Lets
talk about what you need to keep your reef tank happy and healthy
for a long time. All to often in the saltwater hobby you will be bombarded
by "experts" who tell you to add this or add that but what
do you really need? I mean what are the pieces of equipment and additives
that you have to have in order to have better success and less trouble
with your new reef tank? To start there is lighting, and what you
need is dependant upon what you are keeping and what size tank you
are keeping it in.
A fish only tank will require no special lighting at all, it's up
to the hobbyist to determine based on color preference. A reef tank
with coral however is a different matter all together. Remember not
all coral are created equally and therefore have different light and
water flow needs. Lighting and water flow on a SPS tank will be far
different from lighting on a soft coral system. It comes down to a
basic high and low system for water flow and lighting. If you are
keeping SPS your going to want a high flow system with heavy skimming.
If your going with a soft coral system, depending on tank depth you
might get by with a bit less lighting and flow. Always try to create
the specific flow and light needs of your particular coral. If you
do this you will insure it's health and longevity for many years to
come.
Skimmers
After
lighting and flow the next most valuable piece of equipment to any
reef keeper is a good skimmer. All to often this is the one area a
lot of new hobbyists neglect. A good skimmer is essential for continued
health of both a reef and fish only with live rock (FOWLR) system.
The size of the skimmer should be proportional to the tank size and
over all bio load. In other words the bigger the tank and the more
fish and coral the bigger your skimmer will need to be. Until recently
the general hobbyist skimmer market was full of skimmers that just
were not suited for any serious long term use. Now there are affordable
solutions to all your skimming needs no matter the tank size. For
long term success we recommend a skimmer rated for at least 2 X your
tank size at least, with skimmers bigger is usually better.
No matter which brand you decide on, remember to regularly clean your
skimmer, a dirty skimmer will not produce skimate no matter what name
is on its side. Always check the skimmers venturi air line supply
if it has one, these can clog and reduce skimming effectiveness. Also
make a point to remove the pump from time to time and clean it in
a solution of vinegar and water, this will get rid of any calcium
deposits that may be blocking the pumps intake and will give your
skimmer many years of continued service.
The Reef Specialists
At
Specialty Pets we know reefs, we know a lot of other things to. We
know you are looking for the best deals you can find. That's why we
are competitive toward any of the big online stores. You will also
be able to see some of this equipment for yourself and get a demonstration
before you make any decisions on purchasing. Specialty Pets is run
by people who are hobbyists and have decades of experience with marine
tanks and reef set ups. You can rest assured you will receive the
best possible information and support from us. We are in the business
of creating new hobbyists. Bulk and special orders are always welcome,
call for details.
Ready for Serious Flow?
If
you want real flow in your reef tank, and why wouldn't you? In our
opinion there is no better way than using a Vortech MP system. Or
a TUNZE power head. The Vortechs can generate massive amounts of chaotic
wave action and with smaller models available, can be used on tanks
as small as 10 gallons! TUNZE is German made for precision and long
term service. Powerheads by Tunze can generate flow from a few hundred
gph all the way up to a staggering 7,925 gph boasted by the Turbelle
6305. If you have need of serious flow in your reef tank, give us
a call. We are the area only "Authorized Tunze dealer" so
drop by and let us see what we can do for you.