Green hair algae represents one of reef keeping’s most persistent challenges, yet proper management lies not in elimination but in achieving ecosystem balance. This comprehensive guide reveals why the “low and slow” approach consistently outperforms aggressive chemical interventions, providing reef keepers with proven strategies that work with natural processes rather than against them. The key…

I learned the importance of monitoring TDS the hard way when my SPS corals started showing slow growth despite perfect lighting and flow. My refractometer showed proper salinity, but I’d been lazy about checking my RO/DI system’s TDS meter. Turns out my DI resin was spent—still producing crystal-clear water, but allowing acidic compounds to slip…

After years of navigating Austin’s reef keeping community and connecting with local businesses, I’ve compiled the most comprehensive, fact-checked directory of marine aquarium resources in Central Texas. This isn’t just a list of businesses – it’s an insider’s guide to the Austin reef ecosystem, complete with verified hours, specialized services, and community insights you won’t…

These are my working notes from clownfish breeding experiences – not a comprehensive manual, but practical observations focused on the hatching phase. I’ve refined this process through trial and refinement, documenting what actually works versus what sounds good in theory. This guide covers the critical period from egg development through early fry care, with emphasis…

After crashing my first few copepod cultures and nearly giving up on the whole idea, I finally found the guide that changed everything. It was a 2011 post by Reef Breeders on Reef2Reef that laid out a simple, proven method for culturing copepods at home. That was three years ago. Since then, I’ve refined the…

When people ask me “What is Reef Refuge?” I usually start with what we’re not. We’re not the aquarium business with perfect display tanks and polished social media feeds. We’re not the YouTube channel that makes reef keeping look effortless. We’re definitely not the operation that pretends equipment never breaks and fish never die. Reef…