Stunning 340-Gallon Reef Tank by George Rowe | ReefKeeping

full tank shot of: Stunning 340-Gallon Reef Tank by George Rowe | ReefKeeping
reefkeeping 2004

Tank Specifications

Volume: 340 Gallons / 1287 Liters

Dimensions (L × W × H):
96.0" × 33.0" × 24.0"
243.8cm × 83.8cm × 61.0cm

Equipment List

  • Salt: Sea Star Aquarium Products

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I maintain my reef tank's water quality over time?

Maintaining water quality involves regular monitoring and adjusting parameters like temperature, calcium, and alkalinity. Ensure you have a reliable testing kit to check these parameters. Perform infrequent water changes, around 30 gallons a month depending on tank needs, and keep a consistent schedule for changing carbon every six weeks and cleaning your skimmer bi-weekly.

What type of lighting is recommended for a reef tank with SPS corals?

For SPS corals, a combination of high-intensity bulbs is recommended. In this setup, they use four 400-watt Radium bulbs overdriven by PFO HQI ballasts along with VHO bulbs for added spectrums, alternating between actinic and Aquasun bulbs. Replacing bulbs every six months ensures optimum light quality.

How can I improve water flow in my reef tank?

Increasing water flow can be achieved by adding more powerheads or a closed-loop system. For a large tank, consider upgrading to higher capacity pumps like Gemini pumps as mentioned in the tank setup, or modifying your sea swirls for improved dispersion of flow to prevent dead spots.

What coral types are suitable for a beginner in reef aquariums?

Soft corals are generally more tolerant for beginners. Further, SPS corals can be attempted if you have a stable environment and sufficient lighting. In this particular setup, many SPS corals were started as fragments or aquacultured corals, allowing for gradual adaptation.

How can I control algae growth in the tank?

Control algae growth by keeping your tank clean, ensuring you do not overfeed, and maintaining good water quality. Implementing a proper cleanup crew, including snails and conchs, can help manage algae. Additionally, monitoring for excess nutrients and adjusting your feeding practices can greatly help.

How often should I feed the inhabitants of my reef tank?

Feeding should be done consistently, typically alternating daily between high-quality dry foods and frozen options such as brine shrimp. Observing your fish's behavior can help determine individual needs; underfeeding is better than overfeeding.

What is an effective way to aquascape a reef tank?

When aquascaping, aim to create structure that allows light penetration and water flow, avoiding solid walls of rock. Using PVC frames can help create caves and ensure that there is space for fish and other critters to hide, enhancing the overall tank aesthetic and environmental stability.

How to manage sand depth in the reef tank effectively?

To manage sand depth, you can layer different substrates, ensuring even distribution to create a natural slope. Generally, keep the sand depth low in the front and increase it towards the back to achieve a visually appealing design and reduce detritus accumulation.

What are the signs that my reef tank water parameters are off?

Signs that water parameters may be off include unusual coral behavior such as stunted growth or recession, fish displaying stress or aggressive behavior, increased algae growth, and visible deterioration in water clarity or color.

How to efficiently perform maintenance tasks in a large reef tank?

For large tanks, establish a maintenance schedule that includes weekly inspections, scheduled cleanings and equipping tools like scrapers and siphons for efficient cleaning. Break tasks into manageable portions, focusing on one area of the tank at a time.

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