Setting up a reef
Setting up a reef aquarium at home is an exciting project, but it requires planning, investment, and regular maintenance. Here are the essential elements you need:
1. Tank (Aquarium)
- Recommended size: At least 100 liters (the larger, the more stable the ecosystem).
- Material: Glass or acrylic
- Live rock or dry rock (acts as biological filtration).
- Protein skimmer (removes organic waste and improves water quality).
- Circulation pump (simulates natural reef water movement).
- Sump (optional) for enhanced filtration and to hide equipment.
- Reef-specific LED lights (provide the right spectrum for coral growth).
- Timer to regulate light/day cycles.
- High-quality marine salt and a refractometer to measure salinity (ideal: 1.023-1.026 SG).
- Reverse osmosis (RO/DI) system for pure, contaminant-free water.
- Water test kits: pH, KH, calcium, magnesium, nitrates, phosphates, ammonia.
- Heater and thermometer (keep between 24-26°C / 75-79°F).
- Soft corals or LPS/SPS corals (depending on experience).
- Compatible fish: clownfish, gobies, damselfish, etc.
- Useful invertebrates: shrimp, snails, hermit crabs.
- Weekly water changes (10-20%) using RO/DI water and marine salt.
- Cleaning the skimmer and glass panels to prevent algae buildup.
- Monitoring water parameters and correcting imbalances.