How To Setup A Saltwater Aquarium: Step By Step

[@MaverickTide]

If you haven't already, check out my MERCH!!!!! teespring.com/stores/maverick-tide?page=1

[@Ghost-peppah]

How much did it cost for this whole setup?

[@kevinpro6483]

Tanks for that!

[@ttv_slammer_bot0175]

Hey man I need help getting started

[@ericmarsden]

I have watched no less than 15 "Beginner Setup" videos and this is the best one yet. Thank you!

[@CoralReefkid]

My advice on a budget: wait til after cycling the tank to buy the lights. Use the cycle time to save up for your light. The longer you go with the cycle, the better. The longer you save during the cycle, the better the light you can get ;)

[@MaverickTide]

Good idea, Thanks!

[@mogwap5056]

BYes

[@Kenneth_Fishing]

You should use a light if you can tho to cycle the tank. If you got an extra one lying around you could use that. I heard it’s likely better to use your lights because that way you can go through the phases of algae blooms before you add your fish and corals

[@oldactreecebennett1153]

Best tutorial yet, so clear and understandable, wish this was around when I did my first tank would have made life much easier!

[@MaverickTide]

Wow, thanks for the kind words!! Sorry I didn’t make it sooner! 😂

[@luciancorvus9992]

An honorable mention ... With the tank water evaporation (and protein skimming), the salinity will rise. Therefore, a periodic tank water with fresh water mixture may be necessary. I would sometimes accomplish minimal adjustments by briefly placing lava rock from my 55g cichlid tank into the filtration compartment of my 55g AIO saltwater tank. Hope this is helpful ... Cheers!

[@MaverickTide]

Thanks for the tip!

[@TheKingofKingscorona]

This is the best clearly explained video on the cycling and set up of a tank

[@MaverickTide]

Wow! Thanks for saying that, means a lot to me!

[@brendan_j02]

This is the best instructional video on saltwater tanks i have ever seen.

[@infotubetv]

Excellent! I’ve been thinking to switch from fresh water to salt but I thought it was more complicated. Thanks for the great explanation, I am going to start!!

[@MaverickTide]

Wow, so glad this helped!!! You will not regret it switching!!

[@Tom-pp4iv]

Yes it’s a lot more complicated if you put corals in, you need to know all the ph, kh, gh levels and stuffs....

[@JakeshandleYT]

@@Tom-pp4iv sounds very similar actually lol

[@Lyricalxs]

Glad i watched this video first. I will be setting up my first saltwater tank tomorrow. 55gal. 40lbs of live rock.

[@MaverickTide]

Congrats and Good Luck!!

[@shanks2872]

For a proper cycle to occur you NEED to throw in small portions of fish food (or another source of ammonia) so you actually have something that produces ammonia, if you don't your tank will not cycle.

[@mihaillefterov1033]

I find your video highly educational ! Thank you so much for the time spent explaining all those details that can help us new reefers begin the hobby. Greetings from Bulgaria 🇧🇬

[@MaverickTide]

That’s awesome!! Thanks for showing some love all the way from Bulgaria 🇧🇬!!! I appreciate the kind words.

[@1200kristy]

It's been my life dream to set up a salt water tank but I'm so intimidated by it. Not so much the salt water part but the actual filtration set up. All the hardware and plumbing us so confusing. No one ever actually explains how you set that up. It looks complicated 😔. Do you still holes in the tank itself for the piping and then route it under the cabinets. And then there's the sump tank!?! Im so confused. I've got the money to invest in all that it would take to do a salt water tank but everytime I try to ask for help at the fish store the owners always discourage me. They say that if I don't know then its not for me. Everyone has to start somewhere. You didn't just wake up one day and just know these things 😢. So until I find someone willing to help I have my 125 gal cichlid tank. Could you maybe do a video on the plumbing filtration set up of the tank? If really appreciate that!

[@MaverickTide]

The filtration is not as complicated as people may say. It all depends on what type of setup u want to do. The plumbing and under the cabinet setup is basically the most complicated one to do, it’s called a sump. Water just goes down from the main display to a holding tank down below where you put all ur equipment in, then just gets pumped back up to the main display. You don’t have to set it up this way. You can buy a all in one setup where the water just flows into some back chambers like the one u see in my video. In the back chambers there’s absolutely no plumbing that’s needed and that’s where u put all ur equipment as well. The last setup u can do is just a tank with a hang in the back filter. This is the most simple setup, usually good for nano setups. All depends on the size of the tank. Hope this helps, if not just search up on KZbin how a sump works.

[@1200kristy]

@@MaverickTide thank you soo much I appreciate you taking the time to reply back to me. I'll look into the sump thing by searching through other videos too. Or if all else fails like you said I can just do the simple hang on the back type filters. Id rather do a sump but if I cant figure it out then it is what it is. As long as I finally get my saltwater tank I'll be happy. It's a dream I've always had and Im determined to have one 💝

[@mikepeifer6502]

Trust me it’s not as hard as it sounds. I’m about 2 months in and when you add little by little it all makes sense. I went with a waterbox aio (all in one) meaning the sump is on the back. So it has the two chambers on both ends, they come with filter socks, I swapped them out for media cups to put in some of the filter foam stuff. Then the next chamber i put a protein skimmer on one side and some bio balls in the other. Then the return pump and a heater, and got an auto top off later. I promise you it’s not as hard as it all sounds. I have always wanted a tank, and have always been scared off as well. But there’s so much info out there, and it will all make sense once you start going. The waterbox tanks are really nice and make it super simple with the all in one set ups.

[@Guapogiboy]

Keeping these fish are hard I personally think keeping all pets should be intimidating to prevent people from impulsively buying them

[@porcu12345]

Smaller tanks don't need sumps and all the extra plumbing underneath. You can buy a smaller tank with an all in one set-up that'll come with 90% of the work done already.

[@Rivaboyz1987]

I added a air pump in the back to make a moving bed for the media and moved the sponge to the other side with the floss ditched the skimmer works a treat 💪🏻

[@MaverickTide]

That also works!

[@KratosWarLord]

Perfect explanation. Setting it up right from the beginning. I am completely newbie, but I know the important part of being patient andg invest in a good equipment

[@MaverickTide]

Good luck!!! Glad you liked my video.

[@Mivankaa]

Thank you for the video! I'm saving up to start my reef tank and this video is super helpful and the clearest one I have watch, so excited to start this journey!

[@octoberslibra]

Thanks this really is the only video that made me decided to go saltwater instead of fresh in my new 75 gallon tank. Thanks for the boost in my confidence with your video saltwater tankit is!!!

[@ReefSpy]

Glad to see you back!

[@MaverickTide]

Thanks for waiting!

[@gimincorp]

Thank you for an easy to follow quick step by step setup guide!

[@AdamUS123-j7q]

I have a sump and it's my favorite because it adds water volume and allows for a refugium and a skimmer and more!!

[@pilotavery]

Might hang on back filter has a built-in digital heater and is a wave maker and aeration all built in. It's really nice.

[@willparfit3368]

Great video! I set up a saltwater tank about 2 months ago and wish I saw this before hand!

[@MaverickTide]

Wish I posted it sooner! How did the build go?

[@willparfit3368]

Yeah it went well. Had some problems to begin with though. But all okay now fingers crossed!

[@MaverickTide]

Well good luck!

[@mikelowrey9359]

Thanks for the knowledge sir, alot of people dont understand how endangered corals and invertebrates are. PATIENTS IS KEY GUYS. Don't jump in above your heads guys, take it slow. 👊😎

[@TBizzell68]

I really like that setup! I’m considering a marine tank for the living room, thanks for the video

[@MaverickTide]

No, problem. That’s a good idea to have it in the living room. Will always be able to keep an eye on it and it will be a great conversation piece for your friends.

[@jacklawer6389]

Greatest hobby in the world!!

[@iwantosavemoney]

Are these good for a quarantine tank maybe because I want a big display tank also?

[@wittleMermaid13]

Thanks for the tip on RODI water! I'm coming from only freshwater aquarium and using tap water and really need all these tips!

[@aveadonat9378]

What’s your suggestion for beginners? The hang on the back approach + live rock and whatever else is obviously the simplest and looks the easiest, but in the long run is it more worth it to invest more money and go for an all in one setup or sump setup?

[@richishere82]

Get a sump setup

[@joshuastiles12]

I love to hear your voice. Thank you for your videos. They’ve helped so much. Have a great day cutie.

[@MaverickTide]

Your welcome!

[@teknewsdaily]

Great video. Made me feel a bit comfortable with saltwater aquariums after watching your video.

[@MaverickTide]

Thanks a lot. Tried making it as simple as possible.

[@chriscavies]

Great video, did you have to remineralise the RO water?

[@matthewdiaz3319]

Thanks for the awesome vid man! Just got my first tank this last Wed. Waterbox Marine 35.1. Def will be using this vid to help me get everything started.

[@MaverickTide]

Congratulations!! Waterbox is a great brand. Let me know how the build goes.

[@AquariumHobbist]

In the fresh water tank setup, cycling can be sped up using those off the shelf beneficial bacterial. Is there such a thing in the salt water setup? Also, as I am moving house in 2 months, I’m planning to start a 3ft tank in my current place so it’s ready for fishes when I move. Is it ok to start cycling the water now? I’ll probably separate the water from the tank in two trips when I move and put them together at the new place again.

[@Jose-js7ke]

Heyo! Can I use Distilled water or pre filtered water if I don’t have the RODI system yet?

[@THEFISHINGPLACE]

go local use your local sea fish my tank is full of fish out of the river Mersey and I love it 💪🏼

[@kirstenwalters3243]

So this gave me some idea, but would you be willing to do a step by step tutorial if you haven’t already? I’m interested in starting a 100G tank in a few months, but I’ve only dealt with freshwater fish. I think it would be helpful if you did a series like what to buy/ then what to do with it exactly, just in beginners terms! Also things like how to set up what you have and the filtration system you have to get water!

[@kirstenwalters3243]

I’ll also add it would be helpful to know good beginner fish and which fish go well together in a tank

[@MaverickTide]

Won’t be able to get to something like that soon but in the future, for sure

[@MaverickTide]

Good idea, will do

[@Punisher32144]

Awesome vid one thing your forgot to mention is auto top off unit

[@Gardis72]

Silly questions from a complete novice fascinated with this hobby: Can I use sand from the beach, cleaned and rinsed thorough and soaked in the home (or bought) salt water, as a sand layer in the tank? 2, can I use actual sea water (if I could drop a pain in Long Island Sound) and use that?? I imagine it would have to be filtered. Gardis - CT

[@Corpppse]

do i need a ro/di filter or does a ro filter do the same thing? im a bit confused

[@AquariumHobbist]

Should the scape sit on the tank or the sand?

[@anarezsdovics352]

Where did you get that fish tank

[@vandykeebbin4762]

I am trying to figure out which one I should get… rather it be a gray water tank or a salt water tank to put in my man cave. Which one is the better one to start off with? Salt or fresh? I don’t want to have to do a lot of maintenance due to work schedule and kids.

[@vbnautical5041]

great video. finally one that was just clear. Really appreciate your efforts. I used to keep african cichlids in a 125 with a sump. I moved, never set the tank back up, sold it, and now setup my 29 gallon tank with a canister filter plumbed into the garage. Never had a SILENT tank before ...so nice! Think I will setup a FOWLR at first....but I guess I need to drain the entire thing and replace it with purchased water, correct?

[@conormurray9962]

For a beginner with a 10 gallon, do you recommend starting with dry or live rock. Or could I even do mostly dry rock and a few small pieces of live.

[@MaverickTide]

I would do all dry, so u don’t bring in any unwanted pests.

[@joecaps9311]

dont u have to cycle it for 4 weeks?

[@sharkloving_aquarist]

I want to start a 5 gallon just to start me up on salt, should I use a canister or a hob?

[@StarshooterReborn]

Hey how many dollars did you spend in total approx. for the whole setup?

[@MaverickTide]

$2,893 to be exact. For all live stock and equipment

[@royalvlogs1014]

@@MaverickTide thats why i cant do fishkeeping its way too expensive

[@felixvargas5554]

@@royalvlogs1014 it’s pretty expensive but it does make your home look good tho

[@joeshmoe781]

I can do a small forty gallon tank for $600.

[@shiyamaifrad8933]

@@joeshmoe781 i can do a 30 gallon for 80$

[@mathews2088]

What tank is that?

[@crunchy_wahter]

What if I wanted to get the water straight from the beach?? Could that be safe??

[@xSteveNastyx]

I bought live sand and ocean water for my 20 gallon tank. The water been cloudy for a week now. I tried using clarity and also a infrared sterilizer. I even did a 10% water change. I need some help, should I start over?

[@NoNam3_xLeaderX]

Can you use distilled water?

[@averymitchell845]

Do you have a sump on this aquarium?

[@martialag]

I have been looking for a video like this. Thanks.

[@MaverickTide]

Your welcome, was fun making it

[@supersnoco]

Very informative! Thanks so much. Its been a life-long dream to do a coral tank, I do freshwater and a brackish crabitat. Just struck gold on a deal for a used All-in-one 29 gal. That's probably too small for reef/coral but I will upgrade once I'm better versed in this. Thanks again!!

[@Sabertooth_54]

I have a 29 gallon with corals and there doing fine

[@tylerdeardorff2899]

Thanks for the video. Really clean setup.

[@-Gunnarsson-]

Avoid live rocks to every cost. It may be tempting. But the risk is very high you get pests/aiptasia and other crap with them.

[@Self_Cancelled]

Can you start with distilled water?

[@britneyshae657]

So you do not have to have a sump system to set up a saltwater tank?

[@smknblnts]

so for water changes you said 10 but when you come back and fill the tank you fill with pure ROD water or do you also have to add salt to that?

[@rodgerwrinkle9078]

Newbie here. With water, could you use the stuff you get for drinking?

[@PSKaqua]

Very good explanation, clear and concise… Although I'm very familiar with the fresh water in my aquariums, I'm thinking about going into a small reef… You've gained another subscriber. 😜

[@MaverickTide]

Thank you so much!! Yea jump into saltwater, you’ll be glad you did.

[@ryanwagner8629]

Can i use sugar instead of salt? Not sure if that will make a difference

[@abrahamcharifs]

Best explanation ever

[@Bubblebud6653]

I use the regular basic instant ocean salt do i need better salt for corals?

[@kingfresh5815]

What’s the cost and specs of your saltwater tank build brake down?!

[@marianniranjan4385]

Beautifully put together. Thank you

[@MaverickTide]

Thanks for watching!

[@bilibilireefer1575]

seven years, it has been seven years since I first time watch your video, and remember you ,when will you back the channel. your video is my beginning point of the saltwater trip. Are you still in this field?

[@MaverickTide]

Wow, that’s awesome to hear. I’ve been away from the channel for a very long time that is a fact. I’ve literally been trying to make other sources of income to be able to fund my hobby. It’s definitely pretty expensive but I think I’m finally in a great spot to be making videos again pretty regularly. I’m definitely still in the field, just haven’t been making KZbin videos. Thanks for sticking around the channel for this long.

[@bilibilireefer1575]

@@MaverickTide glad to hear you are still sticking with this hobby, hope we can enjoy the reef tank all the time. Cheer!

[@gregmeraz3379]

Can I just add salt to tank if it’s a brand new set up?

[@MaverickTide]

Yes!

[@ShayShay-us5vp]

I have a question can I use my freshwater heater and freshwater filter and sponge filters I had for my old aquarium in my new saltwater tank ?plz get back to me I just don’t wanna spend more money then I have to if i don’t.

[@tjwatson5529]

can you use gravel in a saltwater tank? is it just preference based? he never mentioned gravel even being any option, only sand and bare bottom. i’ve done both but currently have extra gravel and would like to use it up.

[@ieshamaldonado6752]

Is this dry rock?

[@alfredoflores6498]

straight and to the point!!! Thank you

[@THEMOFFATTMAN]

Is this hard to maintain

[@danielconforti9028]

Good work on the fish tank

[@planetaustraliachannel]

Thank God I Found a normal KZbin

[@MaverickTide]

Haha, normal. What’s happening out there?

[@planetaustraliachannel]

@@MaverickTide defined age trying to find a KZbin without all the music all the carry-on is very hard now days so I really appreciate when you find a KZbin that somebody wants to talk about what they're talking about and trying to show you without all the music in all their background of their background history bulshit..🌻

[@OutdorsDanny]

I'll watch the video game in case I missed it but is there any special kind of filter you need besides the skimmer

[@paulozavala3232]

How do you do if you want to put corals later on? Do you just pick up the rocks from the aquarium and stick on the corals?

[@Arborpress]

Removing rock scape isn't necessary. Add glue to the bottom of your frag and just stick it in a spot you want it.

[@rogers.6557]

How long would you have the lights on for a reef tank like this? I have problem algae so I’m worried that maybe I’m leaving it on too long?

[@1JASFASFDD]

Thank you so much for this! I am a newbie and appreciate the help. I have a few questions though. 1, for the LEDs you linked for the tank how many do you recommend? I am making a reef tank. 2nd what fish do you recommend for a newbie?

[@MaverickTide]

What is the size of the tank?

[@johnsadler4940]

How long is the Cycle period????

[@tansijiesherlynphoebe6448]

instead of 3 stage RO can it be 2 stage RO system

[@JacobH93]

Yea I’m gonna have to stick with freshwater for a while 😂 not that anything seems too complicated with running a reef tank, it’s just the initial cost. Getting it right the first time is worth waiting! It just might be a while 😂

[@Krock-ry5dq]

What if I bought the salt water from the store like the premade stuff

[@jean-pierrevanzyl9881]

Great video!

[@arielbalangue6489]

Dude it’s been a while enjoying life I see and also awesome tank

[@ericiranon54]

Thanks, great info. I just wanted to ask if I can use Distilled water instead og using RO/DI water? Thanks.

[@MaverickTide]

Rodi is better but distilled still works.

[@joejones56]

Can cycled media can be used from a freshwater tank to start a saltwater tank ?

[@Arborpress]

No, different bacteria for marine tanks

[@funentertainment4730]

I am starting first saltwater whith 5 gallons tank only 1 pair clowns fish Bcz I don’t have extra money 💰 to spend nice video and information 🥰🥰🥰

[@akaForecast]

Could you use the little rocks that you buy for fish

[@MaverickTide]

What Little Rock’s?

[@akaForecast]

@@MaverickTide like the ones you buy from a pet store there like tiny pebbles

[@cousin_toe7411]

Could i just use purified water that u buy in jugs at the supermarket instead of the whole ass filtration contraption?

[@suej1527]

How do we know that the tank has cycled and ready ? How long does it take and what are the indications?

[@MaverickTide]

I would test the water and It typically takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

[@alexesco1521]

Where I can buy all that you showing

[@MaverickTide]

I have links down below in the description of this video!

[@Liberalcali]

Wow this looks hard I’m going to wait

[@STREAMZZx]

Brilliant video super clear too

[@MadMike78]

I know nothing about salt water tanks. Question so that machine you got to make the water how often is that needed?

[@Arborpress]

Owning an Rodi filter isn't 'necessary' but it does save you a lot of money in the long run than buying water from your LFS. You use it whenever it is needed.. If you want to make new saltwater to do a water change, you'll need rodi water to be mixed with your salt mix. When your tank water starts to evaporate, you need to top it off with rodi water.

[@sarahmorgan2996]

if i am doing a reef tank do you stil recommend instant ocean salt and not the red sea

[@MaverickTide]

I would use reef crystals instead of the basic instant ocean. I would suggest Red Sea if ur planning on doing a sps tank. But all options would still work.

[@ant4007]

I’m 2 years too late, the link to the tank and everything isn’t working☹️ ur tank looks Awesome. What is the brand ?

[@L3GHO5T]

Watching this trying to learn my boss bought a salt water setup last year and never ended up using any of it it’s all brand new in the box. I’m not sure what kind of tank or setup it is but he said he has everything for it and spent around 4 grand on it all and said I could have it for a case of beer but I have never owned any sort of fish tank in my life. Is it do able for a beginner? Should I take it or would it be a bad idea do you think?

[@MaverickTide]

You should take it and just start off doing a freshwater setup at first. Get familiar with it then after like a year then try salt!

[@L3GHO5T]

@@MaverickTide ya I turned it down.

[@kat0778]

Excellent quality advice. Thankyou

[@abdiasj8726]

So I’m starting with my first saltwater tank (75 gallon) is it better to add salt to RODI water or to just buy salt water as it is in fill up my tank?

[@MaverickTide]

Doesn’t matter, whatever is more convenient for you. I would lean more towards adding your own salt to your rodi water.

[@abdiasj8726]

@@MaverickTide thank you

[@edwardharris1602]

Great video cant wait to get started