@theponddigger: Eric Triplett's Traveling Micro Tank
- PNW Custom
- Dec 12
- 3 min read
PNW Custom Community Spotlight 🔦
Few hobbyists embody passion for aquariums quite like Eric Triplett, also known as @theponddigger. With 38 years of aquarium experience, Eric’s journey began the moment he received a life-changing Christmas gift at 19 years old: his very first tank. That simple moment sparked a lifelong fascination with aquariums.
Today, we’re excited to share Eric’s story and how the PNW Custom 40oz Micro Tank pulled him back into the saltwater side of the hobby after a 20-year break.
A Return to Saltwater After Two Decades
Though Eric has always kept aquariums, he stepped away from saltwater for two decades. That changed the moment he set up his PNW Custom 40oz Micro Tank.
“That little 40oz gem pulled me back into the reef hobby.”
For someone who has built a life around underwater ecosystems, from African cichlid breeding to exploring natural waterscapes, the Micro Tank became a pivotal moment in his reef-keeping journey.
What Eric Loves Most About the Hobby
Eric’s inspiration comes from the magic of underwater life.
“I am fascinated by the underwater worlds in nature. Having a piece of nature in our day-to-day life is a blessing.”
He finds joy in the small moments which includes observing the behaviors of corals, fish, and invertebrates, and watching tiny ecosystems thrive.
Moving With the Seasons
One of the most unique things about Eric’s micro reef is how mobile it is. His tank moves right along with him:
Winter: It sits in his temperature-controlled garage alongside his African cichlid breeding facility, safely warm while the house gets cold.
Spring–Summer–Fall: The tank becomes “Road Ready” and lives proudly in his kitchen, right next to the coffee maker, “the second most important thing in my house.” 😜
A Reef Tank That Travels
One of Eric’s favorite parts of owning a Micro Reef is how easy it is to take on the road.
“I have a YETI that has made traveling with my Micro Reef a dream! I take it with me whenever possible and it’s always a big hit wherever I land!” 😍
A traveling reef tank always turns heads and Eric has proudly brought his to events, gatherings, and adventures across the country. Eric’s story captures everything we love about the PNW Custom community: passion, creativity, and the pure joy of keeping a tiny reef thriving. His road-ready Micro Tank is proof that you don’t need gallons of water to create something beautiful. You just need passion and curiosity.
What's inside Eric’s 40oz Micro Reef?
Eric keeps an impressive lineup of corals in his setup, including:
Designer Zoas like White Zombies, Pot of Gold, Purple Monster
Mushrooms
Star polyps
A scoly
A prized Maximus Clam, named Roast Beef
His livestock community includes:
A green banded goby - one of our personal favorites at PNW Custom!
2 sexy shrimp
A pom pom crab
Hermit crabs
And an accidental Asterina starfish
Easy Setup, Fun Maintenance
When asked about setting up the Micro Tank, Eric shared:
“It was super straightforward because of the great PNW package that included all the essentials! WOW! What a blast putting it together!”
Maintenance, he says, is equally enjoyable, though the tank is “jam packed full of corals,” making it a fun challenge at times. But the best part?
“I can knock out a water change in under 5 minutes!” 😜
Want to Be Featured Next?
If you own a PNW Custom aquarium, we’d love to highlight your setup in our next Community Spotlight! Whether it’s a Micro Tank, Small-In-One, or Mini Pond, your tank has a story worth telling.
