Overview and 30 month update on the Dream Reef Tank

I've been holding off on this video for a while, but the time is now! It's time for a 2 and a half year overview of my dream reef tank.
An Aussie, 210x90x75cm mixed reef tank with no expense spared. We'll cover the history of what has got the tank to this point in time, plus any changes since the last video.
Hopefully covers most of the questions people have, but yf you have more, feel free to pop them in the comments section below and I'll promise to answer them all!

[@akaduy255]

Can't believe its been two years. Tank looks even more amazing than before.

[@ParkersReef]

Two and a half!

[@opethmike]

Sam once flew to the USA, found my house, stole my DeLorean, time traveled into the past, and went on a zombie slaying journey in the Australian outback. When he returned my DeLorean, it had a full tank of gas, and was perfectly clean. This is why Sam is amazing.

[@ParkersReef]

Hahaha thanks mate, DeLorean sounds pretty sweet 👌🏻

[@JCrowe86]

Jeeze where has the time gone! I still remember videos of you getting this tank up and running.

[@ParkersReef]

like it was yesterday!

[@vascojardim6703]

My favorite tank from my favorite youtube reef channel. I follow and subscribe to all the big channels for over 10 years but your channel is my absolute favorite.

[@ParkersReef]

You’re too kind mate, thank you. Appreciate your support!

[@subhra_s_das]

Wow thanks for sharing. 30 months and tank almost overgrown , magical.

[@ParkersReef]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jai0346]

Tank looks so natural , lighting colour is perfect❤

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you! I’m not a fan of the crazy blue colours a lot run these days

[@jai0346]

@@ParkersReef to me they must think the water is blue so my tank needs to look at that way

[@ParkersReef]

@@jai0346 for sure, to each their own!

[@charlescox4213]

looks like you have no more room for any more corals beautifully grown out. My tank is full too I'm not sure what to do next. I guess just enjoy it.

[@ParkersReef]

still a heap of room for growing out and maybe a spot or two for new corals as something special comes up. But yes, mostly sitting back and enjoying now - that's what we do all this work for!

[@lorenzospina3174]

Luca is the King 👑.

[@ParkersReef]

He sure is!

[@craftaquatic6472]

Very impressed with the growth and color in such a short amount of time. Tank is already full! Looking forward to seeing some of the smaller frags grow out

[@ParkersReef]

You and me both!

[@so_so_reef]

Never seen a mustard tang before, really nice!

[@ParkersReef]

yeah he's a gorgeous fish!

[@migueleespinosa2632]

You sir are Mr Reef to me. I am a freshwater keeper but enjoy your journey. My budget is not big enough to do saltwater right. I've followed since the beginning arrival of the stand and tank.

[@ParkersReef]

you are too kind, thank you. I admire what people do with freshwater tanks, it's like another language to me!

[@wallacepretorius7785]

Will never get tired of this tank! Well done P💪

[@ParkersReef]

thanks so much!

[@dxfgful]

Great to see an update. Your channel is what really started me on my own reefing journey, your videos are appreciated.

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you, that really makes my day! Have a good one and thanks for watching :)

[@StubbyAcro]

Hey Parker, I want make an apology. To be completely honest, at first I thought you were just some rich dude flexing his wealth but after watching you for a good while, I can see that you're really passionate about this hobby. I'm sorry. Anyway, the tank is looking terrific!

[@ParkersReef]

All good mate, wish I was rich! Just a local government employee driving a ten year old cheap car working six days a week to fund my hobby. But hey, I do love it

[@eillyacostandinides3344]

You are nice, respectful, family guy you are rich....

[@ParkersReef]

@@eillyacostandinides3344 rich with life!

[@bluereef9530]

Tank looks beautiful you definitely do things right.. hybrid angel nice and thick . Purple tang are beautiful. ..I know the yellow tangs are no longer available. Unless from biota. I think with your blue colors will really pop . Really enjoy your videos...also like how your dosing. I'm also doing the same...nice balance in case something fails

[@ParkersReef]

I appreciate that, thank you

[@m1ste2tea]

I really liked this format, thanks for sharing. I've noticed that not many people talk about the maintenance aspect of controlling coral growth and aggression, so I really appreciated you talking about that.

[@ParkersReef]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!!

[@DINOSAURIA92]

Best reef tank on KZbin in my opinion

[@ParkersReef]

thanks mate, that is super kind of you :)

[@luizmakesvideos]

I love watching these long format update videos, cheers 👍

[@ParkersReef]

Glad you like them, thanks for watching mate :)

[@RogueAquariums]

Sam, your dream tank is looking stellar. That hammer garden seems to keep growing. 😊your corals are amazing. Great job. Keep up the good work. Sorry to hear about Collin as I know you’ve had him for many years. Cheers

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks so much mate, really appreciate it

[@RogueAquariums]

@@ParkersReef You’re welcome

[@roydekoekkoek388]

Ty so much aqain for your update. It is so nice to see how that tank works out for you. Its such a beautiful creation👏

[@ParkersReef]

thanks so much for the kind words, glad you enjoyed the update!

[@ppsthlm]

It’s been a pleasure following this built and wow wow wow 🤩🤩🤩 it is getting even more and more stunning as it settles and grows. Thanks for putting so much time into making you videos Sam, you inspire, you teach, invaluable 🙏🏻👏🏻

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you so much, I appreciate you following the journey!

[@jwar3235]

Great video once again Sam. I line up every week like a fat kid at a lollies shop. Thank you for the time you put into our hobby Cheers Tim

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks mate, I appreciate it!

[@BottomlandOutdoors]

Loved the tank planning on upgrading my 125 gal soon!

[@ParkersReef]

Enjoy the upgrade!!

[@Reefkpr1]

Man time flies! It's perfect! Really like the triple redundancy with the carx, kalk and dosing pump. I've ran out of co2 and scrambled to dose until I could refill the bottle.

[@ParkersReef]

Haha yeah, it can drop alk bloody quick when that bottle runs out!!

[@Paul-km9lm]

Sorry to hear about Colin and Lily mate! I just managed to grab a baby naso,been a dream fish for literally 30 years! Only 10cm but a great little character,swimming behind the flow pumps right to left and then riding the waves back the other way!

[@ParkersReef]

thank you, appreciate that. All the best with your baby naso, they're such a gorgeous fish!

[@wrangyswreef1404]

Looking fantastic Sam and so nice to see such a great update!! Dave is absolutely an MVP!!

[@ParkersReef]

thanks Dom, appreciate it mate. Yep, dude makes things happen that is for sure!

[@matth4520]

Great update Sam, it was watching your videos that made be catch the reefing bug and jump into my own first salt water tank.

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks, I really appreciate that! I hope you’re enjoying your return to the reefing scene!

[@ArrickthaRed]

Great update. When you broke down the old tankbi have to admit I was puzzled and a bit sad. After this video I can absolutely say you have done it 10 times better. It has grown in beautifully. I feel for you with the fish loses especially Colin. I lost my clown that I had for 15 years so I feel your pain. With that being said I think the tank actually looks better with a lot of smaller fish. It makes the tank look bigger. Here's to comtiued success.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah I hear you mate. I did often wonder if it was the right move (especially when people would visit and say how amazing the new tank looked when I knew it was still barely a shadow of the last tank1) But I am happy with the move now, the previous tank had too many flaws that were not going to be sustainable long term. I see little reason why this tank can't go another 10 or so years without any sort of trouble :) Thanks for the continued support, sorry to hear about your clownfish of 15 years, that must have hurt :(

[@SimonJamesBayman]

Arrrh sorry to hear about Colin. When you was talking about your corals 🪸 i thought I cant see him 😢, he had a good innings though

[@ParkersReef]

thank you, he was a big loss but it does happen in reefing from time to time :/

[@Vroomy1986]

Hi Sam great work, just filled my cade 2100 s2 with water. You have helped me so much with picking equipment on this tank. Running alot of the reef factory gear and couldn't be more pleased. Please don't ever stop making videos, you're an inspiration to all of us. I can only hope my tank will look as full as yours one day. Cheers ps that video on Aquamarine aquaristic was awesome, I know where ill be ordering my coral from when its time 😊

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks mate appreciate that and good luck with the recent fill!!!

[@oz969]

Looks fantastic, you must be so pleased

[@ParkersReef]

I am, thank you!!

[@mohammadalameer8283]

Beautiful tank.

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you, appreciate that!

[@simonmiddleton1983]

Great in-depth update as usual. Keep up the good work

[@ParkersReef]

Much appreciated!

[@petesreef1891]

Looking fab Sam, very beautiful 👍👍👍

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Reefahholic]

Excellent update Sam. The system has really filled in nicely. Many pieces in there caught my eye, but that blue teal Acro (18:18) behind the Red Dragon and Green Slimer holds a special place in my heart. I’m a sucker for that color. You have a very nice fish population as well and of course tons of equipment on that beast!

[@ParkersReef]

thanks mate, appreciate the kind words. And yes, that is a pretty special piece that one - love the strong colour of it

[@IMGbaugher]

Amazing as usual Sam. Absolute beauty.

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Shadowzerah]

Ur tank is awesome, Congratulations!

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you so much 😀

[@andreishturm8668]

Warm greetings from Russia, I watched all your videos about this aquarium, it's just amazing! and of course happy anniversary))) Good luck and further development.

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you very much!

[@ryanlewis4919]

Loved this review! Thank you

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks for watching!

[@antoniofaustino2548]

2 and half years well done mate! It's ticking along nicely. I noticed your acros are getting bigger soon no more room for additions. I got 3 acros an I don't know why it's still brown after almost a year my PO4 is 15 PO3 0.05 lights 3 IA primes. Thanks Sam!

[@ParkersReef]

Hey Antonio! SPS are a funny thing, some of them will colour right up and some take ages. Brown isn't the end of the world, it's still alive if brown, just not showing its full colour. I'd get them in as much light and a decent amount of flow and see how they go. If it's been a year, time to move them to a different spot and see if they respond better there

[@damiandeans9265]

Wow, i can definitely see the growth, amazing,

[@ParkersReef]

Cheers man

[@AbbasReef]

difficult losing fish but i think your tank look better for it. I for one will not be replacing some big fish when they pass. Well i will but with much smaller ones!

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah that is a fair call too. Thanks for following along :)

[@jamesmcfarlandiv3867]

Looks like u built the tank around that Super Fat Angel Prius and gave her a Buffet🎉 😂 Setup looks beautiful! My fav was the footage of the Walt Disney with the pe swinging!

[@ParkersReef]

Haha just about did mate, love that fish! Cheers, the Walt Disney is looking great apart from where I’ve hacked a few frags off 😂

[@cegentry]

Looking good! Don’t get too attached to that lineatus. Fairy wrasses only last a few years once they reach those supermale colors.

[@ParkersReef]

That’s ok, I’m fine if they live their expected life span just don’t like losing things earlier :)

[@shankybrar]

Nice to see it going strong. Sad to hear the loss of lipstick Lily and fox face. I see lot of people struggle with blonde naso recently without any explained reasons. It’s my favourite fish too

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks mate, much appreciated

[@claycor5990]

Absolutely beautiful tank! Keep up the good videos Sam 😃

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks a ton!

[@AustraliaDrugTesting1]

Awesome tank and an inspirational vid, well done Sam

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks very much mate!

[@MelbourneReefer]

Tank looks incredible man

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks mate!!

[@anthonygenovas2429]

Talking with Dave at moment, will mention it. Thanks

[@ParkersReef]

Good stuff

[@cezar050681]

Absolutely fantastic, amazing tank! Yours skimmer, it is due for some deep cleaning and maybe you can share it with us.

[@ParkersReef]

it absolutely is due!!! I'll get onto it in the next couple weeks

[@zaher.w]

Beautiful ❤many thanks Sam

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you!!!

[@alexmassey4810]

Your tank looks absolutely amazing Sam. I have been watching from the beginning of your dream reef tank, and I set my first tank up at the same time as yours. Mine looks pathetic in comparison. I have a handful of soft corals and 3 BTA's. I've killed more LPS than I would like to admit to. Your tank is a testament to your skills. I am in NSW (Blue Mountains), but if I am ever in Melbourne I will be sure to visit you at Deer Park Aquarium.

[@ParkersReef]

You’re too kind, thank you! I have been incredibly fortunate to have the support of some amazing people to get my tank where it is. That and I threw a decent chunk of cash at it 😂

[@queencityreefs]

Absolutely amazing my friend 👏🏻🙌🏼✌🏻

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you kindly! Appreciate you following along on the journey!

[@queencityreefs]

@@ParkersReef I did mean to ask. How long, on average, does it take you to do thorough maintenance?

[@ParkersReef]

Depends on what I am tackling. A usual weeks maintenance is around 15-30mins, but to really tidy things up like I did for the video I might spend a few hours (which is something I'll do every 3-4 months)

[@MiXReef75]

Needed this update thank you ! Tank is beautiful 🤩

[@ParkersReef]

Glad you like it!

[@tonycloseukreef3799]

Top down views are incredible 😍

[@ParkersReef]

cheers Tony, appreciate it mate!

[@CLINNYY_1]

Wow already!!

[@ParkersReef]

Time flies!!

[@bchristopherfontaine9162]

Awesome

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you 🙌🏻

[@TrevorHiller]

That sucks about the Nero 7, I had similar issue with both of my Nero 3 pumps. They would intermittently stall out or make loud noises. I wish I would have sent them back as it turned out to be a predictor of what was to come. The first died just after a year (just past the warranty expiration period) and the second one died 2-3 months later. I'd consider sending them back to AI now while they still will cover it under warranty. I won't use them anymore as I don't personally trust them now to maintain constant flow.

[@ParkersReef]

yeah I probably should, but the pump "works" so I feel a bit bad sending it back...

[@gustavoesquivel6116]

Really nice thank!!!! What are the thank dimentions??

[@ParkersReef]

It’s 210x90x75cm

[@gordonwren8080]

love to see your updates parker, would be very interested in a filtration update too, any regrets or changes you’d make to the big custom sump?

[@ParkersReef]

Great questions! I’ll do a infrastructure video update soon!

[@andreasmithander314]

I think we talk way to little about the noice of equipment. I had a Nero 5 that sounded like a dishwasher and a pair of Hydras that was so noicy. I think we pay way to much money to get equipment that you can't have in a livingroom.

[@ParkersReef]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@RapidRecords]

Good job mate❤ Can you talk about equipment you use to shoot underwater

[@ParkersReef]

I just use a top down tube on my dslr. Avast and Pacific sun make them :)

[@RapidRecords]

@@ParkersReef Thank you

[@adams901]

Looking good 🙂 what happened to the stream 3s. Also was wondering what settings you run the vortechs on and what made you put them on the back and not the sides.

[@ParkersReef]

Stream threes are on my bench. I swapped out to the golf ball tunze and am liking them for the time being

[@ParkersReef]

Vortechs on the back for clean look with a gentle pulse mode

[@adams901]

@ParkersReef I stuck a stream 3 in my 4ft red sea tank (back corner), I love the gentle flow it gives, but my god does it look put of place and ruins the general look of the tank lol. Hopefully I get used to it before my ocd makes me rip it out.

[@GazzasReef]

Hi Sam just wondering how is best positioning 4 mp40 in a waterbox 220.6? 2 on either side / 4 on back / 1 each side and 2 on back ? Mixed reef… thoughts ?

[@ParkersReef]

I’d definitely go one on each end if possible, then place the other two in spots to reduce dead spots. Best flow patterns will happen with pumps on the sides, I just don’t like the look of the dry side on the end 😅

[@GazzasReef]

@@ParkersReef so all 4 on the sides ?

[@ParkersReef]

@@GazzasReef three sides. Left, right, back wall. Dont put anything on the front!

[@leighwhite1898]

How many plugs you got plugged in ? Beautiful tank

[@ParkersReef]

Wouldn’t actually be sure, but far too many 😅

[@SuperRedbelly]

Hello,Amazing aquarium!!! Was wondering what you think of the Philips Coral cares and if you could share your lighting graph please👍

[@ParkersReef]

I certainly really like the coral cares, I attribute a lot of the success of my tank to those lights. My lighting graph is pretty basic with them. It's around 80 warm and 100 cool, ramps up over an hour and ramps down over an hour

[@michaelbalsley6041]

Looking at you MP 60’s I was wondering what type of pump guards are you using? Love the video!!!

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks so much! They’re a 3d printed guard that I had made locally, they work a treat :)

[@ScottyR951]

Beautiful what is your light settings?

[@ParkersReef]

with three different brands of light on there, it is a bit of a mix. But ultimately it is my coral cares doing the heavy lifting with a fairly warm (by today's standards) spectrum. The kessils give a much cooler colour and shimmer and the orphek bars just give some blue fill

[@damiantosd8720]

Amazing tank. However I want to point out something that doesn’t get noticed. How clean is that back glass 😂😂 I have just started to do mine as a friend who is a photographer is coming to teach me some tricks next week.

[@ParkersReef]

Gotta have a clean back wall! Makes the tank really pop in my experience :)

[@damiantosd8720]

Any scraper you recommend for this hard to get to places?

[@ParkersReef]

Yep! I love the trio of lengths in the continuum scrapers. The do the job well, but it is an arm workout!!

[@damiantosd8720]

Have you tried an Atomos ninja with LUTs. Unbelievable. My friend came the other day who a photographer/videographer and after using his I had to get one. Can’t quite afford his camera & lens though 😂😂

[@ParkersReef]

@@damiantosd8720 haha yeah, expensive bit of gear! You can apply LUTS in some cameras without the atomos ninja, but to be fair - it isn't doing much that you cant do in post processing with some time anyway no?

[@justinstapp8011]

what one of your auto water testers do you recommend if someone was just going to have one

[@ParkersReef]

What did you need to test?

[@justinstapp8011]

everything i can , alk nitrates phosphates calcium and magnesium i saw you had the mastertronic and the reef bot @@ParkersReef

[@ParkersReef]

Those key elements align with the new mastertronic essentials. I’d personally wait and see that :)

[@user-if4ty1xj1z]

Привет, какой производитель соли используется в этом танке?

[@ParkersReef]

В основном натуральная соленая вода, но если я использую искусственную, то использую аквалес.

[@AbsoluteZero6714]

Sam where’s the pair of Bellus Angels? 😊

[@ParkersReef]

Lost those quite a while ago, I think due to the first bi colour cleaner wrasse :(

[@AbsoluteZero6714]

@@ParkersReef That’s not a true Cleaner Wrasse, they’re a predatory species that pretend to clean other fish but instead harass and take chunks from them. Sorry about your loss, they’re great angels. :(

[@ParkersReef]

It was actually a third type, but it did harass the fish too much so I switched to a standard cleaner wrasse which I also didn’t like the amount it has annoyed the fish. So no cleaner wrasse of any type for me :)

[@anthonygenovas2429]

Hey mate can a hire you for a day or two for reef tank setup, I'm in Melbourne.

[@ParkersReef]

There are a few consultants out there that would be able to help you better than me. But if you pop into deer park aquarium and have a chat to the team there, they can give you their contact details for people we recommend 👍🏻

[@akeemhoque5976]

I just found your youtube channel, I love your videos. QQ Do you have any views on the cabinetry work?

[@ParkersReef]

thanks so much! I absolutely do, I have a video on pretty much every step of this tank! Cabinetry video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3aWZZWVgMubidksi=ba3_Jp5mkmM0LKl2

[@akeemhoque5976]

@@ParkersReef You're awesome! Thank you.

[@Lionaltichy1980]

Hi what's your thoughts on pushing pH high regardless of how high your kh gets.

[@ParkersReef]

Not sold on it yet. Logic makes sense, but I haven’t seen enough solid results on it yet to convince me totally :)

[@Lionaltichy1980]

@@ParkersReef thanks for the reply, keep up the good content, looking forward to your next video. 👍

[@ParkersReef]

@@Lionaltichy1980 thanks mate, appreciate it

[@spizzy7996]

Do you think you'll ever review the DD Kamoer KH Manager? Interested in your thoughts on it. Beautiful Tank.

[@ParkersReef]

I did receive one to review, but had a heap of trouble out of the box with it. Will hopefully find time to revisit it now that it is in the wild and those bugs ironed out.

[@spizzy7996]

@@ParkersReef Looking forward to it.

[@pn7836]

What macro algae do you use in your refugium? Calerpa or Chaeto?

[@ParkersReef]

It is a form of Calerpa

[@davidromancalero8373]

De cuantos litros es 2000??

[@ParkersReef]

about 1500 litros

[@CopperStateCorals]

What made you go with the Nero 7 vs another MP-40?

[@ParkersReef]

On the side of the tank I need clearance for the side door to open. The vortech dry side would not allow this. Plus the Nero 7 is considerably cheaper than another mp60

[@CopperStateCorals]

@@ParkersReef makes sense! Love the content. Your setup is truly incredible. Cheers from Arizona, USA.

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you sir!!

[@lyndonbennett2805]

Hi Sam, do you still have a sulfur reactor

[@ParkersReef]

not on this system, it hasn't had the need for one yet as nitrates are staying about 4-6ppm

[@ozzman31982]

Won't that Bernardapora kill that goni

[@ParkersReef]

I don’t think so, but I guess I’ll soon find out!

[@damiandeans9265]

Frag the red polyp dallas and ill buy the frag off you??

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah can do :)

[@damiandeans9265]

@@ParkersReef I'll pm you bro?

[@HonoluluBen]

you kill so many fish .. crazy how many die.

[@ParkersReef]

If only we could keep them all alive for ever :D