The Official WWC YouTube Video Thread

[WWC Verified Sponsor]

Inside an Incredible 8-Foot SPS Reef | Massive Acropora & Reef Keeping Secrets

What happens when an LPS reef slowly turns into a full-blown Acropora-dominated SPS reef? Josh heads to Fort Collins, Colorado, to tour two seriously impressive reef aquariums maintained by the team at Underwater Wonders - both packed with mature coral, high flow, carefully tuned lighting, and some incredible fish.

From an 8-foot, 310-gallon SPS reef upstairs to a custom 300-gallon system downstairs, we break down the real-world decisions behind these tanks, including flow, PAR, nutrients, dosing, water changes, filtration, and what happens when Acropora colonies simply start running out of room.

In this video:
- Tour an 8-foot, 310-gallon Acropora-dominated SPS reef
- See how massive Acropora colonies change flow requirements and aquascaping decisions
- Break down T5 and LED lighting, PAR levels, and how high light works with elevated nutrients
- Explore flow strategies using multiple Gyres and Nero pumps in mature SPS systems
- See how ICP testing, All For Reef, trace elements, and alkalinity/calcium dosing are used
- Tour a second custom SPS reef and learn how it was successfully matured in about two years
- Check out the impressive fish and coral collection, including torches, chalices, mushrooms, Goniopora, tangs, wrasses, and more
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at the maintenance philosophy and reef-keeping approach that keeps both systems thriving

World Wide Corals
At World Wide Corals, we're passionate about helping reef keepers build thriving saltwater aquariums with premium aquacultured corals, marine life, and reef aquarium products. From beginner systems to advanced SPS reefs, our goal is to share knowledge, experience, and some of the best coral in the hobby.

What Do You Think?
Which tank would you rather have - the massive 8-foot SPS reef upstairs or the deep, high-flow SPS system downstairs?

And when it comes to keeping mature Acropora, what do you think matters most: flow, lighting, nutrients, or consistency? Let us know what has worked for your reef!

Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next one!

Follow World Wide Corals (WWC):
If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to LIKE and, SUBSCRIBE to the WWC YouTube channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss one. https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCorals

Custom Aquarium Installations Nationwide:
https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-installation

Shop Online at WORLD WIDE CORALS: https://worldwidecorals.com/
Corals: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/all-frags
Saltwater Fish: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/saltwater-fish
Aquarium Supplies: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/online-dry-goods
Aquarium Display Tanks: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/aquarium-display-tanks

Connect with Us On Socials!
https://www.facebook.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.instagram.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidecorals
Visit World Wide Corals in Orlando, Florida

Check out our New WWC Podcast Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCoralsPodcast

Need Help With Your Tank?
Aquarium Service: https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-service
Customer Support & Tank Submission for Tank Tours: [email protected]

If you enjoy this style of content, let us know in the thread.

 

[WWC Verified Sponsor]

How This 5-Foot SPS Reef Became a Coral Powerhouse

What happens when you build an SPS reef around open aquascaping, serious flow, high PAR, and letting the corals become part of the filtration system? Josh heads back to Fort Collins, Colorado, to check out Cole's incredible 5-foot reef aquarium, packed with Acropora, mature colonies, colorful LPS, and a seriously thoughtful approach to reef keeping.

This reef is all about creating an environment where the equipment works with the aquascape. Four Gyres create a constantly changing flow pattern across the open rock structure, while lighting reaches roughly 550 PAR in some areas. But some of the most interesting parts of this reef aren't the equipment—they're Cole's philosophy on nutrients, mechanical filtration, water changes, coral refugiums, and allowing the reef itself to do more of the work.

In this video:
- Tour a 5-foot custom SPS reef packed with mature Acropora colonies
- See how an open aquascape helps create high-flow circulation throughout the tank
- Explore lighting reaching approximately 550 PAR and how the reef is illuminated
- Break down a four-Gyre flow system designed to create constantly changing water movement
- Get a closer look at dosing, All For Reef, trace elements, calcium, and aquarium controllers
- Explore the unusual approach to mechanical filtration, nutrients, UV, and water changes
- See how a coral refugium is used as an alternative to a traditional macroalgae refugium
- Take a closer look at standout corals including Orange Passion, Walt Disney, and a huge Watermelon Chalice

World Wide Corals
At World Wide Corals, we're passionate about helping reef keepers build thriving saltwater aquariums with premium aquacultured corals, marine life, and reef aquarium products. From beginner systems to advanced SPS reefs, our goal is to share knowledge, experience, and some of the best coral in the hobby.

What Do You Think?
How do you feel about running a reef with less mechanical filtration and allowing the corals and ecosystem to do more of the work?

Would you run a setup like this, or do you prefer a more heavily filtered reef? Let us know what you're doing in your own aquarium!

Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next one!

Follow World Wide Corals (WWC):
If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to LIKE and, SUBSCRIBE to the WWC YouTube channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss one. https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCorals

Custom Aquarium Installations Nationwide:
https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-installation

Shop Online at WORLD WIDE CORALS: https://worldwidecorals.com/
Corals: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/all-frags
Saltwater Fish: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/saltwater-fish
Aquarium Supplies: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/online-dry-goods
Aquarium Display Tanks: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/aquarium-display-tanks

Connect with Us On Socials!
https://www.facebook.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.instagram.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidecorals
Visit World Wide Corals in Orlando, Florida

Check out our New WWC Podcast Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCoralsPodcast

Need Help With Your Tank?
Aquarium Service: https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-service
Customer Support & Tank Submission for Tank Tours: [email protected]

If you enjoy this style of content, let us know in the thread.

 

[hatfielj]

Man, Fort Collins is apparently a mecca of INSANE SPS tanks! These last few videos have been mind blowing

 

[WWC Verified Sponsor]

Custom 8-Foot Reef Aquarium Installation | Complete System & Equipment Tour

What goes into designing a custom reef aquarium that has to look incredible and function reliably inside a busy office? In this install, we take you behind the scenes of a custom peninsula aquarium and break down the equipment, plumbing, automation, redundancy, and service systems that make the entire setup work.

From the 95" x 36" x 30" peninsula reef tank and its custom sump to Hydros automation, UV sterilization, battery backups, live rock, lighting, flow, and a dedicated water-mixing room, we’re walking through the system piece by piece—and explaining why we chose each component for this particular build.

Join the Conversation
When you're designing a custom reef, what piece of equipment or system would you want us to break down in more detail? Let us know in the comments—we'd love to hear what you want to see in future install videos.

Follow World Wide Corals (WWC):
If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to LIKE and, SUBSCRIBE to the WWC YouTube channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss one. https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCorals

Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next one!

World Wide Corals
At World Wide Corals, we design and build custom reef aquariums around the needs of each client, from system design and equipment selection to installation, automation, and ongoing service. Our custom aquarium team works with reef keepers, businesses, and institutions nationwide to create systems built for both long-term reliability and incredible visual impact.

Looking for your own dream aquarium?

World Wide Corals designs, builds, and installs custom reef aquariums nationwide. Whether you're envisioning a 100-gallon living room display or a 1,000+ gallon showpiece, our team can design, install, and maintain the perfect reef aquarium for your home and business.

Custom Aquarium Installations Nationwide:
https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-installation

Shop Online at WORLD WIDE CORALS: https://worldwidecorals.com/
Corals: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/all-frags
Saltwater Fish: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/saltwater-fish
Aquarium Supplies: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/online-dry-goods
Aquarium Display Tanks: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/aquarium-display-tanks

Connect with Us On Socials!
https://www.facebook.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.instagram.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidecorals
Visit World Wide Corals in Orlando, Florida

Check out our New WWC Podcast Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCoralsPodcast

Need Help With Your Tank?
Aquarium Service: https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-service
Customer Support & Tank Submission for Tank Tours: [email protected]

If you enjoy this style of content, let us know in the thread.

 

[WWC Verified Sponsor]

15 Months Later: Inside Ivan’s 1,500-Gallon SPS Reef

What happens when you take a 1,500-gallon reef aquarium, fill it with Acropora, push serious flow through the system, and give the reef time to mature? 15 months later, this 14-foot SPS reef has completely transformed.

We’re back in Southern California to revisit Ivan’s custom reef aquarium that WWC helped design and install—and this time, we’re taking a close look at what’s happening behind the scenes. From calcium reactor settings and trace element dosing to nutrient management, massive water movement, equipment choices, and the challenges of maintaining a tank this large, there’s a lot to learn from this system.

And that’s just the first tank. We also take a look at Ivan’s 200-gallon SPS-dominant aquarium, where an incredible collection of Acropora, carefully managed flow, lighting, feeding, and maintenance have created another seriously impressive reef.

If you missed the first part of this EPIC reef build, make sure to check it out:

- What It Takes to Set Up a 1500G Super Tank:

- Victor is blown away by this 500 GALLON REEF TANK!:

Join the Conversation
After seeing both systems, what would you change if you were building a 1,500-gallon SPS reef from scratch? Would you keep the same approach, or would you design the flow, aquascape, or filtration differently?

Follow World Wide Corals (WWC):
If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to LIKE and, SUBSCRIBE to the WWC YouTube channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss one. https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCorals

Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next one!

World Wide Corals
At World Wide Corals, we design and build custom reef aquariums around the needs of each client, from system design and equipment selection to installation, automation, and ongoing service. Our custom aquarium team works with reef keepers, businesses, and institutions nationwide to create systems built for both long-term reliability and incredible visual impact.

Looking for your own dream aquarium?

Trust the Aquarium Experts at World Wide Corals
World Wide Corals designs, builds, and installs custom reef aquariums nationwide. Whether you're envisioning a 100-gallon living room display or a 1,000+ gallon showpiece, our team can design, install, and maintain the perfect reef aquarium for your home and business.

Custom Aquarium Installations Nationwide:
https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-installation

Shop Online at WORLD WIDE CORALS: https://worldwidecorals.com/
Corals: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/all-frags
Saltwater Fish: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/saltwater-fish
Aquarium Supplies: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/online-dry-goods
Aquarium Display Tanks: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/aquarium-display-tanks

Connect with Us On Socials!
https://www.facebook.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.instagram.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidecorals
Visit World Wide Corals in Orlando, Florida

Check out our New WWC Podcast Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCoralsPodcast

Need Help With Your Tank?
Aquarium Service: https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-service
Customer Support & Tank Submission for Tank Tours: [email protected]

If you enjoy this style of content, let us know in the thread.

 

[WWC Verified Sponsor]

Inside a 560-Gallon SPS Reef in Brazil | T5 Lighting, Acropora & Old-School Reefing

What does a mature SPS reef look like when you strip away the complexity and focus on consistency, experience, and knowing your system? We travel to São Paulo, Brazil, to visit an incredible 560-gallon reef and coral farm that has been shaped by decades of reef-keeping experience—and the results speak for themselves.

This system is a fascinating look at old-school reef keeping: T5 lighting supplemented with LED strips, straightforward flow, a calcium reactor, minimal automation, and a heavy reliance on observation and experience. With enormous SPS colonies, colorful chalices, established fish, and a coral farm that became the first legalized coral farm in Brazil, there is a lot to learn from how this reef is maintained.

World Wide Corals
At World Wide Corals, we love seeing how experienced reef keepers approach their systems in different parts of the world. Visiting established reefs and coral farms like this gives us an opportunity to learn from decades of hands-on experience, compare different approaches to SPS husbandry, and share those lessons with the reef-keeping community.

What do you think?
Could you run a reef this simple today, or would you miss all the automation and technology? Let us know what part of this system surprised you most in the comments.

Follow World Wide Corals (WWC):
If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to LIKE and, SUBSCRIBE to the WWC YouTube channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss one. https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCorals

Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next one!

About This Reef
This video explores a mature SPS reef in São Paulo, Brazil, featuring large Acropora colonies, T5 lighting, LED supplementation, simple circulation, calcium reactor-based supplementation, ICP testing, trace-element dosing, coral quarantine, and a dedicated coral farming operation. The system has been running for approximately 16 years, while the owner has been involved in the saltwater hobby since childhood.

Shop Online at WORLD WIDE CORALS: https://worldwidecorals.com/
Corals: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/all-frags
Saltwater Fish: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/saltwater-fish
Aquarium Supplies: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/online-dry-goods
Aquarium Display Tanks: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/aquarium-display-tanks

Connect with Us On Socials!
https://www.facebook.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.instagram.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidecorals
Visit World Wide Corals in Orlando, Florida

Check out our New WWC Podcast Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCoralsPodcast

Custom Aquarium Installations Nationwide:
https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-installation

Need Help With Your Tank?
Aquarium Service: https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-service
Customer Support & Tank Submission for Tank Tours: [email protected]

If you enjoy this style of content, let us know in the thread.

 

[WWC Verified Sponsor]

This 120-Gallon SPS Reef Is Incredible | Acropora, Lighting & Reef Keeping in Brazil

What happens when you build a reef around SPS, consistency, and keeping things simple? While traveling through São Paulo, Brazil, Vic visit Felipe’s incredible 120-gallon SPS-dominated reef—a system packed with colorful Acropora, a surprisingly diverse fish collection, and some seriously impressive coral growth.

Felipe has only been in the hobby for about six years, yet his three-and-a-half-year-old reef shows just how far experience, observation, and consistency can take a system. From Orphek lighting and weekly water changes to ICP testing, dosing, calcium and magnesium management, and a straightforward filtration setup, this tank offers plenty of interesting lessons for SPS reef keepers.

World Wide Corals
At World Wide Corals, we love traveling beyond our own systems to see how reef keepers around the world approach coral husbandry. Visiting established SPS aquariums like Felipe’s gives us the opportunity to compare different equipment, maintenance routines, lighting strategies, and philosophies while sharing what we learn with the reef-keeping community.

What do you think?
Would you run an SPS reef like Felipe’s, or would you add more technology and automation to the system? And which part of this 120-gallon reef would you most like to replicate in your own aquarium?

Follow World Wide Corals (WWC):
If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to LIKE and, SUBSCRIBE to the WWC YouTube channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss one. https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCorals

Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next one!

About This Reef
This São Paulo reef features approximately 98% SPS coral coverage, with Acropora dominating the aquascape alongside a small selection of other corals. The system is maintained with weekly water changes, dosing, ICP testing, strong lighting, straightforward circulation, and a dedicated filtration setup.

The aquarium also features a unique mix of reef fish, including an Emperor Angelfish, Yellow Tang, Regal Angelfish, Flame Angelfish, Clown Tang, Coral Beauty, White-Tailed Bristletooth Tang, and other fish that make this SPS system particularly interesting.

Shop Online at WORLD WIDE CORALS: https://worldwidecorals.com/
Corals: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/all-frags
Saltwater Fish: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/saltwater-fish
Aquarium Supplies: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/online-dry-goods
Aquarium Display Tanks: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/aquarium-display-tanks

Connect with Us On Socials!
https://www.facebook.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.instagram.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidecorals
Visit World Wide Corals in Orlando, Florida

Check out our New WWC Podcast Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCoralsPodcast

Custom Aquarium Installations Nationwide:
https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-installation

Need Help With Your Tank?
Aquarium Service: https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-service
Customer Support & Tank Submission for Tank Tours: [email protected]

If you enjoy this style of content, let us know in the thread.

 

[WWC Verified Sponsor]

This 400-Gallon Reef Is One of Brazil’s Most Impressive | SPS, LPS & Aquascaping

What does it take to build and maintain a 400-gallon mixed reef that has been recognized as one of the most beautiful tanks in Brazil? While traveling through São Paulo, Vic visit Kadu’s impressive reef to talk SPS, LPS, aquascaping, water clarity, lighting, flow, fish, and the day-to-day decisions that keep a mature reef like this thriving.

With a custom open aquascape designed by Andre Takahashi, built around Marco Rocks, powerful lighting, a calcium reactor, refugium, extensive filtration, and a carefully selected collection of fish and corals, this system has plenty for experienced reef keepers to take away. But one of the biggest lessons comes from watching the reef itself evolve: as the corals grow, the flow patterns change, and the aquascape and circulation have to evolve with them.

World Wide Corals
At World Wide Corals, we’re always interested in seeing how experienced reef keepers around the world approach large, mature reef systems. Visiting Kadu’s aquarium in São Paulo gave us a chance to compare different approaches to lighting, flow, filtration, coral nutrition, aquascaping, and long-term reef husbandry—and share those real-world observations with the WWC community.

What do you think?
What stood out to you most about this 400-gallon reef? Was it the aquascape, coral collection, fish selection, water clarity, or the way Kadu manages flow as the corals continue to grow?

Follow World Wide Corals (WWC):
If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to LIKE and, SUBSCRIBE to the WWC YouTube channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss one. https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCorals

Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next one!

About This Reef
This 400-gallon mixed reef showcases the challenges and rewards of maintaining a large SPS and LPS aquarium. From PAR levels, calcium reactor operation, and trace-element dosing to coral growth, changing flow patterns, fish compatibility, and custom aquascaping, this São Paulo reef offers a detailed look at long-term reef keeping in Brazil.

Shop Online at WORLD WIDE CORALS: https://worldwidecorals.com/
Corals: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/all-frags
Saltwater Fish: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/saltwater-fish
Aquarium Supplies: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/online-dry-goods
Aquarium Display Tanks: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/aquarium-display-tanks

Connect with Us On Socials!
https://www.facebook.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.instagram.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidecorals
Visit World Wide Corals in Orlando, Florida

Check out our New WWC Podcast Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCoralsPodcast

Custom Aquarium Installations Nationwide:
https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-installation

Need Help With Your Tank?
Aquarium Service: https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-service
Customer Support & Tank Submission for Tank Tours: [email protected]

If you enjoy this style of content, let us know in the thread.

 

[WWC Verified Sponsor]

This Reef Has Grown for 10 Years! | SPS, Chalices & Reef Keeping in Brazil

What does it take to grow corals for a decade and maintain a thriving reef without routine water changes? While visiting São Paulo, Brazil, Vic stops at Fishland to meet Ricardo and explore an incredible, mature reef aquarium filled with established coral colonies, colorful chalices, impressive SPS, and a thoughtfully designed flow system.

Ricardo has been in the hobby for decades, and his approach offers plenty for reef keepers to think about. From monthly ICP testing and trace-element adjustments to four gyre pumps, carefully positioned returns, and a willingness to trust what the aquarium is telling him, this tank is a great reminder that there’s more than one way to approach successful reef keeping.

World Wide Corals
At World Wide Corals, we believe there’s a lot to learn from seeing how different reef keepers approach the hobby. Visiting established aquariums like Ricardo’s lets us explore different maintenance routines, equipment choices, and coral-growing techniques while sharing real-world experiences with the reef-keeping community. Whether you’re growing SPS, maintaining colorful LPS, or refining your own reef system, there’s always something new to learn from another reefer.

What do you think?
What do you think about Ricardo’s approach to reef maintenance without routine water changes? Do you rely on regular water changes, ICP testing, observation, or a combination of all three to keep your corals thriving? Let us know in the comments!

Follow World Wide Corals (WWC):
If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to LIKE and, SUBSCRIBE to the WWC YouTube channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss one. https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCorals

Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next one!

About This Reef
Explore this mature reef aquarium in São Paulo, Brazil, and learn about SPS and LPS coral husbandry, long-term coral growth, ICP testing, trace-element dosing, calcium and alkalinity management, aquarium water flow, gyre pumps, and reef tank maintenance. Ricardo’s approach highlights the value of consistent observation and adapting your maintenance routine to the needs of your aquarium.

Shop Online at WORLD WIDE CORALS: https://worldwidecorals.com/
Corals: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/all-frags
Saltwater Fish: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/saltwater-fish
Aquarium Supplies: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/online-dry-goods
Aquarium Display Tanks: https://worldwidecorals.com/collections/aquarium-display-tanks

Connect with Us On Socials!
https://www.facebook.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.instagram.com/worldwidecorals
https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidecorals
Visit World Wide Corals in Orlando, Florida

Check out our New WWC Podcast Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@WorldWideCoralsPodcast

Custom Aquarium Installations Nationwide:
https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-installation

Need Help With Your Tank?
Aquarium Service: https://worldwidecorals.com/pages/aquarium-service
Customer Support & Tank Submission for Tank Tours: [email protected]

If you enjoy this style of content, let us know in the thread.