Stunning 180-Gallon Reef Tank by John Nguyen | ReefKeeping
Tank Specifications
Volume: 180 Gallons / 681 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
72.0" ×
24.0" ×
24.0"
182.9cm ×
61.0cm ×
61.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Instant Ocean
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my fish?
Fish should be fed every two to three days. It's important to not overfeed, as excess food can harm water quality.
What regular maintenance tasks should I perform?
Perform the following maintenance tasks regularly: clean the glass viewing panel once a week, clean skimmer cups and chambers once a week, and do a water change of 35 gallons every three weeks.
How should I add supplements like iodine and phytoplankton?
Iodine should be added weekly to maintain proper levels, and DT's phytoplankton can be added three times a week to support the health of your corals.
What are the ideal water parameters for my reef tank?
Aim for the following water parameters: pH between 8.10 and 8.3, undetectable levels of nitrite, ammonia, phosphate, and nitrate, calcium around 430ppm, alkalinity of 12dKH, specific gravity of 1.024, and a temperature range of 79º - 81º.
How do I maintain calcium levels in my reef tank?
You can maintain calcium levels using a K2R calcium reactor filled with CaribSea ARM media. CO2 is supplied from a bottle that typically lasts six months between refills.
What is the ideal lighting setup for a reef tank?
The main tank should have a combination of metal halides for optimal coral growth. For example, use 3 x 400-watt 20K radium and 3 x 175-watt 10K metal halides combined. Set the total photoperiod to 12 hours, with specific timings for each type of light.
How do I choose the right light spectrum for coral growth?
Finding the right balance involves trying different combinations. A mix that works well is using several 20K bulbs for blue coloration along with 10K bulbs to balance the yellow tint.
How should I set up the plumbing and filtration system for my tank?
The sump system should be located away from the display tank, with water turnover managed by a MAG 12 pump for about 800gph turnover. A biological filtration setup should include approximately 250lbs of live rock and utilize a protein skimmer powered by a separate pump.
What is the importance of water circulation in a reef tank, and how can I achieve it?
Water circulation is crucial for distributing nutrients and oxygen. Use multiple pumps such as eight Maxijet 1200's on an Ocean Motion wavemaker in addition to corner overflows to enhance circulation beyond 800 gph.