Your cart is currently empty!
Real Reef Keeping from the Heart of Texas
Follow our authentic aquaculture journey in Pflugerville. From first ocellaris spawn crashes at day 10 to scaling mixed-species copepod cultures and breeding systems across 200+ gallons, we document the real challenges of marine breeding in Central Texas – pH swings, rotifer contamination, and equipment failures alongside the genuine successes.
Austin’s Authentic Aquaculture Experience
Hey, I’m running Reef Refuge – my home-based aquaculture operation here in Pflugerville, Texas. Started in 2020 with a single 40-gallon bowfront while managing 200+ bee colonies, now maintaining 200+ gallons of active culture and breeding systems with plans for 2025 garage expansion. I believe in sharing the real story – the pH crashes, the rotifer contamination at day 10, the equipment failures, and yes, the successes too. Because that’s how we all actually learn.
Live Cultures & Expert Guidance
Home-based aquaculture serving Greater Austin since 2020 – weekly copepod harvests from mixed-species cultures, tank-raised clownfish following natural breeding cycles, and consultation based on 4+ years navigating Central Texas water challenges (pH 7.4-9.0, pre-RO/DI, high mineral content).
Live Copepods – $15/portion
Mixed Tisbe, Apocyclops, and Oithona species cultured in Central Texas water parameters. Harvested weekly from active 1-gallon glass jar systems with proven viability rates. Thursday delivery runs to Round Rock, Cedar Park, Austin, Leander, Georgetown.
Tank-Raised Clownfish – Waitlist Only
Tank-raised in Pflugerville facility from breeding pairs that spawn every 2-3 weeks when conditions align. Fry raised through natural development cycles – no rushed timelines, proper sizing, established feeding patterns before placement.
Austin Area Consultation – $50/hour
Experience-based guidance from 4+ years navigating Austin water parameters, summer cooling challenges, breeding setups, and equipment failures. Local visits or remote sessions covering system evaluation, breeding planning, and realistic troubleshooting approaches.
The Real Journey
Follow our authentic aquaculture experiences – the successes, failures, and everything in between. From Pflugerville to the greater Austin reef community.
-
From Algae Nightmare to Reef Paradise: The Complete Green Hair Algae Solution
Green hair algae represents one of reef keeping’s most persistent challenges, yet proper management…
-
Beginner’s Guide to RO/DI Water and Saltwater Parameters: A Central Texas Perspective
I learned the importance of monitoring TDS the hard way when my SPS corals…
The Reality of Reef Keeping
Here’s what actually building sustainable marine systems looks like – cloudy water days and all.
Setting Up Your System
Start with realistic expectations and Central Texas water parameters. We’ll show you what actually works, not just what looks good online.
Learning Through Failures
When breeding goes wrong, equipment fails, or water gets cloudy – that’s when the real learning happens. We document it all.
Building Community
Connect with Austin’s reef keeping community. Share experiences, learn together, and support sustainable aquaculture practices.
Proudly Austin Local
Connecting with Central Texas reef keepers and contributing to our local aquarium community.
Pflugerville Operations
Based in Pflugerville with Greater Austin delivery. Thursday delivery runs – order by Wednesday noon.
In the Community
Our fish make their way into the Austin reef community through River City Aquatics and direct sales to local hobbyists. You might even find one in your friend’s tank!
Austin Reef Community
Active with Austin Reefers, ATX Reefer Crew, and The Coral Vixens. Join us at coral shows and meetups.
Central Texas Expertise
Understanding Austin’s unique water parameters and challenges. Real solutions for local conditions.
Sustainable Practices
Eco-friendly aquaculture methods that protect marine life while building thriving local systems.
Matthew H.
Facebook Review
“Great locally grown pods and phyto at excellent prices!!”