Volume: 100 Gallons / 378 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
72.0" ×
14.0" ×
14.0"
182.9cm ×
35.6cm ×
35.6cm
Cleaning the glass can be done once or twice a week, preferably with a soft sponge or scraper designed for aquariums to avoid scratching. Regular maintenance is essential to maintain visibility and prevent algae buildup.
I perform water changes amounting to about 20% five times a year. This infrequent regime works for my tank because of its stability and established ecosystem. Additionally, I collect a small portion of Natural Sea Water (NSW) in the summer to mix into the water changes.
I rarely test unless issues arise, relying on the years of stability in my tank. Regular maintenance includes adding driveway ice melter for calcium and Alkalinity every week, and based on my observations, my tank remains healthy without significant fluctuations.
My reverse undergravel filter system consists of several uplift tubes connected to a powerhead. Water is pumped slowly through these tubes down to the undergravel plates, allowing for efficient biological filtration with minimal maintenance.
The protein skimmer was built from 4" PVC and acrylic tubing, standing five feet tall with a homemade venturi system. It operates with two pumps and has an ozone injection setup that ensures effective filtration. It maintains a healthy environment by removing waste and organic materials.
The algae trough is designed to provide a space for algae to grow away from main corals, which helps in nutrient absorption and forms a habitat for water purifying organisms like tube worms. It also aids in maintaining water quality by filtering out harmful substances.
To keep my tank natural, I primarily feed live California blackworms and clams, supplemented with frozen mysis and live newborn brine shrimp hatched using a homemade hatchery. An automatic feeder dispenses sinking pellets soaked in fish oil for nighttime feeders.
I ensure that my fish receive live foods such as brine shrimp and blackworms, which are crucial for their health. A constant food supply encourages spawning behavior, particularly for sensitive species like mandarins.
I prioritize minimal intervention and allow natural processes to manage coral health. Occasionally, I perform light cleaning, and I ensure that the nitrate levels remain in a range conducive for growth, as observed by their ongoing health and reproduction.
I allow corals like montiporas to compete and adapt their growth patterns naturally. This morphogenesis is part of the natural behavior of corals in a reef environment, where competition drives diversity and resilience.