Volume: 75 Gallons / 283 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
48.0" ×
20.0" ×
20.0"
121.9cm ×
50.8cm ×
50.8cm
Begin with a clean tank and ensure it's free from any contaminants. Use high-quality RO/DI water to fill your tank. Add live rock to provide biological filtration, ensuring it's adequately placed to allow for water flow and support for corals. Install a protein skimmer to manage organic waste, and consider a sump for additional filtration. Monitor water parameters as you cycle the tank, and don’t rush the stocking process.
Essential equipment includes a protein skimmer, return pump, water circulation pumps, good lighting (LEDs are popular), a heater, a sump (if possible), an auto top-off (ATO) system, and a water filtration system (RO/DI). As your tank matures, you might also want to invest in dosing pumps and a reliable testing kit for monitoring water parameters.
Initially, test water parameters weekly to monitor ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, pH, phosphate, and specific gravity until your tank is stable. After stabilization, you can reduce the frequency to bi-weekly or monthly, focusing on key parameters like calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium during routine maintenance.
While specifics can vary, generally aim for the following: Temperature: 75-80°F, pH: 8.1-8.4, Specific Gravity: 1.025-1.027, Calcium: 400-450 ppm, Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH, Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm. Check parameters regularly to maintain a healthy environment for corals and inhabitants.
Fish in a reef tank should be fed a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet. Offer frozen foods like mysis, marine cuisine, and algae, supplementing them with pellets or freeze-dried options. Coral can often be sustained through the water column if fish are well-fed, but if using coral foods, ensure they're high quality, and avoid overfeeding.
For coral health, ensure stable water parameters and proper lighting. Regularly monitor calcium and alkalinity, as these are critical for coral growth. Provide adequate flow without disturbing LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals while promoting turbulent flows for SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals. Observe for pests and regularly remove any detritus that may accumulate.
A typical maintenance routine includes regular water testing, performing water changes (15 gallons every 2-4 weeks), cleaning the protein skimmer, replacing filter media as necessary, and visually inspecting equipment and inhabitants. Regular siphoning of detritus, if needed, will also help maintain water clarity and quality.
Control nutrient levels by managing feeding and maintaining good skimming. Regular water changes help dilute nutrients. Ensure proper flow and lighting to avoid algae blooms, and consider adding algae-eating species like snails or certain fish to keep algae in check. Regularly inspect and clean rocks to remove excess algae.