Patio Pond Shell- By Sara H.

After a fair amount of shopping both online and at hardware stores and garden centers, I found quite a few different places to start with my new patio pond.  Most of the retail options were a little more expensive than I was hoping for and I didn't want to completely build something from scratch.  I opted to start with a simple molded plastic pond liner and fountain pump.  It will be smaller than I originally anticipated, but I've decided to start small to be sure I'm comfortable with the maintenance.  If so, I plan to add another larger pond on the opposite end of my patio.  I purchased a MacCourt 20 gallon polyethylene liner from Lowe's for under $20.  I placed it on the patio against the building wall.  I plan to either creatively cover the shell or build it in with a retaining wall creating a raised planting bed around the pond.  I've still got some decisions to make regarding my next steps, but I'll post pictures soon.  

Aquascaping Fish Only Marine Tanks

Though corals are an essential part of natural marine environments and are also some of the most beautiful and interesting additions to a saltwater aquarium, not every aquarist is up for, or interested in, the level of care they require.  And in a confined artificial environment, many species are not compatible with live corals.  As such, fish only tanks are very popular with home hobbyists.  Creating fish only or fish only with life rock tanks allow us to display some of the most beautiful specimens available such as butterfly fish, wrasses, angelfish, and countless others without risking the wellbeing of corals.   

The copper-banded butterfly is not 100% reef safe.  But it is a favorite of Tampa Bay Aquatics and a good candidate for a fish only tank.  Be sure to research whether they are right for you before adding them to your aquarium.  They can be difficult to feed and have specific requirements regarding compatibility with other fish species.  

It can also be a fun challenge to make the environment interesting and aesthetically appealing without being able to rely on the beauty of the corals.  We'd like to share ideas and photos from our followers about creating beautiful aquariums using only live rock.  We'll discuss artificial reefs soon in another post. Please contact us at tampaaquatics@gmail.com to share your tips and pictures.  

Starfish are another interesting and beautiful species to display.  Many starfish species are not reef safe and are better suited to a fish only with live rock tank.