Recent content by Tamara Marshall

New Article Release! “Effective Hydrogen Peroxide Treatments for Saltwater Fish” Treating diseases in a reef tank can feel like walking a tightrope. Medications can harm your corals, but doing nothing isn’t an option. So where does hydrogen peroxide fit in? This common household chemical is...

New Article Release! Beyond the Big Three: A Realistic Guide to Trace Elements in Your Reef Tank You’ve dialed in your calcium. Your alkalinity is rock-solid. Your magnesium? Right on target. And yet—your Acropora looks more like a ghost than a showpiece. Where’s the color? Where’s the pop...

New Article Release! “Pom Pom Crabs: The Cutest Cheerleaders of Your Reef Tank” If you’ve ever wanted a little personality and flair added to your reef tank, look no further than the Pom Pom Crab (Lybia tessellata). These tiny, reef-safe invertebrates are famous for carrying live anemones in...

New Article Release! “Understanding Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP): From Beginner to Advanced” If you’ve ever seen ORP mentioned in reefing forums or on your aquarium controller and wondered, “What exactly does this number mean?”, you’re not alone. ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) is...

New Article Release! Coral Coloration: Understanding the Science Behind Vibrant Reefs Few things capture the magic of a reef tank like the vivid blues, greens, and pinks of thriving corals. But have you ever wondered why corals change color—or sometimes lose it altogether? Coral coloration is...

New Article Release: Porcelain Crabs — The Complete, No-Drama Guide Porcelain crabs may be small, but they bring a lot of personality and utility to reef aquariums. Known for their delicate claws and graceful filter-feeding fans, these crabs are peaceful invertebrates that thrive in the right...

Back by Popular Demand! Learn How to Identify and Manage the Most Common Coral Pests in Your Reef Tank This guide was a big hit the first time around, so we’re bringing it back! Coral pests are sneaky, and if you’re not dipping new frags, you could be introducing flatworms, nudibranchs, or...

Tamara from Manta Systems joined Deven from Reef Dudes for a fascinating dive into corals, fish care, and everything reef-related. Whether you’re a seasoned reef enthusiast or just starting out, this conversation is full of tips, insights, and inspiration for your next underwater adventure...

New Article Alert! Reef-Safe, Sand-Stirring, and Seriously Cool: Meet the Conchs Looking for a reef-safe cleanup crew member that pulls its weight and looks like a little tank on the move? Say hello to conchs—the underappreciated powerhouses of the sandbed. These gastropods don’t just cruise...

New Article Alert! “The Sexiest Shrimp of Them All: A Complete Guide to Sexy Shrimp” Meet the sexy shrimp (Thor amboinensis)—small in size but full of personality. With their signature sway and confident strut, these tiny crustaceans bring flair and constant movement to any reef tank. You’ll...

New Article Alert! Garden Eels 101: Everything You Need to Know They’re shy, squiggly, and undeniably mesmerizing. Garden eels are one of the most fascinating species in the saltwater hobby—but they can be a bit tricky to keep. If you've ever dreamed of turning your sandbed into a living...

New Article Alert! Psammocora Coral: A Deep Dive Into A Hardy, Underrated SPS Beauty Looking for an SPS coral that won’t test your patience—or your water chemistry? Psammocora might just be your new best reef friend. Often overlooked for flashier cousins, this resilient coral brings texture...

New Article Alert! “Frozen Fish Food: A Complete Guide to Nutrition, Selection, and Feeding for Reef Tanks” Frozen food isn’t just a treat; it’s often the gold standard for reef fish nutrition. But with freezers packed full of mysis, brine, squid, spirulina blends, and DIY concoctions, how do...

Missed this gem? It’s time for a second look! "Hyposalinity for Marine Fish: Safe, Effective Parasite Control" When parasites strike, many hobbyists reach straight for medication, but there’s another option that’s been quietly and effectively saving fish for decades: hyposalinity. Also known...

Missed Gem Alert! “Fighting Bacterial Infections: How Kanamycin Works” Bacterial infections can sneak into your reef like uninvited guests—and when they do, swift action is crucial. If you’ve ever struggled to understand when (and how) to use Kanamycin, this article is your go-to guide. We...