Ready to Add Fish to Your Saltwater Tank? Consider These Tips First! - Ep: 29

Pump the brakes on adding fish to your new saltwater aquarium! In today's episode, Matthew is here to give us some helpful tips and things to consider before adding your first finned friends to your reef tank. Check it out here!
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00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Is Your Tank Ready?
01:56 - What Are Your Short & Long Term Goals For Fish?
03:07 - What's Your Drip Acclimation Plan?
03:39 - Are You Ready To Quarantine?
04:24 - What Are Your Emergency Plans?
06:15 - Do You Have The Right Fish Food?
06:48 - How Do You React To Failure?
08:07 - Have You Created A Maintenance & Testing Schedule?
09:05 - How Many Fish Do You Plant To Add To Your Tank?
09:44 - Are YOU Ready?
10:36 - Outro

[@danielpotkalesky9356]

The thing I'm frustrated with is everyone says to research your fish, but no one says where, except maybe live aquaria, I just want some high trust resources with info on aggression, food, tank location,etc...

[@foxchase725]

Matt, im a huge fan of your attitude and personality. im so glad BRS picked you up after the whole Marine Depot acquisition. These videos are amazing. Ive set up tons of tanks and i still watched the entire video

[@saadf3407]

As someone with experience,I suggest first adding 2-3 beginner fish (eg.clownfish) then add most corals (beginner coral first then gradually work towards more intermediate corals) Wait a few weeks/months depending on coral amounts and size. Then continue adding more fish. This worked for me throughout the years.

[@dusk1947]

#7 truly are words of wisdom. It does not matter how experienced you are. This is such a complex hobby that failure is always a possibility. But if failures are approached as a learning experiences, and with an expectation of set-backs being likely: You bounce back and keep going.

[@soccerstarsz]

MAKE A STOCKING PLAN! I started off impulse buying the cool fish with little to no knowledge of the fish. Because of that I now have 2 tanks

[@Colin_Robinson_EV]

My little journey has taught me that patience is everything, especially if your on tight on the budget 😉 there's no need to rush anything ! Research all your live stock....BRS will help with alot.........

[@christopherbraxton7289]

The only thing I can add as a lifetime fish keeper is adding fish with your cycle makes it happen so much faster . Damsels, clown fish make the perfect starter fish for any aquarium . One of the best things I could tell you is this way I'd never lost a fish lost the fish.

[@maxroman1704]

Thank you for being honest about failure, it makes me feel better after having one. ❤

[@animuldoc]

By the way I bought an enormous tank as my first tank I don’t even have it yet have not looked at these videos until after I bought the tank and I’m so grateful for these videos.

[@drewchance9562]

Thank you for the personal touch 😊

[@BounceCorals]

Add Dr. Tim’s one and only when you add your first group of fish and your tank will immediately be ready for fish! I have started several reef tanks in the last few years (mostly bare bottom ones) and never had issues with this method. I also use it whenever i move the tank to a new apartment or if I add a substantial amount of new fish. I recommend brightwell n03 brick to remove nitrates. The best advice is to cover your tank completely because the amount of times fish have leapt out of my tank while cleaning or placing corals is astounding.

[@RogueAquariums]

Well done video Matthew. I would have to say stability is key. Don’t make the mistake of adding too many fish at once. Check on a regular basis water parameters. Having a tight fitting lid is important as well to stop certain fish from jumping out. Having a clean up crew to help keep algae at bay. Certain types of fish also play an important role in this as well. You will fail as you said but learn from your mistakes and re group.

[@bryanruff1960]

Great tips. The only thing I would add is to have some great references to use like websites (such as BRS 52 weeks), books, and experienced people in the hobby. I am still learning every day.

[@houseofsharpeis9366]

As a beginner you should wait for the ugly phase to start and add inverts first. Then make sure your nitrate is in order and not bottomed out from too many water changes. Before adding coral make sure you test phosphates and make sure they are present. If they aren’t you could be cyano bound and need to make sure your stable up front. I tell clients cycle them inverts to clean up then fish. Once fish are added wait 30 days for coral to be added so you can be sure cyano or other issues can be handed if they come while your bio load loads up for more livestock

[@MiniManAu]

so you recommed cuc before fish? just for interest as i am about to start my cycle, why add cuc first? they dont have anything to feed off? thanks!!!

[@tekkersreefer8055]

Buy Quarantined fish is a good start

[@jacklawer6389]

Greatest hobby in the world !!

[@stevemunn367]

Great video as always 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧

[@kat0778]

Thank you!!!! Exactly what I needed to hear about nitrates!

[@BulkReefSupply]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marksfishtank]

Do the research to make sure it is a good fish for your set up and what you are wanting to do for your tank is the best advice I would give someone getting into the hobby

[@brandonmms]

Best advice...fail to plan = plan to fail

[@catatonickuala]

I think it's important to consider where the fish you are buying come from, and also what the water parameters of the store are. My first fish were freshwater Platys. Everyone said they were good peaceful beginner fish, but the one's I got were very aggressive and the first week was stressful for all concerned, including me. The stress of moving also made them sick. So know where your fish come from, and any common ailments, and make sure to have some medication handy just in case. Also realise that fish are not always going to be the way they are supposed to be. An aggressive fish can be peaceful, and a peaceful fish can be a little terror.

[@MannySingha]

Such an amazing video. I'm a beginner and this has helped me soo soo much!! I wanted to ask would you please be able to make a video on how to setup the overflow for the red sea reefer 625 xxl version. Red sea are terrible at making tutorial videos. My one keeps on making noise and the ajuster is really bad

[@freakygoblin3068]

First research and do not impulse buy, no matter how tempting. Second, consider if your fish have a utility role in your tank. Pest control or algae eater are common ones. Some fish can be considered as part of your cleanup crew. I'll add one more.. before you get any fish, cover your tank with, for example, a mesh top. Fish do jump and nothing worse than finding a fish dried up on the floor.

[@mitian]

I love mostly all of BRS videos from Thomas - Randy - Ryan - Robert never did any for BRS- but your videos are kicking butt with the views, awesome, now since i said it, they are going to remove the likes and don't likes or views ha ha but keep going Matt I am a fan before Marine Depot and BRS - another good video I am not a beginner but I watch any way... have a good day.

[@dawnbarrett7115]

Quarantine every single fish before adding to display tank - even if you no the person well - play safe and be patient it will pay off in the long run

[@lindseypurvis3550]

No one talks about large Acrylic tanks flexing. I am one of the special individuals who started my beginner tank at 150 gallons because on other BRS TV videos they mention the larger the tank the more forgiving. I hear a lot about “ bracing” in Forums but no one mentions what that really means. If I have to do any extra work on the tank I would like to do it before I add fish.... I will continue to search for answers hahaha

[@user-bl9zl2ql2e]

Thank you for this series. We have learned so much. Is there a way to get a copy of a beginner maintenance schedule? It would be greatly appreciated! TIA

[@robalexander3959]

Ryan did his job by bring you on !!

[@PracticalReefer]

Watch BRSTV's 52 weeks of reefing and a whole lot more before buying a tank! 🙌 And cycle the tank properly and have patience, especially if the hobby is new to you dont try adding bacteria and fish on the same day too many disasters 👍

[@ronaldwhite3254]

Great video. Could you share that maintenance schedule. Been searching for it but could not find it. Thanks Ron

[@eugenerivera4327]

I myself have a blue damsel while it's being cycled

[@lrjchris]

As a newbie, I was wondering what are my fish options tank I have to see the list of videos for top 5 or top 10 beginner nano tank fish, etc but those are not colorful when you have them together with a perfect collection video or suggestion of fish for a small and medium-size fish only and reef tank respectively would be great advice. Thank you and you have been an inspiration you got me into this hobby and I am brand new and its been going great now every time I have someone come from the US or Australia I have a list of things I have them bring for me coz we don't get much stuff here like you guys do in India!! I mean the gadgets but we get all or most of the fish and invertables and anemones.

[@lobi-wankenobi4872]

Hi, Matt. How long should I quarantine my first and all fish?

[@eugenerivera4327]

Make sure the tank is cycled

[@albertangulo1420]

Quarantine ,Quarantine , Quarantine

[@Karthik-mw7we]

Hi Matt I am a beginner to the saltwater aquarium I live near the sea I can collect good quality water from the sea how long should I need to cycle my new Marine tank using the sea water before adding fishes?

[@Lukas-jo5jg]

One word... quarantine!

[@thereefinrican]

Get a fish that you like and that you do not what to remove later. Some reefers start with damsels and then have to almost take tank apart to get them out. Also get a quarantine tank.

[@eugenerivera4327]

The only thing I want in my 10 g is a peacock mantis shrimp that is all I want in this tank I been researching this for like 3 months and that is all I need in this tank

[@fishpony1211]

Buy from a trusted source. I havent found one yet but soon ill open my own store and will definitely be a reliable source. Most of the fish you buy have been in several tanks and through several modes of shipping. The survival rate is way lower then id like.

[@RobertHeller-kh8uu]

How long should I wait to add a second fish?

[@joshuaf1820]

Duder, where do I get that cool parameter sheet?

[@gordonissocoollike]

I used to add a black molly first and they thrived

[@lesteruy7605]

hi can i ask can i add starfish on my coral?

[@ashleylhotka9707]

I want to know everything lol

[@at0mic109]

I dont understand the entire is it to hot or cold outside bit? We talking ponds here or an indoor tank that will ultimately be close to the average house temperature in the 70s

[@marvinblanco5063]

As a beginner (back a few yrs ago): make sure the chemistry is ready for fish and/or corals. Question I'd ask would be how to acclimate a fish into a new tank and also when adding a new fish while having fish in the tank already. As a more experienced reefer, I'd suggest an acclimation box when adding new fish. Know what kind of fish you like or want, also if you want certain corals since some fish can eat corals. How would one select a healthy fish?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Selecting a healthy fish would be a great BRStv episode! For most reefers, we'd suggest trying to buy a fish in-person so that you can observe the fish really well. Look for any odd spots, patches, red areas, growths, skinny belly, etc. Also, have the LFS feed the fish for you so that you know they're eating. An eating fish alone will raise the success level substantially.

[@marvinblanco5063]

@@BulkReefSupply I always inspect the fins and body of the fish. And always make sure it's eating while in store.

[@brettludwick7968]

How do you keep your fishless, fully cycled tank, primed and ready to go (maintaining proper bacteria, ammonia, and nitrite levels) while you’re waiting for your fish to come out of quarantine, which could be 3 weeks to 3 months?

[@waltercottrell7607]

Can/Should I add clownfish to a new tank beginning it's cycling phase?

[@TBoneGamez]

Advise: I agree with @freakyGoblin, dont impulse EVER. do research. Next, don't be in a hurry. Biggest thing I learned in this hobby is nature is imperfect, so to will your tank. If you try to rush the biome it will be built on a sandy (pun intended) foundation. Take your time and watch your levels. I spent at least 3 weeks at EACH point from tank, to gear, to rock, to sand, to water. I started my current tank in April. I have two fish, no corals. Why? 1) budgeting, 2) I'm more satisfied with what i do if i wait to do it and make sure its what i want.

[@craigmoreira4207]

I'm a beginner it's my 1st tank, 120 gallon , Is there a list of fish that get along and a list of aggressive fish somewhere?

[@BulkReefSupply]

There are so many different species available that it's hard to give an all encompassing list. I would suggest making a list of all of the fish you like, then research each one individually for compatibility. If you're on Facebook, you can always join our AskBRS Facebook group and post the list there. We're happy to review it and offer suggestions!

[@animuldoc]

When you say that weekly water changes are a good time to also test your water do you mean before you do the water change or after? I would be so tempted to do both

[@BulkReefSupply]

This is an age old question and the answer isn't very satisfying as there is no right answer. Just be sure to pick one and stick with it. If you test before, always test before. If you test after, always test after. This way, you'll be better able to compare results from one week to the next.

[@Divingwithjoce]

After all the research and the nitrogen cycle, acclimation and all the rest of it. Make sure to get a lid. You don’t want to stress about your fish jumping out.

[@craigmoreira4207]

Where do you get lids from I can't seem to find one for a 120 gallon tank

[@Divingwithjoce]

@@craigmoreira4207 brs suggested in one of their other videos that you can make more than one lid (do it in sections) with the Red Sea lid kits for larger aquariums. There are also companies that can make custom lids for you if you provide the dimensions. I know we have clear view lids here in Canada but you can just do a search in your area for custom lids if you’d rather not go the diy route.

[@robertgrijalva8237]

just started a new tank and wondering what I can put in the tank to help prepare for new fish

[@BulkReefSupply]

A nitrifying bacteria supplement would be the best way to go. Basically help kick start that bacteria that converts harmful ammonia into less harmful nitrites and nitrates. We typically use Dr. Tim's One and Only or MicroBacter7, but there are many products out there that do this. Hopefully that helps!

[@dlaw1954]

Beginner here, and my question really is/was (I already have 2 clowns, and the shop I got them from weren't particularly helpful as far as answering): what kind of goals can I realistically set for the first year or so with my 45 gallon? I think I've figured it out now, but I'll take all of the advice and feedback I can get. I think what I want to do is a couple of different colored zoas, one or two pulsing xenias and either a small school/shoal of fish or one or two pretty fish (maybe bicolor blennies or grammas?). I think that will fill the tank out nicely without being crowded.

[@sharker6136]

I think you have known and of answered your own question as to what to expect for the first year. We all have three resources: time, money, space. You have to decide what the balance of the three. Are you going to QT future additions? What equipment will you add? How much time do you have to research, perform maintenance, and just watch your tank? Are you going to DIY everything or buy specialized equipment? What you suggested already is very possible. Now you get to choose your own adventure.

[@dlaw1954]

@@sharker6136 Yes, my current situation is allowing me an excess of time that I've been using for a lot of research. I've been researching for years, actually, but only recently have had any real amount of time to put towards it. As far as quarantine; absolutely I'll be doing that! I've got about 10 extra pounds of sand in the tank that I plan on using in a spare 10gal, and an extra filter I'll be cycling when I'm sure everything is good. The LFS encouraged the fish-in cycle (before I found this channel), and it's only been a little more than 3 weeks. Ammonia hasn't ever gotten above .25, and I'm showing just the slightest shade below 5ppm nitrates, so I'm thinking another week or two before the cycle is done, but maybe longer. I wish I did find this channel first, though. We bought the tank from a BBS, the guy there recommended a canister filter. Having had it for a little while now, and seeing the options available (I didn't even know sumps were a thing!), we should have spent a little more money on a RS Reefer or had the local glass shop build something custom for us. I have no idea where I'm going to put a skimmer, and very well might end up breaking the whole thing down, and putting a custom drain in for a sump. Eventually, this tank is going to be moved, and (probably) a 90 gallon AIO tank will go in it's place, with everything being transferred to it. This tank will then become my wife's. She really wants seahorses some day.

[@FFEMT4life]

Hi, I’m in the beginning stages of planning a reef aquarium. I was wondering if there is a resource similar to a “build & price” for cars that could help me simulate a reef tank and show me what’s compatible (equipment, fish, corals, etc.) with each other? Thanks

[@BulkReefSupply]

Not that I'm aware of, but that would certainly be an awesome tool for someone to build 🙂

[@tedtoez76]

Have a question that don’t really pertain to this episode.setting up should I use a sump or a canister ? Or should both be used..I’ve had tanks in the past but it was just a basic saltwater with a canister..this setup will have coral/reef

[@RickysFarmAndHatchery]

I want a set it and forget it tank. Only top offs. 25% Water change every 3 to six month? I know its a 3-5 year process but how do i start it? Or go about doing it over time. And if I buy mushroom coral let them go crazy. Do they grow on the glass too? Thinking of getting a few let them compete take over the tank let the colors mix?? Would that work?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Sounds like you have a plan! Have you watched Matthew's entire beginner series? It'll take you a while, but is over 50 episodes and packed with all the answers you are looking for!

[@michaelbroderhausen2163]

I personally like to add water from a well established tank to a new tank to help with the beneficial bacteria.

[@oiseaufeu]

Take a live rocks instead. I did put store water in my freshwater and I ended up killing most of my fish from columnaris.

[@jesterns2]

I made it through my cycle. I bought two fish and now have a small ammonia spike of .2. Now what? I have done two 10% water changes. The fish seem perfectly fine but not sure if this is normal

[@michaelross5674]

During the cycling ammonia is gone within 24 hors of adding Dr Tim's ammonia ... But nitrite is staying high ....do I still gotta wait???

[@BulkReefSupply]

If you're still seeing high nitrites, give it some more time. Ideally, we'd like to see 0 ppm ammonia and 0 ppm nitrite before considering adding fish to the newly cycled tank.

[@CasildaChenier]

If my parameters are stable do i still do water changes?

[@BulkReefSupply]

We recommend regular water changes because there are some parameters and contaminants that we don't regularly test for or can't test for.

[@tommycristaldi9037]

Know what water parameters are before adding your fish. That’s what I learned

[@yusiyola2011]

My question is after cycling and Amonia and Nitrite go back to 0…should I do a water change first or just go ahead and add fish?

[@yusiyola2011]

Never mind you immediately answered that

[@musicrocx096]

what if my ammonia has stayed at 0.25 and nitrite 0.50? what else can I do to get them to finally zero out?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Waiting longer is one option, but if it's been weeks and weeks with seemingly no movement, you may want to also consider testing with a different test kit. It's possible that your ammonia is actually undetectable and you're just getting a false positive. We see this from time to time with the API kits when using in saltwater.

[@musicrocx096]

@@BulkReefSupply Thank you! Do nitrites do false positives too? or just the ammonia?

[@musicrocx096]

@@BulkReefSupply watching more of your videos..... I should add that I am currently using seachem as I don't have a RODI unit yet. Does that make a difference?

[@mikewoolverton2126]

Mathew I have to ask what was that fish at 2:06 of the video?

[@freakygoblin3068]

Harlequin Tusk. May be interested in watching one person's opinion kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX2xpJufeMSqaq8

[@giuseppe_off4734]

Choerodon fasciatus/harlequin tuskfish

[@swedehog69]

comment

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for your comment 😉

[@adamciocca]

Test for Amonia.

[@marcelrodriguez2067]

QT your fish first or you will get clapped 😂

[@MiniManAu]

but waiting a month is soooo annoying!!!

[@eugenerivera4327]

No carols at all

[@sseeaahhaawwkkssrule975]

2:19 "you may want a beautiful fish" That sir is NOT a beautiful fish. 🤣😂🤣

[@BulkReefSupply]

We think that fish is beautiful 😁

[@etrigan1976]

Never.....never ever walk away from a water change (unless automated of course). You will one day end up with wet shoes.

[@BulkReefSupply]

So true!

[@robertodiazjr7666]

Sorry I don't understand Spanish.

[@brianredban9393]

Go slow try and find a mentor

[@juliarumpler6567]

Impulse buying… especially when it comes to fish. Don’t do it!

[@vernontoole3539]

Why in the hell do you always have to put your hand over the camera lens I think that is so f****** rude 😡👿