Volume: 47 Gallons / 177 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
30.0" ×
30.0" ×
12.0"
76.2cm ×
76.2cm ×
30.3cm
The ideal water parameters for a reef tank typically include: Salinity Level: 1.025, Temperature: 77-78°F, pH: 8.2, Calcium Level: 450 ppm, Alkalinity: 7 dKh, Potassium: 430 ppm, Ammonia: 0, Nitrite Levels: 0, Nitrate Levels: <0.2 ppm, Phosphate: <0.00 ppm. Regular monitoring of these parameters is crucial for the health of your reef.
For effective maintenance, I manually dose two-part calcium and alkaline buffer daily. I also add 1 tsp of Magnesium weekly, along with 2 capfuls of Purple-Up and a tsp of Potassium supplement. Regular water changes and an Auto Top Off (ATO) system help maintain stable parameters. Ideally, aim for around a 10-15% water change every 1-2 weeks.
To establish a ZeoVit ULNS, begin by dosing daily with 0.4 ml of ZEOStart and 3 drops of ZEObac. This system requires also feeding your corals and fish with high-quality foods, such as Spectrum pellets or PE Mysis shrimp. Weekly, add supplements like 1-2 drops of CoralAmino, 2 drops of ZeoFood7, 3-4 ml of Pohl's Xtra, and other specific nutrients as needed.
Dosing carbon sources like Vodka or Vinegar supplies food for bacteria, which thrive and rapidly consume nitrate and phosphate. This process retracts waste from the system, supporting overall nutrient management and promoting a healthy environment for corals and other inhabitants.
For a shallow reef tank, T5 lighting is highly recommended due to its efficiency and ability to support coral growth with excellent color rendition. An example from this tank includes the 8 x 24w ATI Powermodule T5 lighting system, providing sufficient intensity and spectrum for diverse coral types.
A good protein skimmer is essential for maintaining water clarity and removing organic waste. For a 47-gallon reef tank, a skimmer like the Vertex IN-100 is effective for removing dissolved organics, thereby improving water quality.
Always implement a quarantine (QT) routine for new fish. Observe them in the QT tank for at least 2-4 weeks to check for diseases like Ich. After confirmation of health, acclimate the fish slowly using the drip acclimation method before introducing them to the main tank. This ensures a smoother transition and reduces the risk of disease transmission.
When introducing new corals to your reef tank, always inspect them for pests or diseases. Dip them in a coral dip solution, which can help eliminate any potential threats. Start them off in a lower light area to help them acclimate before moving them to their desired spot in the tank.