So, what are the things you need to have a great reef tank? Among the most important are money, knowledge, patience, time, and a conscientious spirit.

It has been the topic of significant debate as of late whether tropical scleractinia and associated flora/fauna of coral reefs can be maintained at an ethical standard of  "living" in captivity; regardless of whether the artificial habitat is recreated and maintained by a formally educated professional aquarist for public display, or by an amateur aquarist as a private/home display. Typically, the reef aquaria of an amateur aquarist will average in volume from approximately 55 gallons into the 200-400 gallon range.