UltraMarine Magazine Feb/Mar 2017 Back Issue

Greetings to you, UltraMarine reader!

Even this far into the new year, I still feel amazed to be living in the year 2017. When I was young such a date would have seemed impossibly futuristic to me and now that the we are here I’m in awe of the technology we have at our disposal (not just for reef-keeping). It really does make you wonder what the coming year will bring, let alone five or ten years from now!

Given ongoing advances in the hobby it seems to be getting easier to maintain even the most demanding species and, on top of this, the list of captive-bred species is gradually increasing (although perhaps we aren’t all seeing the benefits just yet). Given this, I’d urge fellow hobbyists to now focus on sustainability. Even if it’s just small individual advances, think about how YOU can economise on water and energy, make sure you source only the most sustainable livestock from reputable providers, and
minimise losses through robust system design based on rigorous research into the organisms you plan to keep. I really feel that evident thought and effort in this area marks a great hobbyist from just a good one.

As ever I’m thrilled with the efforts of our regular contributors this issue and I’d like to make special mention of our guest contributor, Mike Paletta. A world-renowned aquarist for many years, I’m sure Mike needs no introduction and his piece on SPS growth this issue is a genuine highlight. Beyond this, we’ve also got a review of a fantastic UK reef aquarium plus some neat gadgetry and a host of our regular features.

So that’s it from me… once again, let’s make this a year where we show the world how reef-keepers can now create stunning, living ‘works of art’ that both enlighten and inspire… without costing the Earth!

John Clipperton, Editor