Stunning 125-Gallon Reef Tank by Luis Gonzalez | Reef2Reef

full tank shot of: Stunning 125-Gallon Reef Tank by Luis Gonzalez | Reef2Reef
reef2reef 2011

Tank Specifications

Volume: 125 Gallons / 473 Liters

Dimensions (L × W × H):
72.0" × 18.0" × 22.0"
182.9cm × 45.7cm × 55.9cm

Equipment List

  • Salt: Coralife

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I set up my water circulation and flow in a reef tank?

For optimal water circulation and flow, consider using multiple lockline spraybars to create a uniform flow across the tank. Employ a closed-loop system to avoid powerheads and achieve a natural water movement. In this setup, my tank has three spraybars, one as a return from the sump and two connected to a closed loop powered by a pump for efficient circulation.

What are the best practices for performing water changes?

Perform regular water changes to maintain good water quality. In my case, I do a 32-gallon water change (25% of tank volume) monthly. Use a good quality salt mix like Coralife and prepare the new water 24 hours in advance by mixing and heating to the appropriate temperature and salinity. This ensures minimal stress to the tank inhabitants during the change.

How do I maintain optimal water parameters in my reef tank?

Monitor critical water parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, nitrate, calcium, alkalinity, and phosphate regularly. My tank parameters are typically: Temp at 80°F, pH 8.0-8.2, Specific Gravity at 1.025, with undetectable NO3 levels and Ca at 450 ppm. Use equipment like calcium reactors and automatic top-off systems to help maintain these levels automatically.

What type of filtration should I use for my reef tank?

A combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration is recommended. In my tank, I use a DIY acrylic sump with reactors for carbon and phosphate filtration, including a protein skimmer to remove organic waste. Adding Chaeto algae in the sump not only assists in nutrient uptake but also enhances water quality.

How do I set up a calcium reactor?

To set up a calcium reactor, connect it to your tank's water flow and fill it with ARM coarse media. Use a pH controller to manage CO2 dosing effectively, which will help maintain proper calcium levels. Regularly check calcium and alkalinity levels to adjust CO2 as needed.

What should I feed my fish in a reef tank?

Feed a varied diet to ensure your fish receive balanced nutrition. My routine includes feeding twice a day a mix of New Life Spectrum pellets, frozen brine shrimp, and green sea veggies. This diversity is crucial for maintaining the health of your fish and overall tank ecosystem.

How should I feed corals in a reef tank?

Corals benefit from target feeding once a week while the water pumps are off, using foods like Coral Frenzy mixed with water and shredded shrimp for LPS corals. Additionally, provide supplements such as Seachem Reef Plus and Marine Snow to enhance the nutritional content available to your corals.

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