Last Saturday, Melev's Reef had a viewing party.  Locals were invited to watch the transformation of the 400g which was desparately in need of a major clean-out.  Corals had grown into massive colonies, completely shading whatever was beneath. Flow was obstructed, and the prettiest view was really only from above. Daily I saw the dead supporting skeleton holding up the living section above, and it was hard to 'like' my reef in that condition.

I flew in Duane, a longtime buddy of mine who excels in resetting a reef tank. He knows what to get rid of, what to save as mini-colonies, and how to arrange it best for a beautiful reef once more. Being as attached as I was to my livestock -- after all how often do you ever hear about me fragging corals? -- it was best that he do this for me, because I'd end up saving every scrap of life to my detriment.

About 30 people showed up that day, and many hung out to enjoy the food and drinks while a few of us were up to our elbows in saltwater. A video is coming very soon to show you that day, but for you can see the teaser picture above. That big structure came out as a whole piece!