New articles
Beginner Topic
Why One Alkalinity Test Does Not Tell the Whole Story
Alkalinity is one of those numbers reef keepers obsess over, and honestly, I get it. I do it too.
You run a test, you expect to see 8.3, and it comes back 7.8. Now your brain immediately starts doing reef math, panic math, dosing math, and “what did I screw up this time” math all at once.
Then...
Reef aquarists frequently discuss the point at which an aquarium can be considered “mature.” It is, in many ways, an elusive concept. Experienced hobbyists intuitively understand what they mean when they use the term, yet the mechanisms underlying that perception are not always easy to define. A...
Most reef keepers have taken this photo.
The tank looks great in person. The corals are glowing, the water is clear, the fish are out, and everything looks exactly how you hoped it would look. Then you pull out your phone or camera, take the picture, and somehow the entire tank turns into a...
Beginner Topic
Underwater Photography in Aquariums
Basic Underwater Photography in Aquariums
C. 2026 Jay Hemdal
Aquarists often have difficulty photographing animals in their aquariums. Not only do they have the same problems as other photographers (flash reflection off the glass, issues with white balance, fast moving subjects, etc.) they have...
R2R Username: @ReefRealmGlow
Hey R2R! I'm Naz, and I've been keeping reef aquariums for about 8 years now. What started as a casual hobby quickly turned into a full-blown obsession. I love the unique balance of science, art, and patience that reef-keeping requires. It’s been an amazing ride...
For nearly twenty years, the Avast Porthole has had one simple job: to give reefkeepers a clear, top-down view of their aquariums. That original tube worked well. It helped hobbyists, coral farmers, and photographers cut through surface glare, water ripples, and awkward shooting angles. It was...
