This tank of Reef145 is a sweet design by Sam Slobusky of New Orleans-based Wet Work that is built around a custom Elos 160 gallon tank and features a who’s who of cool aquarium tech.
When we first heard about this tank from an Orphek email, we were drawn in by the unique custom light shroud — something we have to say, we haven’t really seen — and it kept getting better.
After scoping out Wet Works build page and heading over to Reef2Reef, we started getting all the details.
Like the Beverly Hills tank, Reef145’s starting point was the Elos 160 Diamond Line tank holding 145 gallons and is sitting nicely on the Elos 160 Stand that was custom ordered with a modified center brace reinforced with steel. A nice touch is the small Elos Midi Square extension stand with a nice finished top to make it feel more a part of the room (and hold more gear!).
Now you can see with the tank and stand, any old light just wouldn’t do. In fact, he originally had an Elos Aqua Top light that looked nice, but when looking for more data and functionality, Sam created this custom light that housed two Orphek Atlantik v4’s nestled in the custom metal framing and acrylic box (courtesy of MRC). This not only amplifies his needs, but really makes the tank feel like the high-end piece of furniture it is.
Pop open the cabinets and we were immediately impressed — EcoTech Marine Vectra and Vortech pumps, Pax Bellum ARID algae reactor, Neptune Apex and full array of Apex gear fro dosing, monitoring and more, SpectraPure Ultra-Precise ATO, Royal Exclusiv Bubble King Double Cone 200 skimmer, Avast Marine Davy Jones’ Skimmate Locker, BioTek ATO reservoir and sump (looks like a BioTek refugium was replaced with the Pax Bellum), custom Korallenwelt back panel, branch rock and min reef, and more.
We are sure there is plenty going on behind this as well as he also indicates a saltwater mixing station, so not sure if this is automated with automatic water changes on top of the ATO mechanism.
You can tell Sam at Wet Works is a genius on mixing design, functionality and orchestration. From seeing a few images of the rough equipment layout to the final product where the wire management and plumbing looks just as stunning as the tank.
Overall, an impressive build and wonderful tank!
