Reefing Radio

In this episode of Reefing Radio, Chris and Gareth strip reef keeping back to basics and ask a simple question: what do you genuinely need to run a successful reef tank?From ATOs, flow and temperature control to test kits, live rock and backup equipment, we work through the gear and practices we think are truly essential. Along the way, we also challenge some of the hobby's biggest assumptions, including whether you really need to dip every coral and if clean-up crews are as important as they're made out to be.Whether you're setting up your very first reef tank or rethinking how you run an established system, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and a few opinions that might spark some debate.As always, we'd love to hear what you think is essential... and what you'd happily leave out.Support the show: 👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠⁠⁠📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

In this episode of Reefing Radio, Chris, James, and Gareth have a catch-up after a run of guest episodes. We chat about what's been happening in our own tanks, the lessons we've learned over the past few months, and how our approach to reefing is starting to change.Gareth shares the plans for his brand new custom-built reef, explaining why he's finally replacing his ageing Red Sea tank, the thinking behind his bespoke wavebox design, and how he's aiming for a simpler, more natural-looking display with fewer coral species and larger groups of fish.Chris talks through the recent heatwave, the challenges it's created for his SPS system, and why he's seriously considering moving away from an SPS-dominated tank in favour of something that's better suited to his lifestyle. James gives an update on his thriving soft coral reef, including how higher temperatures unexpectedly accelerated coral growth, why he's embraced a more relaxed approach to reef keeping, and what happens when you simply let soft corals do their thing.Support the show: 👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠⁠📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠⁠💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

In this episode of Reefing Radio, we're joined by Mark Bindefeld from MB Aquariums to explore the world of professional aquarium maintenance. Mark has built a successful business maintaining everything from tropical aquariums and reef tanks to large commercial displays, giving us a fascinating insight into a side of the hobby that most reef keepers never see.We discuss what it's like looking after other people's aquariums, the types of clients who use professional maintenance services, and the biggest challenges of turning a passion for fishkeeping into a full-time career. Mark shares stories from the field, from emergency call-outs and holiday cover to rescuing neglected systems and maintaining high-end reef tanks.If you've ever wondered what it's like to maintain reef tanks for a living, considered hiring a professional to look after your aquarium, or even dreamed of turning your own hobby into a career, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most interesting professions in the reefing hobby.Find Mark and MB Aquariums:🌐 https://mbaquariums.co.uk📸 Instagram: @thenewbiereefer📘 Facebook: MB AquariumsSupport the show: 👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

In this episode of Reefing Radio, we’re joined by Courtney Keeps — a hobbyist known for his beautifully designed macroalgae reef tanks, natural daylight-style aesthetics, and thoughtful approach to aquarium design.Courtney shares his journey from freshwater aquascaping into the reefing world, including how planted tank design principles, gardening, and a love of natural aesthetics have shaped the way he approaches marine aquariums. We discuss what the reefing hobby can learn from aquascaping — from intentional layouts and repetition to colour placement, depth, restraint, and designing tanks that feel cohesive rather than cluttered.The conversation also dives deep into macroalgae systems: how to grow them successfully, nutrient management, lighting, dealing with nuisance algae, species that thrive (or crash), and why macroalgae tanks behave very differently from traditional coral-dominated reefs. Along the way, we talk about natural seawater, freshwater influences on reefing, blackwater tanks, nano systems, and the challenge of balancing aesthetics with practicality.Courtney also walks us through his latest shallow lagoon-style setup — including the philosophy behind the design, custom-painted cabinetry, canister filtration, and why the overall presentation of an aquarium matters just as much as what’s inside the glass.You can check out Courtney’s stunning Reef2Reef Tank of the Month feature here:Reef of the Month – May 2025: CourtneyKeepsAnd follow his work on Instagram here:@courtneykeepsSupport the show: 👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@reefing_radio⁠📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠Reefing Radio⁠💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠[email protected]⁠🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

We recently visited Tropical Marine Centre — the UK’s largest importer of marine fish and coral — for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with CEO Brian Schaff.In Part 1 of this series, Brian takes us through TMC’s fish systems, quarantine and acclimation processes, animal care philosophy, and the logistics involved in handling thousands of marine fish each year.We also discuss fish health, decompression, captive breeding, UV sterilisation, feeding systems, and how TMC approaches marine livestock care at scale.Huge thanks to Brian and the whole team at TMC for taking the time to show us around.Part 2 coming soon.Don't miss our full sit-down interview with Brian Schaff discussing the reefing industry, supply chains, sustainability, and how the marine trade works. Find out more about Tropical Marine Centre: 🌐 ⁠Website⁠📸 ⁠Instagram⁠📘 ⁠Facebook⁠👉 Follow us onInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠⁠Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠YouTube: @reefing_radioGot feedback or questions? Drop us a message!Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week