Reef Showcase - Family's First Reef Tank!

IceCap 45 Gallon AIO. Planning Fish and Coral - IN PROGRESS!

Aquarium Profile and Equipment

What type of saltwater aquarium is this?: Mixed Reef

Total Water Volume: 45

When did you start this tank?: Jun 16, 2025

What is your aquarium made of?: Glass

Aquarium Length (inches): 36

Aquarium Width (inches): 18

Aquarium Height (inches): 16

Aquarium Overflow/Drain: All In One Tank

Aquarium Sump: NO Sump

Aquarium Stand

45Gal Laminated Wood Cabinet Stand in Black

IceCap Aquarium Cabinets perfectly complement popular Rimless AIO Aquariums. Our high gloss cabinets present a sleek and modern look while also providing plenty of room to keep equipment out of sight.

45g Cabinet Specifications

Dimensions: 36.2 X 18.3 X 35.4in
Package Dimensions: 38 X 20.3 X 8in
Available Finishes: Gloss Black
Weight: 121Ibs

Aquarium Controller: YES

Aquarium Controller Make and Model: GHome Smart Plug Power Strip with 6 Smart Outlets & 3 USB Ports (30W Fast Charge, 2A1C), WiFi Surge Protector Works with Alexa & Google Home, Energy Monitoring, 2.4GHz Only, No Hub Required, Black

Protein Skimmer: YES

Protein Skimmer Make and Model: IceCap AIO 240 Protein Skimmer

Aquarium Reactors

None

Return Pump: Supplied with the IceCap 45G AIO - ~396gpr rating.

What types of equipment are you using for water flow and circulation?

Powerhead

Water Flow and Circulation Equipment List: Two Nero 3 Powerhead (2000 GPH)

Aquarium Lighting

Lighting Equipment List: Two Prime 16 HD LED Reef Lights on extension arms.

Lighting PAR and Goals: We eventually want to support coral in the tank, so trying to find a lighting pattern and schedule to support that are number 1. Still more research to do on PAR and the requirements for the specific coral we pick out.

Auto Top Off or ATO: YES

Aquarium Heating and Cooling

I am using a heater or heaters

Water Temperature: 79

Heating and Cooling Equipment Detail: Fluval M 150-Watt Submersible Aquarium Heater

Aquarium Water Chemistry and Parameters

pH Level: 7.8

Specific Gravity: 1.025

Nitrate or NO3: 5ppm

Phosphate or PO4: 0.05

Salt Brand: Red Sea Coral Pro Salt Mix

Water Chemistry Detail: We just starting our own RODI, so water chemistry - especially when looking at the corals - is very much a beginning progress as of now.

Aquarium Natural and Mechanical Filtration

Substrate: Crushed Coral

Substrate Level: Shallow

Live Rock: 45

Live Rock Type: All from Something Fishy in Nazareth, PA:

Cured Fiji Reef Rock, Real Reef Branch Live Rock and Original Live Rock, all cured.

Nutrient Export

Protein Skimmer
Floss
Carbon

Water Changes: YES

Water Change Details: Weekly 10% changes moving forward is the plan, and is working well so far to maintain nitrates and phosphates at acceptable and planned levels.

Additional Maintenance Details: Weekly water changes with tank cleaning as appropriate.
Change filter floss every 3 days.
When needed for clarity or odor, replace granular carbon on a 3-4 week cycle.
Monthly cleaning and maintenance on system mechanicals.

Aquarium Tank Inhabitants (fish, coral, invert etc.)

Fish List

Chromis
Clownfish
Goby

Total Fish: Yellow Watchman Goby (Grump) - 1
Blue/Green Chromis (Unnamed!) - 3
Black Ice Clowns (Moo Cow and Bob) - 2

Coral List

Other

Invert List

Shrimp
Snails

Total Inverts: 11

Livestock Detail: Pistol Shrimp (Bubba) - 1
Nessarius Snails, Small - 5
Trochus Snails, Small - 5

Livestock Quarantine

Fish

Favorite Fish: Watchman Goby. I love how he makes his small niches and of course the facial expressions. The clownfish are a lot more subdued than I was expecting. The chromis are super active and fun to watch, especially at feeding time.

Favorite Invert: The shrimp has disappeared, but we hear his snap every now and then. The Trochus snails blend perfectly into our rocks, so it's a fun activity with the kids every night. A bit of "Where's Waldo" if you will!