Stunning 100-Gallon Reef Tank by Ken Figueroa | Reef2Reef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 100 Gallons / 378 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
40.0" ×
24.0" ×
26.0"
101.6cm ×
61.0cm ×
66.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Instant Ocean
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maintenance routine for your reef tank?
I maintain a strict routine to keep my reef healthy. Daily, I feed the fish twice a day and check the calcium reactor. Weekly, I conduct alkalinity tests and clean the glass. I do a 20% water change every two weeks. Other tasks include filling the calcium reactor with substrate every two months, refilling the 2-part dosing solutions, and cleaning pumps and the skimmer every 3-4 months.
How do you maintain water quality in your reef tank?
I focus on protein skimming and biweekly water changes as my primary export strategies. I also use an auto top-off system to ensure stable water levels. Regular testing of calcium, pH, nitrate, and phosphate helps me monitor and maintain water quality.
What do you feed your fish and corals?
I feed my fish frozen mysis cubes twice a day and provide nori and algae wafers every other day. I do not specifically feed the corals, as I've relied on natural feeding from the water column.
How do you choose the types of food and feeding schedule for your fish?
I stick with a feeding routine that ensures my fish get a balanced diet. I primarily use frozen food and dried algae to cater to the dietary needs of my fish. This routine is based on experience and recommendations for the specific species I keep.
What are the key water parameters I should monitor in my reef tank?
Essential parameters to monitor include temperature (ideally 79-82°F in summer and 75-81°F in winter), pH (target range >7.7 <8.0), specific gravity (around 1.026), and nitrate levels (target <10 mg/l). I also monitor calcium (400 ppm), alkalinity (8-9 dKh), and phosphate (ideally <0.1 ppm). Magnesium is not actively tested in my setup.
How often should I test my water parameters?
I recommend testing alkalinity once or twice a week. Calcium, pH, nitrate, and phosphate levels should be tested every 2-3 months. This frequency helps ensure any significant changes are detected early.
What is your approach to dosing calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium?
I primarily use a calcium reactor combined with an automatic doser for 2-part calcium and alkalinity supplementation, targeting 60 ml/day for both parts. Additionally, I use powder buffers on an as-needed basis, typically 1-2 tablespoons weekly, to maintain stable alkalinity.
How critical is it to have both a calcium reactor and a dosing pump for reef tank success?
Having both a calcium reactor and a dosing system can provide stability and redundancy. The calcium reactor is set for continuous dosing, but in case of malfunction, the doser offers a backup. This dual approach helps maintain consistent parameters, crucial for the health of SPS corals.
What type of lighting do you use for your reef tank?
I use a combination of two 400w metal halide bulbs for high light output necessary for SPS growth, complemented by two Reefbrite XHO LED strips for aesthetics. The metal halides are set on a photoperiod of 11 AM to 7 PM, while the LED strips operate from 10 AM to 11 PM.
How do you manage temperature fluctuations in your reef tank?
I address temperature fluctuations caused by the metal halides by using an Arctica 1/3 hp chiller to maintain stable cooling. I still experience significant daily variations, but the chiller effectively helps in managing higher temperatures during summer months.