What is a reef aquarium?? In general terms, this is an aquarium, in which live corals are grown. The corals, are generally divided into soft (such, after whose death no skeleton remains) and hard (which form a rigid skeleton, remaining even after their death), as well as photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic. Hard corals are divided into LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals and SPS (Small Polyped Stony) corals. In connection with this distribution, reef aquariums are also divided into such, with predominantly soft corals, with predominantly LPS corals and such, with predominantly SPS corals. That is right, due to different optimal conditions, which the different corals require. For example, the soft corals, as well as LPS corals feel good in more“dirty” water – rich in organic matter, with nitrate content around and above 20 ppm, phosphates 0,1 ppm, while for the SPS corals, such conditions are almost lethal. Really the most difficult, but they are also the most desired. With its rich variety, amazing colors and different shapes, they are the main target and challenge for reef aquarists.
Fragment of a reef aquarium with predominantly SPS corals, somewhere in the white states…
Which is really the hard part and why many people give up?
SPS corals are the main reason reefs exist – they build them. So that their breeding can be successful, it the conditions, that we need to create in such an aquarium, should closely resemble those in the reef – oxygen-rich environment, very high brightness, clean water of any kind of pollution, to the maximum extent similar to the ocean in composition and concentrations of the elements in it, strong current, suitable and mutually compatible inhabitants. In order to overcome these difficulties, technology comes to the rescue, technology and the knowledge and experience of professionals in the industry, as well as to the many fans of reef aquariums around the world. Unfortunately, though, in Bulgaria these people can be counted on the fingers. Why? In the first place is the financial problem – such an aquarium is too much for most Bulgarians, as an initial investment, as well as support. Very often though, the people, who want such an aquarium and have this financial opportunity, they don't have the time, which such a project requires. Then they turn to professionals and very often come across such, to which however, they lack sufficient knowledge and experience.
That's why, here I will focus on the basic requirements and rules for the construction and design of this type of aquarium.
1. Aquarium size
What Winnie the Pooh said applies here in full force – “The more, so much more”. In other words, size matters here. Why? The larger a system is, the more stable it is. Tolerates more “hits” (fed, fish or coral death, power outage, environmental temperature changes, etc.), without significantly affecting the water parameters. The large aquarium also allows settlement with sufficiently diverse fish, corals and invertebrates, which is also the main goal of most enthusiasts for the beauty of these aquariums.
2. Skimmer
This is perhaps the most important thing in a marine system. Its discovery led to a boom in the hobby worldwide and made it possible to grow even the most difficult and capricious corals. What does the skimmer do?? – mainly two things: purifies and removes biogenic waste from the system (leftover food, detritus, etc.), preventing water pollution and introducing oxygen, so important to all living things. There is quite a wide variety of skimmers on the market, it is important to observe the technical data given by the manufacturer, to work properly. Any compromise when buying a skimmer, leads to many problems in the future – high levels of nitrates and phosphates (lethal to most SSS corals), appearance of all kinds of algae, low ORP, etc.. and since this is not a cheap technique, the wrong choice at the beginning also leads to direct financial losses in subsequent re-purchases.
3. Lighting
Also an essential part of a reef aquarium. As well as perhaps the most expensive part of the system. Since the majority of corals are photosynthesizing (they are in symbiosis with algae, called zooxanthellae) and 90% from the energy they get from photosynthesis, the choice of lamp is very important. Nowadays, technology is developing quite quickly and quite a few different types of lamps can be found on the market – with t5 cigars, with LED, xenon, plasma, the older MHL, hybrid etc. Still the best results in growing acroporas are obtained using t5 lighting, but LED lighting is increasingly developing, as surely the future is in it. Very good results are obtained when using hybrid lamps – a combination of t5 cigars and LED modules.
To be continued…