Volume: 11000 Gallons / 41640 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
84.0" ×
48.0" ×
30.0"
213.4cm ×
121.9cm ×
76.2cm
To design a reef tank for ease of maintenance, consider the following tips: Opt for a layout that allows easy access to all parts of the tank, possibly keeping it shallow enough for you to reach every area. Incorporate dual sumps to facilitate water changes without heavy lifting; one for everyday use and another solely for water changes. Ensure that plumbing is hidden to maintain aesthetic appeal. Additionally, design a refugium above the main tank to provide a constant supply of live food and reduce maintenance needs.
For effective water changes, stop the overflow from the display tank into the water change sump using a gate valve. Pump out the dirty water from the change sump and clean the bottom with a wet/dry vacuum. Then fill the sump with RO/DI water using a mechanical float valve to stop when it's full. Add salt and mix well, allowing it to aerate and match the display tank's temperature over 24-48 hours. Check salinity before reconnecting the gate valve, allowing the overflow to gradually mix into the sump.
When selecting corals, consider their specific light and flow needs, along with their eventual growth patterns. Place SPS corals in well-lit areas with high flow, while positioning LPS corals in lower light and flow areas. Consider both color contrast and growth shape; arrange them in a 3D manner to enhance visual interest. Ensure that placement is also practical, as it can be challenging to reach the back or bottom areas of deeper tanks.
Feed your fish a mix of high-quality dry flakes or pellets, supplemented with frozen foods like Mysis, krill, and plankton. For herbivorous fish, offer Nori or dried seaweed sheets at least once or twice a week. Some reef keepers also create custom food mixes using seafood from the supermarket. Corals can be fed with liquids, phytoplankton, or by ensuring proper water parameters that enable them to thrive.
Optimal water parameters for a reef tank include: temperature between 25ºC in winter and 27-29ºC in summer, specific gravity around 1.026, pH levels between 8.3 and 8.5, calcium levels of 380-420 ppm, alkalinity around 7.5-8.0 dKH, and magnesium levels of 1280-1300. Keeping phosphate (PO4) and nitrate (NO3) levels low is crucial to maintain a healthy environment.
To supplement calcium and alkalinity, a calcium reactor can be used, filled with media like AB hydro carbonate or coral gravel. A peristaltic pump helps push effluent through the reactor while a pH probe monitors conditions to adjust CO2 injection automatically. Alternatively, a Kalkwasser (limewater) reactor can be implemented for consistent calcium and alkalinity dosing.