Stunning 3-Gallon Reef Tank – Jon-Paul's TOTM | NanoReef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 3 Gallons / 11 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
11.8" ×
8.9" ×
8.1"
30.0cm ×
22.6cm ×
20.6cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Red Sea
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maintenance routine for Jon-Paul's reef tank?
Jon-Paul performs a 100% water change approximately every 2 weeks to replenish nutrients that corals consume. In the past, he did 75% water changes but now feels confident that his tank is stable enough for complete changes.
How does Jon-Paul handle algae in his tank?
When algae becomes excessive, Jon-Paul makes a fresh batch of saltwater in a five-gallon bucket and carefully removes the entire rock structure (which is glued together) to scrape the tank with a razor blade for cleaning.
How does Jon-Paul feed his corals?
Jon-Paul typically feeds his corals every week or every other week, using Polyp Lab's Polyp Booster during feeding. He prepares a mix of frozen mysis shrimp, Polyp Lab's Reef-Roids, and Fauna Marin LPS Pellets, applying the mixture with spot feeding techniques.
How often does Jon-Paul test the water parameters?
Jon-Paul does not test his water parameters very often, relying on visual cues from his corals. He focuses on keeping the salinity at 1.024 and uses Red Sea Coral Pro Salt, which helps maintain calcium and dKH levels.
What type of filtration system does Jon-Paul use in his tank?
Jon-Paul utilizes the stock Picotope 40GPH filter that came with his aquarium and uses inTank Double Sided Filter Floss as filter media.
What lighting does Jon-Paul use for his reef tank?
He uses an AI Prime 16HD LED lighting system, enhanced with a custom 3D Reefing Diffuser to create a more even light distribution for his corals.
How does Jon-Paul manage temperature and water flow?
Jon-Paul uses a Cobalt Aquatics Flat Neo-Therm 25w heater to maintain the temperature and a Hydor Centrifugal Pump 160GPH for circulation, which he has adjusted based on the needs of his corals.
What types of corals does Jon-Paul have in his tank?
He has a variety of soft corals, LPS corals, and a single SPS coral. Notable species include Blue Mushrooms, various Zoanthids, Hammer Coral, and Sunset Montipora.
How does Jon-Paul ensure his corals have proper conditions for growth?
Jon-Paul aims to provide ideal conditions by controlling water chemistry, feeding sparingly, and observing coral health closely. He adjusts feeding routines based on coral response and tank conditions.
What precautions does Jon-Paul take to secure his corals?
Jon-Paul emphasizes the importance of using enough super glue to secure corals in place, as inverts like hermit crabs can easily dislodge them.