INSANE Reef Aquarium! Keys to AMAZING Coral Growth and Fish Keeping!

In this video we kick off our Tank Tour Series, and this one is an unreal reef aquarium to start out with! We get the pleasure of checking out Mark Hatter's SPS dominant reef, and all of his amazing fish.
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[@BahamaLlamaCoral]

This system is AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Thanks for stopping in Remy! We got to link and do a RB studio tour soon on the channel! Appreciate you checking it out my good friend! -Blaine

[@Matthewhall772]

Man that’s a BEAUTIFUL ecosystem. Cool to see he isn’t afraid to take some risks

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Agreed!! Reef your way! I preach this all the time, and awesome to see Mark doing that! Thanks for tuning in! -Blaine

[@leilani-rose]

I’ve watched this video and Colson’s video SEVERAL times. I can’t get over how beautiful this tank is! I love it!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Much obliged was my first tank tour ever, and I’m so humbled to be able to showcase this system! Thanks for tuning in, you’ll have to check out the entire playlist! -Blaine

[@ProducerReef]

He never said how deep his tank was…How deep is it?

[@franklinwest2090]

The black alveapora is awesome

[@lorenzospina3174]

Masterpiece aquarium ❤, greetings from Italy 🇮🇹.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Truly was a masterpiece! Thanks so much for stopping in and checking it out all the way from Italy! -Blaine

[@justinpuran8937]

That take is incredible! You guys did an amazing job of showing off the tank's vibrant corals and fish! I can't wait to fill up my grow out tank with acros and hopefully grow insane colonies like Mark!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Thanks for stopping in Justin! Looking forward to hearing about the success with your grow out! -Blaine

[@elragnara]

THAT man knows what he is doing beautiful tank

[@TopShelfAquatics]

He really has done an amazing job with the system! Thanks for checking it out! -Blaine

[@willc2935]

wow easily one of the nicest reefs ive ever seen. great color/growth placement and overall scape.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Truly a beauty! Mark is killing it with this system. -Blaine

[@IMGbaugher]

That might be one of the most beautiful tanks I’ve ever seen. Amazing.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Agreed, after we filmed I got the chance to sit back take b-roll and enjoy the system and I kept saying to myself "This thing is GORGEOUS" -Blaine

[@ozziegarcia6262]

Reef Jedi........period. if the tank is the proof you know what you are doing, this guy has a PHD in the hobby.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

PHD in Reefing I love it! -Blaine

[@scottallan6770]

Amazing!!!

[@sarahnovotny4904]

Absolutely beautiful what an inspiration!!! 😊

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Seriously is an inspiration! -Blaine

[@ou812reefing]

Absolutely Beautiful reef and great information and very inspiring

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Was a joy to get to share it with everyone! The tank was mesmerizing! -Blaine

[@logan.vanderbeck]

You guys put out some high quality videos. Definitely deserve more subscribers!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Tell all your reefing buddies! I appreciate the support and hope I can keep high quality content coming to you all! Seriously appreciate this comment! -Blaine

[@bigadventure3797]

Stunning !

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Agreed! -Blaine

[@queencityreefs]

Truly an amazing reef tank. Masterpiece 😍👌💯✌️

[@TopShelfAquatics]

"Chefs kiss" -Blaine

[@BubbaJazzy]

That’s very impressive!!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

AGREED! Was a pleasure to share, thanks for dropping a comment! -Blaine

[@TommyGunz327]

A multibar angelfish would look gorgeous in this tank. They have a funny personality too

[@TopShelfAquatics]

I’ll have to toss out that suggestion to Mark! It would look great in here that’s for sure. -Blaine

[@austinbabler2165]

This one’s definitely in the top 5 for what I’d try to replicate. Gorgeous tank can’t wait for possible future videos of it!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

I'll for sure head back and check in with it again down the line, but there are so many other amazing tanks I cannot wait to share with you all! Thanks for the comment Austin! -Blaine

[@steevareno2002]

Absolute masterpiece!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

The tank literally blew me away the moment I walked in, was an absolute pleasure getting to share this one here on the channel! -Blaine

[@reneestevens225]

That tank is so pretty ! love getting to see it.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Was a gorgeous system to see in person absolutely! -Blaine

[@user-qq6qx2eb2z]

Beautiful tank great job 👏

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Tank is truly a living piece of art! Thanks for checking out the video! -Blaine

[@geekdomo]

1:30 I grew up in south florida in the 80s and would go out to WPB to get fish with a snorkle, slurp gun and a dive flag/bucket. Did that all the way through high school.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Love to hear that, something I hope I can get into here now that I have moved down this way! -Blaine

[@steffenopenheimer3601]

With this Video you made me to subscribe...This guy is one of the best refer i ever seen in any video, his knowledge is wow....

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Greatly appreciate you that subscribe button! Thanks for joining the TSA family! -Blaine

[@wotarush1]

Wow what an inspiration 👏 🙌

[@TopShelfAquatics]

AGREED! I aspire to have a tank like this when I am retired no doubt! -Blaine

[@BlackPedagogue]

Beautiful tank…I’ve seen many tank tour videos but this tank is special. I love how the owner is pushing the limits. Great job with the video.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Mark has done an amazing job with this one! I agree, I do too like how he is pushing the limits a bit, and creating a more natural reef (stocking wise) -Blaine

[@Robby50]

Awesome set up

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Agreed Thanks for stopping in and leaving a comment much appreciated! -Blaine

[@BryznsReef]

Loving the depth on that tank beautiful tank

[@TopShelfAquatics]

He did an amazing job keeping the NSA scape rolling with the growth of the corals and keeping things off the sand, made some really nice depth in the scape! -Blaine

[@paweglegoa7478]

​@@TopShelfAquaticsCould you share dimensions of this tank?

[@daosanho1]

very nice tank.....love it!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

It is an absolute joy to see in person, glad I can share it with you all!

[@tedvoskuil2827]

Love those skunk clowns they’re my favorite

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Classic group of skunk clowns is hard to beat! -Blaine

[@eillyacostandinides3344]

Best reef tank on youtube. That achilies and emperor are on fireeee

[@TopShelfAquatics]

You said it! This tank was absolutely beautiful! -Blaine

[@fletcherwright7042]

Sweet reef

[@gt3forme]

Wow what a tank!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Can’t wait to revisit here in a while and do an update! -Blaine

[@dusk1947]

WOW. The contrast of the clean sand against full SPS bommie's is extremely well executed. And the health of the tank speaks for itself in the opening shot. Well Done! I also greatly love and appreciate how Mr. Hatter uses the correct species when describing his live stock. A finer point few hobbiest's seem to manage in modern reefing, much to the detriment of the hobby. Regardless, his is the kind of reef tank we all want reference photo's of for our next upgrade :)

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Glad I could give this tank some shots to showcase it because it truly is one that needs to be shared! AGREED, its pinnacle status of reefing really! -Blaine

[@vickyhatter9699]

Thank you! My apologies though, for mispronouncing anemone the first time.

[@TheBrelson]

Amazing tank ❤

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Agreed! -Blaine

[@senordiaz81]

Goals! I just set up my 70 gallon rimless, just got it going yesterday so I’m just at the start of the cycle, but can’t wait to see grow into something special a few years down the road, and then move to a bigger tank! I’m very impressed with the video, really good info, and motivation in this video. Great job!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Glad you enjoyed the video was a blast making! Mark isn’t super active on the forums but can be found on R2R a little! I hope to go back again at some point and give everyone an update! Thanks for the comments! -Blaine

[@mickeyg3139]

Awesome tank

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Agreed! Thanks for dropping a comment! -Blaine

[@ababbington1]

Although I’d love a reef set up like this I realise from watching this type of upload that I don’t have the time to do it properly. Corals and fish are living animals and so I guess I’ll have to wait about 8 years until I retire to get into this hobby/obsession. Never bite off more than you can chew. Lovely tank and interview. Very informative owner. 👍👍👌

[@TopShelfAquatics]

It can be done now! Just takes some dedication. Once retired though it'll for sure be nice to have some extra time to give to the system! -Blaine

[@ababbington1]

@@TopShelfAquatics I’d worry all the time if I set it up now because I’m an animal lover. I’m going to wait until I can give the right amount of time to a tank as it deserves. My wife who is lovely would be no help so ………

[@FrugalReefer]

Number one key to amazing coral growth? Wait seven years. Seriously though, beautiful and very clean tank.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

PATIENCE! I try and remind people this all the time in reefing, it's not a sprint it's a marathon! -Blaine

[@Alex_Correa]

Great example of the application of LEDs with T5s to reach it's maximum. Note the symmetricl growth of the colonies!! Another very important thing in this tank is the fact that he uses a lot of flow and still have an amazing look with the sand. I've always said that there is absolutely no excuse not to use sand in a SPS system with high water flow!!! Great system, amazing animals, very clean, very nice guy! I wish I could go visit him and become his friend!! An example of serious reefer!!!!!! I suggest to make another video with Mr. Mark (?) showing each of his Acropora and telling us the names. Thank you so much for sharing this content, Top Shelf Aquatics. Aloha.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

The tank was really, REALLY, well thought out! He did an amazing job with it! This is for sure one we will have to revisit not just for the tank, but with how knowledgable he was as well!! Really appreciate you taking the time to comment and leave your input! Will take all of this and run with it! Hope to see you in the comments again soon! -Blaine

[@andrewlindell8626]

The sand bed has to be constantly cleaned and eventually it collects detritus and can be a haven for pests. Plus it can grow alot of bad bacteria and algea on it. Not worth it

[@Alex_Correa]

@@andrewlindell8626 Sea cucumbers and gobies do a great job cleaning the sand naturally. Vacuuming parts of the sand during water changes helps removing/exporting detritus. There is absolutely no pests on/in my sand. What pests are you talking about??? The bacteria in the sand is beneficial to the system and no algae grows when the size of the grains is according to the application. Bad bacteria can grow anywhere. The magic is in the thickness... 3/4" to 1" high is what should work best for the majority of the systems. Again, the tank in this video is a great example.

[@squidarcherb9707]

That’s amazing. The size of the sump really surprised me! I have a tank around those same dimensions and I’d love for it to look like that someday 😅

[@TopShelfAquatics]

It did for me too, I think the biggest nutrient export was the huge coral colonies! They did all the work eating that away to keep growing! You got this I believe in you and your system! -Blaine

[@colsonscritters]

This video is looking familiar…👀👀 hahah nice perspective on the tank from mine

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Had to absolutely get my chance to see this tank in person myself as well! Like we both agree one of the nicest we have seen in person EVER! -Blaine

[@vickyhatter9699]

Funny, Colson!

[@colsonscritters]

@@TopShelfAquatics definitely the coolest tank I’ve ever seen in person!!! And Mark was super nice to let us both go out there!

[@colsonscritters]

@@vickyhatter9699hahaha

[@briangrove597]

Very awesome tank, gives me a lot to strive for. Just getting back into the hobby again after being out for approx 12 years. Started with a small 32 gallon tank with a tank controller on both my DT and QT tank. Would love to get a 100 gallon tank down the road. My DT tank has been up for almost 11 months.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Welcome back Brian! Good to get your hands salty again I am sure! I just finally got my first system over 100 gallons and I have been in the hobby a LONG time at this point! Thanks for dropping a comment and checking out the video! -Blaine

[@briangrove597]

@@TopShelfAquatics yes of course! I am still learning everyday, so much has changed. Tank controllers are so nice. Can’t wait to get fish back in my tank after a disease earlier in the year. Have 2 clowns in my QT tank now for another week or so.

[@tfpjr]

Omg! Pearlscales!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

A bonded breeding pair at that too!!!!! Amazing. -Blaine

[@amy]

You guys will have to come up to Canada one day ;)

[@TopShelfAquatics]

We will have to make that happen at some point! -Blaine

[@tannerbradford7233]

What kind of material did he build that canopy with?

[@sunnygoold9449]

Wow

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Truly insane! -Blaine

[@lisadimercurio9473]

Beautiful tank! Is the paler colored anemone or a torch when the skunk clowns are hosting?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

That's the Sebae Anemone that he has! -Blaine

[@jsauce666]

Great tour. Is he using the Tropic Marin Balling method? Wonder how he controls nutrients. Carbon dosing, bacteria, refugium, etc.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

I know the corals were absorbing a majority of the nutrients. I plan to stop by again soon to just enjoy the tank with Mark, but I’ll round up a majority of the comments questions I don’t have an answer for and get back to them! -Blaine

[@justinthibodeaux1460]

Definitely top 5 in my book. Maybe... #1. Incredible job. Love the color spectrum you're pulling here. What is your t5 bulb combo?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

I would put it in my top 10 easily of tanks I have seen in my life! I will ask Mark and get back with you soon! Thanks for stopping in and dropping a comment! -Blaine

[@vickyhatter9699]

4 each ATI Coral blue bulbs

[@justinthibodeaux1460]

​@vickyhatter9699 there's blue plus, coral plus, and a few other options. Are you saying there's blue plus and coral plus bulbs? Thanks!

[@5150Steven5150]

I NEED the dimensions of this tank. This thing is incredible.

[@victoraudrain200]

Insane , how many gallons ?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Tank is truly a work of art, and this system is 180 gallons, not including the sump and tied in 40 gallon below! -Blaine

[@jbeanz24]

What are the tank dimensions ?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

The tank is 62"x30"x24" (length, width, height) ! -Blaine

[@BackWoodsReefer]

Wow! Love this tank. What does he use for nutrient control?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

His main one is his coral collection! Other than that in the sump he has a skimmer running as well! -Blaine

[@vickyhatter9699]

I dose Red Sea NoPox (essentially Vodka dosing) daily as I do not have a refugium. I keep Nitrates below 10ppm and Phosphates below .10 ppm. If phosphates surge, I use ROWA to bring it back below .1ppm.

[@BackWoodsReefer]

Nice I just started carbon dosing with my 180. Like it so far. Easy to do. How much do you dose?

[@alexanderpeterson6029]

Does he ever have problems with the pearlscales nipping at corals? How good is the emperor?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

He talks about this during the interview, double back to the fish section and take a listen to what Mark has to say about his tank residents! -Blaine

[@opethmike]

Blaine; you mention the car hobby at the end. Are you a car guy yourself? Because if you are, boy do I have a car to share with you!

[@gregorymowens1697]

Mark, how do you keep the butterflies and angels without them eating your corals?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

He mentions it in the video a little, but starting them young, keeping them well fed, and knowing that you won't have a ton of polyp extension in the display then it can work! Also, adding them in when the corals have developed and grown in so that they are maybe pecking at the coral, but in reality won't mess with the entire colony, a frag on the other hand would be a problem. -Blaine

[@vickyhatter9699]

They do pick at the corals but the colonies are large enough to withstand the picking without detriment. If I only had stick frags, I would not have butterflies or angels until the corals matured to larger colonies.

[@gregoryrunningelk865]

I have got to get me an Apex system and Trident system.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

I have an Apex system on my home tank, I will say it is nice to have an interface to turn on and off (run certain time durations) on all your equipment in one app. Also being able to monitor some parameters from afar is really a nice peace of mind. -Blaine

[@bobbyknox9258]

Awesome reef. Brave having bubble tips in there

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Sebae Anemone and a Magnifica Anemone were actually the two he had in the system! Bubble tips only down in the 40 GAL down below!

[@scottallan6770]

Which nem are the skunks using? @@TopShelfAquatics

[@justinthibodeaux1460]

Sebae anemone​@@scottallan6770

[@leilani-rose]

I’m new to the hobby. I just got a bubbletip anemone and clowns. Is there a negative side to having a bubbletip?

[@bobbyknox9258]

@@leilani-rose they can move around if they are not happy where they are and sting other corals. They usually behave but not always. Then there's the blended bubbletip. If they get sucked into a wave maker and chopped up the toxins they release nuke whatever is in the tank ie those big sps colonies that are in that amazing tank 😬

[@nickmiller8131]

How often does he feed this thing

[@TopShelfAquatics]

He was feeding a couple times a day, and obviously the fish are helping feed the corals as well! -Blaine

[@hamdanimtiaz4049]

How many Gallons athis tank he said Please? , I couldnt catch that part properly through out the video

[@TopShelfAquatics]

It's a custom 180 gallon! Thanks for stopping in and leaving a comment! -Blaine

[@gregoryrunningelk865]

Top Shelf, do you have schools for people that want to get in touch with the reef world, like the do’s and don’t, the what to use and not to use, so we don’t have to waste money trying to get it right .

[@TopShelfAquatics]

That’s what I’m hoping to turn this KZbin channel into in a way is have some good informative videos added in as well! -Blaine

[@ProducerReef]

💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@gregorymowens1697]

BTW, what brand of tank is it and what are the dimensions?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

This was a custom build by our in house custom tank builder! -Blaine

[@shemusmcquillaide]

Fucking gorgeous! Wow!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

You know it’s nice when we start talking like sailors!! Thanks for stopping in. -Blaine

[@RichGiosiffi-bt2vl]

Secrets for coral growth?

[@sith1271]

What's size of this tank?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

180 gallon display! With a 40 gallon plumbed in as well! -Blaine

[@sith1271]

@@TopShelfAquatics i mean width length height :D

[@TopShelfAquatics]

62"x30"x24" @@sith1271

[@senordiaz81]

Can we follow Him on any reef forum or KZbin channel?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

He has a couple threads on R2R, and you may see him on there more soon! -Blaine

[@Lilbear2352]

@@TopShelfAquatics is there an update if he is on any social media or R2R?

[@Just-In-Credible]

angel fish????

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Yes sir! He talks about how he has kept them in his reef for a very long time, and knows going into it that they will pick at polyps. -Blaine

[@JohnStClair-km3gv]

Have we been saying acropora and montipora wrong this entire time?! 😅 11 years in and never heard them said like that.

[@bobbyknox9258]

I was thinking the same 😅

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Getting more scientific with it! -Blaine

[@vickyhatter9699]

I dived with a top coral scientist a few years ago who was studying the corals on the reefs we were diving in the Marshall Islands. I’ve always been interested in scientific names so when I threw out a few names I knew of what we had seen on a dive, he corrected my pronunciation. So, since then I have been trying to use the pronunciation used by academics.

[@ericthiessen3278]

I sub to your channel and I entered my email and phone number also so I am entered to win