Reef Aquarium Setup

There are really no specific secrets to keeping a reef collection, but there are a few rules regarding lighting, filtration, and set-up. These aquariums aren't for everybody because they can be expensive to build-out, furnish, populate, and maintain. They're also time-consuming and there are different marine systems. So I encourage you to practice the less demanding set ups that we'll discuss and read some specialty books in this field before going too far.

The intensity and quality of light is a function of arranging a mix of full-spectrum fluorescent lamps and fixtures, in whatever output formats. As far as looks go, metal halides and other novel illumination can be considered to increase the system's brightness and human appreciation. Some organisms are near the surface while others are found in deeper waters so they would require more and less light. They need to placed accordingly so that they don't fade from lack of or too much light.

Your artificial filtration system needs to be vigorous and exacting in removal of excess materials and chemicals from the water. There are two different approaches or ways of readily accomplishing these ends. There is the extensive method and intensive method. In this "extensive" method, you would use natural lighting. Intensive technologies include variations of wet-dry trickle filters.

Reef organisms are simulated by strong flow, and water movement serves to diffuse and distribute oxygen and wastes. So no matter what type of water you use, no reef system should be denied the benefits of energetic water flow. You can even use extra or alternate fluid moving mechanisms not normally associated with filtration, but whatever you use, make it brisk.

An important part of reef systems are the use of calcareous rocks or sand, made up of mainly aragonite/calcium carbonate instead of sedimentary or siliceous. This performs critically important functions. It buffers the pH and balances the biological processes of the reef.

If you properly set up your reef system, it's the closest thing marine systems have to being maintenance-free. Keep attention to balancing the living and non-living components because they become homeostatic. Make sure you're spending a few to several hours a week to check the water's chemistry to adjust salinity, feed the livestock, and just check the whole system overall. It's fun and enjoyable, but many people that try it are unaware or don't like the time commitment.