Nano Reef
Is Your Sunscreen Killing Coral Reefs?
Summer is approaching quickly now and we are all starting to enjoy the outdoors far more. More hiking, gardening and for some of us surfing and snorkeling. If we are going to spend time outdoors in the sun we all know that sunscreen is a must, but a study in January 2008 suggests that sunscreen may be killing off coral in the ocean.
The study found that four common sunscreen ingredients; octinoxate, oxybenzone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and the preservative butylparaben, can awaken viruses in an algae called Zooxanthellae that live inside many coral species. The sunscreen ingredients cause the viruses to replicate, eventually killing off the algae and spilling over to infect nearby coral.
The Zooxanthellae provide the coral with food through photosynthesis and also contribute to the bright and vibrant colors. Without them the coral loses its color and eventually becomes a white coral skeleton and dies.
I found out quickly that my favored sunscreen contained these four ingredients and I often find myself in the ocean and love snorkeling and viewing the corals. I searched and found very few alternatives. So although this story (about the coral) is more than a year old, I wondered what we could do about it, without an easy sunscreen alternative. Once again human consumption is causing possible harm to our planet, but this time we can’t simply decide not to use sunscreen. Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers with more than 1 million people diagnosed in America each year. Protecting yourself from the sun can significantly decrease your risk of skin cancer.
Before we all give up on our ocean recreation to save the coral reefs, I did find some information in my searches.
- Look at the ingredients before you buy sunscreen. Look out for any of the 4 chemicals that awaken the dormant viruses: octinoxate, oxybenzone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and butylparaben and do not buy these sunscreens.
- Natural sunscreens that have no synthetic ingredients are not known to harm the coral. They may also be better for your skin as studies have shown these synthetic nanoparticles may cause skin irritation and even illness.
- Look for sunscreens using natural UVA and UVB blocking zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide.
- Make sure your sunscreen contains both UVA and UVB protection. I won’t get into the details but you need both.
I have a trip to Hawaii coming up, so I am off to find my natural sunscreen
Have a great week and Mothers Day and reduce your waste.
The GoGreenMug mothers day 20% off coupon is still available until May17. Coupon Code: grnmom2day
About the Author
GoGreenMug was created to help reduce the waste at coffee shops. Every year billions of paper and polystyrene coffee cups are thrown out along with their plastic lids. At http://www.GoGreenMug.com enviromentally friendly customers can personalize a travel mug with uploaded photos, texts and quotes. Use the mug at coffee shops to help reduce the waste and in many cases get discounts.
My 10 Gal Nano Reef (Day 1) + Other DIY Stuff
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WHISPER 60 AIR PUMP Fish filtration Live Coral Reef Saltwater Freshwater Nano $19.98 |
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BIOCUBE NANO Reef Tank REFUGIUM KIT $14.99 |
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1 GALLON DECO NANO REEF MARINE FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT W/ FLOURESCENT LIGHTING 53 $49.95 |
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2 GALLON DECO NANO REEF MARINE FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT W/ FLOURESCENT LIGHTING 66 $66.95 |
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EVO 36″ LED Aquarium Light Coral Reef Saltwater Nano 24x 3W 3 Watts Lunar 90 cm $104.95 |
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PAR38 LED TRI COLOR AQUARIUM REEF 36 WATT (12 3W LEDS) GREAT FOR NANO REEFS! $99.99 |
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Kent Marine Nano Reef A & B 16oz Supplement $12.95 |
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Kent Marine Nano Reef A & B 8oz Supplement $8.95 |
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Ocean Nutrition Nano Reef Coral Food 10g $9.99 |
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Ocean Nutrition Nano Reef Fish Food 15g $2.99 |
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ONE GALLON NANO REEF AQUARIUM WITH COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMP $39.95 |
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TWO GALLON NANO REEF AQUARIUM WITH COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMP $58.95 |
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EVO 36″ LED Aquarium Light Coral Reef Saltwater Nano 24x 3W 3 Watts Lunar 90 cm $104.95 |
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LED Clip 1W Aquarium Light Nano Pico Marine Reef Cichlid 11″ 9x 1 Watt Clamp On $37.95 |
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live phytoplankton algae nano reef 2500ml (2.5 ltr) $43.89 |
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Tom 2 Gallons Nano Reef Desktop Aquarium Kit $49.99 |
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The Nano-Reef Handbook by Chris Brightwell Hcover NEW $27.07 |
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Nano Reef Systems ISN50 protein skimmer $125.00 |
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EVO 24″ LED Aquarium Light Coral Reef Saltwater Nano 16x 3W 3 Watts Lunar 60 cm $95.95 |
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EVO 24″ LED Aquarium Light Coral Reef Saltwater Nano 16x 3W 3 Watts Lunar 60 cm $95.95 |
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Fish Tank Deco Nano Reef Aquarium Kit Acrylic 1 Gallon Complete New $53.99 |
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Oceanic BioCube Nano Reef Fish Bio Cube Mini Aquarium Hydrometer $10.48 |
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Mini Aquarium Wave Maker Pump For Nano Coral Reef Marine Tank 110-120V 2000L/Hr $16.99 |
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Aquarium Wave Waver Maker Pump For Nano Coral Reef Marine Tank 110-120V 4000L/Hr $23.99 |
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2X Mini Aquarium Wave Maker Pump For Nano Coral Reef Marine Tank 110-120V 3W $23.99 |
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LED Clamp 3W Aquarium Light Nano Bright Marine Coral Reef Cichlid 6x 3 Watts $43.95 |
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LED Clamp 3W Aquarium Light Nano Bright Marine Coral Reef Cichlid 6x 3 Watts $43.95 |
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EVO 24″ LED Aquarium Light Coral Reef Saltwater Nano 16x 3W 3 Watts Lunar 60 cm $95.95 |
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EVO 36″ LED Aquarium Light Coral Reef Saltwater Nano 24x 3W 3 Watts Lunar 90 cm $104.95 |
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The Nano-Reef Handbook by Chris R. Brightwell (2006, Hardcover) $39.95 |
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DrTim’s Aquatics Waste-Away Natural Aquarium Cleaner for Reef and Nano Aquariums $28.20 |
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Reef Octopus Nano Skimmer $42.95 |
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Oceanic BioCube Nano Reef Bio Cube MINI HYDROMETER $11.99 |
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The Nano-Reef Handbook NEW by Chris Brightwell $18.78 |
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Nano Reef Protein Skimmer Needle Wheel Venturi Rio $39.95 |
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Kent Marine Nano Reef A & B 16oz Supplement $12.95 |
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Kent Marine Nano Reef A & B 8oz Supplement $8.95 |
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Ocean Nutrition Nano Reef Coral Food 10g $9.99 |
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The Nano-reef Handbook By Brightwell, Chris R. $21.52 |
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ECORAY PAR 38 Multi LED Bulb for Nano Reef Aquariums $84.99 |
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Skinit Reef Heritage Grape Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Costa Mingo Black Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Status Quo Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Heritage Grape Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Costa Mingo Black Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Heritage Grape Skin for iPod Nano 6th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Bonita Dity Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Costa Mingo Black Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Last Kiss Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Status Quo Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Riders Brad Gerlach Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Last Kiss Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Costa Mingo White Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Lazer Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Costa Mingo Black Skin for iPod Nano 6th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Riders Brad Gerlach Skin for iPod Nano 6th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Costa Mingo White Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Heritage Kelly Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Last Kiss Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef-Wave Crest Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Costa Mingo White Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Riders Leigh Sedley Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Heritage Kelly Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Dottie Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Riders Leigh Sedley Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Dottie Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Dottie Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Riders Kalle Carranza Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Alphabetty Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Arabian Knights Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Mexi Stripe Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Tribal Rythm Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef-Over the Falls Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Wild Flowers Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Wild Flowers Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Tribal Sketch Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Tribal Sketch Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Wild Flowers Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Good Morning Shaka Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Bonita Dity Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Paint Stripes Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Bonita Dity Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Blue Wave Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Big Wave Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Rayghun Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Paint Stripes Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Blue Wave Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Big Wave Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Rayghun Skin for iPod Nano 4th Gen $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Reefix Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Y-QUE Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Paint Stripes Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Big Wave Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Rayghun Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Green Abstract Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Life Is Too Short Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Life Is Too Short Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Pink Seagulls Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Pink Seagulls Skin for iPod Nano 5G Video $14.99 |
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Skinit Reef Abstract Home Grown Skin for Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 4GB/8GB $14.99 |
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iHome iHL31-Black 35-Watt Halogen Desk Lamp with iPod/mp3 Docking Station and Surround-Sound Speakers, Black $79.95 Simultaneously plays and charges iPod?4-speaker system with a 5-watt output Chrome buttons and telescoping poleUniversal dock compatible with 30GB, 60GB, nano and miniIncludes remote control… |
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Microsoft Explorer Touch Mouse – Coal Black $14.99 Give yourself room to move without worrying about tangled wires with the Microsoft U5K-00001 Wireless Explorer Touch Mouse. With the ability to Touch, Flick, Click and Go – you’ll quickly realize the power harnessed in your fingertips! This mouse features BlueTrack technology which combines the power of optical with the precision of laser for remarkable tracking on virtually any surface…. |
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Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000 Special Edition – Wool Blue $14.99 This sporty, stylish little Microsoft 4000 D5D-00053 Mobile Mouse travels conveniently to your home, gym, campus, quick stop or wherever you do…. |
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Microsoft Touch Mouse $30.25 Ready for a whole new way to navigate your PC? Touch Mouse, made exclusively for Windows 7, makes everyday task more fluid and intuitive by using natural gestures instead of clicks. You’ll be more productive, with less effort. Plug-And-Go Nano Transceiver – Leave the Nano Transceiver plugged in when you’re on the go, or stow it in the mouse System Requirements – Computer/Operating System -… |
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The Nano-Reef Handbook $13.99 Any reef aquarium that contains less than 15 gallons of water is considered a nano-reef aquarium. These tiny ecosystems are almost as popular in the fishkeeping community as full-size marine aquarium setups, and with the proper information and tools, they can be set up and maintained by aquarists at any level of the hobby. The wide range of topics covered in this guide include the importance of wa… |
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The Simple Guide to Mini-Reef Aquariums $9.80 Many hobbyists strive to eventually be able to care for a successful reef aquarium. A mini-reef aquarium is the ideal solution, providing the challenge of a larger setup with the reward of cultivating a mini-ecosystem in your own home. The Simple Guide to Mini-Reef Aquariums includes easy-to-understand information on: -The most common and easiest-to-care-for species of reef inhabitants. -How and w… |
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The Nano-Reef Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Reef Systems Under 15 Gallons $29.95 A practical guide for the hobbyist who wants to set up and maintain a reef aquarium that is less than 15 gallons. The first half of the book discusses water quality, filtration, lighting, and temperature. The second half provides descriptions of suitable fishes and invertebrates…. |
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Eco Logical Skin Care Body Sunscreen – 3.5 oz $11.43 The product is not eligible for priority shipping… |
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John Masters Organics John Masters Organics Spf 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen Ast $30.70 This natural sunscreen combines titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide all-over skin protection. protects from harmful UVA & UVB rays does not contain nano-particles minerals are non-coated bio-degradable reef friendly Extracts of green tea, shea butter and jojoba oil hydrate, moisturize and replenish the skin of vitamins and minerals. Provides SPF 30 protection……. |
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Maui Naturals All-Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30, 4 oz $25.99 Naturally formulated Maui Naturals SPF 30 sunscreen lotion contains no PABA, no Oxybenzone, no Nano particles, no synthetic fragrances, and no Parabens. This lotion received high safety marks from the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database and is eco and reef friendly. Made in Maui with Maui-grown essential oils. Water resistant…. |