My Journey Into Reefkeeping

I always thought it would be pretty cool to have a saltwater tank, but considered it too difficult, figuring it would take a lot of hard work and patience to have a happy salty environment. 

Well, over three and a half years ago, I found a great deal ($100!) for a 29 gallon BioCube - an all-in-one system that came with tank, lights, pumps, sand, rocks, a couple snails/hermit crabs, a few corals and an urchin. It had been neglected for a while, was low on water, and the sand was extremely dirty.

Small urchin

I was so nervous those first few months! When I got my first fish (two clownfish I named Lenny and Squiggy) I was so concerned about their happiness and well being, I gazed at the tank for hours making sure they looked ok and hoped they enjoyed their new home. I made sure to clean the tank every week, and siphoned the sand diligently to help get it (and keep it) clean.

Lenny (left) and Squiggy (right)

As it turns out, it's not terribly hard to take care of saltwater tanks, and I found it really enjoyable. Once a week I changed out 20-50% of the water. Once or twice a week I scraped the glass, and every couple days I fed my fish. So, after a year of getting used to the routine, I decided that one tank wasn't enough, and got a second tank I turned into a "biotope" - filling it almost exclusively with Rock Flower Anemones. Such beauties! 

Rock Flower Anemones

Another year went by and it was time to move. I traded out the BioCube for a shallow 25 gallon tank, and got a smaller tank for the RFA's. After a bit of an adjusting period, everything really settled in.

My Two Reef Tanks

Of course, it does take some work and patience. I have lost a few fish and corals along the way, but that comes with the hobby. But in general my tanks are rather healthy! 

I hope you'll hang around on follow me on my salty journey. Though I've been keeping reefs for almost 4 years now, I still have a lot to learn! You can also follow my adventures on YouTube and Instagram!