Reefing Radio

Sorry for the several months hiatus, but we are back! This episode was recorded back in August, and Alex and Ryan have since decided to end their livestream, but Alex's is still producing new and exciting videos on his channel - go check it out!

In this episode of Reefing Radio, we're turning the tables on one of the biggest names in the UK reefing community: Alex, the creator behind the hugely popular Reef Dork YouTube channel. With over 80K subscribers and millions of views, Alex has spent years interviewing others, reviewing gear, and hosting the popular Sunday evening live stream, The Prestige Reef Talk Show. This week, he’s the one in the hot seat!

We dive into Alex’s journey over more than a decade in the hobby, from his early days researching for two years straight to building one of the most recognizable platforms in saltwater fishkeeping. Alex shares an honest look at the reality of running a YouTube channel, balancing algorithm pressures with authenticity, and navigating brand independence and product reviews. We also discuss his personal reefing style, why he transitioned from SPS to LPS, his favourite fish and coral picks, and his best advice for keeping things simple.

Whether you're a long-time follower of Reef Dork, an aspiring content creator, or simply looking for insightful reefing chat from one of the hobby's most passionate voices, this episode offers a brilliant behind-the-scenes look at the person behind the camera.

Find Alex and Reef Dork:📺 YouTube: Reef Dork📸 Instagram: @reefdork

Support the show:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reefingradio@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

In this episode of Reefing Radio, Chris and Gareth strip reef keeping back to basics and ask a simple question: what do you genuinely need to run a successful reef tank?
From ATOs, flow and temperature control to test kits, live rock and backup equipment, we work through the gear and practices we think are truly essential. Along the way, we also challenge some of the hobby's biggest assumptions, including whether you really need to dip every coral and if clean-up crews are as important as they're made out to be.
Whether you're setting up your very first reef tank or rethinking how you run an established system, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and a few opinions that might spark some debate.
As always, we'd love to hear what you think is essential... and what you'd happily leave out.

Support the show:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠⁠⁠
📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠
💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠reefingradio@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

In this episode of Reefing Radio, Chris, James, and Gareth have a catch-up after a run of guest episodes. We chat about what's been happening in our own tanks, the lessons we've learned over the past few months, and how our approach to reefing is starting to change.
Gareth shares the plans for his brand new custom-built reef, explaining why he's finally replacing his ageing Red Sea tank, the thinking behind his bespoke wavebox design, and how he's aiming for a simpler, more natural-looking display with fewer coral species and larger groups of fish.
Chris talks through the recent heatwave, the challenges it's created for his SPS system, and why he's seriously considering moving away from an SPS-dominated tank in favour of something that's better suited to his lifestyle.
James gives an update on his thriving soft coral reef, including how higher temperatures unexpectedly accelerated coral growth, why he's embraced a more relaxed approach to reef keeping, and what happens when you simply let soft corals do their thing.

Support the show:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠⁠
📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠⁠
💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠⁠⁠reefingradio@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠
🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

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
📸 Instagram: @thenewbiereefer
📘 Facebook: MB Aquariums

Support the show:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@reefing_radio⁠⁠
📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Reefing Radio⁠⁠
💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠⁠reefingradio@gmail.com⁠⁠
🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week

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
And follow his work on Instagram here:
@courtneykeeps

Support the show: 👉 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@reefing_radio⁠
📘 Find us on Facebook: ⁠Reefing Radio⁠
💬 Drop us an email at: ⁠reefingradio@gmail.com⁠
🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week