Stunning 6-Gallon Reef Tank by Lulu Aulia Rachman | Reef2Reef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 6 Gallons / 23 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
15.8" ×
9.5" ×
9.5"
40.0cm ×
24.0cm ×
24.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Aquaforest
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maintenance routine for the reef tank?
For maintenance, the routine is divided into three categories: Daily tasks include cleaning the glass, blowing off detritus from live rock, and feeding the fish and corals. Weekly, a 10% water change is performed. Monthly, the hang-on filters are cleaned of hair algae and filter media is replaced.
How often should I perform water changes and why is it important?
Water changes are performed once a week at 10% (approximately 2 liters) and once a month at 30-40%. Regular water changes help maintain water quality and overall health of the tank by reducing nitrate and phosphate levels, replenishing trace elements, and preventing algae blooms.
What is the best approach to introduce new fish or corals into the tank?
When introducing new fish or corals, it's essential to quarantine them first to avoid introducing diseases. After quarantining, acclimate them slowly to the tank’s water parameters, ideally using a drip acclimation method. Monitor them closely after the introduction for signs of stress or compatibility issues.
What kind of filtration system is recommended for a small reef tank?
For a small reef tank like this one, a simple setup with hang-on-back (HOB) filters can suffice. The filtration should include sponge for detritus filtration, activated carbon for nitrate control, and a phosphate remover like Phosguard. Additionally, adding live rock rubble can help foster beneficial bacteria.
How do I maintain stable water parameters without frequent testing?
To maintain stable water parameters without testing frequently, focus on regular water changes, feeding sparingly, and using a reliable filtration system. If corals are healthy and growing, keep following this routine instead of worrying about exact numbers. However, if signs of distress appear, consider testing at that point.
How do I choose the right corals for my reef tank?
When selecting corals, consider their light and flow requirements and compatibility with existing corals and livestock. Soft corals are generally more forgiving for beginners. It's also advisable to choose corals that won't outgrow the space quickly, like smaller LPS or soft corals.
What should I do about aggressive corals or species?
If you have aggressive corals, it's important to give them adequate space. Monitor for signs of stinging or encroachment on other corals. If necessary, consider doing a mini rescape to isolate aggressive species from more sensitive corals.
What is the best feeding strategy for the fish and corals in the tank?
For fish, a small amount of frozen Mysis shrimp is sufficient daily. Some of this will also be consumed by the corals. For fleshy corals, use small pellets soaked in water and feed them with a pipette to ensure they receive adequate nutrition without polluting the water.
How important is it to feed coral, and how should I approach it?
Feeding corals is crucial for health and growth, especially for fleshy or LPS corals. Feed them with appropriate coral foods, ensuring that the particles are small enough for their mouths. Target feeding with a pipette can also minimize waste in the tank.
How can I deal with algae problems in my reef tank?
To manage algae problems, focus on reducing nutrient levels through regular water changes, controlling feeding, and ensuring good water circulation. Manually remove algae and consider adding herbivorous snails or fish to help control growth. If algae persist, reviewing your filtration setup may also be necessary.
What should I do if my corals show signs of stress?
If corals show signs of stress, check for any drastic changes in water parameters, lighting, or flow. Perform a water change to improve water quality. Ensure that there are no aggressive species disturbing them. If the problem persists, isolate the affected coral to reduce stress.