Reef Tank PAR, HOB Gear, RO/DI & Power Outages | BRStv Help Desk Q&A Ep. 1
Working with reef tank hobbyists every day, we get certain questions over and over again. These are five common things reefers call and email us about with some helpful tips that'll allow you to make better decisions and avoid mistakes along the way.
1) When Getting a Bigger Tank, Should I Re-Check PAR?
The short answer is almost always yes. Even if you're using the exact same lights, changing tank size will impact how light is distributed throughout the aquarium.
Factors like tank depth, mounting height, spread, and rock structure all play a role in how much PAR your corals are actually receiving. A deeper tank can significantly reduce PAR at the bottom, while moving corals closer to the lights can increase intensity beyond what they are used to.
Larger tanks also change how light overlaps, especially if you are adding more fixtures or adjusting their spacing. Anytime you upgrade your tank, move your lights, or significantly change coral placement, it is a good idea to create a new PAR map to make sure everything is still within the right range.
Learn More: How to Set up Reef Tank Lighting with a PAR Meter
2) Can I Start a Successful Reef Tank with Hang-on-Back (HOB) Filtration?
Absolutely. With the variety of high-quality hang-on-back equipment available today, you can build a fully functional and successful reef tank without a sump.
There are solid options for HOB skimmers, reactors, and even refugiums that can handle the core filtration needs of a reef system. For many hobbyists, this can be a simple and effective way to get started.
The main trade-offs come down to aesthetics and accessibility. HOB equipment is visible on the back of the tank and can make the setup look more cluttered. It can also be a bit harder to access for cleaning and maintenance. Still, if you have a standard tank and want to get into reefing, HOB gear is a perfectly viable option.
Learn More: HOB & Canister Filters – Good or Bad for Saltwater?
Popular Hang-on-Back Gear
3) Do I Need a 7 Stage RO/DI System?
For most reef tanks, no. A properly configured four, five, or six stage RO/DI system is already capable of producing zero TDS water, which is the goal for mixing saltwater and topping off your tank.
A seven stage system is typically used in more specific situations, such as dealing with particularly challenging source water or maximizing DI resin efficiency. For the majority of hobbyists, a quality system with good carbon blocks and proper maintenance will do the job without needing additional stages.
The BRS 5 Stage RO/DI Systems are our most popular because they handle a range of common contaminants and their price makes them a good value.
Learn More: How to Pick the Best RO/DI System for a Reef Tank
4) Do I need to Put Miracle Mud in My Sump?
It depends on what you want your sump to do. If you are planning to run a refugium with macroalgae that develops roots, such as certain calcareous species, then a substrate is a good idea.
That substrate doesn't need to be Miracle Mud specifically, however. Sand, crushed gravel, or small rocks can all work as a suitable base for rooted macroalgae.
If you're not keeping rooted macroalgae, adding substrate to your sump can actually become a downside if it is not maintained properly. It can trap detritus and lead to nutrient issues over time.
For setups like chaeto refugiums, it's usually best to skip substrate entirely.
5) How Can I Best Prepare for a Power Outage?
The biggest immediate risk during a power outage is loss of oxygen and water movement, not temperature. Keeping water moving should be your top priority.
That said, if you live in an area prone to longer outages or have a heavily stocked tank, upgrading to a generator is a smart move. It provides extended runtime and gives you the ability to power more demanding equipment like heaters when it matters most.
It really comes down to how automatic you want this protection to be and how much you're willing to invest in a backup solution.
Popular Power Outage Options
Battery Powered Air Pump
Most Basic Backup Option
Pros:
- Affordable
- Simple
- Small and easy to store
Cons:
- Doesn't power heaters or powerheads
- Requires you to be home to take action
- Not enough for large systems
Powerhead Battery Backup Systems
Automatic Battery Backup Solution
Pros:
- Automatic backup
- Keeps water circulating/oxygenated
Cons:
- Limited runtime, usually only supports select equipment
- Doesn't power heaters
- Slightly more expensive than a battery powered air pump
Small Generator
Powers All Critical Life Support
Pros:
- Much higher capacity vs battery options
- Can run powerheads and heaters for protection during longer power outages
Cons:
- Requires you to be home to take action
- Requires fuel, setup, and safe outdoor operation
- Requires occasional maintenance
Whole-Home Generator
Like the Power Never Went Out
Pros:
- Automatic whole-home backup, seamless protection
- Excellent for frequent outages or to protect expensive aquarium setups
- Also keeps the rest of your home up and running during an outage
Cons:
- Highest cost, professional installation required
Learn More: Protect Your Reef Tank From Power Outages!
Adam has been reef keeping since 2010 and got his start on the Bulk Reef Supply Customer Service team. He believes the best tanks are built around what you enjoy, not what’s trending. Adam is especially interested in simplifying the hobby, exploring the latest gear, and helping others focus on long-term success over chasing perfection.
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