A mixed reef ecosystem in a quarter-cylinder display. Meet the residents, learn about the system, and get all the info you need if you're tank-sitting.
This tank runs a cryptic refugium concept rather than a traditional macroalgae refugium. The 3-chamber sump includes: an intake with mechanical filtration, a sand/rubble zone that hosts the watchman goby and supports pods and worms, and a dark calm chamber packed with live rock where pineapple sponges and tunicates thrive as natural water polishers.
Philosophy: Stability over chasing numbers. The sump is viewed not just as filtration but as a cryptic ecosystem supporting sponges, worms, copepods, and even "undesirables" like aiptasia as natural filter feeders. Biodiversity is encouraged rather than eliminated.
Dosing: All-For-Reef (half-strength, ~30-40mL/day) for balanced calcium, alkalinity, and trace elements. Red Sea Reef Energy AB+ 2-3 times weekly for coral nutrition. Water changes with Instant Ocean Reef Crystals. The Apex Jr + PM2 monitors salinity, temperature, and controls the ATO system.
If anything looks wrong, text me a photo immediately.
The tank's personality. Curious, intelligent, and always begging for food. Transitioned to full saltwater. Fed frozen shrimp and hard-shelled foods (snails, clams) to wear down constantly-growing teeth.
The bright yellow showpiece. Active swimmer, great algae grazer. Loves nori sheets clipped to the glass.
The classic reef fish. They've claimed the leather coral as their host and defend it vigorously. The larger one is the female.
The pest controller. Brought in specifically to eat aiptasia anemones. Shy but effective at its job.
Brilliant purple color. Territorial and curious but harmless so far. Stays mostly in the rockwork. A great pest eater - helps control bristleworms.
Peaceful and active swimmer. Has venomous fangs for defense but never bothers tankmates. Perches on rocks and watches the world go by.
Tiny and adorable. Lives in the branching corals. Hard to spot sometimes due to size.
Resides in the sump sandbed cave system, completely self-sustaining. Great sand-sifter that helps maintain the cryptic refugium zone.
No tank updates yet. Check back for maintenance logs, new additions, and tank adventures.
