Fish 'N' Chips
A Monthly Marine Newsletter
November 2006 Issue

Index

From Liz
By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/09/06

Copywriter Wanted: My company, High Aspirations, Inc. (http://www.highaspirationsinc.com/), is looking for a copywriter. We need someone to work with and refer clients to on a freelance/subcontractor basis. We'd like someone to send our existing and future clients to when they want their web sites designed/re-designed, ads and other marketing material written, etc. We require that our new copywriter have experience in writing for web sites with search engine ranking in mind. We don't want any guarantees on making it to the top whatever in the search engines but it's very, very important that you understand what's needed for a web site vs. printed work but still be able to work in both mediums. Our old copywriter moved away after taking a full-time job and we need to replace him. Anyone who is interested should send me their info, a link to their web site if they have one, and examples of their work. We'd like to get this arrangement in place very soon as we are working on a redesign of our site and it's been hard to answer sales calls lately! Contact me via http://www.highaspirationsinc.com/contact_info.shtml (updated 06/17/08) and make sure you mention copywriter in the subject line so I don't lose it amongst all the spam.

Calendar of Upcoming Events: Thanks to Google's free webmaster goodies, I've added a calendar to the Fish 'N' Chips site for all the Upcoming Events that I publish in each issue. You can find it at http://marinefiends.com/wordpress/fishy-happenings-upcoming-events/ (url updated 03/09/08, originally http://www.marinefiends.com/calendar.html). That gives you twice as much exposure for your events, so please remember to submit them via http://www.marinefiends.com/submit.html.

RSS Feed: For those out there that love an RSS Feed or for one reason or another cannot subscribe to my mailing list, you can be notified of a new issue of Fish 'N' Chips by checking out the brand new Fish 'N' Chips RSS Feed at http://feeds.feedburner.com/fishnchips/ (url updated 03/09/08, originally http://www.marinefiends.com/fishnchips.xml). You can add the Fish 'N' Chips RSS to your favorite reader, etc. by visiting the RSS Feed Subscription Links page at http://feeds.feedburner.com/fishnchips/ (url updated 03/09/08, originally http://www.marinefiends.com/rsssublinks.html). So far, I have links for AOL, Google, Newsgator, and Yahoo!. If you have another reader, etc. that you would like me to add a subscribe link to, just email me.

Reef Keeping Basics: This issue, the Caught In The Net section features an announcement letter from the author of Reef Keeping Basics - Successful Reef Management, Eric V. Van Der Hope. A special offer to Fish 'N' Chips subscribers has been worked out and I will be emailing you that information separately and you'll understand why when you read the letter from Eric. I will also be doing a review of Eric's book in an upcoming issue so you have that to look forward to.

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Critter Corner
Species Guide - Hippocampus Kuda
Seahorse Australia & Katja de Bradley
Edited by Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/02/06

Popular tropical seahorses for home aquaria, Asian Emperors are graceful fish. Each seahorse will enjoy gliding through the aquarium, especially at dawn. They can grow to 20 cm in length, however they are usually between 8-11 cm at the time they leave the farm. They attain sexual maturity at approximately 7cm in length.

Colors:
Various individuals are often black, with white striations and a grainy texture. May also be orange or yellow. Some extraordinary individuals are known to be yellow with red spots.

Natural habitat:
Inhabit waters of the Western Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Japan, far northern Australia & Papua New Guinea, Caribbean and the straits of Florida.

Aquarium requirements:
Minimum size 50-L for a pair. Up to 3 pairs could be happily kept in a 3-foot (150-L) aquarium, which has adequate biofiltration.

Ammonia and nitrite: - nil

Nitrate: <20 ppm

Ideal Temperature: 24-26 oC

Salinity: 1.021 specific gravity

pH: 8 to 8.3

Both males and females will display themselves to show just how beautiful they are. Often you find them chocolate brown in color, but some will take on rich yellow tones when they display and are feeling happy. One of my males was a true Emperor of his tank, exploring all corners every morning as if to check that his family's home was still safe and intact. Often, 2 will swim together and hang upside down on hitching posts on their favorite sleeping spots. My Asian Emperors share their home with leather corals, hermit crabs, a blue linkia sea star, a bi-coloured blenny, mandarin and 2 fire fish. They are truly magical and interesting seahorses.

Photo Credits:
Hippocampus Kuda photo is the property of Seahorse Australia (http://www.seahorse-australia.com.au/) and has been used with their permission.

Editor's Comments:
Editing was limited to spelling corrections and some grammar (capitalizing the beginning of a sentence, adding a period at the end, etc.). The above was originally published in the Seahorse Network Group Newsletter which is sponsored by Seahorse Australia (http://www.seahorse-australia.com.au/). Katja de Bradley is the volunteer editor. Subscription is free and anyone interested in subscribing or contributing to this seahorse specific resource should contact Seahorse Australia at info@seahorse-australia.com.au or Katja de Bradley at debradley@bigpond.com.au.

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A Short & Sweet Review
3M Scotch Super Glue Gel
By Corrie F., 08/09/2005
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan, 03/17/06

General: I have used this product for years with no harmful results to any of my animals. I must say first that it's important to always buy gel superglue even if it's not this brand. You ever buy the wrong kind and you will find out the reason why.

Pros: Creates a quick seal and one that will last for a long time. Is not harmful to any animals. Has maintained quality consistently.

Cons: Well, it creates a seal too quickly sometimes before I have had time to arrange the subject into position. The tubes are often half air which leaves me often needing more glue then what was bought. Hard to get off skin and teeth. Don't ask cause I won't tell.

Price: $2.50 - $3.50

Editor's Comments:
Editing was limited to spelling corrections and some grammar (capitalizing the beginning of a sentence, adding a period at the end, etc.). No other editing was done, what you read was exactly what was posted on the Saltcreep web site.

Please visit Saltcreep at http://www.saltcreep.com/ for this review, forums, and much more.

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Caught In The Net
By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/09/06

New Stuff Found

Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/):

• Volume V, Issue X, October 2006 - http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/10/

Reefkeeping Magazine (http://reefkeeping.com/):

• November 2006 - Volume 5, Issue 10 - http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-11/index.php

Seas the Day Ocean Book of the Month (http://www.theoceanproject.org/action/book.php) (url updated 03/09/08, originally http://seastheday.theoceanproject.org/seastheday/book/index.htm)

• November 2006 - Creating a Climate for Change: Communicating Climate Change and Facilitating Social Change edited by Susanne C. Moser and Lisa Dilling - http://www.theoceanproject.org/seastheday/book/november2006.htm (url updated 03/09/08, originally http://seastheday.theoceanproject.org/seastheday/book/november2006.htm)

Wallpaper of the Month

Title: Octopus 1 (Light)
Copyright: Vlad Gerasimov, VladStudio
Link to Wallpaper: http://www.vladstudio.com/wallpaper/?23

Reef Keeping Basics by Eric V. Van Der Hope
An Announcement Letter from the Author

To Elizabeth's Readers,

My name is Eric and I am an avid reader of Elizabeth's newsletter, Fish 'N' Chips! :o) I'm honored that Elizabeth has given me the opportunity to write and introduce to you a resource that'll benefit the saltwater fish and reef keeping community! If you only have a few minutes, here is the url where you can read about this informative resource: http://www.reefkeepingbasics.com/

This hobby can be very disastrous if not taken seriously and can surely break your pocket book if you do not get the right advice! More importantly though, is the responsibility that goes along with it - lending a hand to the growth of living creatures that are part of this growing planet we live on. Our goal as saltwater fish and reef keeping hobbyists is to be able to successfully maintain a beautiful, pristine yet stable mini-ocean environment, all the while maintaining the proper conditions for the health of our fishy pets which would include the fish, the invertebrates, the corals and all the other living organisms!

Well, I'm a firm believer in not "reinventing the wheel twice". If your wish is to be successful in this hobby - then look no further! This leads me to introduce to you a resource that local fish stores cannot give you - a terrific, colorful and informative book, Reef Keeping Basics - Successful Reef Management! So what's the big deal about this book . . . ? Well, it's a book written by hobbyists, for hobbyists!

After talking with Elizabeth, I've agreed to give all her reader's a special discount. However, it will only be for a limited time. Elizabeth will email you a link to the special page where you can get the book at 25% off the normal price. The separate email is to ensure this offer is only available to those who subscribe to Fish 'N' Chips and not just happen upon it on her website.

I truly feel that this book will help guarantee your success within this hobby by providing you a front-seat look into the minds of 14 dedicated reef keeping hobbyists with a combined total of 110 years experience! What better way to learn! This book is about these 14 individuals describing what it takes to manage a reef tank with success - no matter what kind of experience you may have! I painstakingly interrogated 14 'professional' reef keeping hobbyists in just about every area of this awesome hobby! They were selected from the saltwater/reef keeping community who've proved beyond a reasonable doubt that they are responsible, professional, and successful at maintaining saltwater/reef systems. Most of these fine individuals have developed their experience through 'trial and error' within this hobby and there are no better individuals who can give advice such as them. They've experienced what you have and more. They have succumbed to some of the most common mistakes and have dug themselves out of their own trenches! In the end, they have shown what it takes to be successful at managing a beautiful, closed yet fragile reef environment.

As a result of many thought provoking questions, the contributor's were able to convey many exciting and revealing answers! Learning from these folks could absolutely increase your chances of success within this hobby hundreds of times over . . . if you simply follow their advice! The unique style of this book lets you, the reader, decide what advice will best fit your individual needs. If you are willing to learn more about this wonderful hobby, this is great book to further you along!

If you like 'eye candy', then you'll really be amazed at the 345+ digital images of fish, corals, inverts and equipment as well as be overwhelmed with the 700+ 'pages' of awesome info contained within this 'book'! If you feel I might be 'pumping' up this book, don't take my word for it! You can read all the rave testimonials and reviews it's received posted on my site.

So what are you waiting for? Take a peak and decide if you really want to get serious in this fantastic hobby!

http://www.reefkeepingbasics.com/

Sincere regards,
Eric V. Van Der Hope
Publisher | Author | Editor
http://www.reefkeepingbasics.com/

Photo Credits:
The Reef Keeping Basics - Successful Reef Management cover graphic is the property of Eric V. Van Der Hope (http://www.reefkeepingbasics.com/) and has been used with his permission.

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Marine News
By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/11/06

10/06/06, National Geographic News
Dino-Era "Sea Monster" Found on Arctic Island
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/10/061006-arctic-reptiles.html

10/11/06, Practical Fishkeeping
Estee Lauder takes seahorses out of display
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1102

10/13/06, Practical Fishkeeping
Marine larvae are fastest swimmers
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1106

10/13/06, Reef Relief
Reef Relief presents written comments to the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force for October 25 Meeting in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
http://www.reefrelief.org/reefreliefnews/task_force_mtg.shtml

10/13/06, Practical Fishkeeping
Two new gobies named
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1107

10/13/06, Practical Fishkeeping
UK aquarium in native stony coral study
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1108

10/17/06, National Geographic News
Madagascar Reefs May Hold Keys to Rebirth, Despite Bleaching
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/10/061017-madagascar.html

10/17/06, Practical Fishkeeping
New disease threatens sponges
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1113

10/17/06, Practical Fishkeeping
Smalltooth sawfish face multiple threats
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1111

10/18/06, Practical Fishkeeping
Fishing causes dangerous fluctuations in fish populations
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1116

10/18/06, National Geographic News
Methane-Munching Microbes Take a Bite Out of Warming
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/10/061018-volcano.html

10/19/06, MCS
Sri Lanka's Endangered Turtles Head Straight For Asia's First Marine Park
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/97

10/19/06, National Geographic News
Stingray Leaps Into Boat, Stings Florida Man in Heart
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/10/061019-stingray.html

10/23/06, MCS
Adopt-a-turtle - Packs For Sale In The High Street
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/98

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Upcoming Events
By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/11/06

To Submit Your Event: Visit http://www.marinefiends.com/submit.html.

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