{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"S2-E55: Building a Better Reef: How Real Reef Rock Changed the Aquarium Game Featuring Gareth Scott","description":"Gareth Scott, the founder of Real Reef Rock, talks with Eric during the LA Pet Fair. The conversation highlights how the company developed a sustainable, man-made alternative to harvesting live rock from natural coral reefs, which was once the industry standard. Scott explains the transition from importing Tonga branch rock to manufacturing calcium-based substrates in the USA to prevent environmental degradation and the spread of aquarium pests. The episode covers the technical aspects of their aquaculture process, including how they achieve a purple coralline aesthetic and ensure biological stability. Key Takeaways: Opt for sustainably manufactured alternatives to protect natural habitats: Choose responsibly made materials rather than harvesting wild rocks from natural ocean reefs to help preserve delicate ecosystems. Select clean, pre-treated materials to avoid introducing unwanted pests: Use aquarium products that have been properly leached and stabilized to prevent issues like invasive hair algae, pests, and chemical instability. Establish your biological systems with precise, quantifiable starters: Use bottled bacteria when setting up a new system to ensure a predictable, healthy starting baseline instead of guessing what wild organisms survived transport. Utilize modular design pieces to customize your layout: Take advantage of sized, interlocking structures to build creative, personalized setups that maximize open space and flow. Overcome resistance to innovation to make your hobbies more enjoyable: Keep an open mind toward modern product alternatives that solve historical pain points and simplify your day-to-day maintenance. \ud83d\udd31 Links & Resources \ud83d\udea8 Sign Up for Eric\u2019s Email List https:\/\/forms.gle\/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 \ud83c\udf3f Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https:\/\/theponddigger.com\/ Helix Pond Filtration http:\/\/helixpondfiltration.com\/ Fitz Fish Ponds \u2013 Koi Trips https:\/\/fitzfishponds.com\/koi-trips\/ Pond Trade Magazine https:\/\/www.pondtrademag.com\/ \ud83d\udcf1 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@trainwithtriplett \ud83d\udcc5 Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle Facebook Group https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/twtcontractorcircle \ud83d\udcbc Sponsors LiveSwitch https:\/\/join.liveswitch.com\/TheDeepEnd ","author_name":"The Deep End with Eric Triplett","author_url":"http:\/\/theponddigger.libsyn.com\/website","html":"