We are often asked what we actually use to care for our corals. The answer is less spectacular than many expect: we rely on a few products that work reliably together, and we test a lot. In this post we show which equipment and care products run in our own systems and why we chose them.
Why stability comes first for us
Before a coral goes on sale, it stays in our systems for at least 14 days. During this time it should recover, show colour and grow. That only works if KH, calcium and magnesium stay in the same range for weeks and light and flow run the same every day. With stony corals, you often only see fluctuations when it is too late. That is why we have built our setup so that as little as possible has to be done by hand and deviations are spotted early.
Supplementation: Oceamo DUO and Regulator
The basic supply of carbonate hardness and calcium is handled by the Oceamo system. DUO KH and DUO Calcium are dosed in a 1:1 ratio. According to the manufacturer, 10 ml per 100 litres raises KH by about 1 °dKH. It is important to add the two solutions a little apart; Oceamo recommends at least ten minutes.
On top of that come Regulator A with inorganic trace elements and Regulator O with amino acids, organic compounds and iodine. Both are dosed separately and not mixed together. Oceamo recommends increasing the dose slowly over three weeks. What we like about the system is that it stays simple: four bottles, clear dosing, and the KH consumption shows very well how much the corals currently need.
Testing and dosing: Focustronic
We test and dose with Focustronic. The Alkatronic measures KH automatically several times a day and adjusts. The Mastertronic takes care of calcium, magnesium, nitrate and phosphate, and the supplements run through the Dosetronic. The big advantage for us is not the technology itself but the graphs: when consumption rises or a parameter drifts, we see it before the corals show it.
One point many people underestimate: testers are only as good as their calibration. We calibrate the pH electrode with the pH 4.01 and 7.01 buffer solutions from Hanna Instruments and check salinity with the 35 ppt standard. It takes a few minutes and saves a lot of guesswork.
Lighting: AquaLEDs aquaBAR and ATI Straton X
Above our tanks hang aquaBAR LED bars from AquaLEDs and the ATI Straton X. Both distribute light evenly across the tank, which is especially important in densely stocked reefs.
Filtration, pumps and skimmers: Red Sea
For mechanical filtration we use the Red Sea ReefMat. Which size fits depends on the tank; our larger systems run the ReefMat 1200. The fleece filter continuously pulls suspended particles out of the water, and instead of washing filter socks we simply change the replacement roll.
Our return pumps also come from Red Sea; we use the ReefRun DC pumps. For skimmers we rely on the large Reefer DC Skimmers with foam sensor, which can be controlled via the app.
What do you really need?
Not every tank needs the complete setup. For a smaller reef, a good salt, a reliable KH test and a simple supplementation system such as DUO are often enough. Automated testing equipment is worthwhile above all when there are many stony corals in the tank and consumption is high. You can find everything we use collected under Our Setup. If you are unsure what suits your tank, just send us your volume and stocking.
Frequently asked questions
What supplementation does Premium Reefing use for KH and calcium?
We use Oceamo DUO KH and DUO Calcium, supplemented by Oceamo Regulator A and Regulator O for trace elements and organic compounds.
What do you use to test water parameters?
KH is measured automatically by the Focustronic Alkatronic; calcium, magnesium, nitrate and phosphate by the Focustronic Mastertronic. Calibration is done with solutions from Hanna Instruments.
What lighting hangs above your tanks?
AquaLEDs aquaBAR LED bars and the ATI Straton X.