The Vinyl Reef - Mixed Reef Super Easy Maintenance

[TheVinylReef]

The Vinyl Reef is a 27 gallon (105l) Mixed Reef Marine aquarium. It runs on minimal maintenance and the BRS/WWC Hybrid Method - with my own needs adjusting the program as we operate.


I built the aquascape on dry land over several weeks - breaking down the structures and rebuilding before settling on the final form. Ecotech glue holds the rocks in a balanced stack with a set of caves. I've since added more rock to specific places to build out the form.

Lighting is an Ecotech Radio XR15 Pro on a 14 hour custom light schedule that include ample time for night-time photography and viewing. The tank comes on at 9:45am, triggering the pumps to speed up for the day. There is a 5 gallon ATO with Kalkwasser to the side of the tank with a 5 gallon water mixing station.

The sump features a robust refugium - gunky with multiple types of algaes, biobricks, a Magnus 3 skimmer, and the DC return pump.

Everything is run by pressing a single button, a single switch, or automated by float switches or bluetooth. I use a Seneye for the first year of operation to monitor what my tank needed and didn't need.

I dose 3-Part daily and maintain a log including weekly water changes and hourly notes when issues arose.
The tank is capable of fragging, though growing out the colonies has been my focus this first year.

Hope you enjoy The Vinyl Reef! There are videos on YouTube under the same name of the Display Tank.

 

[WheatToast]

Great pictures and awesome scape! What algae varieties are in the refugium?