Volume: 145 Gallons / 549 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
24.8" ×
9.1" ×
9.4"
63.0cm ×
23.0cm ×
24.0cm
No equipment information available
Begin by preparing the site for the tank, ensuring it is level and sturdy. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the tank and stand. Once assembled, install the overflow and return lines as needed, then position your sump beneath the tank. Fill the tank with saltwater, ensuring to mix it properly with a hydrometer to reach a specific gravity of around 1.025.
For a reef tank, like the ELOS 160, using high-quality LED lights such as the Ecotech Marine Radion XR30 is recommended. These lights provide a wide spectrum necessary for coral growth. Set the lighting schedule to ramp up in the morning, peak in the afternoon at around 80%, and transition to a lower light level in the evening.
To maintain water quality, regularly monitor parameters such as temperature, pH, nitrates, and phosphates. Use a protein skimmer, biopellet reactor, and filter socks for filtration. A 10% water change every two to three weeks with quality salt can help maintain optimal conditions. Regularly adding bacterial supplements like ZEOBak can also enhance biological filtration.
A good filtration setup for a reef tank includes a combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. Use a protein skimmer for removing organic waste, a biopellet reactor to manage nutrients, and activated carbon for chemical filtration. Incorporate a filter sock for mechanical filtration to capture larger particulates.
Utilize powerheads, such as the Ecotech Marine MP40W, positioned strategically in the tank to create circular water motion. Set them to different modes throughout the day, like Reef Crest and Lagoon, to vary flow rates. Regularly assess the tank's coral growth to determine when to add more circulation.
Feed the tank inhabitants 3 to 5 times per day using a variety of foods, focusing on high-quality pellets, frozen foods, and sheet algae for herbivores. Tangs and anthias require more frequent feeding due to their high metabolism. Monitor the feeding habits of each species to ensure they are receiving sufficient nutrition without overfeeding.
Corals can be fed with specialized coral foods such as Reef Chili or other powdered additives. Consider broadcast feeding to nutrients directly into the water column a few times a week. It's beneficial to supplement with products like Coral Vitalizer to promote overall health and growth.
If nitrates are elevated, check your feeding regimen and reduce the amount of food. Increase the frequency of water changes and ensure your biopellet reactor is functioning well. Additionally, you can add more live rock or macroalgae to encourage biological filtration.
To manage algae growth, maintain strict water quality by keeping nitrates and phosphates low. Increase water circulation and ensure adequate light schedules to prevent excess growth. Introducing herbivorous tank mates like tangs can help control algae, along with regular manual removal.