Want an Easy, Epic Tank? The 9 Core Reefing Principles | PT 2 Perfect Is the Enemy of Great

[@unprofessionality]

Only speaking for myself, but I think this is the most important reefkeeping video I've seen after 5-6 years consuming content and participating in the hobby.

[@baxDstar]

Thank you! Nail on the head…

[@danieldemeyere]

100%. Thank you for everything you do for the hobby, Ryan!

[@rusk4373]

@@DRZLLZRDwhy the hate lil bro no need to say that you didn’t add anything 😂

[@SeriousReefs]

Glad you found value in it. I think we could be on the cusp of some great things if the hobby collectively wants it :)

[@adamgale2189]

ryan is a wizzard

[@TheJacrespo]

After scrapping and scrutinizing hundreds of videos on this topic, Ryan's are by far the best: well-grounded in scientific and engineering fundamentals, and above all, he is a superb communicator! I really appreciate, Ryan, that you share with us your practical pearls of knowledge… You enrich us all with your genius for this stuff.

[@jamesorr1200]

I just want to thank you for these three videos. I'm two years into the hobby and love it, love watching content, etc, but for me, personally, these three are *really* significant. I'm taking notes and have a feeling I'll be re-watching them until they're memorized!

[@SeriousReefs]

Glad they are helpful. They were fun to make :)

[@ChenkoAT1]

Watched Part 3 before this one. After 9 months in the hobby, and watching hundreds of hours of videos (many by Ryan), I have to say that this 1 video is the BEST amalgamation of everything I learned so far, learned newly during the video, and also gave me food for thought to question some of the prior information. Basically, it made me more dangerous, yet hopefully will be great for fish and corals in my tank. THANK YOU RYAN!

[@SeriousReefs]

Glad to be of service . Reef well :)

[@jimmyzulian9650]

Damn. This is the most informative reef video ever.

[@octagon_009]

This video rocks! I had to tear down my tank 3 years ago because of the mistakes i made. Glad to share with everyone i am back in this wonderful hobby and currently cycling the next one! 😊

[@BRStv]

Welcome back!

[@ReefDork]

Really enjoyed this. Ryan in his element 🙌

[@cherellzandell]

Right on!

[@SeriousReefs]

Thank you. I do enjoy speaking to actual reefers vs a camera. Reminds me of who is seeking this information and how much it matters :)

[@Merknilash]

@@SeriousReefs Ryan - are you guys going to release the test where the tuna sun did so well?

[@PetkoPopadiyski]

I am starting a new tank and I am taking all the advices at heart. Thanks Ryan

[@Seth-n2k]

Ryan. This is your best presentation yet. Thank you for the info. Impeccable progression. It is exponential sir.

[@RockinTheReef]

This was fantastic 🎉! Thank you! I’m 15 months in to my first saltwater tank that became a mixed reef about 8 months ago and you (and BRS) have been my primary source of knowledge. I truly appreciate everything you do. I’m blown away at how much I’ve learned from you in the past 15 months. Cheers to you helping me make it past the 1 year mark…. I guess I’m in that 10% group! Thanks again!

[@SeriousReefs]

Thanks for the kind words. Your success makes it worth the effort :)

[@ta420nk5]

As a guy who’s had freshwater tanks for decades looking to venture into saltwater.. I can’t thank you and the rest of the team you guys got enough. The amount of knowledge I’ve gained in the last week binge watching is incredible. And I’m waaaay more confident that I can be part of the 80% than I was previous to finding this channel. Thank you

[@ta420nk5]

Also.. I’ll never buy a used tank again.. you have no idea how old it is.. where it was stored or if it was set up properly.. ie level.. I’ve had seams split before.. it’s no fun

[@SeriousReefs]

@@ta420nk5should do a episode someday on “how to buy used” . Some ways are better than others but put away clean and looks like new are good signs

[@SeriousReefs]

That’s awesome to hear. Keep soaking up info and you will achieve the dream :)

[@kitch9688]

This was such a great presentation. As a new reefer, I am always humbled by how much there is to learn in this amazing hobby! Ryan has been such a positive influence on my adventure and I hope to meet you at an event sometime in the near future!

[@SeriousReefs]

Thanks for the kind words. Learning and applying new things is the hobby for me :)

[@cherellzandell]

I love Ryan and I especially loved the reference to the old "choose your own adventure" books! I loved those when I was a kid!

[@SeriousReefs]

Thanks for the kind words and memories :)

[@dustincashwell8433]

Thank you for your hard work and dedication bringing important information to new hobbyist! I’m starting my first 60 gallon cube and could not do it without BRS and your videos!!!

[@SeriousReefs]

60 cube is one of my favorite sizes. Good luck on your journey :)

[@Disable-Gamer]

Reefing and growing indoor plants are very similar. Thank you for all the video information. My first tank is a biocube 32 with just a light stuck to back and made a refugium and stuck a chiller because it runs hot. Thank you and your company with out all the information I would of failed hard but my tank is very successful

[@SeriousReefs]

It is very similar. Double so for indoor hydroponics. Keep up the good work:)

[@adamiller2526]

We almost went to Reefapalooza NY. So sad we didn’t make it. So glad to still get to see this presentation!

[@hermeticmoon8448]

It was a good time... ended up winning 2 raffles and grabbing a bunch of coral

[@SeriousReefs]

There is always next time :)

[@DarrylZuk]

Ryan this was an awesome talk and I'm glad I got to see it in person. Thanks for signing our book!!!

[@SeriousReefs]

Glad to be of service :)

[@enriqueperez2075]

Saw this in person, it was awesome 🎉

[@SeriousReefs]

Thanks for coming :)

[@Gbadwow]

This video is amazing. New to reefing and this is amazing presentation after being in it for a month. Was very sad when I learned the show left Chicago. Will be traveling to one next year to see it in person

[@SeriousReefs]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@reefgeek_pr5785]

Hi Ryan , its been a while since a good video was released by BRS .And i will tell you it is great by far the most informed video i saw from you.I can tell you we miss you and Randy .

[@SeriousReefs]

Thanks for the kind words. It was nice to have the proper amount of time to put into something like this :)

[@islandreef5292]

Now this is ryan amazing talk! Thank you for this

[@SeriousReefs]

thanks for the kind words :) if you liked this one , check out the first episode. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWKaqKmJd82AsKc

[@EmpireReefer]

Great presentation Ryan. I was at the show but missed this unfortunately. I hope that you can make more videos like this in the future maybe thru an independent page. Brs isn’t the same since you parted ways! This hobby needs you! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@SeriousReefs]

Got another one coming at RAP California :)

[@EmpireReefer]

@@SeriousReefs can’t wait! Amazing content

[@AdamB5000]

I'm five minutes in and this video surely must be for me. I've researched saltwater tanks off and on for a decade. I always get overwhelmed with the varying bits of information scattered all over the internet. I end up getting confused and overwhelmed, and then I walk away. Inevitably I come back for more research two years later. Rinse and repeat. Overwhelmed. Walk away. I just discovered the 52 weeks of reefing series and will continue watching this.

[@SeriousReefs]

I don't think you are alone. Finding the right information and confidence that it is indeed the right info is more challenging than building the tank. Was this of help?

[@SeriousReefs]

this might be the best series for you.kzbin.info/aero/PLBaMLrfToJyxJ1PuJZwhkxvvdFP14eV_t

[@AdamB5000]

@@SeriousReefs It was a little overwhelming because there is so much information being thrown out in such a short time. It felt like something I could better appreciate once I successfully start a tank. But I keep soaking in information from all your videos in an effort to be successful. An example of what makes me nervous to start: the entire cycling and maintenance of water. How it all works together. Once cycling is done, what filtering is best and how each one impacts the tank. And then once I'm ready to add livestock and coral, what to add next. Fish? Cleanup crew? And then how do they impact the water. What should I expect with nutrient/bacteria changes due to livestock. How and when to test. What the right numbers are. It's a lot to soak in, but I'll keep learning.

[@SeriousReefs]

@@AdamB5000 We created a series that was designed specifically for new reefers who just want to know what to do without all the complex BS.. It was called the 5 minute guide. ~20 5 minute episodes. In less than the time it takes to watch an average movie you have everything you need to know in direct actionable steps. kzbin.info/aero/PLBaMLrfToJyxJ1PuJZwhkxvvdFP14eV_t

[@Reefspidey]

Fantastic presentation!

[@SeriousReefs]

Thank you, this is easily my favorite formate to share information :)

[@SiliconvalleyScapes]

I really appreciate this lecture style of educational content! I'm new to salt water and this was definitely helpful!

[@SeriousReefs]

One of my favorite formats for sharing information. Hopefully it comes through :)

[@fishpalace]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 great summary of how to keep a reef tank 🙌🏻

[@SeriousReefs]

Thanks, hopefully it is helpful to some :)

[@Merknilash]

Nyos salt is excellent and I'm really glad to see Ryan promoting it here because I want it to grow in popularity so it never has availability issues. It matches my parameters the best and it's a high quality salt.

[@SeriousReefs]

newer euro salts always have availability issues for sure :)

[@myrcflyer9999]

Thanks, this is really an eye opener! Glad you share all your findings so more people can get into reef keeping successfully. Btw what is the led light that you mention? The ATI stratton? And where can i find more info on the spectrum/setting you used for sps tanks?

[@ricostrings72]

Great information 💯💯

[@SeriousReefs]

Thanks, hope it was helpful :)

[@davecarey4710]

I followed his advice and never had a problem my first year

[@SeriousReefs]

These comments make my day :)

[@johnrawson6823]

living in Bali Indonesia i could not buy pods but i used wet sand from beach and had no ugly phase; also acclimated some mollies and used them (with cheap probidio) to cycle nutrients

[@SeriousReefs]

Yeah, my next tanks will be just the sand likely . Thanks for sharing.

[@lucasgouvea5410]

Great video. I'm about to start cycling a new tank. What levels of nitrate and phosphate wouldn't demande a water change before turning lights on?

[@realreefing]

This is along with the first RAP preso video are the TLDR; of reefkeeping videos. No need to confuse yourself with others if you are starting out unless they are to help you with the "How" to implement this time and science proven advice gathered together by Ryan from many experts and his own experience and investigations. Sure, there are many ways to make an omlette, but follow one great chef's recipe to the T and you will make a great one. Thanks Ryan!

[@SeriousReefs]

Thanks, in the end I believe most just want a tasty "omelette." Hopefully this can help some achieve their goals.

[@sunlessmortal3559]

Iam 2 months in on my first saltwater aquarium, lots of info, probably gonna have to watch this a few times 😂

[@SeriousReefs]

Enjoy the ride :)

[@scottzinn8656]

I saw you and Jake Adams in Orlando at a reef-a la polooza. Which is probably a recipe of this video

[@bretolroyd2952]

ALRIGHT!

[@kevinjones7980]

Very helpful in helping me plan my 150. Just saved almost $400 by moving the roller mat I was considering on my planning spreadsheet from "Need at startup" to "Potential Upgrades"

[@SeriousReefs]

Rollers are great if you are light on other filtration or if you feed a lot. All of them just tools in the toolbox.

[@kevinjones7980]

@@SeriousReefs Right. I just had to change my thinking on equipment choices to start a tank vs helpful tools down the road.

[@HairyReefFrog]

Where do I get Gulf of Mexico sand? Do I just walk down to the beach and scoop some? Does it have to be at a certain spot of the beach? Or a certain depth of water?

[@Sheepo91]

Can you please elborate on the lighting solution? I'm stuck between Red Sea / LEDs / t5s etc. I watched the entire section & I still have no idea what light to buy / upgrade to. Or is the main take away just keep adjusting until you get the right PAR reading?

[@SeriousReefs]

The message is bigger (physical size/shading reduction) is always better. Wide blue spectrum (violet, indigo and light blue) is always better, wider angle is near always better. PAR is the easy part, higher powered (watts) models for SPS, lower powered options for LPS. Because Red Sea lights are mostly indigo light (royal blue) with minimal violet or blue they wouldn't be my first choice but plenty of people have success with them so they can work. This is a moving target where tank size, coral type, budget and aesthetic desires come into play. The more detail you give when you ask this question the closer to target the answer will be :)

[@Sheepo91]

@@SeriousReefs Thanks a lot, I'm looking at lights based off your recommendations. I don't have many Softies at the moment, but LPS is the goal. If Red Sea definitely doesn't have much violet I'll go another brand.

[@Lukeb53]

I can attest to the high nutrients causing cyano being false. My tank was overstocked with fish and my nitrates were 25-35 and phosphates were .18-.25 depending on how long ago my last water change was and I was carbon dosing daily. I got rid of all but one fish, did a 50% water change and cut back carbon dosing. Within a week my nitrates were 5 and phosphates were 0.05. I've since cut out carbon dosing as my protein skimmer is able to keep up with the bio load and my numbers are now stable with a monthly 20% water change. Within about 3 weeks of getting my parameters low and stable I've had a huge cyano out break. I plan to break the tank down soon (unrelated to the cyano, I just got a new tank and have been slowly moving coral over as the new tank matures) so I'm not worried about fixing it, I just thought it was interesting.

[@SeriousReefs]

like most things cyano is likely in near all tanks and you only know it when the conditions are right for it to beat out it's competitors. I have seen some common threads over the years but far from a direct cause. 1) Dirty uncared for tanks certainly have this issue more than others. It would lead us to believe the easy answer, high nutrients is fueling cyano growth. I don't think that most experienced reefers believe this any longer. Amongst my peers it now commonly believed now that the cyano is influenced more by the collection of organics in uncared for tanks and the cyano tends to grow where the organics collect. 2) It's also believed that low flow causes the cyano to grow, certainly true that increasing flow will blow it off and sometimes eliminate it. Again amongst my peers it is now commonly believed that the flow is just removing the organics from those low flow areas where they tend to collect and cyano grows. 3) Often it seems to be neither of those and just bad luck that cyano won the unseen battle. Best example of that is how red slime remover or chemiclean can reset the battle field and often permanently solve cyano with a single dose. Even long after the effective component of those solutions is gone the cyano stays gone. If it does come back there is something in the tank that creating an environment for cyano to win, address it. 4) I don't have a lot of evidence for this but I do believe this can be the result of overdosing carbon, dissolved, and particulate organic foods. More of those items is not always better, the right amount is better. 5) It might not be cyano, diatoms and dinos look similar to the untrained eye :)

[@huntergeren7752]

Can you update the description w part 1

[@SeriousReefs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWKaqKmJd82AsKc

[@maddib1723]

I love the macro algaes 😂😍 give me all the seaweeds 😂 touch on deep substrate.. it does something that keeps my tank healthy.. got like 2 inches of dirt then 5 inches sand for my algae tank

[@SeriousReefs]

Lots of people use the reef muds and swear by them :)

[@rickyreyes4235]

New here, when he says sand cycling is he saying do my cycle without the rock and add the rock after?

[@SeriousReefs]

Do it together. Sand cycling means use dry rock and the biome will be seeded from live ocean based sand. Note that I’m not talking about retail live sand found in a bag at the store. More so sand like this tbsaltwater.com/shop/sand-box-15-pounds-live-sand/

[@chrissmith5911]

This is my personal tank and experience I have been on the reef hobby since 1996. I no longer try and keep nitrates low. My nitrate will run between 50-80 phosphate stays .02-06. I have wonderful color and growth in my sps and little to no algae. I am almost certain that high phosphate is the reason most reefers fail. I only do a water change at .08 phosphate never before

[@SeriousReefs]

You are not alone, a lot of people have success this way. The only challenge i've seen is food adds nitrate and phosphate together so keeping only phosphate low often requires fairly religious use of GFO or other phosphate reducers. How do you manage the phosphate between .02-06?

[@chrissmith5911]

@@SeriousReefs this current tank is a 60 cube it is mixed with no sump. I run 3 5400 gyre pumps and a hob octo90 skimmer. I only feed the fish rods, pe myis and tlf nori. I dose 25ml of coral ab+ a day and feed polip lab coral food mixed with rods every other day. There is roughly 100 pounds of rock and a 1.5/2” sand bed. I wanted to get the set up / feeding out there before I put this in. Tanks current uptake of 1.5/2 gallons of kalk2+ along with the addition of 45ml alk 32mlcal 30ml mag 22ml iron 5ml iodine per day. I never let the alk drop below 8.6 ever all 3 gyre pumps run at 100% for 16 hours with a 8 hour 40% flow at night. There still at max 4 hours after lights off to cool the corals so they grow faster. I’m not sure 100% why my phosphate uptake is so high currently I am adding it to the system daily to raise the phosphate level. It could be the flesh of the acanthastia gonies etc is pulling out more than the system is producing, or the acros growing you can see growth on a daily fragged ends will have polyps in the cut off spot 2/3 days afterwards. What’s even weirder with this tank is it was set up jan1 this year.

[@hotdil7618]

Ryan is good

[@SeriousReefs]

Thanks! Nice to have the proper time to put into these presentations :)

[@Merknilash]

Also - my experience is that the PE mysis is the one that is freezer burned and messed up The Hikari stuff is always super clean and crisp

[@SeriousReefs]

Really depends on the chain of custody. How it was stored and how fast it sells. Results will vary for sure.

[@chrisjohnson583]

Super interesting. I'm looking at getting into a reef tank after doing fresh water for 30 years and the Red Sea Max Nano G2 was on my purchase list. Why? Because I'm scared of all these crazy ass filters, skimmers, etc. At 52 mins, are you suggesting I can just do flow pumps with no filtration and do water changes only? That takes me from a $1500 tank to a super cheap in comparison tank and just make daily water changes. Am I understanding that correctly?

[@SeriousReefs]

The max nano is an elegant looking tank and yes water changes alone will solve most water related reefing challenges other than calcium and alkalinity . There are lots of cheaper ways to do it than that tank but most won’t come with a stand or look as nice.

[@hermeticmoon8448]

Im sorry i missed this at the show .... great job.... my only wonder is to do it right the first time how much it would actually cost.... i find most people that come in to my local pet shop have no idea what they are getting in to

[@SeriousReefs]

e-170 was just a few buckets of salt a year and bulk chems. Go used on some expensive parts and almost anyone could do it :)

[@hermeticmoon8448]

@BRStvRyan ill be changing over from a 90g to a 336g this week im just hoping I can finally get it going the way I'd like.... im also gonna start put some money aside for the new hydros .... but I'll be honest I had no idea what I was getting in to.... just a few free fishtanks on the side of the road and I figured how hard could it be

[@mason0865]

Had a few questions after watching the video in its entirety. I would definitely like the follow everything verbatim. I have a few follow up questions. 1. I was told that carbon bags makes the water clear, but from what it sounds like it also strips the water from nutrients, so I should remove the carbon bag correct? 2. Many of the tanks showcased in all the video I watch are rectangular, what is the proper positioning of power heads on a bowfront?

[@BRStv]

Good questions! First, you're confusing carbon with granular ferric oxide (GFO, for short). Carbon absorbs yellowing pigments in the water column for a crystal clear look, as well as absorbing a variety of pollutants. It will not have any effect on your nutrient levels. GFO, however, will absolutely strip your tank of phosphates in very short order and should be used sparingly. For powerhead placement on a bow front reef, I would choose 4 smaller power heads, with two on the sides and two on the back walls.

[@mason0865]

Appreciate the response truly, I’ll make that adjustment.

[@shrimpmonolith]

You should sponsor us🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@noahpurdy6036]

This information has proven invaluable. However I cannot get over how very much this speaker sounds like Tim heidecker. I’ve been waiting for him to start his popcorn classic this whole time

[@SeriousReefs]

we aim to please :)

[@SeriousReefs]

Link to episode 1 of this series. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWKaqKmJd82AsKc

[@xisotopex]

what is two part?

[@SeriousReefs]

One part alkalinity. One part calcium. This is a good overview m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5TRf4uvhd6kjdk

[@MACNTOSFAM]

if you’ve been reefing for more than 10 years, you’ve pretty much stuck to the same thing, the same regimen. newer than that… info and products have become overly saturated that it becomes difficult for new reefers to remain in the hobby

[@SeriousReefs]

I think that's kind of the nature of the story. Those that find the successful path and stick to it will be here to tell the tale :)

[@edwardownen]

Got a tuna sun a360x with some new chaeto and it’s not going well Chaeto doesn’t seem to be taking off and getting a lot of algae all over it Anyone else try it? Could be acclimation but idk I’ve had chaeto take off after less than a week or so (algaebarns chaeto spiralis - the lineum from reef pro seems ok)

[@SeriousReefs]

Liikly needs to be turned way down and ramped up ~10% a week

[@edwardownen]

@@SeriousReefs I thought that too - started at 60 and went down to 35 PAR isn’t as high as you’d think - only reading in the 200-400 at the surface where the chaeto is I have nutrients and dose iron Have you had any luck with any specific setting?

[@SeriousReefs]

​@@edwardownen less about the "right PAR' and more about what PAR the cheato was grown under before you got it. Very commonly it could be as low as 50-100 PAR and stored in jars at ambient light PAR for weeks. . So I'd start at 10% and scale up 10% every week until nutrients are trending in the right direction.

[@daveledoux3535]

Is Ryan still at brs

[@SeriousReefs]

Yeah. After 16 years of a weekly KZbin show it was time for a break. My only roll is producing these presentations. It’s nice to have the time to do them right :)

[@daveledoux3535]

@@SeriousReefs nice to know you still at brs

[@ramone020]

your book. Pleeaase….

[@SeriousReefs]

Video book is the best I got :)

[@dannymcelroy]

We miss you Ryan, it's too bad the folks running the company you sold did not keep you on as a leadership consultant and follow your lead...

[@fishnewhere387]

Is he not still with BRS/apterature?

[@daveledoux3535]

Did he sell and run

[@dannymcelroy]

@@daveledoux3535 Yeah, BRS sold to Aperture a few years ago, and they also bought Marine Depot, Ecotech and Aqua Illumination and Neptune Systems to basically create a monopoly for the top selling brands in the industry...

[@ryanh2300]

Bro you are the Godfather of the Reef world.

[@SeriousReefs]

lol thanks for the kind words. Just trying to share the lessons others have shared with me and learn a few of my own along the way :)

[@thilog5874]

Smaller tank no filtration. What is a smaller tank? Up to how many liters? Or gallons?

[@SeriousReefs]

Opinions will vary but id say all the way up to a 40 breeder. That's based on our experience with the e-170. I have been considering setting up this tank in my home office with no filtration and just water changes. www.bulkreefsupply.com/eden-40-aspen-aquarium-stand-40-gallons-waterbox.html

[@thilog5874]

Thank you for answering!! Great content since years. Greetings from Germany. Would love to have pros like you in Germany.

[@whocares4274]

If you have no desire to learn this is the wrong hobby. It requires a lot of research and even then you’ll get things wrong. No quick and easy path to being a reefer.

[@SeriousReefs]

Learning is the hobby :)

[@scottsmith6816]

FNA Cotton...effin a...

[@scottzinn8656]

Product vs microbiome and organisms. Overcrowding and not knowing enough about animals in aquarium

[@Hyphnx]

Should note that Nyos is owned by Aperture Pet which owns Bulk Reef Supply and Ryan is on the board of Aperture Pet & Life.

[@SeriousReefs]

Took the lesson of “don’t trust me, be skeptical, progress is built on skepticism” to heart :) For what it is worth APL doesn’t own Nyos and I haven’t been on the board for a while.

[@Hyphnx]

@@SeriousReefs I stand corrected and I apologize.

[@Donkor640]

Don’t buy used Kessil A360x’s. I’ve seen too many people burned by those to think it’s just a coincidence, including myself. I bought three used and thought I got a great deal. Unfortunately I was buying 3 new ones a year later. Buy once Cry once!

[@jordanm2984]

Can you elaborate? I have one new 360x, and one used. As long as it's taken care of, why would used ones be a problem? Just curious.

[@andymingni]

You bought used, so you don't know how well or not the last owners took care of the lights. Kessil probably has one of the best CS I've interacted with. If something happens within the warranty period, they literally send you new ones. I have three 360x over my 150 gallon.

[@Donkor640]

@@andymingni Exactly! That’s why I said don’t buy used… There’s not a lot they. can do if you have no proof of the original purchase. They did however give me a great discount on three new replacements so it eased the pain a little bit.

[@anthonyw1382]

Your problem is you speak too fast and you don't fully explain what you're talking about

[@SeriousReefs]

Thanks for the feedback. I do think all nine of these core principles could have their own hour.