Leonardo's Reef | Reef Q&A | Session

Welcome back to Leonardo’s Reef!

In this video I’m answering viewer questions in a dedicated reefkeeping Q&A session, covering both beginner-friendly fundamentals and higher-level reef system optimization.

We cover practical topics such as sump and filtration design, mechanical filtration vs feeding strategies, UV/ozone usage, lighting choices and custom LEDs, dosing methods (Kalkwasser + Balling), biodiversity dosing (bacteria and phyto), coral growth troubleshooting, and common reef tank pests such as vermetid snails and Asterina starfish.

If you want your question featured in a future Q&A, leave a comment with your tank size, lighting, flow, parameters, and your current approach.

Q&A Topics Covered in This Video:

1. System Design & Infrastructure

How is the sump and filtration system for the farm designed?
Is it modular, and why was this approach chosen?

Why don’t we run a refugium in the system?
What are the pros and cons of refugiums in high-energy Acropora systems?

2. & Energy Input

A closer look at the custom LED lighting developed specifically for the coral farm.

3. Filtration, Nutrients & Water Management

Do we use UV and/or ozone, and what problem does it solve?

Mechanical filtration vs. feeding

Is heavy feeding the right way to compensate for strong filtration, or is reducing mechanical filtration the better approach?

4. Daily Operation & Maintenance

How do we keep the farm and show tanks so clean? Algae control and cleaning schedules for racks, pumps, and systems.

5. Chemistry & Biological Stability

Are we still running Kalkwasser in combination with TM Balling, and why?

Do we still dose live bacteria or phytoplankton, or is the system biologically self-sustaining now?

6. Coral Growth & Troubleshooting

Why do some Acropora frags stall for months with good color and polyp extension, while others grow and branch quickly?

7. Pests & Long-Term Risk

Do vermetid worms negatively affect Acropora, and are there proven control methods?

Can Asterina starfish harm Acropora corals?

Find more information at:

Website | https://Leonardosreef.com
Instagram |   / leonardos_reef  
Facebook |   / leonardosreeflab  
YouTube |    / @leonardosreef  

Leonardo's Reef is powered by Tropic Marin. [https://www.tropic-marin.com]

Copyright Information: This video was shot and edited by Leonardo’s Reef. All visual and editorial content is original and owned by Leonardo’s Reef.

#Acropora
#reefTank
#uvsterilizer
#ozone
#kalkwasser
#ballingmethod