Stunning 127-Gallon Reef Tank by Steve Miller | ReefKeeping
Tank Specifications
Volume: 127 Gallons / 480 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
68.0" ×
18.0" ×
24.0"
172.7cm ×
45.7cm ×
61.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Fiji
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of lighting is recommended for a reef tank?
For a reef tank, high-quality lighting is crucial. In my setup, I use a Giesemann 260 pendant system with two 250-watt Ushio double-ended bulbs and two 42-watt Osram actinic bulbs. This combination provides a natural shallow water appearance, which promotes excellent coral growth.
How do you manage the photoperiod for your reef tank?
I have set my lighting to a specific photoperiod to simulate natural light cycles: Actinics turn on at 7:30 AM, followed by the HQI lights at 9:00 AM. The HQI lights turn off at 7:30 PM, and finally, the actinics turn off at 8:30 PM.
What type of filtration is best for a reef tank?
For my reef tank, I use a Lifereef SVS-24 protein skimmer, which requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, I always use carbon and a PolyFilter to address chemical warfare concerns among corals.
How often should water changes be performed?
I perform regular water changes every two weeks, changing out 15-20 gallons of water. This practice helps maintain water quality and provides trace elements beneficial for coral health.
What are the ideal water parameters for a reef tank?
Key water parameters for my tank are: Calcium around 460 ppm, alkalinity at approximately 13.5 dKH, specific gravity of 1.025, temperature maintained at around 81.5°F, and pH levels ranging from 7.9 to 8.05.
How do you maintain water clarity in your tank?
I clean the interior walls of my tank every two days using an acrylic-safe pad to avoid scratches. Additionally, I change out a bag of carbon weekly and replace the PolyFilter monthly to ensure water clarity.
What is your routine for feeding the fish and corals?
My feeding routine for fish includes giving three cubes of assorted frozen food daily, along with flake food or bloodworms once or twice a week. Seaweed Selects are fed every other day, and I also supplement with phytoplankton and Selcon weekly.
What kind of substrate do you use in your tank?
I have about four inches of a live sand and aragonite mix in my reef tank. This substrate provides a natural environment for beneficial bacteria and supports the overall health of the aquarium.
How do you position your corals to promote growth?
I strategically place corals based on their light and flow requirements. Corals that prefer high light, like most SPS, are positioned higher in the tank, while others that thrive in lower light are placed accordingly to ensure their health and growth.