Reef Tank Supply

Reef Tank Supply and Properly Keeping Reef Tanks

As interest in ecology and the natural world is coming more into the spotlight the reef tank has been gaining popularity.  These aquariums, which contain only a few fish as well as live rocks and invertebrates such as corals, are self contained ecological systems in which maintaining the natural balance is key.  Such tanks require a commitment from their keepers, but pay off dividends in the ongoing enjoyment of watching the aquarium and its inhabitants continue to evolve and grow over time. 

What Is Different About Reef Tanks?

Reef tanks are focused on the natural habitat of a reef, all of the life forms and not only fish.  Fish are present, but there is less focus on them and more on the entire environment.  There is an ecological balance which must be maintained between the invertebrates such as corals, sea urchins, anemones, and starfish, and other things such as the fish, water and even light.  Everything must be balanced or the whole system can die. 

The anchoring piece of such a habitat is the “live rock” which is naturally occurring rock that has either broken or fallen off of a reef.  The part that lives is the many different organisms like bacteria and different forms of algae.  This rock acts as the biological filter in the tank and helps to maintain a healthy environment.

What Kind of Equipment is needed?

Besides the tank itself, there are many pieces of equipment which go into building a reef at home.  These go beyond what is generally used for salt water aquariums.  Some of these are lighting, sump pumps and protein skimmers.

Invertebrates require constantly circulating water, mimicking the way the ocean itself moves.  Without this movement, the water becomes stale and the invertebrates will die.  Pumps keep the water moving and fresh for the sea creatures living in the tank. 

Lighting is very important in this kind of environment because the invertebrates living in the reef require light to live and grow.  Without proper light, the reef and its inhabitants will die.  Lighting choices should be made while keeping in mind the size and depth of the tank as well as the type of invertebrates which will inhabit the reef.

 Protein skimmers are part of the filtration system of the tank.  The skimmer removes organic compounds from the water by creating bubbles on the top of the water which trap the dissolved organic compounds.  The foam is skimmed off the top of the water and the compounds are removed so that they are not able to circulate through the tank. 

It takes time and effort to set up and maintain reef tanks, but many people enjoy the challenge of keeping a reef.  With a growing community of reef keepers online, the number of resources available is increasing exponentially.  From questions about equipment to information about lighting or invertebrates or sources of equipment, a new reef keeper does not need to enter the scene blindly.  Rather they can gain help from all over the world, and when their tank is up and running, they can share their success by posting photos or even video online and encourage others to start their own reefs.   Post your photos and comments about your Reef  Tank on Reef  Tank Supply…