Co-Current, Counter-Current, Needle Wheel, Venturi; it all sounds pretty complicated, but contrary to what some people would like you to believe, protein skimming ain't rocket science. Skimming is no more than injecting air bubbles into a water column, twirling them around for a bit, then skimming off the crud (proteins) that they collect. Exactly how different protein skimmers do this is a bit of an art, however. Here are the simple nuts and bolts of protein skimming. Understanding the principles makes it easier to find the right skimmer for your saltwater aquarium.

More: Top In/On Tank Protein Skimmers If you are planning to install a protein skimmer in or on your aquarium, these are the ones you will want to see. Compare Prices and save $$.

More: Top In/On Sump Protein Skimmers Compare prices on these state of the art sump mounted protein skimmers.

Most aquarists consider the Aptaisia Anemone to be an unwanted pest in their aquariums. Once Aptaisia gain a foothold in your tank, they can be tough to get rid of. Here is the short course on what Aptaisia are, where they come from and methods (i.e. Peppermint Shrimp) for getting rid of them.

More: Before & After: Did you know that you can easily destroy Aptaisia by injecting them with lemon juice or vinegar? Here's how.

More: The Klein's Butterflyfish: Eats Aptaisia for breakfast.

More: Hyposalinity Kills Aptaisia and some other tank pests, but...

More: Compare Prices on OTC Aptaisia treatments that actually work.

Photo © Jonathan Dillman

Everyone who has set up their first saltwater aquarium has asked the question: "Which fish are the best to start with?"

There are a lot more things to consider with a marine fish than there are with a freshwater fish. Primarily, saltwater fish are more finicky than freshwater fish. Some fish are just plain easier than others, the more difficult fish are better left until your tank has settled in and you have more experience.
To help you populate your new tank with terrific fish which can make your new saltwater tank an instant success, we have highlighted some of the easier fish.
More: Reef Safe Fish are fish which will not destroy your corals and other reef tank inhabitants. Even if you don't have a reef tank (yet), plan ahead for the potential.
Photo by John Di Genua

Even if you have nothing but base rock in your tank, growing a healthy, colorful crop of coralline algae may not be as difficult as you think. If you already have coralline growing in your tank, there are a few steps you can take to help it quickly multiply.

More: Coralline Algae Photo Gallery Photos of a number of different types of Coralline Algae, including encrusting coralline as well as a few more unusual types.

Forums: Coralline Algae Bleaching Out? "We just re-rockscaped my 55g tank a couple nights ago when I added 60lbs of hirocks. It appears I have some coralline that is bleaching out?? What could cause..."

Photo by Stan & Debbie Hauter