How To Setup a Super Simple Saltwater Reef Aquarium for Beginners

Would you like to set up a Saltwater Reef Tank but don't know how or where to start? This is the video for you. In this video, I'll show you step by step how to set up a saltwater reef aquarium that's perfect for beginners. I'll show you how to mix saltwater, how to aquascape a saltwater tank plus much more. #AaronsAquarium
*Gear I Used or Alternatives*
Eheim Pro 4+ 250 Filter: geni.us/z41dsXO
Caribsea Life Rock: amzn.to/2HHm6X2
Walt Smith 2.1 Reef Rock: amzn.to/2GdxAiK
Caribsea Sand: geni.us/lwPQIbt
Eheim Heater USA link: amzn.to/2Tmv4dK
Eheim Heater UK link: amzn.to/2BflOBk
WaveMaker USA Link: amzn.to/2DMvUv9
WaveMaker UK Link: amzn.to/2S1kEDX
Cobalt Aquatics C-Ray 200: amzn.to/2TkyRbw
Fritz RPM Salt: geni.us/OkJz
Refractometer (for testing saltwater) geni.us/qDtS
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*Add on Videos*
The Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle: • How To Setup a Fish Ta...
Aquarium Sumps vs Canister Filters: • Aquarium Sumps vs Cani...
Eheim Pro 4+ 250: • Eheim Pro 4+ 250 Unbox...
Playlist for this series: • Super Simple Reef Tank
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[@AaronsAquarium]

Would you like to set up a Saltwater Reef Tank but don't know how or where to start? This is the video for you. In this video, I'll show you step by step how to set up a saltwater reef aquarium that's perfect for beginners. #AaronsAquarium

[@Swize06]

Good stuff bro

[@MrChacings]

This video is very helpful. But you skip the part when you put in the corals and anemones.. I really want to get into this hobby but I have no idea how to start putting corals or anemones, what kind of corals or anemones are suitable with certain specifications of a tank, etc.. Please make a video about corals and anemones!

[@AaronsAquarium]

I'll talk about the corals etc in the next video as these came out of my Frag tank that I've no closed down. Other than the Nem they wouldn't have been there for the video.

[@MrChacings]

@@AaronsAquarium Great! I am looking forward to it.. Thank you very much..

[@captainlost1812]

Aarons Aquarium hey I’m a fresh water and brackish fish tank user I’ve never done a saltwater tank before what would be the best fish to start up with

[@markovichglass]

Play on 1.5x speed. You will thank me later.

[@apltdungeon7525]

Lifesaver 😂😂

[@thierry2350]

You’re MVP 😂

[@holyperceval6310]

it's later, thank you !

[@billywindsock9597]

Best advice I ever had, 'Don't look after the fish, look after the water.'

[@Vinothmanick]

Billy Windsock best comment

[@jeisu2951]

But looking after the fish includes looking after the water

[@sambessey7946]

Followed instructions and my fish died because I didn’t feed them 😔

[@sambessey7946]

@@solardragon9588 of course it is, I'm English

[@Masterjedi688]

@@sambessey7946 LOLOLOL

[@danielokunak6806]

This guy is by far the BEST TEACHER for setting up a basic salt water tank everyone else makes is so complicated it will discourage you from trying it out.

[@MDFishTanks]

Great video Aaron. I'm going to be setting up my first reef tank in a few weeks and this was a great watch so thanks for that :)

[@garrettballard1719]

Still waiting😔😔

[@huanhuynh1670]

Still ưaiting.

[@gohkwanyang]

Still waiting haha

[@ericdoran4315]

Md my fresh water king

[@jeremyde8675]

@@garrettballard1719 exactly what I as about to say! Can’t wait to see MD setting up a reef aquarium

[@Seanmmvi]

This series was great, it was a paramount source of information when I was researching how to setup my first tank. I am now 6 months into my first tank and I am having a ton of fun and no drama! Thank you Aaron!

[@foreigncecee]

this is the best beginner guide i’ve seen! I’ve been trying to build my dream reef saltwater tank for about a month now! it’s “Finding Nemo” inspired 🥰 Thank you so much!!!

[@WeldonTanks]

I have had my first reef tank up for 3 months now and just added my first frags of coral. It was your channel and experience that finally gave me the confidence to get the tank going, thanks Aarron! It is now one of my favorite tanks and I am currently creating a space for a future frag tank

[@freekkamerman5567]

this is the first 25 minute video ive ever watched without skipping 1 second

[@reegancp9488]

me opposite to that.!

[@anastkollias4735]

Same

[@ramirez102]

This video has been very helpful. Gonna get a saltwater tank soon thanks to your help and knowledge

[@erikabearden608]

5 years old and I found this the best beginner salt tank info by far. not too much,but definitely answered questions that helped tremendously.

[@bradtate10]

FINALLY a simple and concise video about setting up your first tank. I’ve been contemplating taking the jump to saltwater for so long and this has given me the confidence to give it a go!

[@devinm8453]

Love how you broke this down. So much simpler than many other I've watched! Now I want to start another aquarium with my 250 Gal!

[@Ourfrenchiegirls]

Great informative video! Im a freshwater hobbyist looking at crossing into saltwater. You made it simple and the links are soooo helpful! New sub from California! 🙏🏻🐠🐟

[@justinadgar4812]

Love the down to earth language and simplicity of your delivery.

[@Astrolavista]

Every year or two a think seriously about a Marine tank, they just look stunning. They don't half scare me both cost and maintenance wise though compared to the cold water and tropical setups I'm used to. Maybe 2020 will be the year? Loved listening to this guy anyway so I'm subbing :)

[@augieroncaglia2297]

I love the way he says salt-water “sal-Wa-uha”

[@Space.Ghost.]

People in my neck of the woods are guilty of warshing their clothes, mostly with water but some folks use warter

[@kennethverana5885]

To be honest I'm not comfortable with his accent

[@raynetatyana5533]

@@kennethverana5885 then don't watch his videos?

[@SHAUNINADINE]

Sè e op

[@dangerdan2592]

@@kennethverana5885 How are you not comfortable with it? It's just an English accent lol.

[@ohheyyitsjack]

Great video! Also loved the impression of corals in water with different flows😂

[@Karan-Singh999]

What a video !! Thank you so much Aaron. I’ve had a tropical fish tank all my life and decided to have another in the kitchen I stumbled across this video and decided to have a saltwater reef.. best thing I have ever done thank you 🙏🏽

[@jamalrana8504]

The most explained video I’ve seen, wow! It also really helps that you’re from the UK as well, easier when talking about prices and links etc. New subscriber for sure

[@wheatfieldproductions1564]

Brother you made me laugh so mush when you explained why you put the wavemaker. That made my day. It deserves a like and a subscribe.

[@jozephjozeph6746]

He is deadly the way how he is explaining it 🤪🤣

[@AleMaia]

“the corals are gonna be all like *YYYEEEEH* “ dead. LOL

[@tyngchinchillachang838]

Wait why doe i ont get it. I intend to keep corals in this setup.

[@anthonyaguiar8919]

@@tyngchinchillachang838 he's saying he's dying from laughter not the Coral

[@tyngchinchillachang838]

@@anthonyaguiar8919 aight thx man

Having kept tropical and cold water for all my childhood then living in a van.. I’m finally taking the plunge into marine now I live in a house! Glad I found these videos and your channel. I’ve subbed.. the world needs more people like this in these crazy times

[@jeremybutler2578]

I need a 100+ gallon... once I've invested into something in the thousands, I continue to pour everything into it for years. I lost my second freshwater tank after 14 years. Im going to watch videos until i move and then km going all in on a saltwater reef and fish tank... establish a bit of reef first, then start to add fish one by one or three by three ... happy building!

[@anniejefferson7614]

Can't live without my hob skimmer in the first few months of tank aging itself. Love your vids. Love the lazy chair. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jreader7361]

This is a great video! It is the most succinct video I have seen so far! While I have been watching multiple videos to prepare myself as I set up my tank(I have all the materials but want to triple check that I don't mess up). I have kept freshwater fish for years but I recently decided to venture into saltwater as well.

[@alisonphilp7497]

Had a saltwater tank years ago lost a bit of money and got out went back to fresh but ur video has given me some inspiration to try again with one of my tanks thanks mate Cairns Australia 🇦🇺

[@andrewrice2563]

i was, in fact, searching all around the internet about setting up a reef tank. thank u

[@electropito8763]

Watching from the US. Planning to start a reef tank very soon, learning and researching as much as I can. Good stuff!

[@AaronsAquarium]

😉👍🏽

[@justinnickels2267]

Hey... You are awesome!!!! Thank you for showing us how to actually do it. Very much appreciated.

[@maddoctor99]

So interesting to see how so much has remained the same since I last ran my final reef tank which I took down in 2008. It’s notable though the bits that have changed! When I set up my final tank in 2005 we were all firmly rooted in the theory of adding water to the tank on day 1, letting it sit for a week or so, then adding your love rock aqua scape. Then waiting a few weeks before adding a clean up crew. Then waiting another month or so for the tank to cycle before adding the first small fish! Now it’s all done on day one pretty much: get your salt mixing in buckets with a heater, add it to the tank with a starter, check the temp and add your first fish - incredible.

[@mcgoo721]

I kinda fell out of fish tanks. I just never got around to pulling the trigger on setting one up. Looking back into it and I forgot how much I love this channel!

[@coreysaquatics3021]

Thank you so much for the walkthrough on this Aaron! You are amazing!

[@thoufeeqmarshal5909]

This is the first video am watching from this channel n loved it.. truly helpful.. subscribed 👍 😍 from India..

[@marktaylor4694]

I have to say, this is a great instructional video, broken down into relevant and much needed segments, to make it easy for 1st time salt water beginners. I keep Discus and also Cherry Shrimp and the research I did before committing, was exhausting. So much, no, too much information on the hobby and I am beginning to think of starting up a salt water aquarium. THIS video has made my mind up and i have both liked and subscribed, in order to view your other videos on the topic, in order to assess what kind of fish/coral etc. I want, to go with the right setup. Thank you.

[@christinbreezy2284]

Thank you sooooo much for explaining this for true beginners. Every other video is way too overwhelming and I almost gave up.

[@billsfishnshit8185]

Salt Wat-Ah tank!! 😂😂 love this guy

[@starlex5867]

lol

[@Chris13orees7]

Didn't know Ali G had an aquarium channel! Thank you though, respect

[@hudsontoo1212]

Dude. This was REALLY helpful. I found your description translates easily to a newbie and your happy attitude makes me feel like I can make the transition from fresh to salt!!!

[@Dazhimself]

Your impression of the coral reef was golden

[@s13ef9]

that small tank and shelf in the background is exactly what I want for my first tank! Any links to those?

[@bethanynixon2174]

Amazing advice. So helpful and incredibly beginner friendly! I’ve found so many of this “informational” videos, that actually seem to be experienced aquarium enthusiasts bragging about their knowledge with very little basic facts. Thank you!

[@brandonezdoofenshmirtz2916]

Yeah but dont listen to the cycling bit. You cant just put a fish in before established bacteria colonies grow on the rocks.

[@shorty300h5]

This is probably the best video I’ve watched about this topic and really made it sound so much easier then other videos this really made my decision final I’m getting a saltwater tank

[@TheWmalernee]

Thanx for simplifying the process. Not as scary as most people make it out to be

[@Drew18000]

I just started my first saltwater tank. It's a 30 gallon. I'm letting it cycle for a couple weeks and waiting for my dry rock too arrive. I'm gonna try to be real patient with it cause I eventually want to make it a reef tank. Great advice! Thanks and you got a new subscriber

[@real_smilegamez]

your tank is the minimum for Saltwater so dont expect having too much things in it

[@calvinudallovich4667]

SmileGamez you can have salt water tanks in a variety of sizes actually

[@real_smilegamez]

@@calvinudallovich4667 i meant he wanted corals in there

[@calvinudallovich4667]

SmileGamez bigger definitely means easier and more stable, but nano reef tanks exist too. that’s all i was saying :)

[@real_smilegamez]

@@calvinudallovich4667 ok fair enough.

[@theblindreefer8718]

That's how I started out 8 years ago room canisters for 5 years Oran Mor the only thing is I would never put the inlet and outlet at the same end of the tank one at one end one at the other the further apart they are the better they canister does its job mate that's all apart from that spot on

Great video! Hugs from Brazilian aquarists

[@salehfarah]

The intro made me smile

[@GullyGod876]

Great video, I think I've developed the confidence after watching this video to start my Salt Water Reef Tank and get rid of Fresh Water Once And For All Using My Fluval FX6 Canister Filter and my 120Gal Tank. Much Thanks!!! Aaron.

[@GullyGod876]

And also everytime u make rodi water you have to add the sea salt rite? And check with the refractomoter? What do you use for your test kit(calcium, magnesium, phosphate, alkalinity, & nitrate) what brand?

[@GullyGod876]

How u go about cleaning live coral before pacing in aquarium?

[@Razvion]

I was looking at the light you linked, it costs freaking 900€ jesus.

[@loganross1861]

😂 but it’s suuuuper Siiiimple

[@AaronsAquarium]

Simple, not cheap. They are not the same thing. Look at designer clothes and shoes.

[@jordanyang3066]

Get a shallow tank like a 20 long or 33 long and grab a finnex marine or fluval and you will be good to go with soft corals and even some hard.

[@marcelrodriguez2067]

@@AaronsAquarium yeaaaaa i aint trying to spwnd more then 1k on my aquarium... and thats including the tank stand and decorations.

[@westbybaseball]

Guys and girls saltwater reef tanks are not cheap! It's a hobby! You need to love it to do it

[@superdragon3060]

i aint even a begginer but this was a very cool vid to listen to, even though i know almost everything in the vid its still great

[@miagrundy6209]

Absolutely love it! I'm just starting to work as an Aquascaper and have very little understanding of saltwater tanks! This was a super useful intro! :)

[@AaronsAquarium]

😁👍🏽

[@robinhawkes1744]

Great video. So simple and well explained👏👏👍

[@jhonatanperez5945]

I agret with you

[@oblivionzephyr3897]

"Are you currently searching all around KZbin?" You read my mind

[@jadinstrydom4580]

Best video on KZbin you make stuff so easy and simple and encouraged me to get into the salt water hobby thank you very much and that you can use an canaster filter because there are videos that says that you need a sump

[@carresteigerwald3278]

Excellent video. We have a fresh water tank now, but I'm truly enjoying this hobby, and thinking about expanding my knowledge and build up a salt tank. Great teaching. Very informative, and crystal clear explanations. Thank you!

[@ryanshackleton2174]

can’t wait to see this

[@curt3494]

30K!! 🍾🎉🎊

[@AaronsAquarium]

Thanks buddy.

[@JeffeyFF]

I've had a very long day...thank you for cheering me up my friend!

[@AaronsAquarium]

😉👍🏽

[@homesbyiksayanawester7796]

I have a 180 Gallon tank that was Salt water when i purchased it, I converted to fresh, but with big move had to let go, I been wanting to do salt water but felt completely intimidated with all the tubes, knobs i see on everyone else’s set up! This has been an eye opener, I’m ready! Thx you!🙂

[@sibakhin5191]

this guy reminds me of those cbbc presenters

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Please so a VR360 version with the camera in the tank. Cheers bro

[@davidbaker6382]

I really enjoyed your video and it made me believe I can do this. I will now watch the follow up videos. Thank you.

[@LankyGiraffe98]

One one the best video's I've watched that explains everything I need to know and everything I need for the fish

[@flashac2238]

this was needed! Thank you so much

[@ryanriley1342]

Great video. I was really looking forward to your super simple build till I saw you where using an $800 dollar light. My fault for confusing super simple with affordable. Keep up the great work. I'll still be watching.

[@AaronsAquarium]

Yes this is a Simple System not a budget system. People tend to think one equals the other I've noticed. Inappropriate Reefer has done a wicked budget build. That my help you out. 👍🏽

[@ryanriley1342]

@@AaronsAquarium Thanks!!

[@hakunamatata289]

After he talked about the 5 th link, I already feed up with the video.. But I'm trying to push through and appreciate his Work.

[@richardmohn277]

A+ KZbinr skills. Give yourself a raise.

[@CescaTheDarkHorse]

Nice video Michael very informative :)

[@crazyfool939]

What's tank size, gallons and dimensions? Length, width, height please

[@WarEagle2126]

Simple and straight to the point! Definitely not cheap, but things that are worthwhile aren’t cheap! Great video, Aaron!

[@AaronsAquarium]

👊🏾😁

[@WarEagle2126]

Aarons Aquarium Mike* sorry lol.

[@AaronsAquarium]

Lol

[@404Cluster]

I would go a completely different direction as far as filtration goes. But, people have had success with canister filters. Good video.

[@shanekhan23]

Hey bro what is the size of the tank and where did you get it from pleaseeeee thanks man great content💪🏾

[@donlocke64]

1300 liters

[@donlocke64]

custom made listen to the beginnings

[@aaronmitchell9408]

This video helped me immensely! Thank you so much, Keep the vids com'n

[@drdoolittlefishhobbyist6055]

Your vids are both very education but great fun brother. You've even sparked my interest in a salt water tank. I currently have 2 cold water and 1 tropical so I'm looking forward to the new challenge. I will defo be watching all your vids.

[@Alex-mo9zq]

Starting a reef aquarium soon. Your video's really helped me a lot. Some things are really crystal clear now and helped me making the right choices.

[@PedroRibeiro1995]

I have literally never seen a single person recommend a canister filter for a saltwater tank

[@AaronsAquarium]

Now you have 👍🏽

[@richj5703]

Have used canister filters for 34 years in salt set ups. Set them up right with proper media and they’ll do their job.

[@barbatanas7679]

Has some drawbacks, but LOTS of people use them. Most people use sumps for stability thanks to the added water volume, but canister do fine aswell. Actually in nano and pico reefs we use HOB filters aswell or even none, just some powerheads. It's all a case by case scenario. Since this is a "Super Simple Setup" I have no objections :) FIshkeeping isnt written in stone. Take care.

[@rakhu1963]

Actually, a canister filters work great on SW Tanks. Basically, you just turning the canister into a GFO reactor.

[@Wimpelmann]

so no skimmer needed????

[@uvaiskhan1833]

What is the total cost

[@neseas]

I was gonna wait til the end of the video to like but the tip with the sand put me over the edge. You are fantastic, thankyou for this!

[@istandwithisreal8883]

Thank you so much that helped a lot. All the people looking at this comment please watch this video it really helped me and it might help you thanks bye

[@AaronsAquarium]

😁👍🏽

[@stianandreassen3903]

Very good video, you have a talent for explaining things in an easy and non complicated way. Even back when i started my first tank you did. Hate to see the Wife go, but this tank looks like it will be interesting to follow as well. What sort of corals are you doing

[@AaronsAquarium]

It's going to be an LPS tank as that is what appeals to new starters the most.

[@stianandreassen3903]

@@AaronsAquarium Perfect choice, was fearing softies only hehe

[@AaronsAquarium]

Lol nooooo

[@MRBA1RD]

I dont know if he sounds like Ali G, or if Ali G sounds like him

[@strider5119]

He doesn't sound a thing like Ali G...?

[@ComputerGuyAndy]

Thanks for the basics. I've owned freshwater tanks all of my life and I've always wanted to go salt. Your video, albeit a bit loo'oong winded, convinced me to give saltwater a try... 😉

[@dalegotcher7617]

Absolutely the most helpful and simple video I’ve seen so far for a salt water set up. Plan on using this video when setting up my first tank. Thank you so much!

[@ScarlattiPerseu]

May I ask the dimensions of this tank?

[@KP-wu2li]

A simple simple aquarium would be just adding saltwater and adding a light.

[@KP-wu2li]

@MossyWater that's the joke xD.

[@KP-wu2li]

@MossyWater 😂😂 yeah the amount of equipment i have running on my 55 is far from simplistic

[@sueyounglove9253]

Fantastic. That’s what we are doing at the moment. We are changing over from a tropical tank to a reef one.

[@myrahamilton9463]

Awesome video! Great information for first time saltwater set up.

[@David-su2oo]

Just a heads up the added music is too loud compared to when you are talking. Great video otherwise

[@mattb4065]

I have been watching all kinds of how to videos. Your the best. You really help walk me threw this.

[@AaronsAquarium]

I'm happy this video was able to help you out. Check out my website: aaronsaquarium.com

[@r00stertv18]

Educational, engaging, funny. Can't ask for more than that mate!

[@benrelouw5766]

Thanks Aaron!

[@andrewhoban9800]

you did it man. this is a one stop shop for setting up an aquarium. really appreciate it. hope you are making money from youtube. liked and subscribed!

[@buddha291able]

Awesome video! Made me want a tank soooooo bad. Made it very simple.

[@andrinalyons6960]

I’m only half way down though this video and already loving it! 🙌🏻

[@mbtravel7294]

I hope your doing well Aaron. Your videos have helped me a lot.

[@vacoombs]

Great video. This is definitely helping me out with Starting my first Marine aquarium

[@willop572]

Thank you for my newfound confidence! Getting excited about my first reef setup!

[@patrickviado2839]

Thanks for your video. Ive done freshwater and my last tank was a 120gal. Im starting my first saltwater tank next week. The things you discussed in this video are exactly how im starting mine. I just subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to more videos.

[@sepehramid6996]

I've never seen a better tutorial for anything