Stunning 75-Gallon Reef Tank by Chuck Fiterman | ReefKeeping
Tank Specifications
Volume: 75 Gallons / 284 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
48.0" ×
20.0" ×
18.0"
121.9cm ×
50.8cm ×
45.7cm
Equipment List
- Salt: CaribSea
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of lighting is best for a coral-dominated reef tank?
For a light-loving SPS and clam-dominated tank, a combination of Metal Halides and VHO actinics is highly effective. My setup uses two 250 watt metal halide 10,000K bulbs paired with 330 watts of URI VHO actinics. Experimenting with various lighting schemes led me to this configuration, which provided tremendous growth and vibrant coloration in my SPS corals.
How do I set an effective lighting schedule for my reef tank?
I run a lighting schedule that mimics natural light conditions. My refugium lights are on from 9:00 am, VHO actinics start at 9:00 am, the first metal halide turns on at 10:00 am, the second at 10:30 am. Metal halide lights start to turn off at 8:30 pm, and the actinics are off by 10:00 pm. The refugium is turned off at 2:00 am. This schedule promotes coral growth and maintains water quality.
What type of filtration setup is recommended for a reef tank?
A deep sand bed and live rock are effective for natural filtration. My tank uses a 4 to 6 inch deep sand bed of aragonite sand and about 120 lbs of live rock, which helps maintain water quality without the need for mechanical filtration. I only occasionally use carbon in the sump.
What are the ideal water parameters for an SPS reef tank?
For a thriving SPS reef tank, aim for Calcium around 425 ppm, Alkalinity at 11 dKH, pH between 7.8 and 8.1, Temperature at 80-82°F, Magnesium around 1200 ppm, with Phosphates, Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates undetectable. Maintaining a Specific Gravity of about 1.026 is also crucial.
How often should I perform water changes for my reef tank?
I perform small water changes of 5 to 10 percent once a month. This routine helps replenish trace elements and maintain water quality.
What is the maintenance routine for my algae and debris?
The acrylic front and sides of the tank are cleaned twice a week using an acrylic pad or a magnet. The skimmer collection cup is cleaned every two weeks to ensure efficient operation.
How can I automate my reef tank to reduce maintenance?
Consider using a Neptune Systems Aquacontroller to manage various parameters like temperature, pH, and ORP. This system allows for programming of lighting cycles and can control fans, heater, and cooler based on temperature, significantly reducing daily maintenance tasks.
What options are available for maintaining water levels due to evaporation?
An auto top-off system is highly recommended, which can be as simple as a NURCE unit. It can be filled with reverse osmosis water to maintain stable water levels automatically, eliminating the need for manual top-offs.
What is an appropriate feeding schedule for a reef tank?
I feed my tank once a day, using a mix of frozen foods like Mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, along with occasional flake food. Corals and clams are fed with DT's Phytoplankton weekly to promote growth and health.
How should I select compatible fish for a reef tank?
When introducing new fish, ensure they are compatible with your existing species. I only add fish that can coexist peacefully with my primary residents, such as Ocellaris clownfish, to maintain a harmonious tank environment.