Meet Richard! 👋
Hi! I’m the creator behind richmans_reef. I started with a simple 5-gallon planted tank in 2021. By 2023, I built my first 25-gallon lagoon reef — and that’s when nano tanks became my obsession.
From 🇬🇭 Ghana, West Africa to 🇺🇸 the USA — my reef journey bridges continents and proves that passion has no limits.
I specialize in pushing small systems beyond expectations, proving that precision, patience, and smart design matter more than tank size. My mission is simple: debunk the myth that nano reefs are too difficult to maintain.
Nano tanks aren’t impossible — they just demand intention. And for me? Challenge accepted.
I’m building more than aquariums. I’m building a name synonymous with nano reef excellence — so when nano reefs are mentioned, you think of richmans_reef.
Richard's Story
Lagoon tank build
10 gallon build
THE FIRST UPGRADE
ANOTHER UPGRADE
BEAST MODE!
About Richard's setups
His reef systems are an absolute showcase of balance, color, and thoughtful equipment choices.
The 25-gallon lagoon mixed reef stands out immediately with its dynamic coral diversity, creating a layered, natural reefscape that feels both mature and vibrant. Every section of the tank has visual depth, from encrusting corals along the rockwork to flowing movement in the upper water column. The addition of the Illumagic X4 provides powerful, even coverage that really makes the coral colors pop. Paired with the Vitamini LED strips, the fluorescence and shimmer give the lagoon a premium, high-end display feel. It’s the kind of setup that looks stunning both in daylight spectrum and under full blue viewing mode.
His 10-gallon mixed reef proves that impact doesn’t depend on size. Running the Pixel Reefer together with the Fragger creates a perfectly tuned lighting blend for both growth and coloration. The tank has a clean, intentional layout that maximizes space while still offering variety and movement. Together, these two systems show a clear understanding of coral placement, lighting synergy, and reef aesthetics at both nano and lagoon scale.
Sizes | 10 gallons and 25 gallons
Lighting | Illumagic X4 Reefer Spectrum, Pixel Reefer & Fragger
Filtration | All-in-One Systems with back-chamber filtration area
Dosing | On an automated dosing system
