Consistency is Key: Jack’s 40oz Micro Reef
- PNW Custom
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
PNW Custom Community Spotlight 🔦
Meet Jack (@jdon8762), a long-time aquarist with over 15 years in the hobby who proves that experience and simplicity go hand in hand when it comes to micro reefing.
Like many of us, Jack’s journey started with a fascination for the ocean. That curiosity turned into a lifelong passion, and today, it’s expressed through a thriving 40oz Micro Reef sitting right in his kitchen.
From the Ocean to 40 Ounces
After years in the hobby, Jack added the PNW Custom 40oz Micro Tank to his collection in November, and it didn’t take long for it to become a favorite. His inspiration? The same thing that started it all.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean.”
There’s something special about shrinking an entire ecosystem down to a footprint small enough for your countertop. It challenges you to simplify, focus, and appreciate the small details.
A Growing Micro Ecosystem
Jack’s 40oz is primarily stocked with soft corals, creating movement and texture throughout the tank. But one coral stands out above the rest.
“Mainly softies but I do have a Goni in there which happens to be my favorite.”
A Goniopora in a 40oz is such a cool focal point. Instead of fish, Jack chose to lean into the micro ecosystem side of reefing:
Sexy shrimp
A Pom Pom crab
Kitchen Placement = Daily Joy
Jack keeps his tank in his kitchen, a space he sees every single day. And that matters. The best tanks are the ones you actually get to enjoy. A kitchen placement means constant viewing, quick check-ins, and easy maintenance reminders. Micro reefs thrive when they’re part of your routine.
Setup & Maintenance
When asked how the setup process was, Jack kept it simple:
“Super simple! Took me next to no time. Already planning to get another.”
That’s what we love to hear. Maintenance has also been smooth and his advice is straightforward:
“Very easy! And stay on top of algae scraping.”
In small systems, little things make a big difference. Staying ahead of algae (instead of waiting until it builds up) keeps everything looking clean and healthy. And if there’s one piece of wisdom Jack wants new micro reefers to remember:
“Consistency is the most important with these smaller tanks.”
We couldn’t agree more. Small tanks aren’t harder, they just reward consistency.
Want to Be Featured?
We love sharing your stories. If you have a PNW Custom tank and want to be featured in our Community Spotlight series, submit today. Your reef might inspire someone else to start theirs.
