The Archive
Reporting, comparisons, and field notes — newest first.
lighting-and-flow
Ready to step up from your starter light without spending Radion money? We compare three popular budget reef LEDs — NICREW HyperReef Gen 2, VIPARSPECTRA 165W
·11 min read
filtration-and-water-quality
Not all reef salt mixes are created equal — and for SPS coral growers, batch-to-batch consistency can mean the difference between a thriving reef and a
·9 min read
filtration-and-water-quality
A plain-language comparison of the best in-sump DC protein skimmers for mid-size reef tanks, with clear tradeoff analysis to help you choose the right model
·9 min read
filtration-and-water-quality
The cheap stuff matters more than you think. Here's how drip kits, cut-to-fit sponge foam, and quality filter floss protect your shrimp, fish, and tank
·11 min read
equipment-and-controllers
Evaporation silently swings your reef's water chemistry every day. Here's how an automatic top-off system keeps alkalinity stable — and how to choose the right
·9 min read
lighting-and-flow
Not every planted tank needs a high-end fixture — but the wrong light means no carpet plants and wasted money. Here's how to match LED output to what your
·10 min read