Stunning 65-Gallon Reef Tank by Chrissy Gilbert | Reef2Reef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 65 Gallons / 246 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
38.0" ×
21.0" ×
26.0"
96.5cm ×
53.3cm ×
66.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Red Sea
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the water in my reef tank?
You should change about 25-20 gallons of water weekly to help lower nitrates and replace trace elements. This ensures a stable and healthy environment for your corals and fish.
What type of salt should I use for water changes?
Use Red Sea Coral Pro salt or a high-quality reef salt mix that contains essential trace elements necessary for coral growth and overall tank health.
How do I manually top off my tank?
You should manually add RO/DI water to top off your tank every day as needed. This compensates for evaporation and helps maintain the water level, which is important for keeping stable water parameters.
How often should I feed my fish and corals?
Feed your fish once a day, using a mix of frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, plankton, and sometimes flake or pellet foods. The corals will generally catch leftovers from the fish feeding, so special spot feeding is typically unnecessary. However, it's recommended to feed your Anemone silversides every few days.
What foods should I offer my corals?
While corals can capture leftover food from fish, you can supplement their diet with special coral foods or methods like spot feeding with phytoplankton or coral-specific feeds to enhance their growth.
How do I set up the filtration system in my tank?
Your filtration system should include a protein skimmer, a media rack with activated carbon and Chemipure, and fine filter floss for mechanical filtration. Make sure to replace the media and clean the skimmer regularly to maintain optimal water quality.
How should I position return pumps for optimal circulation?
Place the return nozzles from your pumps pointed towards the middle and slightly upward to break the water surface and produce a wave effect. Additionally, adding a powerhead can help further eliminate dead spots in the tank.
What are the ideal water parameters for my reef tank?
Maintain a temperature around 77-79°F, salinity at 1.025, pH between 8.0-8.2, ammonia at 0, nitrite at 0, nitrate ideally below 15, and phosphates at 0. For calcium, keep it around 460 ppm, alkalinity at 8 dKH, and magnesium at 1360 ppm.
How can I support the growth of my corals?
Ensure stable water parameters, provide adequate lighting with T5HO bulbs, and perform regular water changes. Manually dose calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium as needed to support coral health.
What types of corals can I keep in a mixed reef aquarium?
You can keep a variety of corals in a mixed reef, including SPS (small polyp stony), LPS (large polyp stony), soft corals, and gorgonians, as long as the tank conditions support their specific needs.