As many of you know, some 4 years ago now, STRS became involved in setting up a 180 gallon reef tank at the Binghamton Ross Park Zoo. This project became a focal point which was instrumental for the original formation of STRS. The display, has been a big success for the zoo and in fact has generated considerable revenue when compared to the relatively small cost of setting up the display. Thanks in large part to donations from Ice Cap, Euro Reef, Premium Aquatics etc., as well as the STRS members who donated fish and corals, and most importantly their time and expertise, we were able to put together the display for about 3K. The ambition behind this project was to help provide the community at large with information about, and appreciation for the worlds tropical reefs as well as the dangers and challenges that the world's reefs currently face. This project has not been without its challenges. For example at one point we had to replace all of the "live" rock that we manufactured since after months of testing, analysis, consultation and deliberation, we realized that the rock was contaminating the tank due to inorganic phosphates that were leaching into the system from crushed oyster shells that we used as an ingredient in our DIY rock. Much more recently, we had to redo much of the plumbing (Thanks to Nate Rogers) since the bulkheads began leaking. At this point in time, the zoo staff has become much more proficient and comfortable with most of the maintenance tasks and daily care of the tank including the testing and adjustments of water parameters. The emergency calls from the zoo are becoming far less frequent. However, in all likelyhood, due to the special expertise that we bring, they will always rely on us to some degree for aspects of tank care. I currently go to the zoo about one time per month to perform maintenance tasks and water changes. But I was thinking that since STRS is beginning to come alive again, it may be a good time to schedule a meeting at the zoo to bring some members together, familiarize them with the project and the display(s)....I almost forgot the seahorse tank.. and perhaps start arranging some work to ready the displays for the reefs fourth season.
In general, the displays are doing very well and corals and fish are greatly maturing. One problem that we currently face is an outbreak of pest anenomes. The anenomes have actually been responsible for the deaths of two seahorses since the anenomes have migrated to the seahorse display after we integrated the plumbing of the displays last year. So, I am thinking of introducing a copperband butterfly but I am also researching the possibility of adding a filefish to the display for more effective anenome control. Anyway, i just wanted to bring this thread back alive and bring folks up to date on the project. I hope this helps serve to reignite STRS and our involvement in the community.
In general, the displays are doing very well and corals and fish are greatly maturing. One problem that we currently face is an outbreak of pest anenomes. The anenomes have actually been responsible for the deaths of two seahorses since the anenomes have migrated to the seahorse display after we integrated the plumbing of the displays last year. So, I am thinking of introducing a copperband butterfly but I am also researching the possibility of adding a filefish to the display for more effective anenome control. Anyway, i just wanted to bring this thread back alive and bring folks up to date on the project. I hope this helps serve to reignite STRS and our involvement in the community.
