Trends in ReefKeeping.

Rendos

Rendos

New member
I have been keeping reef tanks for quite a while...since 1994. I have seen a lot of trends, and while I enjoy the ideas and how creative people are with their approaches to the hobby, I do not like that people sometimes ignore the basic fundamentals.
In my opinion, there are a few things that make reef keeping successful.

Proper filtration (mechanical, chemical, and biological) for excess nutrient removal
Proper lighting (MH, T5, PC, LED, VHO)
Proper supplements (calcium, alkalinity, magnesium)
Proper flow (through closed loops, internal flow pumps)
Proper maintenance (water changes, filter media replacements/cleaning)

Now there are lots of approaches that work, but I think the above things are essential no matter what your approach is.
So if you want to try BioPellets, or dose Vodka...or if you want a giant skimmer, or go natural with a refugium...whether you use a deep sand bed, plenum, or go barebottom...use the approach that best suits you. Just remember that no one part of any system makes or breaks the amount of success you will have. Rather, each piece of the puzzle is equally as important as the next, and if you are having problems, figure out which part is not working, and remedy it.

Happy Reefing!
 
I remember setting up my first saltwater tank in 1984,it has come along way.Back then they didn't sell live rock,just dead coral skeletons and crushed coral for substrate.This hobby is always changing,but I like to keep it as simple as possiable.
 
What trends do you remember that fell by the wayside...
I remember when plenums were the most awesome thing...get rid of nitrates and reduce water changes...what could be better?

Maxi-Jet mods...very cool idea, but better technology exists for about the same price.
 
Rendos said:
Just remember that no one part of any system makes or breaks the amount of success you will have. Rather, each piece of the puzzle is equally as important as the next, and if you are having problems, figure out which part is not working, and remedy it.

Happy Reefing!
Click to expand...
I totally agree, but figuring which part can be rather difficult at times.
 
Rendos said:
What trends do you remember that fell by the wayside...
I remember when plenums were the most awesome thing...get rid of nitrates and reduce water changes...what could be better?

Maxi-Jet mods...very cool idea, but better technology exists for about the same price.
Click to expand...

ha I remember the plenums. I never did like that concept, seemed to be a copy of the plastic underground filter in freshwater tanks, why would you want all that crud trapped in your tank like that?

I still stick by the old tried and true ways I started with back in the 90's but having better equipment has made life easier for sure. I think the part I have changed the most is the dosing and the different ways I have administered them.
 
In 1992, my first full Salt water tank was an evolution of an acrylic 55-gallon brackish tank I kept to support my Monodactylus argenteus, which thrived in the heavier SW.

Brackish water has a specific gravity between 1.006 and 1.015., while SW reef tanks specific gravity range 1.023 to 1.025



Over the years, the only trend that I've noticed is:
I still dose Vodka.
:dance:

Then later on.... I work on the tank.
 
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