Building my Shallow Reef Tank with a Canister Filter

After learning the ropes with a Waterbox Peninsula Mini 25G. I really wanted to upgrade to a bigger tank and apply as much as I have learnt about water chemistry. My most recent lessons were on managing KH swing, benefits of increasing PH, and how a well designed aquascape can help fish feel safe.

I attempt to master these in my new tank with custom dimensions (120cm by 40cm by 40cm) and a total volume of 200 litres. The low profile tank allows ease to maintain good tank husbandry and I want everything to fit in the rack neatly and run silently as this setup will be in my bedroom.

My filtration includes an Oase Biomaster 600 which has a pre-filter module that is easily accessible for cleaning. I filled it up with porous Biohome filter media that supports nitrifying beneficial bacteria as well as anaerobic denitrifying beneficial bacteria.

On top of that, I have a Deltec 20W UV Sterilizer for algae and ich management. Controlling the flow rate is important to achieve effective parasite sterilization. Next in the loop is an Artica chiller which is essential in my tropical climate.

Things that I will add in future include a hang-on back skimmer and a dosing pump for my Fauna Marin Balling Light solution together with Kalkwasser for boosting PH.

I am using Aqua Illumination for all my lights and wavemakers. I intend to synchronise the looks of all the equipment across both my tanks, so the freshwater AI Prime option would pair perfectly with the AI Prime 16HD for reefs. Interior design aesthetics are a big priority for me too haha. And the slim wavemakers compliment the look very well.

Thats it for now, the rocks have been cycling and I have been adding fish food everyday to provide an environment for them to mature. So I will be adding in my corals and fish soon! Looking forward to share the next update!