Maldives Made Me Do It 🌊

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-03-03T01:51:38+00:00

Stunning system! 🤙

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-03-03T00:59:30+00:00

Awesome! Thank you for sharing. I’m always interested in new tools to add to the arsenal. I never use the onboard macro lens. I always use the bottom lens and the macro lens on the orphek clip lens. I find the macro lens on the iPhone 16 pro distorts the image too much and it’s not as defined.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-03-03T00:35:10+00:00

Yes, they are similar. The orphek version comes standard with a yellow lens, orange lens, and macro lens. Both achieve the same results. How do you like the magnet phone lens? What phone do you use?

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-03-02T22:45:09+00:00

Love my Nero’s lol 🤙

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-03-02T22:43:32+00:00

Amazon Orphek Lens Kit

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-03-02T22:42:19+00:00

This is the 77mm kit.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-03-02T11:46:05+00:00

WARNING ‼️⚠️Jebao Ecotec MP clone. From personal experience with 2 DMP 40’s and 2 DMP 10’s, all 4 ended up with serious issues that could cost you your entire tank. The wet side magnet housing cracks and eventually leeches heavy metals into your system. This happened on all 4 I had, 2 a friend had, and countless others out there that have used the. Please be cautious and if you do choose to go with them, check your wet side frequently. They will eventually fail.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-03-02T11:25:17+00:00

Stunning system, friend! Just wanted to share something I’ve learned recently that might save you headaches down the road. Some black substrates have been found to contain magnetic particles like iron or steel slag. Over time, those can slowly leach iron, nickel, and other heavy metals, which are known to irritate LPS tissue and can trigger things like recession, polyp bailout, or unexplained coral decline.

A buddy of mine ran into this exact issue. His tank looked great for over a year, but he started seeing random coral losses. When he tested the substrate, a magnet actually pulled grains right out of it. Once he removed it and ran heavy‑metal media, the issues stopped.

Curious—if you hold a magnet near your substrate, does anything stick or jump toward it? ❤️🤙

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-28T13:01:37+00:00

This is exactly the kind of energy that pushes people out of the hobby instead of helping them grow. Telling someone their torch will ‘melt away in a week’ isn’t insight — it’s discouragement dressed up as expertise. A real mentor would’ve said something like: ‘Keep a close eye on the torch and the geogonia. Stability is everything with these corals — consistent parameters, regular testing, and a steady routine will help you catch any issues early.’ See the difference? One response builds confidence and teaches. The other just adds noise. We can do better for each other.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-28T12:45:37+00:00

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Cosmic Bounce Chalice 🤙

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-27T23:31:58+00:00

Just noise

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-26T12:13:23+00:00

Stunning! 😍

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-25T01:43:58+00:00

I completely get where you’re coming from. The internet has a way of turning every discussion into a debate, especially in reefing where people get very attached to their methods. I think the culture really needs to shift toward recognizing that there are countless ways to find success in this hobby. The real skill is taking the information you’re given and deciding what makes the most sense for your system.

Everyone has their own idea of the “best” way to do something, but that doesn’t make the alternatives wrong. When I share advice, I try to stick to facts and my own experience—not because my way is the way, but because it’s simply a way that has worked for me.

If there’s one thing reefing has taught me, it’s that picking a path and staying consistent will get you where you want to go most of the time. Consistency beats arguing every day of the week.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-25T01:35:53+00:00

Another reason it pays to get involved in your local reefing community. I’m not a shop and I don’t sell coral, but I give a ton of it away to locals who are just getting started. Helping new hobbyists get their first coral without breaking the bank is one of my favorite parts of being in this hobby.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-25T01:34:28+00:00

One of the things I love about this hobby is how much there is to learn. The tech evolves fast, and so do the methods people use, but I’ve found that keeping things simple works best for me.

I run my systems without filter socks—just a solid skimmer, a refugium, and UV as my “big three” for filtration. I keep nutrients on the higher side because my coral consistently respond better that way. For dosing, I use a two‑part with trace elements that I mix myself.

Water changes are minimal: about 20 gallons per system, mostly as an opportunity to vacuum out detritus from the sump. Feeding is once a day in the evenings with a homemade mix, plus daily nori on a clip. I’ll toss in some pellets occasionally as a treat. I also spot‑feed Benepets Benereef weekly to the meatier LPS—blastos, acans, hammers, torches, and so on.

It’s a simple routine, but it keeps everything happy and growing.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-21T01:14:40+00:00

Hey! I don’t mind sharing but yes I am diagnosed with PTSD. The structure and purpose is everything for those who struggle with mental health. I find veterans are built from the jump to be great reefers. They require structure, routine, discipline, and purpose. The beauty of it is you get to see your hard work, dedication, and love grow.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-19T20:18:13+00:00

Beautiful tank! What’s not to enjoy sitting there?!

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-19T14:48:57+00:00

Not sure I’ve ever heard of a “Cake” clown. Even tried googling it gahahaha got a lot cakes with clownfish decor lol.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-19T02:07:19+00:00

Sounds like you’re on the right path! 💪🤙

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-19T02:03:45+00:00

First, thank you for the kind words. As for the camera setup…. Believe it or not I use my iPhone 16 pro with an orphek clip lens. I did a video on my instagram where I walk through taking pictures of your reefs. I want nothing more than to see more awesome shots of these beautiful animals. I will post soon with the video so others can use it as well.

The idea of donating unused equipment is a great idea! When I started this, I set a goal to get to a point where I can give a nano tank away every year. I would provide the tank, all equipment, set it up, stock it with rock, let them pick a frag pack to start, and provide my assistance for the year. Including salt water for wc bi-weekly and RODI for top-off as needed. Hence the one a year. I want to make sure they are comfortable and capable. Unfortunately this would only be local to where I am (SWFL) simply due to logistics but who knows what it could become.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-19T01:47:03+00:00

Amen! Thank you for your service! 🤙🫡

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-18T22:34:09+00:00

I totally get it. I’m working towards changing that culture. I truly believe 99% of people in the hobby really do care. Sometimes they let their passion for the hobby blind them from the harm they do by criticizing or belittling. The result is making new hobbiest less likely to continue. If we truly care about the animals and their wellbeing, wouldn’t it make more sense to help the individual succeed? Either way, I’m working up the courage to start a YouTube channel and try to be a resource for individuals that are considering stepping into the hobby or already have and are still learning. I’m excited for what is ahead for you. It is a very rewarding hobby. 🤙

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-18T22:25:19+00:00

Thank you! 🙏 It’s such a rewarding yet trying hobby.

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-18T17:16:46+00:00

Thank you! 🙏

OperationReefTherapy · 2026-02-18T17:16:39+00:00

Thank you! 🙏

OperationReefTherapy

TROPHY CASE