About

Welcome to Mixed Reef Tank. A blog about all areas of the saltwater aquarium hobby. From beginners to seasoned reef keepers, dive into the challenges, and joys of marine life.

My Story

My name is Cody Sparks, and I’ve been obsessed with saltwater aquariums. Even since I was a small child and walking my grandparent’s aquarium, I have been hooked. From having a freshwater aquarium to now a 150 mixed reef tank, I have over 20 years of experience with having aquariums.

What started as a humble hobby quickly turned into a passion. Over the years, I’ve learned through trial and error. Seeking expert advice, and a whole lot of patience, and now I’m here to share that knowledge with you.

Cody Sparks' Mixed Reef Tank

Why This Blog Exists

Saltwater aquariums are awesome, but let’s be real, they can also be intimidating. Between balancing water parameters, choosing the right corals, and nuisance algae, there’s a lot to navigate.

This blog is your resource for:

  • Practical Guides: Step-by-step tutorials for aquarium setups, equipment, and maintenance routines.
  • Species Spotlights: Learn about fish, corals, and invertebrates—their needs, diets, and how to keep them thriving.
  • Problem Solving: Fix common issues (like algae or fish disease) with confidence.

Who Is This For?

  • Newbies: If you’re staring at your first empty tank thinking, “Where do I even start?”, we’ve got your back.
  • Intermediate: Level up your skills with SPS and LPS corals.
  • Veterans: There is always something new to learn or try that you haven’t done before.

Our Philosophy

We believe in ethical, sustainable aquariums. That means responsible sourcing, avoiding overharvested species, and prioritizing the health of our oceans. Every creature in your tank deserves a safe, thriving home, and we’re here to help you create it.

Let’s Connect!

Have a question? Story to share? Want to collaborate? Reach out at support@mixedreeftank.com or DM us on our Instagram page.

We’d love to hear from you!

P.S. When I’m not testing water parameters or chasing my tangs with a algae scraper, you can find me looking for corals at my local fish store. 🐠