Stunning 300-Gallon Reef Tank by Menard Villaber | ReefKeeping
Tank Specifications
Volume: 300 Gallons / 1135 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
96.0" ×
24.0" ×
30.0"
243.8cm ×
61.0cm ×
76.2cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Instant Ocean
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my weekly maintenance routine for the reef tank?
My weekly routine involves performing a water change of 20-30 gallons, which I find helps corals respond better. I also clean the skimmer, check the operation of the calcium reactor and CO2 tank, inspect all pumps, the controller, and wiring. Additionally, I clean any accumulated salt creep around the tank and the intake strainers to remove debris. Coralline algae is scraped off the front glass and overflow boxes as needed, and I trim corals if they are overcrowding.
How do I keep track of water parameters?
I monitor key water parameters weekly, including Calcium (Ca: 400 - 450 ppm), Alkalinity (Alk: 8 - 9 dKH), Magnesium (Mg: 1300 - 1350 ppm), Specific Gravity (SG: ~1.023), Temperature (Temp: 79 - 80°F), and pH (pH: 7.9 - 8.2). Keeping these parameters stable is crucial for the health of my corals.
What filtration method do I use for my reef tank?
I use a plenum filtration system, which I've had positive results with since 1996. Additionally, I have an ETS protein skimmer and a phosphate reactor that I only utilize if phosphate readings exceed 0.01 to 0.03 ppm. I do not use carbon in the system.
What type of water do I use for water changes and top-offs?
For water changes and top-offs, I use reverse osmosis water and always utilize Reef Crystals® salt. I perform small, frequent water changes instead of larger, infrequent ones to maintain better water quality.
What lighting system is used for the reef tank?
The tank is lit with four 400-watt double-ended metal halide 14K PFO bulbs, powered by electronic ballasts which help the bulbs produce a bluer light. I also have four 160-watt VHO actinic bulbs that are on for four hours before and after the metal halides to enhance coral coloration.
How do I manage temperature in the tank?
The tank lighting is linked to a chiller via a Ranco controller that operates on a separate circuit. The controller regulates the tank's temperature by turning the chiller or lights on and off to prevent overheating.
What do I feed my reef tank?
I feed my tank daily with a mixture of brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, Formula One and Two flakes, ocean plankton, nori, and Cyclop-Eeze®. I soak this mixture in Selcon™ for 15 minutes before feeding to ensure my fish are healthy and active.
How do I maintain coral health and growth in my tank?
I control calcium levels, alkalinity, and magnesium using a calcium reactor. I perform weekly water changes to replenish trace elements consumed by corals. Notably, I've found that my corals grow well without the need for additional supplements, as they sometimes lead to filamentous algae blooms.
What is my approach to trimming corals?
As my tank matures and corals grow rapidly, I frequently trim and trade coral fragments. This keeps the growth manageable and allows for healthier overall tank conditions.