The Art of Reef Tanks

Today on NPR's Science Friday, Ira Flatow and producer Flora Lichtman interviewed Joseph Yaiullo, co-founder of Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead, NY. Yaiullo has been keeping reef tanks since 1987; he shared some tips and tricks on the art of reef-tank keeping.

Reef tanks aren't for beginning fish hobbyists, as they can be time consuming and expensive, but as we hear on the podcast, they can also be addictive. Ira Flatow is a self-admitted "reef-geek", and Yaiullo said he coined the word "coralholic" years ago when he realized the depth of his addiction. You'll also get to hear how science and hobbyists are working together to learn more about the habitats and habits of coral reef systems and how to protect them.

If you've been thinking about becoming a reef-tank keeper, we have a one-of-a-kind offer to get one lucky hobbyist started. We have a floor model 29-gallon Biocube system and stand with live rock and coral ready to go out the door. The Biocube is a complete system that includes:

• dual filter intakes to draw aquarium water from the surface and mid-water for improved water circulation and filtration.
• replaceable 2-stage filter cartridge provides easy-to-maintain mechanical and chemical filtration.
• bio-ball wet/dry filtration system improves gas exchange and provides efficient biological filtration.
• UL-Listed submersible pumps.
• comprehensive aquarium lighting system with Coralife compact fluorescent lighting, Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow LEDs, and dual cooling fans integrated into the hood.
• individual power cords for timers to create custom light schedules.
• curved glass front corner for a panoramic aquarium view.
• attractive black wooden two-door stand.

This is an unbelievable deal — a $1,800 value for just $900. We have only one available, so if a reef tank is your dream, come and get it.

The video below, also courtesy of Science Friday, is of Justin Muir, founder of City Aquarium and "aquarists to the stars", takes us fancy fish shopping.