Hardware
Cleaning Magnets
Aquarium cleaning magnets vary widely in quality and price. This section covers rare-earth magnet cleaners from budget options to premium Magnavore units, including tips for avoiding glass scratches and removing coralline algae.
Disaster Recovery
Power outages can be devastating for reef tanks. This section covers uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), battery-powered air pumps for emergency aeration, and DC/AC converters to keep critical equipment running during extended outages.
Electrical Controller Cabinet
A custom-built electrical cabinet organizes all reef tank controllers, power strips, and safety devices in one location. Features Neptune Systems AquaController Pro, Best Power UPS, GFCI-protected outlets, and Neptune Direct Connect switch boxes.
Filtration Methods
Multiple filtration methods keep reef tank water pristine. This section covers RO/DI water production, protein skimmers (ETS, EuroReef, dual Beckett injectors), chemical filtration with Phosban and RowaPhos, sand filtration, and converting raw seawater.
Lighting Systems
Lighting is critical for coral health and growth. This section covers the AquaSpace HQI metal halide system, DIY T5 hood construction, IceCap and PFO electronic ballasts, cooling solutions, and bulb comparisons including Iwasaki, Ushio, and Aqualine.
Propagation Tools
There are various tools that are handy for making frags and cuttings of corals. This page will help document some of the tools that I use.
Reactors
Reactors automate calcium and alkalinity dosing for reef tanks. This section covers the K2R and Korallin calcium reactors, Nilsen kalkwasser reactor, CO2 tank setup, needle valves, and pH meter integration.
Tank Room Intake Ventilation
I have been toying with the idea of installing a vent fan to suck in outside cooler air at night instead of using a dedicated room air condition to cool the tank room.
Water Movement
Proper water movement is essential for coral health and waste removal. This section covers Tunze, Vortech, Iwaki, and MaxiJet pumps, closed-loop plumbing, SeaSwirl wavemakers, Gemini powerheads, and SilentSurge modifications.
Won Pro II 250w Digital Heater
I've used many heaters over the years and 100% of them have eventually failed with a seal breaking, water getting into the heating element followed by the glass tube exploding.
