We’ve featured a variety of aquariums here at Glassbox Design, but never one quite like this. This small reef has been getting some attention lately and understandably so. At 6.6 gallons and 24″ long it’s an impressive feat to keep corals alive, keeping Acroporas is an entirely different level.
Marcello maintains this reef via a chiller, DIY [...]
We’ve featured a variety of aquariums here at Glassbox Design, but never one quite like this. This small reef has been getting some attention lately and understandably so. At 6.6 gallons and 24″ long it’s an impressive feat to keep corals alive, keeping Acroporas is an entirely different level.
Marcello maintains this reef via a chiller, DIY skimmer, sump, refugium and DIY kalkwasser reactor all of which are below the tank in a cabinet. Waterflow in the tank is provided by a Rio 1800 return and two small Rio 180 power heads. Lighting is provided by four 24w self-ballasted Japanese Spotlights. Once again, these are not available due to legal issues. Marcello conveniently resides in Japan, hence their use.
Without a doubt Marcello’s livestock choices are questionable. I personally feel the Hepatus tang should not be kept in that tank, but this is not my aquarium. I do not know the situation so I cannot judge. Hopefully this is just temporary before the fish moves to a larger aquarium. Tang aside, I do love the small Eviota gobies!
The beauty of this pico reef is not up for debate, but many seem to doubt its validity. Jealousy perhaps? What I have found the most shocking is the claim that the small fish above are in fact freshwater Characidae Tetras. Au contraire, mon frère. The small striped fish in this reef is actually Eviota bifasciata, belonging to the Gobiidae familly. These small Gobies have a max size of 1.3″ and help make this pico reef appear larger that it actually is.
What ever your opinion, real or fake, the aquascape, presentation, and coralscape are all something worthy of striving for. Thank you to Marcello for allowing us to share his incredible small piece of the ocean with you all. Thank you for pushing the boundaries of modern reef aquaria.
