Stunning 120-Gallon Reef Tank by Steve Schafer | ReefKeeping
Tank Specifications
Volume: 120 Gallons / 454 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
48.0" ×
24.0" ×
24.0"
121.9cm ×
61.0cm ×
61.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Instant Ocean
Frequently Asked Questions
What lighting setup do you use for your reef tank?
I currently use a combination of two 250-watt Hamilton 14K metal halide bulbs on old-style IceCap ballasts, accompanied by two 110-watt URI Actinic VHO bulbs running on an IceCap 660 ballast. This setup provides a good balance of light for my SPS corals and creates an appealing look.
How do you determine the photoperiod for your lights?
My photoperiod is as follows: Actinics turn on at 9:30 am, followed by metal halides at 11:00 am, and metal halides turn off at 9:00 pm. I also run the refugium lights from 9:30 pm to 9:00 am.
What kind of filtration do you employ for your reef tank?
I rely on a combination of live rock, skimming, and a filter pad. The main tank contains about 150 lbs. of Fiji live rock, and I use a EuroReef CS8-3 skimmer for efficient protein removal. Water is filtered through a 100-micron Pure Flo filter pad as it enters the sump.
How do you manage water circulation in your reef tank?
I use an Iwaki MD70RLT for water circulation, which provides around 1000 GPH due to about 13 feet of head pressure. Additionally, I have added a Tunze Wavebox 6212, which helps create a surge effect that the fish, such as my Mustard tang, really enjoy. This improves coral health and polyp extension.
What are the key water parameters you maintain for your tank?
I keep my water parameters within the following ranges: Calcium: ~430 ppm, Alkalinity: 8-10 dKH, Specific Gravity: ~1.025, pH: 8.2-8.4, and Temperature: 78-80ºF. Monitoring and maintaining these levels is crucial for the health of both corals and fish.
What supplements do you use in your reef tank?
I primarily use Calcium and Alkalinity supplements, controlled through a Geo 6" x 12" calcium reactor filled with CaribSea media. I also replace evaporated water with RO/DI water and am planning on automating this process in the future.
How do you conduct maintenance for your tank?
I perform regular maintenance by scraping algae from the glass every few days, emptying the skimmer collection cup once a week, and doing a 10-20% water change every 1-2 weeks using RO/DI water and a quality salt mix like Reef Crystals or Oceanic. Regular water changes are essential due to the high bioload from my fish.
What do you feed the fish in your reef tank?
I feed the tank relatively heavily once during the day with a mix of Mysis, brine shrimp, krill, nori, and scallops. Additionally, I target feed my Acanthastrea corals after the lights go out with Mysis, brine shrimp, and Cyclop-eeze. Occasionally, I soak the foods in Selcon for added nutrients.
What types of corals do you keep in your reef tank?
I primarily grow SPS corals, such as various Acropora species, along with Acanthastrea and Montipora. I prefer a sparse distribution of corals to ensure there's enough swimming room for the fish. I also have notably watched my orange encrusting Montipora spawn, indicating a healthy environment.
How do you control the growth of corals in your tank?
I am very selective about the corals I introduce to ensure I can manage their growth effectively. I've removed aggressive corals like Xenia and star polyps, while reintroducing controllable types like zoanthids only in manageable locations. I believe that maintaining control over coral spread helps prevent overgrowth and potential issues.