The experimental system was custom designed and built at the Heron Island Research Station. It was designed to allow large, well-replicated multifactorial experiments on the combined impacts of increasing sea water temperatures and reductions in sea water pH. It was designed to allow the testing of 3 water temperatures and 4 pH levels with up to 5 replicate aquarium per treatment with sophisticated pH monitoring and control. This is one of the most well-replicated and controlled experimental systems internationally to study the impacts of climate change on reef organisms.