The Easter Bunny brought us some treats already! Here's the inverts from Friday.
Strawberry top Snails
Spiney Astrea Snails
Blue Linkia Stars
Sand Stars
Blue Monkey Squirts
Bottle Brush Algae
Seagrass
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Fire Cleaner Shrimp
Pistol Shrimp
Coral Banded Shrimp
Saturday
Getting the pond ready for spring!
It's time to get out the rakes and dust off the patio furniture, so for alot of us it means its time to prep the pond!
If you shut down the pond in fall, now is the time to pressure wash and remove any debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Pump out the water from spring run off and start fresh.
If you kept the pond full all winter its time to sump and dredge! (That's how I'm spending my Saturday) Leaves and waste that accumulated over winter will quickly start to cause water chemistry problems. Do a partial water change by vacuuming the bottom of the pond to remove waste. If you kept your fish in all year don't do more than a 30% water change. You may have to wait until next weekend to do another small change if you missed anything.
Now that that's done check you hoses and equipment to make sure there are no cracks and that everything is in order. If you have a UV sterilizer its time to replace the bulb. Add starter bacteria, a sludge remover and some barley to keep the algae away.
If you're the eager type and did all of this already then come down to check out our new pond fish! Sarassa comets, shubunkin, Orenji butterfly koi and shortfins from 4 to 12" are already in stock.
If you shut down the pond in fall, now is the time to pressure wash and remove any debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Pump out the water from spring run off and start fresh.
If you kept the pond full all winter its time to sump and dredge! (That's how I'm spending my Saturday) Leaves and waste that accumulated over winter will quickly start to cause water chemistry problems. Do a partial water change by vacuuming the bottom of the pond to remove waste. If you kept your fish in all year don't do more than a 30% water change. You may have to wait until next weekend to do another small change if you missed anything.
Now that that's done check you hoses and equipment to make sure there are no cracks and that everything is in order. If you have a UV sterilizer its time to replace the bulb. Add starter bacteria, a sludge remover and some barley to keep the algae away.
If you're the eager type and did all of this already then come down to check out our new pond fish! Sarassa comets, shubunkin, Orenji butterfly koi and shortfins from 4 to 12" are already in stock.
Thursday
Easter Weekend Hours and Sale!
Don't let the Easter Bunny pass by your house without dropping off something a little more exciting than a chocolate egg; tell him its time for a new coral!
To help our hopping friend along, Aquarium Illusions will be open:
Good Friday 12 - 5pm
Saturday 10 - 6pm
Easter Sunday 12 - 5pm
Easter Monday 12 - 5pm
This Easter Weekend, All instock aquariums are 10 -25% Off!
Our 45 Gallon tanks are still only $55!
150 Gallon RR tanks are only $600!
And we're holding over our Live Rock Sale for one more weekend! Cured Kailini Branch Live Rock is only $6.75 / lb!
To help our hopping friend along, Aquarium Illusions will be open:
Good Friday 12 - 5pm
Saturday 10 - 6pm
Easter Sunday 12 - 5pm
Easter Monday 12 - 5pm
This Easter Weekend, All instock aquariums are 10 -25% Off!
Our 45 Gallon tanks are still only $55!
150 Gallon RR tanks are only $600!
And we're holding over our Live Rock Sale for one more weekend! Cured Kailini Branch Live Rock is only $6.75 / lb!
Brand New Shipment of Australian and Bali Corals!
As I'm typing Shaun and Chris are feverishly putting away our latest shipment of corals from Australia and Bali!
Here's some of what we've got:
Red Ricordea yuma
Donut Coral
Green Bubble Coral
Blue Bubble Coral
Orange Tip Clove Polyp
Duncan Coral
Orange Tip Torch
Scrolling Hammer
Neon Green Grogspawn
Orange Tip Frogspawn
Aussie Toadstool and Sinularia
Cultured Acro's
Aussie Strawberry Shortcake Acro's
Rose BTA's
Neon Green BTA's
Blueberry Gorgonians
Aussie Elegance
Here's some of what we've got:
Red Ricordea yuma
Donut Coral
Green Bubble Coral
Blue Bubble Coral
Orange Tip Clove Polyp
Duncan Coral
Orange Tip Torch
Scrolling Hammer
Neon Green Grogspawn
Orange Tip Frogspawn
Aussie Toadstool and Sinularia
Cultured Acro's
Aussie Strawberry Shortcake Acro's
Rose BTA's
Neon Green BTA's
Blueberry Gorgonians
Aussie Elegance
Tuesday
Old Wives Tales
Tap water is safe for fish if you leave it out overnight – NOT! While this used to be true in some areas of the country, it has long since become a thing of tails. Years ago most municipalities used chlorine to sterilize their drinking water. Chlorine forms a weak bond with water and will dissipate in about 24 hours, especially if the water is moving. That’s why our drinking water is now treated with chloramines; chlorine bonded with ammonia. Chloramine will stay in water for 34 days, keeping our supply of drinking water safe for much longer and at a lower cost. Like chlorine, chloramines are highly toxic to fish, corals and inverts. The only way to ensure tap water is safe for fish is to use a commercial dechlorinator with a sodium thiosulfate base.
Note: Some dechlorinators can interrupt the effectiveness of your protein skimmer. Seachem Prime does not effect protein skimmers at all, so is the best choice if you have a saltwater tank. Also, during spring run off, the water treatment plants put more treatments in the water, so it is recommended to use a stronger dechlorinator dose when dechlorinating the tap water.
Note: Some dechlorinators can interrupt the effectiveness of your protein skimmer. Seachem Prime does not effect protein skimmers at all, so is the best choice if you have a saltwater tank. Also, during spring run off, the water treatment plants put more treatments in the water, so it is recommended to use a stronger dechlorinator dose when dechlorinating the tap water.
Notice: Easter Weekend Hours
Happy Easter Everyone, Our Holiday Weekend hours are:
Good Friday - 12-5
Good Friday - 12-5
Saturday 10-6
Easter Sunday 12-5
Easter Sunday 12-5
Easter Monday 12-5
Bristle Worm Gets Eaten for Lunch
It is totally normal to have a few Bristle Worms in your tank. They will not your harm tank when they are low in numbers. But if you notice them climbing out of your rock in droves, everytime you feed ... then you have a Bristle Worm problem.
An over population of Bristle worms can be a problem in a reef aquarium, because they may start picking at your corals as they look for more food sources.
There is not many Bristle Worm Predators that you can add to your aquarium that are reef safe. Not many other critters want to eat bristle worms. Except for ... the Arrow crab. Arrow Crabs love to eat bristle worms and it is even funny to watch. They have pinchers for hands and they hold on with one hand and eat with the other.
Arrow Crabs are generally reef safe because they are too slow to catch other fish or inverts. They also don't have big and powerful claws like other crabs do. They have little weak claws, suitable to catching and eating slow moving worms.Upcoming Shipments
Just to give you Heads Up, on Thursday we are getting Corals and Cebu Island Invertebrates.
Monday
ASK the POND PROs
Get a FREE CONSULTATION with a PROFESSIONAL POND INSTALLER
Do you have questions about your existing Pond? Do you want to build a Pond but aren't sure where to start?
Whatever your situation ... We can help!
Did you know that Aquarium Illusions also owns a company called Pond Pros? Randy Cameron used to design and install ponds for 6 years. He constructed projects ranging from indoor ponds, waterwalls, backyard ponds of all sizes, and commercial golf course size ponds.
He would still be doing it but he had a knee replacement and the doctor said "no more hauling rocks". But, Randy loves ponds and talking ponds.
He is offering FREE POND CONSULTATIONS and will share his wealth of knowledge with you for free. This is by appointment only, and due to time constraints we are limiting this service to those who will be constructing or renovating their ponds this season. The consultations will be held at Aquarium Illusions.
Please call Randy to make your appointment. We have a questionnaire we'd like to email you beforehand.
Call Randy at the store 780-483-7027, or toll free 1-800-559-6546 (If he isn't in, please leave a message and Randy will call you back to arrange a suitable appointment time)
Do you have questions about your existing Pond? Do you want to build a Pond but aren't sure where to start?
Whatever your situation ... We can help!
Did you know that Aquarium Illusions also owns a company called Pond Pros? Randy Cameron used to design and install ponds for 6 years. He constructed projects ranging from indoor ponds, waterwalls, backyard ponds of all sizes, and commercial golf course size ponds.
He would still be doing it but he had a knee replacement and the doctor said "no more hauling rocks". But, Randy loves ponds and talking ponds.
He is offering FREE POND CONSULTATIONS and will share his wealth of knowledge with you for free. This is by appointment only, and due to time constraints we are limiting this service to those who will be constructing or renovating their ponds this season. The consultations will be held at Aquarium Illusions.
Please call Randy to make your appointment. We have a questionnaire we'd like to email you beforehand.
Call Randy at the store 780-483-7027, or toll free 1-800-559-6546 (If he isn't in, please leave a message and Randy will call you back to arrange a suitable appointment time)
Around the Store
Randy releasing critters
Old Wives Tales
Fish only grow to the size of their aquarium – NOT! The size of your aquarium will influence the growth of your new pets, but it won’t stop them. Fish will grow to the level that their surroundings allow; how clean the water is, the amount of available food and the oxygen level of the water are the key components to how big your fish grow. The oxygen level will deplete faster and the waste will build up quicker in a small aquarium; especially with larger fish, leading to potentially hazardous conditions for your fish. The chronic lack of oxygen and higher waste levels will weaken your fishes immune system, impair its ability to grow and greatly reduce its lifespan.
When you come down to buy a new fish always ask how big it should get and if your aquarium is sized properly for it; and try not to be upset if we say “No”, we’re only doing it to protect the fish and make sure you don’t run into problems down the road.
When you come down to buy a new fish always ask how big it should get and if your aquarium is sized properly for it; and try not to be upset if we say “No”, we’re only doing it to protect the fish and make sure you don’t run into problems down the road.
Friday
Home Show Special
Nano Reef Kits - only $199.99 Comes with Stand, Tank, T5 Lighting, Filter. Make an awesome display.
Home & Garden Show
If you are going to the Home Show this weekend, be sure to stop by and bug Ron at our booth.
Hall E, Booth 140.
Hall E, Booth 140.
New SW Fish & Invert Shipment - Arrived Yesterday
Reef Safe
Whipfin fairy wrasse
Starry blenny
Banner cardinal
Yellow tang
Fox face
Yellow watchman goby
Yasa hashe goby
Twin spot goby
Tiger goby
Green chromis
Scooter blenny
Blue spot jawfish
Dragon goby
Clown fairy wrasse
Reef Safe with caution
Rainbow wrasse
Flame angel
Copper banded butterfly
Purple tile goby
Five bar mystery wrasse
Tiger jawfish
Royal gramma
Not Reef Safe
Raccoon butterfly
Invertebrates
Lawnmower blenny
Emerald crab
Red leg hermit crab
Blue leg hermit crab
Cleaner shrimp
Fire shrimp
Peppermint shrimp
Pistol shrimp
Zebra stripe turbo snail
Tiger turbo snail
Nassarius snail (great sand sifter)
Mexican turbo snail
Orange linkia starfish
Red/pink tile starfish
Sally light foot crab
Wednesday
Skimmer Info
Do you need to choose a Skimmer, or Do you want to upgrade your old Skimmer?
When choosing a Protein Skimmer for your aquarium, there are a couple things you have to consider first.
#1 - Pick an appropriate skimmer for your tank volume based on bio-load and system volume. You don't want a skimmer too small for your system
#2 - Decide whether it is going to be a hang on type, recirculation or an in-sump skimmer. Make sure you choose an in-sump style that your have the room and proper sump depth for (some skimmers require a specific water depth to work the best).
We have lots of all styles to choose from, we also have some in 'demo' mode. We are here to help answer your questions ...
When choosing a Protein Skimmer for your aquarium, there are a couple things you have to consider first.
#1 - Pick an appropriate skimmer for your tank volume based on bio-load and system volume. You don't want a skimmer too small for your system
#2 - Decide whether it is going to be a hang on type, recirculation or an in-sump skimmer. Make sure you choose an in-sump style that your have the room and proper sump depth for (some skimmers require a specific water depth to work the best).
We have lots of all styles to choose from, we also have some in 'demo' mode. We are here to help answer your questions ...
Tuesday
Another tipster
Introducing Tangs .. Goes something like this ... Hello, I am Yellow Tang ... Hello, I am Regal Tang, but call me Blue, So nice to meet you! OK, it's not always this pleasant ... Read on .....
When introducing different tangs to one another (providing the aquarium is large enough for multiples) it is always a good idea to introduce them after the lights are out to help eliminate stress from the resident tang. As a general rule, it is best to add tangs from different families (E.g. Zebrasoma, Acanthurus, Naso, etc) so fighting over territories is minimized. Some individuals can be overly aggressive and may need some extra work. Rearranging the rock work in the aquarium sometimes makes the aggressor thing territories have changed allowing the new tang to claim some of his own.
When introducing different tangs to one another (providing the aquarium is large enough for multiples) it is always a good idea to introduce them after the lights are out to help eliminate stress from the resident tang. As a general rule, it is best to add tangs from different families (E.g. Zebrasoma, Acanthurus, Naso, etc) so fighting over territories is minimized. Some individuals can be overly aggressive and may need some extra work. Rearranging the rock work in the aquarium sometimes makes the aggressor thing territories have changed allowing the new tang to claim some of his own.
Monday
Club Membership has it's privileges
Did you know that for just $10.00 per year, you can join Aquarium Illusions Membership Club.
Benefits are:
1. Save 3% instantly on your purchases everytime you shop (on reg priced cash & carry items)
2. No card to carry, no points to collect, with our club you save instantly
3. Get 15% Off all regular priced items on 2nd Wednesday of each month
4. Get Boxing Day prices 1 week before Christmas (Club Members only)
5. Get emailed our Special promotions for Club Members
Ask to Join next time you are in. Our Members love it!
Benefits are:
1. Save 3% instantly on your purchases everytime you shop (on reg priced cash & carry items)
2. No card to carry, no points to collect, with our club you save instantly
3. Get 15% Off all regular priced items on 2nd Wednesday of each month
4. Get Boxing Day prices 1 week before Christmas (Club Members only)
5. Get emailed our Special promotions for Club Members
Ask to Join next time you are in. Our Members love it!
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