Matt Wolfers’ Thriving Lagoon Reef
- PNW Custom
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
PNW Custom Community Spotlight 🔦
Tucked inside an office at a hospital, Matt Wolfer’s 2.5 Gallon PNW Custom Lagoon proves that even the busiest environments can benefit from a thriving reef.
Matt has been around aquariums his entire life. Freshwater tanks were always part of the picture growing up, thanks to his dad, and while he dabbled in saltwater during high school and college, this lagoon tank marks his first serious reef build. Six months in, he is enjoying the saltwater journey more than ever.
From Fish-Focused to Coral-Focused
Like many aquarists, Matt started out focused on fish, but that quickly changed. Today, the real joy comes from hunting down specific corals, dialing in conditions, and watching them grow and thrive.
“The days where the tank is really thriving are what keep me going.”
His lagoon is packed with an impressive mix for a tank this size, including:
Banana torch
Zoanthids (with Stratospheres as his favorite)
Acans and Holy Grail Micromussa
Hammer coral
Candy cane & Duncan
Blue Rave Blasto
Multiple mushrooms including Jawbreaker, Sunkist Bounce, Orange Yuma, and Green Discoma
Monti cap, Birdsnest, GSP, Papaya Clove Polyps
And even Atomic Broccoli macroalgae
All of this is paired with a single Clown Goby, making the tank feel lively without overwhelming the system.
Small Tank, Big Discipline
While the PNW Custom AIO design makes setup quick and intuitive, Matt is quick to point out that consistency is key, especially in a small reef packed with corals. He monitors parameters daily.
One piece of advice he doesn’t hesitate to emphasize:
“An auto top off is essential.”
A Lagoon That’s Here to Stay
Even with plans to eventually step up to a 100 gallon reef, Matt has no intention of retiring his lagoon. “Even when I eventually pull the trigger on a 100 gallon, I plan to keep this pico tank going,” he says. This spotlight is a perfect example of what small reef tanks are all about: accessibility, creativity, and the ability to bring a slice of the ocean into places you’d never expect. Thanks for sharing your reef with us, Matt!
We love showcasing the creativity and passion of our PNW Custom community. Submit your tank, share your story, and inspire other reefers who are building small but dreaming big.
