Reefing Radio

Professional Aquarium Maintenance with MB Aquariums

In this episode of Reefing Radio, we're joined by Mark Bindefeld from MB Aquariums to explore the world of professional aquarium maintenance. Mark has built a successful business maintaining everything from tropical aquariums and reef tanks to large commercial displays, giving us a fascinating insight into a side of the hobby that most reef keepers never see. We discuss what it's like looking after other people's aquariums, the types of clients who use professional maintenance services, and the biggest challenges of turning a passion for fishkeeping into a full-time career. Mark shares stories from the field, from emergency call-outs and holiday cover to rescuing neglected systems and maintaining high-end reef tanks. If you've ever wondered what it's like to maintain reef tanks for a living, considered hiring a professional to look after your aquarium, or even dreamed of turning your own hobby into a career, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most interesting professions in the reefing hobby. Find Mark and MB Aquariums: 🌐 https://mbaquariums.co.uk [https://mbaquariums.co.uk] 📸 Instagram: @thenewbiereefer [https://www.instagram.com/thenewbiereefer/] 📘 Facebook: MB Aquariums [https://www.facebook.com/MBAquariums/] Support the show: 👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/reefing_radio] 📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576445456312] 💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠⁠reefingradio@gmail.com⁠⁠ [reefingradio@gmail.com] 🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

Keeping Beautiful Macro Algae Tanks with Courtney Keeps

In this episode of Reefing Radio, we’re joined by Courtney Keeps — a hobbyist known for his beautifully designed macroalgae reef tanks, natural daylight-style aesthetics, and thoughtful approach to aquarium design. Courtney shares his journey from freshwater aquascaping into the reefing world, including how planted tank design principles, gardening, and a love of natural aesthetics have shaped the way he approaches marine aquariums. We discuss what the reefing hobby can learn from aquascaping — from intentional layouts and repetition to colour placement, depth, restraint, and designing tanks that feel cohesive rather than cluttered. The conversation also dives deep into macroalgae systems: how to grow them successfully, nutrient management, lighting, dealing with nuisance algae, species that thrive (or crash), and why macroalgae tanks behave very differently from traditional coral-dominated reefs. Along the way, we talk about natural seawater, freshwater influences on reefing, blackwater tanks, nano systems, and the challenge of balancing aesthetics with practicality. Courtney also walks us through his latest shallow lagoon-style setup — including the philosophy behind the design, custom-painted cabinetry, canister filtration, and why the overall presentation of an aquarium matters just as much as what’s inside the glass. You can check out Courtney’s stunning Reef2Reef Tank of the Month feature here: Reef of the Month – May 2025: CourtneyKeeps [https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-of-the-month-may-2025-courtneykeeps-a-beautiful-nano-reef.1109638/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] And follow his work on Instagram here: @courtneykeeps [https://www.instagram.com/courtneykeeps/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Support the show: 👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@reefing_radio⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/reefing_radio] 📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠Reefing Radio⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576445456312] 💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠reefingradio@gmail.com⁠ [reefingradio@gmail.com] 🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

Behind the Scenes at TMC with CEO Brian Schaff | Part 1: Fish Systems

We recently visited Tropical Marine Centre — the UK’s largest importer of marine fish and coral — for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with CEO Brian Schaff.In Part 1 of this series, Brian takes us through TMC’s fish systems, quarantine and acclimation processes, animal care philosophy, and the logistics involved in handling thousands of marine fish each year.We also discuss fish health, decompression, captive breeding, UV sterilisation, feeding systems, and how TMC approaches marine livestock care at scale.Huge thanks to Brian and the whole team at TMC for taking the time to show us around.Part 2 coming soon.Don't miss our full sit-down interview with Brian Schaff discussing the reefing industry, supply chains, sustainability, and how the marine trade works. Find out more about Tropical Marine Centre: 🌐 ⁠Website⁠ [https://tropicalmarinecentre.com/uk/] 📸 ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmarinecentre/?hl=en-gb] 📘 ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TropicalMarineCentre/] 👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/reefing_radio] Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Reefing-Radio/61576445456312/] YouTube: @reefing_radio [https://www.youtube.com/@reefing_radio] Got feedback or questions? Drop us a message! Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

How the Reef Trade Works with TMC CEO Brian Schaff

In this episode, Chris, James, and Gareth are joined by Brian Schaff, CEO of Tropical Marine Centre (TMC), the UK’s leading suppliers of marine livestock and aquarium equipment. We take a closer look at how marine livestock makes its way from the ocean to our tanks, with Brian walking us through the central role TMC plays in supplying the UK reefing hobby. Along the way, we get into wild vs captive breeding, the positive impact the hobby has on local communities, and why the trade is often more responsible and sustainable than it’s given credit for. We also touch on fish ranching, as well as the complexities around topics like biopiracy. If you’ve ever wondered where your fish and corals come from — and what happens before they reach your local fish store — this is a detailed look inside one of the UK’s most important reefing operations. We’ve also filmed a separate video tour of TMC with Brian to accompany this episode, so keep an eye out for that coming soon. Find out more about Tropical Marine Centre: 🌐 Website [https://tropicalmarinecentre.com/uk/] 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmarinecentre/?hl=en-gb] 📘 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TropicalMarineCentre/] 👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠⁠ 📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠ 💬 Got feedback or questions? Drop us a message! 🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

Low-Tech Reefing, DIY Waveboxes & Mantis Shrimp

In this episode of Reefing Radio, we’re back to a classic catch-up after a run of guest episodes — just the three of us talking through what’s been going on in our tanks lately. James shares updates on his soft coral system, including new additions, how it’s starting to fill out, and his approach to keeping things simple with minimal equipment and intervention. We also touch on sourcing more unusual corals and how his tank is evolving visually as it grows in. Gareth talks through his new shallow reef build, including the DIY wavebox that’s been getting a lot of attention, the challenges of modifying the tank, and his plans for a more natural-looking setup with fewer coral types grown out over time. We also get into stocking ideas, from groups of fish to future plans for clowns and anemones. Chris rounds things out with updates across his tanks, including dealing with white spot using tank transfer method, changes to dosing, and setting up a mantis shrimp pico tank. We also reflect on how our tanks are starting to look more alike, and whether that’s just the result of reefing together. 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @reefing_radio [https://www.instagram.com/reefing_radio] 📘 Find us on Facebook: Reefing Radio [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576445456312] 💬 Drop us an email at: reefingradio@gmail.com [reefingradio@gmail.com] 🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week