Stunning 17-Gallon Reef Tank – East1's TOTM | NanoReef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 17 Gallons / 64 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
24.0" ×
12.0" ×
14.0"
60.0cm ×
30.0cm ×
36.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Aquaforest
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your weekly maintenance routine for the reef tank?
My weekly maintenance routine includes filling up the automatic top-off (ATO) reservoir, checking on the dosing containers, cleaning the skimmer cup, and refilling the nitrate and carbon dosing systems. I prioritize stability and utilize automated systems to minimize disturbances.
How do you maintain water quality in your reef tank?
I maintain water quality by keeping a stable and undisturbed environment. I utilize three large mangroves for natural filtration, a recirculating biopellet reactor, and I dose potassium nitrate and liquid carbon to manage nutrient levels.
How often do you test the water in your tank?
I have evolved my testing routine to once a month at best, analyzing the corals as a living indicator of water quality instead of focusing on numbers.
What specific coral types are in your tank, and how do you care for them?
My tank includes multiple types of corals like large Leather corals (Sinularia species), Menella sp. Gorgonian, and SPS corals such as Acropora. Care involves maintaining stable water parameters and feeding regularly to support growth.
How do you identify water quality issues based on coral health?
I observe several indicators: poor water quality impacts SPS corals first, shown by color loss or poor polyp extension. Leather corals indicate issues through sliming, drooping or lack of polyp extension.
What fish species do you keep in your reef tank, and what are their care requirements?
I keep Starckii damsels, Yellowbelly damsels, Fourstripe damsels, and a Sleeper banded goby. These species are relatively hardy but can face challenges like parasites, so maintaining a good quarantine routine is critical.
How do you feed the inhabitants of your reef tank?
I feed the tank a mix of products including Aquaforest Coral A, V, E, New Life Spectrum pellets, Polyplab Reef Roids, Nyos phytoplankton, Creatine Monohydrate, and Zeovit amino acids. I ensure a fine dusting of diatoms builds up on the glass every couple of days.
What lighting setup do you use for your reef tank?
I use 2 x Ecotech Radion lights running at 100% for 16 hours, consisting of an 11-hour cycle of 100% blues, 3 hours of all channels, and a 2-hour fade in/out.
How do you utilize water control in your tank?
I use a Marine Colour 3 channel dosing pump controlled by the Aquatronica system, which also manages my ATO and monitors pH, temperature, and water levels.