Artificial reef and corals? [Archive] - Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board

btymens

01-01-2013, 05:45 PM

Hi guys, lately I've been watching a show called "Tanked" about 2 guys in Las Vegas who install saltwater tanks throughout the U.S. They don't use LR or real corals but they use an artificial reef. So my question is, "Is they anyone out there who uses an artificial reef and coral system?" Do you prefer it over the lr etc..? Advantages /disadvantages?

Madreefer

01-01-2013, 06:06 PM

That shows a joke and would be interesting to see if any of those tanks are stil up and running. Those fake corals end up looking dirty and fade out (if they're the same ones they sell in LFS). It always feels good to have people standing there looking at your tank and being able to say "No man. All that chit is real. There's no plastic at all in there. I grew it all." It's cheating bro.

Myka

01-01-2013, 06:37 PM

The show is not a joke. Their business, ATM, did very well before the show for many years, and continues to do very well.

I have no idea how they keep the artificial reef structures clean, I would like to ask them. They do employ things such as bioballs and other biological filtration. Take breeders for example, they have very overstocked juvenile growout tanks (to reduce fighting), use no live rock, and have great success. Live rock is not needed, they are many ways to skin a cat. Look towards freshwater systems (like discus or cichlids) for filtration ideas.

whatcaneyedo

01-01-2013, 06:41 PM

Murminator

01-01-2013, 07:02 PM

btymens

01-01-2013, 07:34 PM

I watch Tanked and Fish Tank Kings .....I went to living colors website and looked at their coral inserts would be cheaper to have live coral
http://www.livingcolor.com/store/?slug=product_info.php&products_id=164
I'm curious about the survival rate of the fish that they add to the tank immediately and also about the maintenance of the tanks afterwards

Reef_Geek

01-01-2013, 09:49 PM

These artificial reefs are pretty common for large displays. There's lots of challenges to doing a large real reef tank, such as fish disease management, coral chemical warfare, coral health and lighting needs, reef compatible fish etc.

This is the way to go for large displays... you see these at Rainforest Cafe, casinos, hotels, public aquarium/zoos.

I spent some time volunteering at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa as a volunteer diver. Basically, scrubbing algae off these artificial reefs and cleaning windows in their 27 foot deep main reef tank and shark tank.

Reef_Geek

01-01-2013, 09:55 PM

I have no idea how they keep the artificial reef structures clean, I would like to ask them. They do employ things such as bioballs and other biological filtration.

manual cleaning, and pieces are plug-n-play so they can be removed and clean ones swapped in... so you can bleach the dirty ones.

most public aquariums with large displays will have banks of fluidized sand filter towers for biological filtration, each one being able to take offline to clean while the others run. The key to disease control is ozone systems with off gasing towers.

Myka

01-02-2013, 12:53 AM

I figure it is manual cleaning, but I worry about removing paint. I sent a message to the Tanked guys to see what they say.

Madreefer

01-02-2013, 01:42 AM

Theres a 14 page thread about that show here: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=77641&highlight=show+tanked
and another 2 page thread here:
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=83764&highlight=tanked+show
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I personally don't like the fake liverock and coral look. Most look about as real as those fake plastic plants people put in their freshwater tanks. But I suppose its better for clueless and unmotivated people to use those rather than killing real wild collected pieces.

Very well put. And Myka I'm going to strongly disagree IMO that those guys are a joke and am surprised you of all people think different. Maybe read in to their methods cuz it's pretty much everything you say not to do. They're all about the money. Never any mention at all about the health of the fish or survival rate.

Reef_Geek

01-02-2013, 02:23 AM

I think the salient point to these fake reefs is that they are typically displays is that are built for people that aren't really hobbyists. These are folks or businesses that want a large display for the sake of having the display, and want a cost effective maintenance contract.

zum14

01-02-2013, 05:23 AM

I have a hard time dealing with the script these guys blab out. I think they actually feel there funny and doing a good job but it is kind of amusing watching them turn there face before something is turned on or putting there heads in the spray when it misses them. Also im sorry but if I ever got my wife wet in a water fight at work looking like his wife does id be picking my stuff up off the lawn. Some of there ideas are rediculous as well but it is kind of neat to see some of the acrylic manufacturing. I also wonder how much some of these tanks cost when they talk about single panels of tanks being 10k$ and also with them flying to LA to hand pick the fish. I know they probably do multiple orders and dont fly as often as they portray but still that cant be a cheap buisness expense. Also I just watched an episode where they were flown in a private jet to visit a buisness to quote and plan a job. That must of been an expensive build. Itll be around simply because there really isnt anything better on tv. (only reason id watch it) Wow totally off topic there when I re-read the original post. Haha. I dont like the plastic look as well. I wouldnt be concerned of cleaning as all the paints and materials they use seem to be reef safe. Also if its only a little more for the real rock why not get the real thing and get the benifits from it. Coral on the other hand if I could find one that looked a little close to real I may be able to overlook it as they can be a real pain to upkeep and deal with nipping and pests.

Myka

01-02-2013, 12:57 PM

And Myka I'm going to strongly disagree IMO that those guys are a joke and am surprised you of all people think different. Maybe read in to their methods cuz it's pretty much everything you say not to do. They're all about the money. Never any mention at all about the health of the fish or survival rate.

They are bringing attention to the hobby, and that is a good thing. They are bringing in new people, and new money. The bigger and stronger the marine economy is the better for us hobbyists. I met them briefly at MACNA, and know several people that have spent some time with them (dinners and such) and I think they are quite humble people. They are certainly very friendly, and willing to talk about their business and show. I don't think they are "all about the money". They have families, they are real people too.

There is more than one way to skin a cat, and what they do works or they wouldn't be in business. If all their fish died and the setups failed they wouldn't be in business. People pay a small fortune for the tanks ATM sets up, and the owners would not put up with a bunch of dead fish. Think about it.

Is it my taste? If money wasn't a factor, I would LOVE an ATM FO tank! I wouldn't put so many fish in though simply because I wouldn't want to do the maintenance involved with such high bioload. I think the artificial reef structures are often distracting from the fish because the structures are so colorful and busy, but something simpler would look quite nice I think. FOWLR tanks with bare live rock aren't overly attractive imo.

daniella3d

01-02-2013, 03:41 PM

I do have a few artificial sponges because it is nearly impossible to keep those alive in the aquarium, so I get them fake.

They will need regular cleaning and brushing, like once a month or more if your system does not generate too much algae and if they are in a shaded area.

I think that fake corals look very fake, but artificial sponges look quite convincing. Everybody who come to my place, every single person, have always thought they were real.

Both orange sponges here are artificial. It is easy to get them for quite cheap on ebay, just do a search for artificial sponge coral.

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy143/daniella3ds/_MG_0507.jpg

Reef_Geek

01-02-2013, 04:49 PM

I do have a few artificial sponges because it is nearly impossible to keep those alive in the aquarium, so I get them fake.

As I'm sure mrhasan can tell you, those real miniature ruins are pretty near impossible to grow as well, that's why he goes with a fake one :lol:

http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s522/mrhasan1/2012-11-131430.jpg

cchomistek

01-02-2013, 05:17 PM

One of my main concerns with watching these shows is it gives the unrealistic expecation to people that watch the show that you can set up a tank and put in 20 large fish or more and they will survive and be healthy. Also the types of fish they add in the tanks is ridiculous!! I'd say they are a joke aswell as they don't seem to care about the health of their livestock after the fact. My favorite part was when they were building the large reef tank and trying to convince the guy to go fish only because it was going to be soooo difficult to maintain!! The guy lived in Miami and already had a 150gal full reef tank and they thought he didn't know anything. I guarantee he knew more about coral and reefs then the guys on the show!! It was pretty pathetic to be honest. These guys just want to build big fish only tanks and have no idea what a full reef tank should look like!! Also them trying to place corals on top of the rocks with tongs was really funny to watch. We all know how well corals just stay once placed somewhere without using putty or something like that!!

Reef_Geek

01-02-2013, 05:34 PM

I like to grow Easter island heads and fabric plants

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/75184_10151277630377953_984842888_n.jpg

kien

01-02-2013, 05:58 PM

I have lots of bright fake corals in my son's fresh water tank. He absolutely loves them because they look cool to him and in the end that's all that really matters. :biggrin:

mrhasan

01-02-2013, 06:41 PM

There are people who have way too much money and want something which looks awesome but with least maintenance. And for them, FOWLR with fake corals exists along with ATM. And if they ripoffs and have bad reputation (like overstocking leading to dead fishes), people wouldn't be going back to them for business; as simple as that. These are millionaires and billionaires and if ATM messed with them, they would have more lawsuits than apple-samsung patent war.

Reef_Geek

01-02-2013, 07:07 PM

There's also what's feasible.

This is a photo of the 27 foot deep main display at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, where I used to volunteer as a diver/algae scrubber.

http://www.visitflorida.com/images/photos/expert_photos/1347116192_aquarium.jpg

There's no feasible way to have a real reef. Think of the lighting, skimming, and labour intensity required, as well as fish disease management... if it were real corals. Just not feasible. Public zoo and aquarium standard practices is to use fabricated displays. There are a few large live coral reefs as well, but those are very ambitious and rare exceptions. I saw this one at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta (the one with whale sharks), kudos for accomplishing this display, but it's rare to see the really big tanks go with live corals.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-03/feature/images/tn_image037_jpg.jpg

more details on what's involved in this live reef display: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-03/feature/index.php

Zoaelite

01-02-2013, 07:34 PM

I would die to see what the mark up on that fake aquarium coral is. REALLY, 1.5 grand for a piece that's 30" across?!!!

Myka

01-02-2013, 07:54 PM

Daniella, that orange sponge looks great! You have me thinking...I have always liked sponges. :D

daniella3d

01-03-2013, 02:56 AM

yeah, but those ruins are ugly, sponges are still pretty.

I surely would not put that in my tank. yuck :) but hey...it's only a matter of personnal taste.

I love sponges, real or artificial.

As I'm sure mrhasan can tell you, those real miniature ruins are pretty near impossible to grow as well, that's why he goes with a fake one :lol:

http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s522/mrhasan1/2012-11-131430.jpg

btymens

01-03-2013, 03:23 AM

yeah, but those ruins are ugly, sponges are still pretty.

I surely would not put that in my tank. yuck :) but hey...it's only a matter of personnal taste.

I love sponges, real or artificial.

Wow, who knew that I would have gotten so many respones from this thread that I started..What I would like to know is the cost of this tanks these guys do after their installations and also I was also curious about their "pre-boxed" saltwater that they use. How you guys ever seen that or even heard about that?

Madreefer

01-03-2013, 03:28 AM

yeah, but those ruins are ugly, sponges are still pretty.

I surely would not put that in my tank. yuck :) but hey...it's only a matter of personnal taste.

I love sponges, real or artificial.

wow!! And people say i'm ignorant. Maybe he likes those ruins. It's a good thing your on my ignore list as I only see your posts when i'm logged off.

Reef_Geek

01-03-2013, 03:41 AM

lol!

Those ruins aren't mine, but I do like them. What I like most is that he has them in a reef tank which is not very common, and then he posts the pic in his signature which shows up on every one of his posts. I like it. I'm sure he likes it, and I'm sure he doesn't care what others think about it.

mrhasan

01-03-2013, 05:27 AM

yeah, but those ruins are ugly, sponges are still pretty.

I surely would not put that in my tank. yuck :) but hey...it's only a matter of personnal taste.

I love sponges, real or artificial.

I kept it for two reasons:

1. My sister gave it to me on my birthday and that's more important than getting a "yuck" from someone for keeping it.
2. And its gonna look good when it blends in coralines, zoas and monti caps take over it like those artificial reefs in the ocean :)

Aquattro

01-03-2013, 05:41 AM

wow!! And people say i'm ignorant.

I don't think anyone ever said that. Other things, sure, but not that :mrgreen:

Madreefer

01-03-2013, 05:44 AM

Well yea you know what I mean. I've been trying to behave

daniella3d

01-04-2013, 02:40 AM

Like I said, matter of personnal taste. I say yuck to coffee, can't stand that smell of it, hate the taste of it with a passion, yet so many people are addicted to it and can't start their day without it.

I never liked anything that looked "human" made in a tank. No matter what it is. I think it just look out of place and unatural spoiling the scenery. Yet it does have a point, it make the scene in your tank look larger in scale.

You could have a chalice grow on it, or a turbinaria.

I kept it for two reasons:

1. My sister gave it to me on my birthday and that's more important than getting a "yuck" from someone for keeping it.
2. And its gonna look good when it blends in coralines, zoas and monti caps take over it like those artificial reefs in the ocean :)

Midway

01-04-2013, 05:41 AM

yeah, but those ruins are ugly, sponges are still pretty.

I surely would not put that in my tank. yuck :) but hey...it's only a matter of personnal taste.

I love sponges, real or artificial.

When i post something, I always make sure to be "politically" correct, not to offend anybody. Some people just don't know how to play this.

Reef Pilot

01-04-2013, 02:19 PM

When i post something, I always make sure to be "politically" correct, not to offend anybody. Some people just don't know how to play this.
Except "political correctness" can also be offensive to some people. What you meant, I think, is tact.

I've had my run-ins with Daniella in the past, but have learned to respect her opinion. If anything, she might not be as articulate (another word for long winded) in English and come across as too blunt at times.

Seriak

01-04-2013, 02:40 PM

Except "political correctness" can also be offensive to some people. What you meant, I think, is tact.

I've had my run-ins with Daniella in the past, but have learned to respect her opinion. If anything, she might not be as articulate (another word for long winded) in English and come across as too blunt at times.

And there is no tone in a post. A bunch of people sitting around chatting can get away with saying the same thing because tone changes the words. Can't do that here.

Either way, I like the large fake displays at Rainforest Cafe, etc and I would honestly hate to come in and see a real display that wasn't being taken care of, with everything dying, which is what would happen at most of these franchises and businesses if they had a real living reef.

Reef Pilot

01-04-2013, 02:49 PM

And there is no tone in a post. A bunch of people sitting around chatting can get away with saying the same thing because tone changes the words. Can't do that here.

Either way, I like the large fake displays at Rainforest Cafe, etc and I would honestly hate to come in and see a real display that wasn't being taken care of, with everything dying, which is what would happen at most of these franchises and businesses if they had a real living reef.
Very true. More spats happen on the internet that would never happen in person. People read too much into posts sometimes.

As for artificial reefs, don't like them myself. I have been downright appalled (sorry if I offend anyone:sad:) by some of the displays in the Vancouver Aquarium, although totally understand their limitations and challenges. It just makes our hobby all the more rewarding, though.

mikeclarke

01-04-2013, 03:02 PM

I went to Vegas in November and wanted to check out the gumball machine tank that they built at Serendipity3. When I went, they said that it was only there temporarily. What does that mean? I was disappointed not to see the spherical tank.

Madreefer

01-04-2013, 03:54 PM

Hmmmm all the fish died within 4 days

Read on

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2167302

http://lasvegasbadger.blogspot.ca/2012/06/tv-show-tanked-not-all-its-cracked-up.html

daniella3d

01-05-2013, 01:11 AM

People are offended way too easily. Seem that it's easier to see a bad side to a post then the other way around.

So what if I don't like artificial display in a tank? why should that offend anyone? it's my taste. who cares what I think if they like it then they should put it in their tank.

Often when people learn that my artificial sponges are artificial they reply that I am ruining my tank with fake sponges. Do I care? not one bit :)

I simply put them in my tank because I like them. I do not need anyone to agree with me on that one, it's my tank and mine alone. I have done it for myself, not for anyone else, and of course for the comfort of my reef inhabitants.

Anyone putting such thread can expect to read various opinions, good or bad about arficial display. :)

Except "political correctness" can also be offensive to some people. What you meant, I think, is tact.

I've had my run-ins with Daniella in the past, but have learned to respect her opinion. If anything, she might not be as articulate (another word for long winded) in English and come across as too blunt at times.

Madreefer

01-05-2013, 04:40 AM

People are offended way too easily. Seem that it's easier to see a bad side to a post then the other way around.

So what if I don't like artificial display in a tank? why should that offend anyone? it's my taste. who cares what I think if they like it then they should put it in their tank.

Often when people learn that my artificial sponges are artificial they reply that I am ruining my tank with fake sponges. Do I care? not one bit :)

I simply put them in my tank because I like them. I do not need anyone to agree with me on that one, it's my tank and mine alone. I have done it for myself, not for anyone else, and of course for the comfort of my reef inhabitants.

Anyone putting such thread can expect to read various opinions, good or bad about arficial display. :)

Nobody cares that you like or dislike artificial reefs. People including myself were offended that you insulted a members tank as explained in the PM I sent you. You always have to have the last word and hopefully this time it'll be sorry to Mr Hassan:wink:

intarsiabox

01-05-2013, 04:46 AM

People are offended way too easily. Seem that it's easier to see a bad side to a post then the other way around.

So what was the good side about your post?

mrhasan

01-05-2013, 04:49 AM

So what was the good side about your post?

Perhaps that she likes artificial sponges :)

(sorry but couldn't resist commenting).

Feeling a little embarrassed since the whole artificial reef has turned to me :redface:

intarsiabox

01-05-2013, 04:51 AM

Perhaps that she likes artificial sponges :)

(sorry but couldn't resist commenting).

Feeling a little embarrassed since the whole artificial reef has turned to me :redface:

Nothing wrong with having a little fun with your tank!

Reef_Geek

01-05-2013, 04:51 AM

intarsiabox

01-05-2013, 04:54 AM

Perhaps that she likes artificial sponges :)

(sorry but couldn't resist commenting).

Feeling a little embarrassed since the whole artificial reef has turned to me :redface:

Oh, and I like bacon cheese burgers and they are full of artificial stuff too. There is my good and helpful post for the day!

mrhasan

01-05-2013, 04:57 AM

it was actually me that pointed out mrhasan's tank.

Now I feel bad. Sorry for dragging you into this. Was just pointing out the novelty of it.

Let's just agree to disagree, and let it go. Very few people have any energy left to care about such an inconsequential issue.

Don't worry about it. I am kinda enjoying it too since my tank is kinda like the center of attention :D Mine should be the tank of the month (version: that brought in many words) :mrgreen:

daniella3d

01-06-2013, 02:27 AM

It was more meant as a joke/teasing way, not in an insulting way.

But most of the time people like to see it as insulting rather than the other way around. I also notice that French people are way harder to offend thqan English people so there must be a good part of the culture behind this.

I guess we are not offended so easily, generally speaking.

So what was the good side about your post?

Aquattro

01-06-2013, 04:37 AM

I say yuck to coffee, can't stand that smell of it, hate the taste of it with a passion

Thought I'd drop in to see how this thread has been going. Now Daniella, we put up with a lot from you, but insulting coffee is going too far. If I wasn't enjoying coffee right now, I'd have to ban you for that. Don't do it again.

(I know that since you're French, you can take the joke :))

P.S. That ruin is damn ugly -lol

mrhasan

01-06-2013, 04:42 AM

P.S. That ruin is damn ugly -lol

Ruins are suppose to be ugly isinit? ;)

Aquattro

01-06-2013, 04:48 AM

Ruins are suppose to be ugly isinit? ;)

Wouldn't be a ruin if it was pretty :)

Midway

01-06-2013, 05:21 AM

Thought I'd drop in to see how this thread has been going. Now Daniella, we put up with a lot from you, but insulting coffee is going too far. If I wasn't enjoying coffee right now, I'd have to ban you for that. Don't do it again.

(I know that since you're French, you can take the joke :))

P.S. That ruin is damn ugly -lol

I was gonna say the same thing, insulting coffee??? How dare ya...:mrgreen:

Coffee is the best thing since sliced bread :lol:

Those ruins are very ugly and at the same time very pretty...:lol:

paddyob

01-06-2013, 05:36 AM

I am at the end of this forum... what was it about anyways?

This got seriously hi-jacked.

Myka.... I am interested in hearing if you found anything out from the staff about how they clean the artificial corals.

I personally think it would be a hassle to maintain... however, after the massive loss of coral I experienced this year.... it is growing on me.

They usually look so fake though.

Coralgurl

01-06-2013, 06:18 AM

I remember seeing the tank at the rainforest cafe and mandalay bay years ago in Vegas. This was before we had our tanks set up and I can honestly say I could not tell they were fake. Most people have no clue what real corals look like or how they behave, their real colors, movements etc and at that time neither did I. I was truly amazed at what I saw and experienced. I've never snorkeled or been scuba diving. I would admit now having reef tanks and corals I'd be a lot more critical but to the general public it does look natural. I think these fake corals have a place in larger settings like public aquariums. Would I put these in my own tanks?? Not likely but to each their own.

I like mrhasan's tank, it's unique. I've seen some with skulls or sunken ships incorporated into them. It's a vision to the reefer it belongs to.

nanoreefnewbie

01-06-2013, 02:58 PM

I'm shocked at all the negative feedback from you guys :question:I get too each there own but there are times too keep mouth shut and give a guy a pat on the back nope some stupid ignorant Daniel or whatever your user name is gotta bash and critize a man's Labour of love...Mr Hasan has started that tank while in school I see on Kijiji other sites student selling tanks cause no time...we should be applauding him not picking apart his tank...WHO care if there is a fake ruin give it a year and it will be soo covered in palys,zoas..:twised:
GREAT job mr Hasan that wasn't hard was it..also did you say srry there you ignorant frenchy??that would be a great start not comparing coffee..your lucky Mr Hasan is a good man didn't take that the wrong way...and you got my vote for tank of the month mr Hasan :biggrin:

jorjef

01-06-2013, 03:58 PM

Ruins, damn ruins I blame the Greeks for this modern day fiasco. If they would have just knocked those damn pillars down instead of having them stand as eye sores for centuries the French could stop picking on the middle eastern people and the rest of us WASP's could enjoy our nice Central American bean beverages.

Aquattro

01-06-2013, 04:12 PM

reefwars

01-06-2013, 04:14 PM

daniella3d

01-06-2013, 07:44 PM

It's a pain to maintain but maybe since they only have artificial corals they can use products for controlling algae that are not detrimental to fish but are going to kill the algae. I know such product exist but not sure about using those in a reef with live corals.

The main problem is the build up of algae or coraline.

To clean the artificial sponges, I sometimes have to dip them in bleach. I have also notice that they tend to lose their bright color with time and be more dull. Especially the blue.

Also if anyone is going to buy some artificial sponges, it is a good practice to let them dip in water for a few days since I have notice that it can affect the skimmer for a few days. To be safe I dip them for a week now to remove what ever chimical or oil that could be left on it. It never affected the corals or fish but I don't take any chance.

I am at the end of this forum... what was it about anyways?

This got seriously hi-jacked.

Myka.... I am interested in hearing if you found anything out from the staff about how they clean the artificial corals.

I personally think it would be a hassle to maintain... however, after the massive loss of coral I experienced this year.... it is growing on me.

They usually look so fake though.

intarsiabox

01-06-2013, 07:51 PM

Myka.... I am interested in hearing if you found anything out from the staff about how they clean the artificial corals.

I personally think it would be a hassle to maintain... however, after the massive loss of coral I experienced this year.... it is growing on me.

They usually look so fake though.

Someone had mentioned they worked a public aquarium with a large display with fake corals. The corals were all on plugs and were removed and replaced immediatly with an alternate while the others were taken out and manually cleaned. Then when the in tank coral needed cleaning again the now clean coral went in and the dirty stuff comes back out to repeat the process.

untamed

01-06-2013, 08:08 PM

Only a few weeks ago, I was on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tampa Bay Aquarium. The guide was explaining how they removed the coral and sponges for cleaning in order to keep things looking nice.

She left it at that. I overheard some of the other attendees talking and had to interrupt..."Ummm...you know that the corals and sponges she referred to are fake....plastic...right?" They hadn't realized that part...

NEVER underestimate how little people understand about nature. My assumption is that 99% of the people who view those tanks think they are looking at real, living coral and sponges.

Doug

01-06-2013, 09:30 PM

I kept it for two reasons:

1. My sister gave it to me on my birthday and that's more important than getting a "yuck" from someone for keeping it.
2. And its gonna look good when it blends in coralines, zoas and monti caps take over it like those artificial reefs in the ocean :)

Well I think it looks nice.

I remember a thread on RC many years ago, when a lady was taking some flack for all the fake things in here reef, including the bubbly things. She finally said something like, [I dont recall it all], she was a nurse in a childrens cancer ward and when she came home at night she just liked to sit and look at her little tank with the bubbly things to help her cope after a day there, or something to that effect.

I have never forgotten that. So to each their own. Everyone has to make their little or big world what they wish or perceive to be their creation.

intarsiabox

01-06-2013, 09:41 PM

I am at the end of this forum... what was it about anyways?

This got seriously hi-jacked.

The OP asked for ideas on the tank he wants to place in the Stollery and artificial coral was brought up. So not too badly hijacked as it is a legitimate idea if someone is willing to clean it.

daniella3d

01-07-2013, 01:41 AM

intarsiabox

01-07-2013, 02:01 AM

The problem is that not all artificial corals are created equal. Some lose their colors after a few cleaups. And they are really really expensive for the most part.

Sponges are not so bad but I have seen some of the artificial corals go for 500$ and more for a not so big display. There are quite a bit of them on ebay.

Those used in the Tanked program are really expensive so they must be of good quality. I still think they look fake though.

Can't help to think that I would rather pay for a few frags and watch them grow,

Oh, I agree not all fake coral is created equal. I guess it would have to be decided before hand for a long term public display which would cost the most (up front cost versus on going maintenance cost to keep the tank at reef levels) long term. As a hobbiest I would get no satisfaction from an artificial reef but maybe for a public display were I could use cheap low-power lighting (to prevent algae), cheap salt, no dosing, able to use chemicals for treatment and algae control, etc., it may be a worthwhile option to explore. That being said AI has a few public reef tanks around town that use real coral that is easy to take care of and the they look just fine as well. The vast majority of the people who will be seeing the tank probably aren't hobbiests and won't care if the coral is real or not as long as it is a colorful display with lots of bright marine fish swimming around. I would recommend using the fish species from "Finding Nemo" in the tank as the kids would love it and be more able to relate to it.

daniella3d

01-07-2013, 02:18 AM

I would like to buy this one but unfortunately they don't ship to Canada...

http://www.livingcolor.com/store/?slug=product_info.php&products_id=70

Living color is the company that produces the artificial corals for the program "Tanked".

They have some cool props in their shark tank like the cut off arm and leg with blood that I am sure some nonoreefer would love and that would suit him just right! lol! vraiment ti counne le gars! :wink:

subman

01-07-2013, 02:24 AM

I thought ATM builds their own inserts for tanked. I believe living color is from fish tank kings

MKLKT

01-07-2013, 03:36 AM

I can't stand these shows because they just feel so nauseatingly fake. There always has to been some sort of manufactured "problem" in every episode. That goes for most of the reality shows these days. I'd love for it to just be an honest show.

I'm not a fan of artificial stuff in reef tanks, but I can understand doing it for large commercial displays. I can think of a few semi natural decorations that might be cool but generally I think it's just tacky when you've got so many beautiful and natural options with saltwater tanks.