Clint Silliman's Inspiring 5 Gallon

PNW Custom Community Spotlight 🔦

This week’s Community Spotlight features Clint Silliman, whose 5 Gallon Small-In-One XL has become a centerpiece for learning, curiosity, and daily joy in his family’s home.

Sparking an Interest in Marine Biology

Clint’s reefing journey began in September 2025, inspired by something we love to see: curiosity in the next generation. As his daughter Mackenzie started showing a growing interest in marine biology, Clint and his family decided that setting up a saltwater aquarium would be the perfect hands-on way to nurture that passion.

Rather than learning from books or videos alone, Mackenzie gets to observe marine life up close every day by closely watching behaviors, growth, and changes in real time.

Watching Life Grow and Adapt

When asked what brings the most joy, Clint points to one of the most rewarding parts of reef keeping:

"Seeing the livestock grow and adapt to their environment, along with watching the corals do the same.”

There’s something special about noticing subtle changes such as a coral extending farther than before, a fish settling into its routine, or a shrimp becoming more confident in its surroundings. Those moments add up, especially when shared as a family.

A Tank Everyone Gets to Enjoy

Their PNW Custom 5 Gallon Small-In-One XL has been running since September and lives right where it can be appreciated the most, on the kitchen counter. It’s a spot that allows everyone in the home, along with visiting friends and family, to stop, look, and connect with the tank throughout the day.

A Colorful, Flow-Focused Coral Selection

The tank is home to a diverse mix of corals, including:

• Torch Coral

• Hammer Coral

• Stylophora

• Green Star Polyps

• Kenya Tree

• Fireworks Star Polyps

• Mushrooms

• Birdsnest

Clint’s favorite is the Torch Coral, and it’s easy to see why. Its flowing movement and translucent appearance make it a constant focal point: a coral that looks different depending on lighting, flow, and time of day.

Meet the Livestock (With Names!)

This 5 gallon is full of personality, complete with named inhabitants:

• Jacob the Firefish

• Louis the Goby

• Bob the Curlycue Shrimp

• Nathaniel the Peppermint Shrimp

Naming livestock adds an extra layer of connection, especially for younger reef keepers. It turns the tank into a home for beloved pets, rather than just a display.

Easy Setup, Shared Responsibility

One of the highlights of Clint’s experience was how approachable the setup process was.

"Very easy for both me and my 12-year-old daughter Mackenzie.”

That shared setup experience helped make the tank feel like a team effort from day one, which is something we believe is key to long-term success and enjoyment.

Simple, Consistent Maintenance

Maintenance has stayed manageable and routine-based. Clint follows a straightforward approach:

• Weekly or bi-weekly testing

• About 20% water changes

• Regular glass cleaning

His advice for new aquarists is rooted in consistency rather than perfection, a mindset that pairs well with long-term reef success.

Embracing the Learning Curve

Clint sums up their experience perfectly:

“We really enjoy this tank and love looking at it develop every day. We understand there will be some trial and error in this hobby, but we know we’ll learn regardless.”

That willingness to learn, adapt, and enjoy the process is exactly what reef keeping is all about.

Thank You for Being Part of the Community

Clint, thank you for sharing your story with us. Seeing how a small reef can inspire curiosity, learning, and connection is exactly why we do what we do. We’re excited to watch this tank and (Mackenzie’s interest in marine biology) continue to grow.

Share Your Story