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Austin’s Micro Tank on the Move

PNW Custom Community Spotlight 🔦


Austin (@misfitsfc1) has been keeping aquariums for over 10 years, but his passion for reef tanks began much earlier. Growing up, he spent countless hours helping his grandfather maintain multiple saltwater aquariums, which sparked a lifelong fascination with reef keeping.

“My grandfather inspired me to have aquariums at a very young age… from a child I was hooked on helping him maintain and care for his aquariums.”

Table with a glowing candle, plate of food, and a small aquarium with vibrant corals under blue light. Decor seen in the background.

What He Loves About Reef Keeping

Austin is deeply passionate about reef-specific aquariums and enjoys the challenge of growing coral colonies to maturity. In his 90 gallon reef, he focuses on coral growth and fragging, constantly refining his approach to water parameters, dosing, lighting, flow, and coral placement.

“I love being able to constantly test my knowledge… the overall health of my entire ecosystem that I have created for myself in my living room.”

A Traveling Micro Tank

Austin is currently running a PNW Custom 40oz Micro Tank, which has been set up for about two months. Despite its small footprint, the tank delivers a fully functional reef experience that complements his larger display.


The Micro Tank sits on Austin’s nightstand next to his bed. It’s also fully configured for travel, allowing him to keep the tank running while bringing it along to dinners and special events, a great example of how portable a micro reef can be.


Austin's Corals & Livestock

Austin’s micro reef is packed with life, including nine different varieties of zoanthids and a beautiful button scoly as the focal coral. The tank is also home to a green banded goby, four tiny blue-leg hermit crabs, and a maxima clam.


Aquarium with vibrant corals glowing under blue light, featuring colorful patterns. Dark background creates a serene, mystical ambiance.

Setup & Maintenance

Setup was described as extremely easy, fun, and straightforward. Maintenance has remained just as simple, with a routine focused on consistency:

  • Weekly water changes

  • Daily glass scraping

  • Checking salinity weekly, especially before and after water changes

For reef keepers in warmer climates, Austin highly recommends adding the cooling fan to help manage evaporation, especially for those based in California.


Aquarium with colorful corals under blue LED light, creating a vibrant glow. Bubbles visible on the water surface. Dark background.

Want to Be Featured Next?

We’re incredibly grateful to Austin for sharing his story and for showing how a PNW Custom micro reef can thrive both at home and on the go. Whether your tank lives on a nightstand, travels with you to events, or becomes part of your everyday routine, we’d love to feature you in a future PNW Custom Community Spotlight.



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