a system, but should not be the only part. Good mechanical, other types of bio filtration, and especially germicidal filtration are also important.
More on Nitrate Removal Filtration;
(A) As mentioned above, Mud filters can be very useful for Nitrate removal; you can make a simple one with a HOB filter or sump aquarium. (With the HOB you must place the media in fine mesh or nylon filter bags so as to not cause damage to the impeller, also keep bags out of heavy flow area of filter). [1] First use a 2 cm layer of #3 gravel on top. [2] Then 5 cm of #00 sand. [3] Then you can make your own anaerobic mulm from top soil; rinse fine top soil in a 10/1 bleach solution, then rinse again until clean (you can add a de-chlorinator to remove bleach). This goes on the bottom of the sump in a layer about 2 cm thick.
(B) Also as mentioned above; A lot of cured live rock is extremely helpful for nitrate removal
(C) Plants or green algae (such as caulerpa algae) in aquarium or refugium.
(D) Pre-Filters such as ATIs “Filter Max” on filter intakes; these are easily rinsed and remove organic matter before it can go thru the nitrogen cycle.
(E) Protein Skimmers
(F) Metal Halide lighting. I know this seems off subject, but I have found that Metal Halide lighting helps with nitrate levels, even when other filters are poor. I do not have scientific proof, but I believe the Redox potential (350 mV) this light helps maintain has a lot to do with this.
Filter redundancy is also important, as filters/pumps can break down. Extra filters also increase bio and mechanical filtration. An economical combination would be a sponge filter, internal filter, and a hang on back (power filter).
For more on filtration, please see this site: “Aquarium Filtration”
[2] Lighting; A 10,000 K Daylight bulb is a start, better would be a 50/50 daylight/ 420nm actinic bulb, or better yet would be one of each.
[3] Test Kits; an ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph, and KH (alkalinity) test kit are all important.
[4] Water Chemistry; Start with a good marine salt and mix it to a specific gravity of 1.019- 1.021 for fish.
Add trace elements and aquarium buffer. SeaChem makes an excellent product called Reef Calcium which maintains KH, adds bio available polygluconate complexed calcium. Many products available do not add both calcium and magnesium (such as Kalkwasser), and they are BOTH necessary together for proper chemistry and fish health. It should be noted, that unlike freshwater fish which absorb the water around them, marine fish drink the water constantly, which affects their internal body chemistry to the surrounding water.
Maintain Ammonia and nitrites at 0, pH at 8.2-8.4, kH at 200 ppm, Nitrates below 20 ppm. Change water regularly using a gravel vacuum, especially in areas of waste accumulation, this will help maintain low nitrates.
[5] UV Sterilization; UV Sterilizers are in my opinion, not essential, but are VERY important. UV Sterilizers help with disease prevention and also help maintain a proper Redox Potential (oxidation properties of water). The Redox Potential is often overlooked by many aquarists both SW and FW. For more information please see my article about “Aquarium UV Sterilization and how it works “
[6] Proper Fish and feeding; do not over crowd a marine aquarium. The amount of fish depends on the aquarium surface area and the type of fish. My article “Basic Aquarium Principles” addresses this subject. Feed your marine fish according to the type of food they naturally eat in the wild. Aquatic based foods such as HBH Marine Flake or Spirulina 20 Flake are good generic fish foods for Tangs, angels, clown fish, ECT. (Angels also need sponge in their diet).
This is a basic article, for MUCH more information please see this large article with more resources, pictures, and marine information: “AQUARIUM SALTWATER BASICS; Fish and Nano-Reef
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About the Author
By Carl Strohmeyer
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Information.html
3g ADA aquarium ver.2
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30” Metal Halide Power Compact Aquarium Light 380 watt lighting fish tank $199.99 |
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Brand new 48 ” power compact Aquarium Light 130 W Marine Cichlid $55.99 |
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UVL Super Actinic 65W PC-R 03 Straight Pin Power Compact Aquarium Bulb 22″ New $18.95 |
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2 Pack 96 Watts Power Compact Aquarium Light Bulb PL Lamp Straight (….) Mix $18.95 |
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24W x1 Aquarium Power Compact Replacement Ballast Kit. $19.99 |
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65W x1 Aquarium Power Compact Replacement Ballast Kit. $24.99 |
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96W x1 Aquarium Power Compact Replacement Ballast Kit. $29.99 |
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12 x 55w Aquarium Power Compact Bulb ( M&M ) $59.99 |
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12 x 65w Odyssea Aquarium Power Compact Bulb ( Mix ) $59.99 |
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FOUR 96W Aquarium Power compact PC bulbs (….) Coral $39.99 |
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FOUR 96W Aquarium Power compact PC bulbs (….) Plant $39.99 |
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4 PACK 36 Watt Power Compact Aquarium light CHOOSE/MIX $43.97 |
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10x Aquarium power compact bulb holding clips Mount NEW $9.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs 2- Pin 13 Watt $8.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs 2- Pin 13 Watt $8.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs 2- Pin 13 Watt $8.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs 2- Pin 13 Watt $8.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs 2- Pin 13 Watt $8.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 55 Watt $14.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 55 Watt $14.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 55 Watt $14.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 55 Watt $14.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 96 Watt $26.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 96 Watt $26.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 96 Watt $26.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 96 Watt $26.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 96 Watt $26.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 65 Watt $14.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 65 Watt $14.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 65 Watt $14.99 |
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Power Compact Aquarium Bulbs Straight Pin (Linear) 65 Watt $14.99 |
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24″ Aquarium Power Compact Floursecent 2X T5 $29.99 |
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36″ Aquarium Power Compact Floursecent 6X T6 54W w/ LED Moonlight $149.99 |
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36″ Aquarium Power Compact Light Floursecent 6X T5 39W $142.49 |
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5x 96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-STRAIGHT PIN $38.00 |
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6x 65 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-SQUARE PIN $50.00 |
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8” POWER COMPACT HOOD 2X9 WATT PLANTED AQUARIUM $25.00 |
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10” POWER COMPACT HOOD 2X9 WATT PLANTED AQUARIUM $25.00 |
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5x 18, 24, 32, 36, 40 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb $35.00 |
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8x 18, 24, 32, 36, 40 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb $64.00 |
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9x 96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-STRAIGHT PIN $95.00 |
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7x 96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-SQUARE PIN $78.00 |
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11x 65 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-SQUARE PIN $82.00 |
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60” AQUARIUM LIGHT 322 WATTS POWER COMPACT REEF LUNARS MOONLIGHTS MOON LIGHTING $169.99 |
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5x 65 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-SQUARE PIN $48.00 |
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Aquarium power compact bulb adapter ST to SQ Convertor $19.99 |
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11×96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-SQUARE PIN $118.00 |
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3x 65 or 55 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-ST $17.00 |
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10x 65 or 55 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-ST $60.00 |
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12x 96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-STRAIGHT PIN $125.00 |
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30″ Power Compact Aquarium Light Hood 96W Marine New $67.99 |
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13″ 9 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Light 6800K, Marine $14.99 |
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20 Gallon Acrylic Aquarium W/ Power Compact Light, Refu $300.00 |
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20 Gallon Acrylic Aquarium W/ Power Compact Light Fixtu $300.00 |
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FLUVAL MINI POWER COMPACT NANO AQUARIUM LIGHT 13W 6400K $44.79 |
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84″ Power Compact Aquarium Light Hood 390 watts $399.99 |
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96″ Power Compact Aquarium Light Hood 390 watts $399.99 |
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60″ Power Compact Aquarium Light Hood 108 watts $139.99 |
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10×96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-SQUARE PIN $113.00 |
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7x 65 or 55 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-ST $41.00 |
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55w power compact twin-tube light bulb for aquarium $16.00 |
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60 Metal Halide Power Compact Aquarium Light 1072 watt $449.99 |
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4x 18, 24, 32, 36, 40 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb $27.00 |
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9x 65 or 55 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-ST $55.00 |
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27 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb Straight Pin (…) CRISP WHITE + ACTINIC $13.98 |
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FOUR 18W Aquarium Power compact PC bulb (….) ST 50/50 $17.99 |
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FOUR 24W Aquarium Power compact PC bulb (….) ST MIX $18.99 |
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10x 18, 24, 32, 36, 40 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb $82.00 |
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110w 24″ power compact lighting fixture for aquarium $69.99 |
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18 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Light Bulb ACTINIC $13.89 |
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7x 96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-STRAIGHT PIN $65.00 |
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220w 48″ power compact lighting fixture for aquarium $165.00 |
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18 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Light Bulb CRISP WHITE+ BRIGHT BLUE ACTINIC $13.89 |
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Catalina Aqaruium 28 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Light Bulb 10000K CRISP WHITE $13.89 |
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330w 72″ power compact lighting fixture for aquarium $195.00 |
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FOUR 36W Aquarium Power compact PC bulb (….) ST MIX $19.99 |
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3x 96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-STRAIGHT PIN $26.00 |
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36″ Power Compact Aquarium Light Fixture w/ 2×36W Lamps $59.95 |
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24″ Power Compact Aquarium Light Fixture w/ 1×36W Lamps $34.95 |
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Mini Power Compact Nano Aquarium Light 9W 6400K $25.75 |
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65W Power Compact Aquarium light Straight Pin CHOOSE $10.00 |
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8 inch 2X9 Watt Power Compact Light Fixture for PLANTED Aquariums $36.75 |
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10 inch 2X9 Watt Power Compact Light Fixture for PLANTED Aquariums $36.75 |
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12 inch 2X9 Watt Power Compact Light Fixture for PLANTED Aquariums $38.75 |
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60” POWER COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 322 WATT LIGHTING FISH TANK LAMP NEW $134.99 |
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38″ POWER COMPACT FLUORESCENT FISH TANK AQUARIUM LIGHT $67.99 |
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2x 96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-STRAIGHT PIN $24.00 |
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FOUR 65W Aquarium Power compact PC bulbs (….) 6500K $22.99 |
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60″ Power Compact Aquarium Light Hood 216 watts $199.99 |
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Red Sea Max Aquarium Power Compact 50/50 bulb Fish Pet 40251 $18.88 |
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8x 96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-STRAIGHT PIN $82.00 |
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36 Watts Power Compact PC Bulb Nano Aquarium (….) Mix $7.50 |
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72″ Power Compact Aquarium Light Hood 260 watts made in usa $199.99 |
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Brand new 48 ” power compact Aquarium Light 130 W Marine Cichlid $55.99 |
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13″ MINI POWER COMPACT NANO AQUARIUM LIGHT 9W 6800K $14.99 |
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48” Aquarium Light 4x 65 Power Compact Reef w/ Lunars $129.99 |
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4X 65W Power Compact Aquarium light Straight Pin CHOOSE $43.96 |
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Mini Power Compact Lamp Aquarium Fish Tank with Aqua Lux 7 watt bulb fixture $14.99 |
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3x 65 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-SQUARE PIN $30.00 |
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8×96 Watt Power Compact Aquarium Bulb-SQUARE PIN $93.00 |
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Aqueon Coralife 05481 50/50 Square Pin Compact Fluorescent Lamp, 28-Watt $17.95 50 percent natural daylight 6000K, 50 percent actinic 03 blue. Ideal for saltwater, reef and freshwater aquariums. Provides required light for essential biological reactions. Enhances color and clarity. Full-spectrum. High-intensity output. Rugged construction for dependable long life. Easy to install. Energy-efficient. Japanese square pin arrangement. Confused about Compact Fluorescent Pin… |
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40W Dual Daylight 6700K/10000K (10K) White Power Compact Bulb – Square Pin, Current USA SunPaq $29.95 40W Dual 6700K White/10000K White SunPaq PowerCompact BulbHalf 6700k daylight white and half 10000k daylight white bulb with a square pin configuration.Approx. bulb dimensions: 16.75″ x 1.75″ x 1″… |
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Power Compact 13W 6500K Aquarium Bulb $8.59 The original 6500K daylight bulb. This lamp contains a natural triphosophor full spectrum daylight perfect for freshwater and planted aquaro=iums as well as many reefs. Compact fluorescent bulbs should be replaced every 14-16 months. Replacement is vital for the health of your livestock due to a 50% decline in spectrum and intensity. |
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Double Aqualight 36 96watt Power Compact Strip (Catalog Category: Aquarium / Lighting-compact Halide) $631.06 Double Aqualight 36 96watt Power Compact Strip. Coralife – 36 DBL AQUALIGHT 96W PC STRIPAqualight Deluxe Series Double Linear Strip… |
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DEWALT DC515K 1/2 Gallon 18-Volt NiCd Cordless Wet/Dry Vac $114.99 The DEWALT DC515K 18-Volt Cordless 1/2-Gallon Wet/Dry Portable Vac makes your shop or jobsite cleanups quick and easy. Powered by DEWALT exclusive extended run time batteries, this wet/dry vac features a durable tank that’s suitable for both wet and dry messes. For added convenience the wet/dry vac features a flexible hose, a front utility nozzle, and a washable GORE filter.18-Volt Cordless 1/2-Ga… |
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96watt Compact Flo 10000k Square Pin Bulb 34 $89.29 10,000K Compact Fluorescent Lamp96 watt 34 inch – Square Pin Base… |
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Canon PowerShot A570IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom $199.99 CL) CANON A570 IS DIGITAL CAMERA… |
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OceanDrop Underwater Video Camera on 150ft Cable for Scuba Diving Training Video, Marine Life Observation, Pool Video, Fish Finding, Chimney Inspection, Tank Well Inspection, Etc. $479.00 A-must-have gadget to view unreachable impossible-to-see total-dark areas and perfect application for Pool Safety Video, Marine Life Observation, Bridge inspection, Underwater Search, Tank Well Inspection, Manhole Inspection, Docks & Pier Underwater Video Surveillance, Whale Watch, Boat Inspection, Fish finding, Marine Rescue Search, Swimming Pool Training Video, Swamps River Video, Tank Inspectio… |
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Attwood WaterBuster Portable Pump $32.70 The handy Water-Buster Portable Pump gives you compact and cordless pumping flexibility at up to 200 gallons per hour. Great for pumping out bilges, water tanks, skiffs, and runabouts. Runs for up to 5 hours on 3 D sized alkaline batteries. The completely submersible pump is ready for any situation. Comes complete with 42” hose which wraps around the pump housing for convenient storage. Incl… |