Stunning 530-Gallon Reef Tank by Alex Costa | Reef2Reef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 530 Gallons / 2000 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
70.9" ×
59.1" ×
27.6"
180.0cm ×
150.0cm ×
70.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Aquaforest
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your daily maintenance routine for the tank?
Daily maintenance includes feeding the fish, feeding corals, and dosing bacteria and a carbon source. I also take some time to simply enjoy the tank.
What kind of water changes do you perform?
I perform weekly water changes of about 5% of the total tank volume, which is 100 liters. This consistent routine has been very beneficial for the overall health of the tank.
How do you manage your tank's parameters?
I test alkalinity weekly and calcium/magnesium monthly. Keeping these parameters stable is essential, and I use a calcium reactor to maintain balanced levels.
What is your strategy for nutrient export from the tank?
I employ a high import/high export strategy through a combination of a high-capacity skimmer, dual media reactors with GFO and carbon, daily bacteria dosing, and consistent water changes.
What do you typically feed your fish?
I feed my fish three to five times a day depending on the day. I use a mix of flake food, pellet food, zooplankton, nori, and mysis. My go-to brand for dry food is Vittalis, which my fish respond to very well.
What types of food do you provide for your corals?
Currently, I use a variety of coral feeds including Aquaforest LPS Food, Zoafood, Rico Food, Power Food, and AF Growth Boost. I also supplement their diet with phytoplankton and zooplankton.
How do you control the water temperature in your tank?
I have two 500W and one 800W Finnex titanium heaters for heating, and I use two large coolers along with a 3/4HP chiller to cool the tank if the temperature exceeds 27°C (80.6°F).
What type of water circulation do you maintain?
I aim for strong water flow in the tank, achieving a turnover rate of 40 to 70 times per hour. This helps maintain health for both fish and corals and aids in exporting organic matter.
What type of lighting setup do you use?
For the display tank, I use a combination of Radion and Aqua Illumination fixtures providing around 14 hours of light daily with a gradient of intensity throughout the day for optimal coral growth.
What is your approach to aquascaping?
I focus on achieving a balance between positive and negative space while avoiding overcrowding. I designed two islands to create depth and visual interest, utilizing the natural growth of corals to fill in these spaces over time.
How do you create depth or beauty in an aquascape?
Creating good lines and maintaining balance is crucial for an appealing layout. I strategically position rocks and corals to ensure there is a nice flow and connection between different elements.