Stunning 210-Gallon Reef Tank by Hu Haiwei | ReefKeeping
Tank Specifications
Volume: 210 Gallons / 794 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
80.0" ×
28.0" ×
28.0"
203.2cm ×
71.1cm ×
71.1cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Tropic Marin
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of lighting do you use for your reef aquarium?
I use a combination of three 400-watt XM 10K metal halide lamps, VHO Super Actinics, and a DIY LED system with 3-watt CREE bulbs (70% blue and 30% white). This setup offers excellent light penetration and coral growth.
What is your lighting schedule?
The VHO lights are on from 10:15 AM to 10:30 PM, the LEDs from 10:30 AM to 10:15 PM, and the metal halides from 1:15 PM to 9:30 PM. The refugium lighting is on from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
What type of skimmer are you using and why?
I currently use a Royal Exclusive Bubble King 300 internal skimmer. I upgraded from a Bubble-Magus 360 external skimmer to reduce the heat produced by the pump and to minimize noise.
How do you maintain water quality in your aquarium?
I maintain a few key water parameters using a simple sump design. I use a mechanical filter and reactants like KZ Biophos 2 for phosphate reduction and Seachem Purigen for organic waste. Regular water changes (about 20% every 10 days) help keep the water quality high.
What are the ideal water parameters for your reef tank?
My ideal water parameters are: Specific gravity: 1.025, pH: 8.3 - 8.6, Calcium: 420 ppm, Alkalinity: 8 - 10 dKH, Magnesium: 1300 ppm, Nitrate: undetectable, Phosphate: undetectable, Temperature: 78 - 80°F.
How often do you perform water changes and what salt mix do you use?
I change about 20% of the tank's water every 10 days using Instant Ocean salt.
What should I do to keep calcium and alkalinity levels stable in my reef tank?
I use a two-part dosing method with a GroTech TEC III NG dosing pump. It dispenses calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to maintain the levels. Additionally, I add magnesium chloride during water changes as needed.
How do you manage temperature during hot weather?
In summer, I use a 2HP chiller to maintain the water temperature between 78°F and 80°F. I also have four fans installed in the tank’s canopy and CPU fans on the LED heat sinks to assist with cooling.
What do you feed your fish and corals?
I feed my fish a mix of flakes and pellets once or twice a day, along with baby brine shrimp several times a day, particularly for the Anthias. For corals, I use various foods and additives including KZ Coral Vitalizer, Pohl's Sponge Power, and others, typically after the lights are out.
How do you manage feeding to prevent algae growth?
I monitor the nutrient levels in the water. If I notice an increase in algae due to high nutrients, I reduce the feeding of the corals.