How to Set Up Your Reef Tank for SUCCESS!

In this CoralFish12g video I’m going to be sharing 2 things you can do, that I guarantee will put your reef tank on track to be successful. To demonstrate these tips, I set up a 20 gallon peninsula tank by Innovative Marine with their new APS stand.
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Ultimate Refugium Starter Pack:
www.algaebarn.....
DISCOUNT CODE: coralfish12g
FRITZ AQUATICS:
Turbo Start: fritzaquatics....
Fritz Zyme 9: fritzaquatics....
INNOVATIVE MARINE:
TANK: www.innovative-...
STAND: www.innovative-...
CHAETO LIGHT: www.marinedepo...
ROCK: www.marcorocks....
LIGHTS: current-usa.co...
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CoralFish12g.com: www.coralfish12...
CoralFish12g Facebook Page: / coralfish12g
CoralFish12g Instagram: / coralfish12g

[@coralfish12g]

All the products I mentioned are linked in the description above.👆 I genuinely stand by these tips which took me years to realize so hopefully I saved you some time. 🙂💯 New content and updates on this 20g tank coming soon! *To clear something up, the sand I used in this video was actually dry. It was previously live sand that I opened many months ago and overtime dried up. My fault for mentioning it as live sand.*

[@madaboutbrens]

CoralFish12g have you tried the Red Sea reef mature kit ? I finished my cycle (21 days) It really sucked waiting so long, but weirdly enjoyed the daily testing and dosing 😊

[@schrodingers_catboy_9882]

CoralFish12g congrats on the new tank, cant wait to see the updates

[@SsgEspirituFMSFW]

George how to win prices . Like led light for my 15gal mix reef tank.. Im from philippines.any one have 2nd hand led light or any light. I will buy it in budget meal price. Pleasr sir maam.

[@bradsbirds8502]

What kind of pump are you running for the ATO? I've been having trouble finding one to give me the lift as advertised.

[@williamrowe1894]

Really nice

[@dobbynfred072107]

I always thought saltwater tanks were way above my skill level but they way you describe them has turned me around. I haven't gotten any supplies yet, but I'll definitely have a saltwater tank because of you, dude :) You converted me!

[@Special_FX]

dobbynfred072107 just be sure you know you do NOT need to buy all the products he is promoting if you do your research which you need to with SW tanks. He literally added a tiny bottle of concentrated bacteria and then bought a big bottle of diluted bacteria to keep it going. If you use live sand and buy cheap saltwater at a local fish shop you’re tank is basically cycled but not completely. Seachems Stability is all you need to add, not two bottles of studf

[@DXI17]

I'm thinking about having a reef tank and this video helped me a lot.

[@anthonystingeni5949]

Bruh one good stretch in the morning and that tank is gone 😂

[@owenf2835]

a 20g tank is wayyy heavier than you would think

[@earthling1984]

This video is an advertisement...

[@JurrassicAss]

Earthling1984 your long flowing hair is an advertisement good sir! xD

[@outsidethepyramid]

"people in the dorm rooms next to him are trying to sleep". Yeh right, he's in a film studio reading from a script.

[@titus4166]

No its not. He's just supporting reefers and making them aware of companies like Algae Barn and such to make it easier on reefing and accessing great products that are out there that people may not know about. I'm glad I now know about this company and they seem pretty legit.

[@xk4836]

Earthling1984 yh, lol

[@davidbugden2359]

Yea hes probably got sponsors but is still informational.

[@hetts_]

Student on a “budget” when this whole setup is over $1,000 before the fish 😂😂

[@noahaustin1638]

He smart because I guarentee he didnt pay for most of it. It's all sponsored so technically $0 cost is definitely student budget

[@hetts_]

Noah Austin too bad no one else is sponsored

[@noahaustin1638]

@@hetts_ Exactly. Wish I was sponsored. I have to buy my tank with hard earned money

[@intergalacticbigboi7088]

its not even near 1000 dollars, the tank is probably 500 but the bacteria is $8 and ammonia is just a fish which is cheap if you buy a cheap one.

[@hetts_]

Intergalactic Big Boi yikes ur wrong good try tho

[@1of99sheep]

I just love his videos my son is 3 months old and he can just watch your videos all day 🥳 I learn so much from you thanks 😊

[@space_guy_04]

Yep, I cycled my tank in two days. sadly I have learned this on setting my second tank. If I only have known it earlier, I would have saved a lot of money.

[@tiredhero]

i haven't had a marine tank for about 3 years now... i do miss them thats why i sometimes skim through vids like these... just wanna say very good vid and im subscribing because of it :)

[@hexaquatix7463]

Just in time. I just finished setting up my innovative marine fusion lagoon 50. Thanks George!

[@MerlotandFamily]

Oh my gosh! Yes! I'm so excited to set up my mini refugium! I thought I couldn't do it but you've changed my world for the better! I have that new Fluval 13.5 gallon Nano Reef (super cheesy videos on my channel). I've been seeing people's refugiums and reading all about them and I've been so disappointed that I couldn't have one on my tiny tank, but now I can!!! Thank you so, so, so much!

[@ramangrewal1542]

I'm considering getting the same tank as you, did you end up successfully creating a refugium and also does that mean you don't need a protein skimmer?

[@lueroifan12]

@@ramangrewal1542 you dont need a refugium bruh,

[@milkspotscausemetospazzout6813]

No matter what..this video still was informative..I been in this hobby for gosh maybe 14 years and am still learning..this is basic knowledge in the hobby but its definitely good info..

[@kennethfelipe823]

Whenever I’m setting up another tank I always come back to this one.

[@Javeiii]

In your updates for this tank, could you discuss the refugium in more detail and if it's working for you? There's not a whole lot of information out there on the effectiveness of these tiny refugiums and its something I've been contemplating for my nuvo20 for a while. Thanks. Great vid as always.

[@torchestogether2455]

Hey bud, did you ever experiment with this? I'm now contemplating adding a skimmer or a mini refugium in my 20g jbj. Please let me know the route you took or if it's worth it. Thanks!

[@TheDouglasTwins]

a much better video than some of the others on your channel, none of the silly post editing or grazy cuts. nice informative, well scripted vid.

[@AnchorDownBoat]

I just picked up my first aquarium off a curb alert! I’ve been searching for a free one for awhile and it looks to be the same size as yours! I subscribed.

[@TrendingHeadlinesTV]

I have the exact tank set up and used the same mini refugium with same lighting. Works amazing! My cheato algae grows very quickly. I have to trip it about every two weeks. I have two bubble tip anenomies which are paired with two clown fish. They love it. I purchased the clown fish as a pair when they were babies. Great Nano tank. My next reef I want to have a 135 gal. Setup.

[@danpheister4032]

Thanks for the Refugium help. I just ordered starter kit and it will be here before Christmas!

[@joannamejia3233]

This help so much and it was not confusing at all compared to other research I did on how to set up a reef tank. But I was wondering if you can make a video on what to do when theirs a black out, how to keep that tank functional during a time like that.

[@wesleyturner1979]

30 years of fish experience here! You nailed it! great mini reef setup. Snails are next yes?

[@dhz6236]

I’ve been seeing so many videos on what I need for a saltwater aquarium and I’m getting so confused

[@InappropriateReefer]

Smashed that Like before watching

[@camfish2491]

Inappropriate Reefer that’s what I did with your new vid

[@samb16]

same, btw your vids are great keep it up

[@Johnaubreyduncan]

I wanted to smash the like, because George's videos in terms of presentation are awesome. It is just a shame what he telling us is confusing, although maybe not confusing to new reefer, who doesn't fully understand the hobby.Cycling a tank simply means building up levels of bacteria, to cope with Nitrogen Cycle (ammonia created by rotting fish pee and poo). Adding live sand, adds all the bacteria you need, with out the need to wait whilst bacteria levels build up. So when George added his live sand he instantly cycled his tank (built up the levels of bacteria). It is good practice to wait 6 days before adding fish, just in case anything in the live sand dies, and creates an ammonia spike. If you have zero ammonia after 6 days. your tank is ready to go. If you have ammonia, you need wait till the ammonia is eaten by the bacteria on the sand. This is nitrogen cycle in action, and just allowing the tank to go through a cycle (ammonia becomes nitrite which becomes nitrate), not cycling the tank, because the tank is ready cycled by adding the live sand. You could achieve the same instant tank with live rock, and dry sand. Adding a bottle of bacteria is another way to instantly cycle a tank, and create the right levels of bacteria. This a good method if you uses dry sand and rock with no bacteria on.Adding ammonia will just cause the tank to go through a pointless cycle (ammonia to nitrite to nitrate), if you already have the right levels of bacteria, because you have used live rock, or sand, or a bottle of bacteria. If you have not used any live rock/sand or bottle of bacteria to add instant bacteria, then you could add ammonia. This feed the bacteria naturally present all around us, (a few of which will enter a new tank). The ammonia will feed the bacteria, allowing the bacteria to multiply. This cycling a tank (building up levels). George has just cycled his tank 3 times. You only need to cycle a tank once. I never cycled my 160g. It was a tank upgrade. I used all the live rock from the old tank, therefore the tank did not need cycling. The levels of bacteria I needed were on the live rock.

[@eegernades]

That's what I did to your video. So when you getting that bigger freshwater tank?

[@dominicrafael9988]

Woof! Looking good. 😻

[@reefriches5288]

Used this step by step to setup my new reef AIO thanks George :)

[@blairebubbly]

I LOVE your channel, it's very informative and just interesting to watch.

[@Nathan-wn5mc]

The protein skimmer and refugium is always a preferred more by certain refers. I've used both and had more success with a protein skimmer. A lot of people don't understand that if their chaeto dies if falls apart and will produce nitrates and end up in your display.

[@cristobalbarraza3795]

Great explanation, very simple just what people starting into the hobby needs. Thanks. I will be starting my nano cube with a refugium soon.

[@Bluebirdd]

Have been watching your videos for like a year because I’m still a saltwater newbie. Buuuuuuut I will be honest that I only recently subscribed because hello moustache ;)

[@alchristian8238]

thank you for making this vid for us! since I bought a new tank with a back chamber and wanted to start with a mini sump or a refugium. thanks for your help George!

[@kaitlynwhilden8176]

I'm so pumped!!!!! 💙💙💙 My fish are gonna be so excited

[@flyingdrill4279]

This helped me soooo much really I want to get a reef tank and don’t want the fish to die And it’s hard for me to get money to pay for them if they do die so this helped me so much

[@usmc2237]

Algae barn is unbelievably expensive for things you can get from some fellow reefers. Check out some forums. Mostly I’d just like to say I don’t think I would replace a protein skimmer with a mini refugium ... 🤨

[@Sam.osborne__]

Jacob Perez agree the price of that cheato 😱😱

[@heidisfishtank7543]

Exciting! What are you planning to stock?

[@tinabloomfield7228]

Congrats to the winners!!! Awsome looking tank George...I cant wait to watch it grow

[@SAMMYxxSCHIANOxx]

I love this tank and set up! Your videos are just awesome :)

[@margaretkamm4248]

Yay! You made a video about my advice! Setting up mine in my 29 Biocube now.

[@LunchBoxNM]

This video is just what I needed to watch.

[@ntrain6930]

I USED TURBO START 900 ON BOTH MY TANKS AND HOLY CRAP DUDE. I ADDED AMMONIUM CHLORIDE AND FISH AND CORAL WITHIN 8 HOURS!!. ITS THE BEST

[@AliceinOverwatch]

Looking at doing my first reef tank next year so this is really helpful thanks :D

[@melaniesimpson6322]

Wow! I like the refugium idea.I might try that in my biocube 29. Thanks for the tip!

[@andrewwharmby5199]

well i was watching king of DIY but then i got this notification. Nice vid

[@manuelaugustovillanuevavac9620]

I wish i could buy those here in Peru, only think we have of all that list, is the water.

[@aj_loves_miraculous.ladybu4197]

I’m in Australia and we don’t have fish stores and we only have pet shops but they don’t really sell anything like salt water fish and coral

[@stu-ool5155]

what I do is that I pre make water a few days before water changing and adding a little bit of tank water to the pre made water to help with the taking away bacteria issue

[@twinturbo111]

Excellent condensed advice Georgie. One thing : your rock landscape needs to be changed . I’ve done a similar mistake in past. 3 things: (1) get slightly bigger rocks to create cavities (2) don’t try to hide the black acrylic part of the tank , because the rockwork cliff will force most of your fish to swim at the front only , creating limited space and fighting for premium spots - it’s better to put the rock in the middle and give more swimming space around - this will allow you to put more fish too (3) your foundation rocks are flat against the sand , which will cause eventually detritus to be stuck - the bigger rocks I am suggesting can have smaller rocks lifting them from the sand , thereby minimizing overall contact with sand AND creating for fish to go and sleep - win win . Good luck Georgie !

[@coralfish12g]

Thanks for taking the time to write this. It's good advice and I appreciate it!

[@twinturbo111]

CoralFish12g Thank you for all the videos! Love ‘em !

[@hunterjulian1997]

Setting up my first saltwater tank thanks for the tips. Subscribed

[@FocusOnStu]

Looking good nice tank it's hard to believe my tank was like that a few weeks ago

[@kyleeharper5938]

This was so help full I want to do a 50 gallon salt water aquarium (I'm in the research stage) and I was getting anxiety about protein skimmers cause I couldn't find anything on it. I watch your vids all the time and didn't even know you post3d something on this

[@mariannezemen7943]

Great idea for mini refugium!! I can't wait to try it in my tank!!

[@jackb1959]

He has a KZbin channel this is how they work for all of you negative jerks. Is there cheaper ways to set up a reef tank of course but the information he provided is good information and I will be buying some of products he mentioned.

[@bradtate10]

Basically just an advert for Fritz 😂

[@Arandolor]

"Room divider between my bed and the door "🤣

[@xk4836]

Fritz zyme 9 is what we use in the uk to cycle are tanks since we can’t get hold of turbo start

[@ericxing1129]

I don't know if anyone has said this, but there is definitely such thing as too much good bacteria. If you have fish already in, and you add an insane amount of bacteria, you'll cause a bacterial bloom that will deplete your water's oxygen and kill your fish. Please dose according to the bottle.

[@RangeVibeZ]

Thank you for this vid I rlly needed help because I am just getting started with reef keeping.

[@evoryann]

New here but love this channel

[@pamelaorisek4822]

Just fantastic thank you.

[@kyler3683]

I see you moving your mouth, but all I can think about is wtf is with the pervey mustache?

[@sebastientherocker]

Kyle Raines Could've been filmed during Movember.

[@mileykaty101]

i kinda dig it 🙃

[@lukedenton483]

It's probs first time he could grow it so well I'm more concerned about the hair personally

[@cartiswife4836]

Wtf is wrong with his moustache?¿?

[@bigmac7077]

It’s a man stache u lil niggas couldn’t comprehend the drip

[@NickBingo]

Awesome video man, big help!

[@ethantanks30g2]

Nick Bingo he nick

[@lorigallegos310]

Do you have a good recommendation for beginner fish to help cycle your tank? Btw i think your moustache looks fine. You do you fish boy.

[@benconklin8639]

Thank you so much this was such a life saver and I hate being patient so this is great I used both thank you so much

[@Bigjailerman]

Good did right here, thanks!

[@Bamacher59]

I’m just getting back into the hobby thanks for sharing this

[@richardweyershausen4468]

Looking forward to the follow up on your tank. I’m shopping 20 gallon myself.

[@THunt-ss4hy]

I like Bio Spira for bacteria. I put first fish in within an hour of putting it in the tank.

[@AmericanReefing]

Great video George thanks for all the info

[@arnoldlueders7500]

As a lawyer of 30 years and in federal court, NO this section of the 14th Amendment is NTO self executing and most unbiased scholars agree with me.

[@cadenryan7672]

ur vids are like an aquarium dictionary but i like them 😂

[@jonathanfisher7138]

Your bacteria reproduce exponentially until they reach carrying capacity. There is zero need to replenish BB as long as you aren't doing constant water changes.

[@jasonwalters5143]

I need a new set up like your video

[@TheRealSpuznik]

Awesome information. Will use on my new tank

[@Nanoscape30]

I have a slight headache.. but great video thanks man lots of content!

[@MightyNanoTank]

Lovin' the IM20 set-up.

[@Chris-vb9np]

WAOW! Loving this channel, you've helped me decide to start my own reef tank. May I ask what type of ATO system you're using? I noticed it fits into a jerrycan similar to what I plan to use for my RO water. Thanks!

[@twinturbo111]

Whiskey Actual maybe you got it from an X ....

[@ramanakishorev.s8829]

wow its really informative

[@austinbassin4420]

So both at the same time? Amonia and Fritz? Amonia bottle says 4 drops per gallon so in my case over 200 DROPS???? Seems a bit much but thats what it says! Just dont want to spike amonia out of control. Thanks.

[@LevelSkip]

The benefit is that you can’t harm any fish or corals that way. Just let it cycle and you’ll be fine.

[@DebbyGautreaux]

Awesome Video!

[@Obamabinladen368]

this video is just what I needed

[@AnthonyNawwar]

When he added the solution to the fish tank the fish was :"Oy mate tf u doing?!, bit rude huh!"

[@aquariumdreamer7087]

new to saltwater and hoping for success

[@mjscrubs9506]

Thinking of starting one... Thanks for the info..

[@jaredc5789]

That's almost identical to my tank except mines a 28 gallon and I took a cheap glass aquarium and made it into a custom all in one. I have the current USA light and pump too.

[@aquariomarinho]

Congrats my friend

[@dontworryaboutit8445]

If you dont wanna by the ammonia just get some raw shrimp and throw it in there for a few days and take it out when its all decomposed

[@criscastaneda5335]

I have 3 chambers in my all in one sump nano. On 1 chamber I’m running a skimmer, 2 sponges, carbon, phosphate remover, ammonia remover & biomax. On my 2nd chamber I’m running my heater it’s always set to 78 degrees. On my 3rd chamber I have a return pump. Where can I place chaeto???

[@paulcardone481]

Dude! Your tank setup is cool. Thank you for making this video. I want to get some of that macro algae chaeto stuff

[@timveldhuis8874]

Could you please tell us which companies are sponsoring you.

[@PoopyButt7]

Timmy Veldhuis wasn't clear to me either.

[@coralfish12g]

I wasn't paid for this one. These are companies that I've worked with in the past, and believe in. Now I always use their stuff to set up/maintain my tanks .

[@aleixmiguelcosta]

I really enjoy your videos

[@creepy6208]

Hi! I've recently set up a saltwater tank and I'm very nervous on what to do and stuff. Long story short, my dad brought home two hermit crabs from Croatia, (I still don't know why, we didn't have a reef tank) so we went to to the fish store that we always go to, and bought some things to set up a basic 10 gallon tank. The tank is about 2 weeks old, and a very basic setup, just a filter, LED lighting, crushed coral substrate and a few liverocks. And the problem is that the fish store where we usually go doesn't sell saltwater animals, corals and a lot of other stuff anymore (except for a few basic things) So I have to go to other fish stores, but I just get confused because they tell me other information, Like that I can't keep fish in a 10 gallon tank, and that I absolutely need a protein skimmer,( even though I heard many people say that you don't need one in a small tank). And that hermit crabs from the adrian sea will eat corals (this might be true, but idk) If anyone could help me out with tips or facts I would be very happy. Also maybe ideas of what I can put in a 10 gallon tank, (if I can) like clownfish or a tailspot blenny? Pls help me I don't want to mess it up. :(

[@mutantskelly3170]

Don't need protein skimmer but it's really useful to have one if anything happens since you're tank is small it's gonna happen quick so the protein skimmer will be a good safety net for that

[@thecarolinareefer2894]

It’s useful but not necessary as long as you’re consistent with water changes! And you can add two clowns to a 10g, I have two in mine! That’s just gonna be your limit for a 10

[@creepy6208]

@@thecarolinareefer2894 Thanks! How often should I do water changes if I get fish, because I don't really have time to do water changes except on the weekends, so if getting fish means more water changes a week, because the tank is small, than I'll just stick with corals.

[@thecarolinareefer2894]

Creepy Weekly should be all you need, but keep a close eye on your water chemistry and test it!

[@thecarolinareefer2894]

I also am starting a channel on saltwater if you’re interested or would like to see a video on something let me know!

[@rja9784]

Cool video bro!

[@rogeriomilhomem9417]

Excelent video!!! Congrats

[@ianenglhardt3154]

very helpful

[@shailabazaldua]

Would love to see you publish a book for beginners referencing your videos!

[@abh3960]

nice vid man

[@mikhailfernandes3844]

Dude Ur awesome. Love the work. Keep it up bro.

[@phillandau5031]

George, you say that the tank was cycled in 3 days, but how do you know that? How can you tell when the tank has made it through the cycle?

[@madaboutbrens]

Awesome vid yet again 😊

[@roguestomper8027]

@coralfish12g you should do a Christmas video about little thing's that people should get for there tanks etc

[@evanparness9509]

Great vid bro!

[@louisehollis5279]

I’m getting a nano reef tank soon. Any tips ??? Xxx love your videos

[@MotoSly]

this video is full of tips....

[@mateomedina2921]

Keep up with your water changes

[@samg.9879]

Hio! I was wondering if you could do a video explaining basically every thing you have to do to set up the perfect salt water tank for beginners? Thanks!