This aquarium has come to fruition from continuous learning and growing.

Like reefers, we tend to upgrade to a larger or different system very quickly. I have kept many different systems over the years ranging from 90 gallons to 8 gallons. This system will by my last significant upgrade until home ownership. This system will teach me patience and allow me to appreciate growth even more.

Some of the specimens in this aquarium were from previous systems dating all the way back to my second system about 8 years ago.

Welcome!

To me, filtration is one of the most important aspects in this hobby. I have a refugium with macro algae and a large population of microfauna. I do not currently use any reactors, just a simple bag with GAC and a tiny amount of GFO.

A protein skimmer is the one piece of equipment I could not live without and is one of the most important pieces of equipment on my reef.

The second chamber is where I run a red LED bulb for 14 hours opposite of the display.

The third chamber is where I have my ATO, heaters and return pump.

I feel I have found the right balance of a scheduled feeding regiment in conjunction with my refugium and maintenance to effectively balance nutrients in my system.

I ultimately chose the EcoTech Radion for 2 reasons.

1. The LEDs give me energy efficiency and long term reliability without wasteful bulbs. The lifespan of the fixture can not be beaten.

2. Light spectrum and intensity control.

I am currently using two EcoTech Vortech MP10s to provide my flow in my display. Since mid 2014 I have been using a combination of Reef Crest and Lagoon mode. I alternate modes a few times a week to change the current. I feel that this simulates a natural environment with the current changing direction.

For my return line I chose a 700gph return. This rate is ideal for my needs. My total water volume is close to 65 gallons, and with head pressure of the return pump the system is turned over about 10.7 times per hour.

I believe in simplicity and dosing only what is needed for a stable environment. I do not believe in tossing tons of chemicals and unnecessary additives into the system. If you can't explain what affect it will have on the entirety of the system then I don't think you should put it in the reef.

I dose alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, trace elements, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and other various small foods. That's it.

Daily
Clean glass
Dose alkalinity and calcium
Dose additives

Weekly
Clean skimmer
Rotate chaetomorpha
5 gallon water change using HWMarine salt
Siphon out 1st chamber of sump during water change

Monthly
Clean return pump
Clean MP10s
Recalibrate Radion

When designing this aquarium, I wanted it to be as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. I didn't want to have anything in my system that was taken from a natural reef, unless sustainably caught.

I wanted the aquarium to be minimalistic and easy to operate and maintain. My goal was to have this system run as efficiently as possible so I can spend less time working on it and more time enjoying it. It also makes it much easier for tank babysitters.

Most of my equipment is low wattage and was chosen very carefully for efficiency and long term reliability.