FAQ

Do you work outside of the Austin metro? info_344

Absolutely! We have sent full reef systems across the country and can help you design a system anywhere. Whether you want a simple equipment plan or full plumbing diagram and installation, contact us today.

Can I see any of your aquariums locally? info_339

Most of our aquariums are in private businesses or residences but a few are open! Check out our 667 gallon reef at Discount Electronics, our 10 year old 150 gallon reef at The Finish Line Car Wash, and our newest 170 gallon reef at Platinum Realty.

Do you recommend any online livestock vendors? info_337

We understand that online shopping is one of the great thrills of our hobby and absolutely trust some online vendors. For fish, we always recommend Live Aquaria for their incredible supply and 14 day guarantee. For coral our absolute favorite is right across the street from our shop in Austin Aqua Farms. Matt is incredibly knowledgeable about his live stock and brings in some of the best specimens the world has to offer. We also like Unique Corals and World Wide Corals for their incredible SPS and rare coral frag selection.

What brands of equipment do you use? info_336

This hobby changes quickly and so does our choice of equipment. When we setup a tank we look for functionality, reliability, and customer service. Our current new aquarium setups utilize equipment from Ecotech Marine, Tunze, Trigger Systems, My Reef Creations, Eheim, Neptune, Royal Exclusiv, and many more.

Are there any local resources for reef enthusiasts? info_335

Absolutely! Check both Austin Reef Club and the Marine Aquarium Association of South Texas. For a national forum we like both Reefcentral and Reef2Reef.

What is the typical lifespan of a fish? info_334

In saltwater systems our bigger fish have been known to live 15 to 20 years with our smaller fish living between 5 and 10. In freshwater systems, expect the life cycle of a common fish to be anywhere from 5 to 15 years.

What is the primary difference between saltwater systems and freshwater ones? info_331

The primary difference between saltwater and freshwater systems is the more complicated nature of a saltwater system and that they need more equipment to operate effectively. With this more complicated ecosystem comes more maintenance and cost. Saltwater systems are also able to house the incredible coral and invertebrate life found in our coral reefs while freshwater systems have a much more limited invertebrate population. Freshwater systems are able to house much more fish than a saltwater system however. We like to think of a saltwater tank as a frenetic, bright, coral-dominant tank while a freshwater system is a much more zen, relaxing, fish-centric ecosystem.