Tank of the month: October 2020

MAURO SPREGGIARO

Now, let's focus for a moment on this sump, which, from what I can see, is a "multitasker".

"I divided it into several compartments. One is a refugium with only higher algae of the genus Caulerpa, another is filled only with live rock, and the third, let's say the most original, has a DSB substrate, is lit by a Radion XR15 and is used to grow small frags. In practice it is a sort of nano reef".

Now the equipment.

"As return pump I use an EcoTech Vectra L series, which sends the water through a six-outlet manifold with valves, plus a small outlet for the calcium reactor. I chose this solution so as not to have several pumps in the sump and avoid clutter".

You mentioned the reactor, so you are not exactly a "Ballingmaniac".

"Indeed: for a tank this size, in my opinion, a reactor is better. I have an UltraReef 180 loaded with coral media, with a pH probe in the head that opens and closes two CO2 solenoid valves. As for the skimmer, I am very happy with my Nyos Quantum 220".

Let's come to two fundamental aspects of marine tanks: lighting and water flow.

"I have four AI Hydra 52 HD lamps, which I use with my own custom programme. Water flow is provided by two Maxspect Gyre pumps facing each other on the two short sides, alternating every 15 seconds. As for equipment, I think I have told you almost everything... Oh no, I forgot. In summer the ideal temperature is ensured by a Teco chiller, also fed by the Vectra return pump. My tank also has an automatic top-off system with a solenoid valve and sensor, connected to a 6-stage RO unit in the garage next to the room where the aquarium is".

How do you run it all?

"I make changes of about ten per cent every three weeks with Tropic Marin salt; it is easy because there is a drain under the aquarium. Then I add micro elements as needed via dosing pumps. That's all. I give the fish dry food and freeze-dried algae two or three times a day, and every evening 5 frozen cubes of Mysis and enriched Artemia. For the corals I use specific SPS and LPS products, which I give once or twice a week.

Last but not least, the animals. Let's start with the fish.

"There are quite a few. Starting with the ever-present surgeonfish, I have 5 Zebrasoma flavescens, a xanthurum and a leucosternon. Then, in no particular order: 2 Ocellaris, a group of Anthias and one of Chromis, various wrasses, a pair of Pterapogon kauderni and a pair of Synchiropus. There is also an "army" of detritivores made up of 50 snails, 3 Lysmata amboinensis and 3 Mespilia urchins. Moving on to SPS corals, I keep seven colonies of Montipora of various species, about twenty Acropora, Seriatopora and Stylophora. There are also very many LPS, standing out among them Euphyllia, Catalaphyllia, Blastomussa and many others. Completing the population are 2 Tridacna maxima, one of 8 cm and one of 17, various fan worms and a Protula bispiralis".

Thank you so much, Mauro; now we can feast our eyes on your beautiful photos!