Salvador Santana’s Reef Tank – Two Years Later: Growth, Color & Health with Orphek Atlantik iCon and OR3 LED Bars
Today we are excited to revisit Salvador’s reef aquarium, tracing its evolution from our 2023 feature to the living reef it has become.
Back then we highlighted Salvador’s meticulous coral placement and balanced composition—a reef tank that read like a carefully crafted living canvas, where every frag and colony contributed to a larger, harmonious ecosystem.
The article captured a reef built on thoughtful selection, deliberate placement, and a patient, research-driven approach.
Two years later, we return to the same tank to observe evolution in real time to find out that the story has grown richer, more dynamic, and more breathtaking than ever.
A Living Masterpiece in Evolution
Aquascaping is a demanding hobby that requires the right corals, thoughtful placement to prevent conflict, and an eye for growth to maintain harmony over time.
It demands thorough research, hands-on experimentation, and a steady patience as living pieces of the aquarium emerge and interact.
And Salvador’s tank has long stood as a benchmark of this discipline—a cohesive, visually striking underwater scene where skill and artistry converge.
Info about the aquarium
- Main tank: 72″ x 36″ x 28″ Marineland 300DD aquarium.
- Secondary tank: 36″ x 24″ x 10″ frag aquarium.
Light strategy progression
Lighting Today:
- Main tank: 3 units of Atlantik iCon + 2 units of OR3 90 Blue Plus LED Bars*
- Frag tank: 4 units of Orphek OR3 LED Bars*
*Orphek has already launched OR4 iCon LED Bars
Salvador initially incorporated Orphek lighting alongside 3 Geismann Vervve LEDs, which he operated for a year. During that period, he installed 10 Orphek OR2 90 LED Bars above his tank, comprising 2 units of OR2 Daylight, 4 units of OR2 UV, and 4 units of OR2 Blue Plus.
Subsequently, he upgraded his tank’s lighting setup with 3 units of Atlantik iCon with supplemental light by adding 2 units of OR3 90 Blue Plus LED Bars.
This upgrade aimed to amplify coral color vibrancy, promote health and growth, enhance fluorescent colors, and optimize photosynthesis. [ And it paid off! ]
Two years on, we return to the same tank to witness evolution in real time. What began as a thoughtfully curated arrangement has matured into a reef teeming with life and color.
The frags and colonies have grown into dense, thriving structures, adding depth, texture, and motion to the display.
He remains faithful to Orphek lighting, whose consistent spectrum and brightness bring harmony and stability to the aquarium environment; guiding growth and coloration while preserving a cohesive, visually striking underwater scene.
Salvador’s collection includes rare corals, and Orphek’s natural-spectrum lighting is designed to support healthy, vibrant displays.
Mastering coral fragging under OR LED Bars
Lighting Performance After Two Years
What makes this update particularly exciting is the consistency of Orphek lighting solutions.
Two years of continuous operation later, the lights are performing as perfectly as the day they were installed. PAR levels remain stable, spectrum output is unchanged, and the LEDs continue to deliver brilliant coral fluorescence.
Orphek LED Solutions are build to last
One of the greatest things of Orphek LED light solutions is that they are build to last for many years to come.
Not only we use top quality components, but our solutions are easy to maintain, clean and they offer upgrades just your cell phone operating system does!
While most lights are dumped after their warranty period or within a short period of time, Orphek lights components can be upgraded or replaced.
Financially speaking, in the end of the day you will notice that by purchasing Orphek products you will be saving money considerally because you will be using the same body over and over again.
In terms of technology development, our first version of the Atlantik series came out in 2012 and over the years we have considerably improved the product developing its spectrum and program.
Did you know that if you are a owner of an older Atlantik unit you can upgrade to the latest version all by yourself? To learn more about it go to UPGRADES.
Coral Growth, Color & Health
Salvador’s reef today is a testament to what consistent lighting/Orphek technology and meticulous care can deliver:
- Growth: SPS, LPS, and soft corals have exploded with vigorous branching and solid skeletal structure.
- Color: The Atlantik iCon and OR3 Blue Plus unleash a spectrum that pumps out deep blues, fiery reds, and glowing greens.
- Health: Corals thrive with resilience, showing no bleaching, tissue loss, or aggression.
Dive in and discover the exquisite life unfolding in this stunning tank!
The Reef Aquarium layout & Corals
The corals are positioned on a meticulous three-tiered framework, with strategically thoughtful distribution across the tank bottom to maintain harmony. All corals exhibit pristine morphology, with no bleaching, stinging, or compatibility issues from proximity.
Unleashing vibrant color
Salvador’s reef glows with a vibrant palette made possible by the Atlantik iCon and OR3 90 Blue Plus LED Bars.
Orphek has researched and developed each channel with a combination of LEDs colors and quantity based on the needs of corals; respecting their natural response to light wavelengths; and to provide the best color pop, health and growth spectrum, while giving your tank the natural look, mimicking nature at its fullest.
The new Atlantik iCon resulted into the perfect balance between the light corals need and the overall appearance you want to see in your tank.
Their spectrum fosters pigment production—chlorophylls and carotenoids—yielding an eye-catching array of cool blues and greens, as well as radiant yellows, oranges, and purples.
Color vibrancy and growth powered by Orphek lighting
Atlantik iCon and OR3 Blue Plus paint the underwater canvas with electric greens and radiant oranges
A kaleidoscope of blues, oranges, purples, and greens bursts into view.
Vivid, multi-hued pigmentation under Atlantik iCon and OR3 Blue Plus
The Secret to Long-Term Success
As Salvador shared with us previously, his success comes from a combination of:
- Automation and weekly testing of alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, salinity, and temperature.
- Consistent maintenance routines.
- A genuine passion for reef keeping.
- The lighting provides the foundation, but it is Salvador’s dedication that allows his reef to truly thrive.
Why We’re Excited
At Orphek, we take immense pride in seeing our clients succeed long-term with our products.
And Salvador’s reef is a shining example of how quality lighting + passion + patience = extraordinary results.
So, we are excited to bring his reef tank back to our website, two years after our first feature, and celebrate how it has grown into a breathtaking display of nature under Orphek lights.
Special thank you note
Orphek wishes to express its gratitude to Salvador Santana for once again sharing his reef journey with us. Your dedication and vision continue to inspire reefers around the world — and we’re proud to be part of your success story!
Photo Credits
Salvador Santana & Orphek LED Lighting
Orphek Atlantik iCon for coral growth & color
Combining advance technology and delivering significant light penetration with plenty of coverage!
Atlantik iCon Summer Sales
Orphek online shop is offering great summer deals and Atlantik iCon is included. Don’t miss the opportunity to buy the Atlantik iCon with 20% discount! Atlantik iCon is sold originally for USD1,100, but it can be yours today for only USD880,00! You will be saving USD220!!
INTERESTED IN BUYING THIS PRODUCT?
Orphek Mounting Solutions
Premium Components. Excelling in Durability & Versatility.
Orphek is a leader in LED lighting technology, providing high-quality lighting solutions. A crucial aspect of maximizing the benefits of Orphek LED lights lies in effective mounting solutions.
Our versatile mounting options enhance the functionality and adaptability of our LED lights, allowing aquarists to achieve the ideal light position for their tanks.
Mounting Solutions Free of charge
As part of our commitment to providing value, all Orphek LED lights— including the Natura iCon, Atlantik iCon series, and OR LED Bars—come with complimentary hanging kits at no extra cost.
Each kit is designed for single-unit use and includes:
- Two (2) mounting brackets and two (2) stainless steel hanging cable assemblies for OR LED Bars
- Three (3) stainless steel hanging cable assemblies for Natura iCon and Atlantik iCon series
While these complimentary kits provide excellent support for your lighting needs, we also encourage you to explore our comprehensive range of premium mounting solutions, specially our new combos.
Mounting Solutions Available for Purchase
Designed to transform aquatic environments with style and precision, these solutions accommodate any application and elevate any aquarium to professional level.
Single Mounting Solutions:
- Universal Fixing Bracket
- Aura
Orphek Combined Mounting Solutions:
- Fixing Brackets + Mounting Arms Kit (2-in-1 Kit)
- Fixing Brackets + Mounting Arms + Mounting Arms Extensions Kit (3-in-1 Kit
These versatile options provide seamless customization, whether mounting is required from the ceiling, directly on the aquarium glass, or inside canopies. They allow exceptional horizontal and vertical adjustability, ensuring the perfect angle and position can be achieved with ease.
Orphek Mounting Solutions Summer Sales
Discover our shop online and take advantage of our Summer Sales on mounting solutions—with discounts up to 54% off.