Stunning 400-Gallon Reef Tank by jay_bro | Reef2Reef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 400 Gallons / 1514 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
96.0" ×
36.0" ×
28.0"
243.8cm ×
91.4cm ×
71.1cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Brightwell
Frequently Asked Questions
What salt mix do you use for your reef tank?
I use Brightwell Neomarine salt. I find that it mixes very cleanly, and I appreciate the quality it offers.
What type of rock did you start your aquarium with?
In my display tank, I used bleached live rock that was cemented with Emarco 400 dry. Also, I have established live rock, aged 15-20 years, in my sump.
What substrate do you use in your reef tank?
I use a mixture of crushed coral and special grade Carib Sea sand, which helps to provide a diverse environment for both fish and coral.
How do you maintain water quality in your reef tank?
I perform weekly 5% water changes, which equates to about 35 gallons, to help maintain water quality. Additionally, I use a UV sterilizer to enhance water clarity.
What are your typical water parameters for your reef tank?
I aim for the following parameters: Temperature: 78-79°F, pH: 8.2-8.5, Specific Gravity: 1.026, NO3: 5-8 ppm, Ca: 420-450 ppm, Alk: 8.3-9 dKH, Mg: 1450-1500 ppm, and PO4: 0.02-0.06.
How do you manage dosing for calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium?
I use ESV B-Ionic for dosing calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium, with a Kamoer 4-head doser to handle around 300-320 ml of each part per day. I keep an eye on the levels and adjust as necessary.
Are you dosing anything else for reef health?
Yes, I dose vodka and nitrates. While it might seem counterproductive, I find it essential to keep phosphates in check and maintain a balance since my corals can strip the nitrates.
What is your maintenance routine for your reef tank?
On a daily basis, I inspect equipment and fish, clean quarantine tanks, test for copper, clean the glass, and feed the fish. Weekly, I manually test for alk, cal, mag, nitrate, and phosphorus, frag any corals that are fighting, and empty the skimmer cup.
How do you decide what fish and coral to keep in your tank?
I primarily consider the flow and aquascape when choosing fish and coral for my tank to ensure they coexist well and thrive in their environment.
What do you feed your aquarium inhabitants?
I provide a mixture of frozen foods, flake, nori, and pellets along with reef nutrition ROE for a balanced diet for both fish and corals.
What are some of your stocking regrets?
I regret keeping a Moorish idol, as it destroyed chalices and acroporas after about 1.5 years, proving to be quite problematic.
What challenges have you faced with your tank, and how did you overcome them?
Currently, I am battling dinoflagellates. I've adjusted my strategy by heavily feeding and dosing nitrates and vodka to maintain balance and encourage cyano to combat the amphidinium.
What advice do you have for overcoming setbacks in the reef tank hobby?
I always remind myself to carry on and not dwell on losses, as they can provide valuable lessons. Understanding that changes take time to reflect in the tank helps in managing expectations.