Stunning 185-Gallon Reef Tank by Jack Ravensbergen | Reef2Reef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 185 Gallons / 700 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
41.3" ×
31.5" ×
31.5"
105.0cm ×
80.0cm ×
80.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Instant Ocean
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your daily maintenance routine for the reef tank?
Daily maintenance includes feeding the fish, cleaning the glass, checking the RO water, monitoring the skimmer, checking the temperature, and enjoying the beauty of the tank.
How often should I clean the skimmer?
The skimmer should be cleaned weekly to ensure it functions well and maintains water quality.
What is your monthly maintenance routine?
Monthly maintenance involves cleaning the sandbed and performing a 10% water change, although sometimes this is done every two weeks depending on the needs of the tank.
What are the ideal water parameters you maintain in your tank?
The ideal water parameters include: - Temperature: 78-80°F - pH: 8.2-8.4 - Salinity: 34-35 ppm - NO3: 5 - Calcium (Ca): 420-430 ppm - Alkalinity (Alk): 8.5-8.8 dkh - Magnesium (Mg): 1400 ppm - Phosphate (PO4): 0.06 ppm Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0.
How often should I test my water parameters?
It is recommended to test your main parameters (Ca, Alk, Mg, PO4, NO3) once or twice a week, and conduct an ICP test every three months to monitor trace elements.
What method do you use for dosing calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium?
I use the ATI Pro Essentials two-bottle system for dosing calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium with 2 Kamoer pumps. This method has worked very well for me.
What do you aim for with dosing the big three?
The aim is to keep alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium at levels higher than natural seawater, which in turn allows for some higher NO3 and PO4 levels.
What do you feed your fish and corals?
Daily feeding includes copecoden, mysis shrimp, lobster eggs, and sushi leaves. This varied diet helps maintain the health and vibrancy of my fish and corals.
Do you have any special notes on feeding corals or inverts?
Feeding strategies can vary broadly depending on the species. For corals, it's essential to provide rich food sources that are appropriate for their specific needs, considering that some may also benefit from light and nutrient sources in the water.
What is your biggest stocking regret?
My biggest regret has been with the blue tang. While I bought it small, it grew significantly and has become quite large. It's important to consider the full-grown size of fish when stocking your tank.
Are there any types of fish or corals you recommend avoiding?
I would avoid keeping special gorgonians, dendranthema, or angel fish, as they can be challenging to maintain in a reef tank setting.