Stunning 35-Gallon Reef Tank by Brandon McHenry | Reef2Reef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 35 Gallons / 132 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
24.0" ×
15.0" ×
17.0"
61.0cm ×
38.0cm ×
43.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Tropic Marin
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create the right water circulation in my reef tank?
To achieve optimal water circulation, set your powerheads to create alternating flow patterns. Position them opposite each other while staggering their heights. This allows you to create chaotic flow that mimics natural ocean conditions without directly blasting your corals. Regularly adjust flow intensity as your corals grow to ensure they are receiving adequate movement.
What is my maintenance routine for a reef tank?
Daily tasks include cleaning the glass, checking temperature, testing alkalinity, feeding fish, and inspecting your tank. Weekly maintenance should consist of testing calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, potassium, nitrate, phosphate, and salinity, cleaning the skimmer, scraping the back wall, performing a 5-gallon water change, and vacuuming the sandbed. Each as-needed task like remaking kalkwasser and cleaning powerheads should also be scheduled regularly.
What type of salt mix should I use for my reef tank?
Using Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt is recommended as it mixes well, contains important trace elements, and mimics near natural seawater (NSW) parameters, which are ideal for the health of your corals.
How do I properly feed my reef tank inhabitants?
It's crucial to provide a varied diet for your fish and corals. Feed fish multiple times a day with an auto feeder dispensing high-quality pellets. Additionally, offer a nightly broadcast of a frozen mix that includes mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, plankton, and coral foods. While corals do not typically require target feeding, they benefit from the nutrients in fish waste.
What are some key parameters to maintain in a reef tank?
Essential parameters to monitor include temperature (78-80°F), pH (8-8.3), salinity (35-36 ppt), and levels of calcium (420-440 ppm), alkalinity (7.3-7.5 dkh), magnesium (1350-1400 ppm), potassium (400 ppm), phosphate (0.03 ppm), and nitrate (0.2 ppm). Keeping these parameters stable is crucial for coral health.
How do I determine if my corals are healthy?
Healthy corals exhibit vibrant coloration, extended polyps, and noticeable growth patterns. Regularly check for issues like bleaching, closed polyps, or signs of disease. Ensure you maintain strong water flow and adequate lighting to promote healthy coral development.
What equipment is necessary for an effective reef tank?
Essential equipment includes a protein skimmer, active carbon filtration, an auto top-off system, high-quality lighting (such as a T5 fixture), and sufficient water circulation. Consider adding a mini refugium with macroalgae for enhanced filtration and nutrient export.
How important is water quality in a reef tank?
Water quality is crucial as it directly affects coral health and growth. Employ a mixed strategy of heavy feeding and effective nutrient export methods like protein skimming and regular water changes to maintain low levels of nitrates and phosphates.
What should I do if I encounter problems with my reef tank?
The first step is to identify the possible cause. Analyze any changes in routine or equipment malfunctions. Avoid making impulsive decisions; instead, gather information from online resources or forums. Once you understand the problem, create a controlled plan to address it, which may involve slow adjustments to your parameters or practices.
How do I handle a dinoflagellate outbreak?
To combat dinoflagellates, enhancing biodiversity in your tank is key. Consider adding live rock, aquacultured specimens, and various copepod species. Increase feeding to support your fish population, which will contribute to a healthier ecosystem that can outcompete harmful algae.