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The care and maintenance of a reef tank can be a big responsibility, but understanding some of the basics of this unique fish tank can ensure you create a beautiful and hospitable environment for your marine life. Turn to the experts at Gerber's Tropical Fish in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas for all your aquarium needs.

Your coral reef aquarium, if maintained properly, will perfectly display your marine invertebrates and fish. Just follow these reef tank care tips:

  • Water Quality: The water should be tested to ensure it is maintaining the proper alkalinity, pH, and calcium levels for coral. Use a test kit regularly to determine these levels so you can provide your marine life with the healthiest environment possible. 
  • reef tankLighting Conditions: Since corals require light to produce food, lighting is an important element of your tank. The proper spectrum, intensity, and duration can be provided by fluorescent light tubes, halide bulbs, or LED systems. Depending on the coral type in your tank, it may require low light (one to two watts of light per gallon of water), moderate light (two to four watts), or high light (five to seven watts).
  • Water Movement: The tank water must have motion for corals to thrive. This movement can be achieved through the use of pumps, automatic siphons, and surge-generating devices to simulate a current.
  • Temperature: The reef tank must maintain a temperature between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Invest in a reliable aquarium heater to keep the temperature stable and the environment stress free. An in-tank thermometer will make it easy to check the temperature periodically.

Armed with this information, you’ll be able to easily maintain and care for your reef tank. Visit Gerber’s Tropical Fish, featuring Ohio’s largest selection of saltwater and exotic freshwater fish, to outfit your reef tank with fish, corals, aquarium plants, and supplies. Call (937) 297-0515 or visit them online for more educational information about reef tanks.

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