Stunning 280-Gallon Reef Tank by Andy Bajc | ReefKeeping
Tank Specifications
Volume: 280 Gallons / 1060 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
72.0" ×
30.0" ×
30.0"
182.9cm ×
76.2cm ×
76.2cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Instant Ocean
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of filtration system do you use in your reef tank?
I use a My Reef Creations dual-injected MR-3 in-sump protein skimmer, which is effective for maintaining water quality. Additionally, I employ a Precision Marine calcium reactor and a Reef Solutions kalkwasser reactor to maintain calcium and alkalinity levels.
How do you manage water flow in your tank?
Flow is primarily provided by a Tunze Turbelle Stream TS/24 kit, strategically placed at opposite ends of the tank, pulsing between 65 and 100% flow. Two Maxijet 1200 powerheads and two Gen-X Mak 4 return pumps also contribute to keeping the water circulating effectively.
What type of lighting do you use for your coral?
I use a combination of three 400 watt Radium metal halide bulbs with Son Agro ballasts, two 60" URI VHO actinic bulbs, and one 48" T5 actinic bulb. This setup promotes good coral growth and color.
How do you control the temperature in your reef tank?
I utilize two 250-watt Ebo-Jager heaters and a 1/2 hp Pacific Coast Chiller to maintain the water temperature within the range of 78-80°F.
What water parameters do you monitor in your reef tank?
I regularly monitor temperature, pH, and ORP. Occasionally, I check specific gravity, calcium, and alkalinity levels. The ideal readings I aim for are: Temperature at 78-80°F, pH between 8.1-8.3, ORP between 400-425 mV, calcium at 400-450 ppm, alkalinity at 10 dKH, and magnesium at 1335 ppm.
How often do you perform water changes, and what is your routine for maintenance?
I perform a 10% water change monthly. My maintenance tasks include cleaning the skimmer weekly, changing filter floss biweekly, topping off the kalkwasser reactor weekly, and checking calcium and alkalinity levels monthly.
What type of water do you use for your tank and how do you condition it?
I use RO/DI water created with a SpectraPure 3 stage reverse osmosis unit. After filtering, I mix in Instant Ocean synthetic sea salt to prepare the water for my reef tank.
How often do you feed your fish and corals?
I feed my fish once every day or every other day. I minimize feeding to prevent excess nutrients due to the heavy stocking of corals in the tank. I also use a variety of high-quality dry and frozen foods and do not target feed the corals.
What type of foods do you provide for your fish?
I provide a mix of Ocean Nutrition flake foods (Formula One, Two, Prime Reef), Omega One marine flakes, DT's Phytoplankton, frozen Cyclop-Eeze, and various types of shrimp and sea veggies from Hikari.
What types of fish and invertebrates do you keep in your reef tank?
My tank currently houses 11 fish species, including a Powder Blue Tang, Green Chromis, and a Royal Gramma. As for invertebrates, I have several including a Sand-sifting starfish, Blood Shrimps, Sea Cucumbers, and Tridacna clams among others.
Do you have a specific strategy for maintaining coral health?
My strategy includes monitoring water parameters regularly, ensuring appropriate lighting, and providing adequate flow. I also avoid overfeeding to prevent nutrient buildup and regularly replace water to maintain a stable environment for my corals.