Top 10 TIPS for an EASY & Successful Nano Reef Tank

[@alonzos6584]

Thank you for this series! Ive been contemplating a saltwater system for a while, and many videos I watch overcomplicate things and it makes me feel like its a lot more work than it is. After watching yours I feel much more confident about getting one without feeling overwhelmed. p.s. this was filmed on my 20th birthday, and its crazy that Im one year older than one of your frags

[@sameerabdali8059]

Personally, the biggest problem I've run into is sticking with the mentality of wanting an easy reef tank. As I add corals, I start wanting to drive the tank harder and maximize growth but it's really difficult to have maximum growth and an easy tank while being on a budget. A tip I'd add, have priorities and set reasonable goals

[@dennisscott6878]

Very infornative. Thanks for sharing your expertise & knowledge Going forward I won't be feeding the fish every day...

[@gmoneyboys1]

How big is this tank

[@nataliex909]

Any tips for raising ph? Mine has been stuck at 7.8 during the cycling process

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

I wouldn't worry too much about pH until you've got more and stonier corals in there, and TBH I don't worry about it in a tank like this, only my larger, fuller reef tanks where Kalkwasser addition is the foundation of my mineral and pH chemistry

[@nataliex909]

Reef Builders ty!

[@DanaDana-xp6sf]

You lost me at describing the cycle as mythical proccess. Jist show how destructive these cool looking videos can be..

[@Trenton.D]

He said it’s not necessary for corals (and he’s right). Watch the whole series on this tank before making weird presumptuous statements.

[@bigadventure3797]

Totally agree with the Feed Very Little thing, just keep in mind as he said this is only optimal for Easy Coral and Easy Fish and expect Slow Growth. This ideology is so hard for us Reefers though because we go to the LFS or online and see all these awesome coral and fish then before we know know it were trying to cram in at all in. It's good to know that keeping an Easy Reef tank is possible though if we can contain ourselves.

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

^^^ This guy gets it ^^^^

[@kevinw7044]

You have me thinking about over feeding. Time for a new feeding regime.

[@Jp-gc6bh]

I’m adapted to cichlid tanks so when I first built my reef oh man did I over feed lol

[@senegalus]

i'm sure im overfeeding too, i got a 21 gallon tank (15 gallon water) with just one Synchiropus ocellatus and one Ecsenius stigmatura, and im always afraid that the Synchiropus does not get enough food, so i feed daily or every second day....

[@JoeBurner1720]

@KONRAD Could be more constructive

[@ncreefer889]

Jake, let me start by saying that I love your videos. You have great content, and a great variety of it! However, I strongly disagree with the message you are sending to new or prospective reefers with this video. These methods are NOT for a novice. You have some of the easiest corals possible, and yet they are still barely surviving, NOT thriving. Moreover, as you yourself clearly realize, these methodologies are not sustainable indefinitely. Not testing? Not dosing? Barely feeding? Your Dino outbreak is almost inevitable, and you are starving your corals. The new sandbed is keeping the system relatively stable (for now) but that won’t last forever. Please make it clear that someone brand new to the hobby can not expect to buy the most expensive nano tank on the market, stock it with fish and corals, and automatically get good results...

[@ronaldkregar7139]

yeah, but so many reefers are constantly trying to justify all the extra effort and money they spend. there are so many thing reefers SWEAR you have to do, and most of them are so unnecessary and honestly not even practical most of the time. the whole point is to have easy corals, build up your confidence to try new things without thinking about it. tank looks great to me. All this extra automation and controllability does a lot more harm then good. it’s crazy how many people ruin their tanks chasing #’s. it’s mind boggling to me. The eye test. that’s what matters...

[@naomihampson4437]

I'm actually so confused with this video I'm learning how to set up a marine tank and this really didnt help 😂 like why hasn't he done water changes what's eating all the extra nutrients in the water

[@coolcandyfish1359]

I Agree with u DO WATER Changes

[@2869may]

@@ronaldkregar7139 The living things deplete the water of nutrients and minerals.... you replenish them with water changes, they're in the salt mix. I don't advocate all the over the top, unnecessary stuff either. But you HAVE to do water changes.... that's just common sense.

[@Mastemine498]

​@@2869mayno you don't

[@glennrudolph]

All in favor of more RB content say aye

[@LucasSousaS205]

Agreed

[@JVS_Tarnished]

Agreed

[@enzobruschini565]

Aye

[@tommysilva5454]

Aye

[@coralocto1380]

Aye

[@Austintyler5]

I love when Jake dispels BS and makes things simple. He is numero uno

[@TailEndCustoms]

For real. He makes it so much less intimidating for newbs.

[@athomeontwo]

With two fish.. instead of “feed very little” I might challenge to not broadcast feed, it’s easy to hand feed pellets to two fish every day.... and fun! No food gets to the bottom when hand feeding, it all gets eaten..

[@jaksmith6465]

there was 4 fish in the last update video though

[@jaksmith6465]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX29oGxtrpV4nas

[@merk9569]

I purchased my nano tank completely set up from a very experienced reef hobbyist. He wanted to get another larger tank and was having to let the nano tank go. It took five months for me as a complete novice to get it to where everyone was thriving in the tank. It was heartbreaking each time I lost a fish or coral but I knew I was doing my best. The day came when I could sit and watch each little creature go about its business. I loved it. Unfortunately, I had to evacuate for a hurricane, the town lost power for 5 days and I lost everything. I haven’t tried since. I don’t think I have the skills to set it up without killing a lot of organisms. I can’t ethically do it. In the system you have here, would it support any of the other creatures that I enjoyed so much: blue leg hermit crabs, a snail, a shrimp and a yellow goby (I can’t remember the name but it’s the one that is commonplace and no bigger than 1.25”. I would rather have more creatures and less coral.

[@e.k874]

Sorry to hear that ! I think u made great progess and if i where you id try again u will only get better from where u left off and seems like u had the tanks stable

[@KDFreder]

I lost my well established 75g reef tank back in 2008 when he had to evacuate for a hurricane also. Power was also out for several days. Came back to a completely melted tank of everything:, including my Purple Tang of 6 years and a mated pair of Maroon clowns I had for over 5 years. I was so heartbroken that tank sat for several years empty until I sold it all. I had even had a custom built hood solid wood canopy with lights, fan, and special hinges on it. I swore I'd never do it again, and maybe I won't.. but now 16 years later, I miss it... I do have a 75g freshwater, but I miss my reef... who knows.

[@adrianbjj7552]

kinda have the feeling you are causing a problem here. doing a water change is beneficial in so many ways, enless you are doing the Triton method you really should be doing your water changes. just my opinion.

[@AlbertHoffman-mb6tv]

Miss ya dude

[@MissZombunnie]

I’d love a tank like this so much but I’m an absolute newbie and I’ve no idea where to even start!

[@strokemacat]

Condolences to hear about jake October 2022 😪❤️‍🩹🙏

[@Purowalangkwenta]

its 2024 and we miss you Jake.

[@umii13]

Hi. Can you please give the list of corals and accessories you have in this tank. I really want to have one but because of dyslexia and some issues find really complicated to do tests and get Confused easily . Perhaps a video for dumies ? I must say with my fresh water tank I did what you said. Covered , nice pump , 25 percent water change every month and that's about it . Never tested and all fish healthy and good

[@traianboala3798]

I love your videos and all the work you do. I just can't agree with "feed very little". Your nano, with almost no consumtion of elements and 0 nitrates, looks like a place where corals just struggle to survive and never grow. I am on the "heavy in heavy out" side. I like to feed my reef and filter well. But I must admit: this is not as easy. It's just much more fun.

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

The tips in this video are specifically geared towards making reefing easier - some tanks we want the corals to grow like crazy, but others we just want the tank to look nice with minimal work

[@y.a.d1737]

jake, if we build this same nano without using a redsea reefer and do our own tank, stand and sump, how much might be my budget for this whole setup with livestock

[@Skap91]

Answer the mans question!!

[@mckjohn654]

Answer the question

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

Man that's a really tough question, really depends on your area, what you can get second hand, and which country you live in. I'll try to develop a budget video series, been thinking about it for some time.

[@y.a.d1737]

@@ReefBuildersVideo maybe in the video u can do a chart for Europe,usa-with new and second hand costs, most practical and available options, and explain it

[@Robert_Hermigua]

In Germany for less than 1000 Euro I guess. I live in Germany and have similar sized nano reef tanks for 7 years now.

[@dwlkr2188]

My biggest problem with this video is that he’s not wearing a Clemson shirt instead

[@JeanEstevez]

I been waiting for this update, looks amazing i want a nano like this

[@miguelsalty]

If you grow your beard and put glasses you can be the professor from money heist for Halloween lol keep the videos up! 😁

[@ultramaximusreviews]

The low bio load and hardy coral and fish is always a good idea. Instead of overstocking smaller tanks - set up multiple small tanks with different fish and keep the bio load low in each tank. Or invest in a bigger tank I suppose

[@wyattsopher3124]

You are the most chill nano reef keeper I have watched on KZbin. I just set mine up with live rock and the same sand and was prepared to wait months to add anything because of the cycle everyone rants about. What I’m getting from this is that if my water is good, meaning salt levels and all of my other water test points like PH, Nitrates, Ammonia, etc, I should have no problem adding at least corals?

[@drew-shourd]

Jake: "What I did in one day has been very successful..." Me: "Awesome, that is amazing." Jake: "Don't do what I did..." Me" "wtf?"....

[@FringeShows]

another tip: check your tank everyday at least more than once, don't just glance at it but really look at the corals, fish, rocks, equipment, etc (still don't overreact if you found something, just take a note), sometimes we get comfortable or bored we neglect the tank never really take look at it (just a glance) and suddenly something goes out of control, it's going to be hard to fix.

[@dashawnboatwright5193]

I just want to say that I'm from Orangeburg South Carolina I'm in San Diego California I love aquatic life and aquatic tanks do you have any ideas or good tips for me as a newcomer and I'm wanting a saltwater tank The money isn't a issue just hit me back just to chat woke me up on Facebook at Dashawn Boatwright 🐠🐡🐟🐡💙💛📝📝📝🤿🎣🏁🏁🐡🐡🐠💪

[@juli8vdberg562]

Recently diagnosed with an illness I fight against and focusing on healing process and much zen, also avid freshwater aquascaper girly for years with the savvy and experiences required for much, I have decided to set up a first ever nano saltewater tank that can keep my mind occupied and positive as also help to calm me down; nothing crazy but peaceful colourful and relaxing beautiful and more focus on few corals and movements they make rather than many fish … there’s a nice aquatic shop near me selling many fish and I know I only like two or three small fishes only .. can anyone help me with the set up pls?

[@billlyell8322]

Cycling is NOT mythical! Even though it may no longer be relevant today. When I bought my first tank, you could not get live media. You had to start off with sterile rock. The only thing widely available was treatments to control swings and water changes. Online ordering did not even exist, and neither did the internet of today. However, once you had the first tank going, then you could take medium and water from the established tank to jump start the second tank. The third tank you had 2 established tanks to start it with. At one point, I had hundreds of gallons of tanks going on and never lost a fish that was killed by another one (I had 2 total) oops in several decades. That's not counting dying of old age, of course. Fish don't live forever, and most I bought where full-grown or near to it. But then again, you could buy an angle or a lion for under $20, and that was expensive too. Cycling even a first tank was no big deal in any case. You just made sure to buy 1 sturdy fish cycle and let it stabilize. Since I only got paid twice a month, I would set up the first month with 1 fish, then normally only add 1 medium fist or a pair of small each each month after. But to be honest, that was more because of what I budgeted for it than the tank.

[@DinoGooch]

Rip Jake

[@elliottcoleman8225]

This video just soothed all my noobie worries and made me more confident to get some corals for my tank. I haven't had a single ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate spike in all the time I've had this tank, even when disaster struck with some injured fish I got. I already have purple and red algae growing. I got some copepods as hitchhikers on my snails. I've only done water changes cuz people kept telling me to and not because my water chemistry was off lol. Also, I'm going to start feeding my fish less from now on haha.

[@ollie0775]

This tank is so beautiful I hope one day my tank will loo of something similar

[@ronalddillenbeck8969]

Great no water changes in 6 months...nothing to brag about especially to newbies. Its a box..ocean is always fresh water(salt)

[@MrTurtle1414]

What?

[@aaronpateman6227]

Only one I disagree with one. Most definitely get an ATO. It’s a must for any tank.

[@17monkeybaby]

Hi. I have a 16 gallon nano with 3 medium pieces of live rock, two ocellaris clowns, a blenny, a long tentacle anemone and a crab. I have had a large saltwater tank in the past but moved and am just now getting back into it (I have had a koi pond going). I have Coraline on two rocks also. Wondering how much/often to feed anemone? Lfs recommended zooplankton and phytoplankton alternating every other day. Another lfs recommended shrimp feeding. I am looking also on advice on how many max additional clean up crew? Had one blue green algae bloom already.

[@azhari06]

"everytime i wanna do water change, the tank looks so good i didn't wanna mess with it" Does that mean i can skip water change for my 15g tank?

[@araskoca8172]

Definitly no

[@demontanks9485]

No Lmaoo

[@brandons8768]

Man fuck all the negative 👎🏼 comments reef builders,I have a Waterbox 20 on order and everything I watch on KZbin is nerve racking Almost asked for a refund Easy tanks are great 👍🏼 for some people including myself with 2 recent major back surgeries Your being very clear in this video about what you did and what we shouldn’t do Thanks 🙏 for the content Big Bro

[@ammarzulfiqar6244]

Anyone noticed his resemblance with "Sam" from Supernatural series?? xD

[@BahamaLlamaCoral]

Thanks for the update Jake! I always look forward to your videos 😊

[@joseCalderon1976]

When my 10g tank was doing great, I over did the adding of stuff like additives and such and made the process too complicated to the point that I don't even know what happened. I lost all my SPS. So now I've gone back to basics and my tank is starting to look nice again. Thanks for the video

[@Valka101]

people just keep harassing me about my tank, because i have no skimmer, its really pushing me away :/ i haven't even started yet, i got a 20 gallon and i'm getting 2 clowns and one shrimp :(

[@mariahwest3411]

Honestly thank you for this video! Set up my reef tank almost a week and a half ago and have been nervous to purchase anything. First salt tank, have multiple small tanks ranging 20-55 and a 310 freshwater. Fingers crossed all goes well. :)

[@steventoone9462]

How did it go?

[@vonelders]

I recently started researching to finally build a reef tank. These videos have been super helpful. Then, I heard what happened, and I am truly sorry. My condolences.

[@kathleenday1334]

how many gallons is this tank - if you mentioned, I missed it

[@915Mang]

What’s sup Jake and RB?! I like tip #8, might try that man

[@adamsavageee]

Thinking of this regime with two clowns and maybe a shrimp, helpful video as I’m new :)

[@jesusrios9482]

Great video and is definitely going to help. Thanks

[@craigsmart1986]

Do you dose anything in this tank?

[@bigadventure3797]

Having a lid on the tank is a double edge sword though. On one hand it's great for those fish that like to jump and reducing the need for an ATO however they are terrible because you need to clean it regularly. In my experience cleaning once a week is a must otherwise it gets dirty which looks bad, and starts reducing light into the tank. Also, if you wait too long it becomes very hard to clean.

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

That ultimately depends on your environment, it's very pristine in the studio so very little dust, but my friend's houses have pets and kids and yeah they have to clean their lids pretty often

[@rogererrickson8314]

@@ReefBuildersVideo

[@EDKsurly]

The Max Nano was my first reef tank. 3 years of owning this, I love and hate it. It's nice and beautiful. But the skimmer and ato is junk. Definitely can't neglect a nano either, which I'm guilty of.

[@Exses3D]

I say this alot... But your tunes are ALWAYS on point! I've been wanting to start a nano, just nervous.

[@itsmarkrh]

There is no tricky coral but there is a Trachy coral 😂😂😂🤦🏽‍♂️

[@learningtoreef]

Any chance on talking about Brightwell Marine Razor? You mentioned it in a video a while ago.

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

Don't know what more I can say on it except it kills a wide range of algae when used as directed, and makes rock looks supernaturally clean

[@learningtoreef]

@@ReefBuildersVideo ok. Thanks!!!

[@EvilSage42]

I just bought the fluval 13.5 and this was very helpful, thank you!

[@Fifthimagez]

Welcome did you set it up yet ?

[@EvilSage42]

@@Fifthimagez I have it set up and running but due to the constant lockdown around here I haven't had a chance to stock it, so it will take some time for me

[@Fifthimagez]

@@EvilSage42 I completely understand take your time I’m considering adding some corals this weekend this is my second attempt with a reef tank so I’m still learning as well

[@chrisslade6614]

Thank you for saying number 8. I could not agree more. Rimless, topless is good looking fad for sure, but it is not the best plan.

[@enzobruschini565]

Aye

[@nevadagunbros]

Extremely well done! Love the tips about evaporation

[@JesusMartinez-dr4mc]

Just purchased this tank and it’s awesome. One question for you what is the light setting you are running? I have blues at 100% but not sure what % to set my whites. Thanks!

[@stephens4770]

Jesus Martinez there is a Facebook group for this tank, you’ll get lit I’d help there with plenty of files on lighting presets

[@RemoVlog18]

Beautiful Tank but difficult for maintenance. Salam Air Asin

[@Trenton.D]

Not really.

[@SighsInternally]

holy crap that 45 second intro

[@marcink8956]

Tank looks amazing 🐠

[@BL_Denni]

i wish it didnt happen after a shitty halt

[@highlanderoutsider5259]

Very irresponsible, newbies will use all this information to start a tank in one day .and will expect to throw in a copper band butterfly on day one .and there are plenty unscrupulous fish shops that will be only too happy to sell fish to newbies knowing they are destined to die.

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

One of the tips is literally to NOT do it as fast as I did, and another is to stick with hardy fish and corals, copperbands are NEVER mentioned. IT IS this easy to set up a reef tank but the onus is on the individual to do follow up research.

[@highlanderoutsider5259]

Reef Builders both you and I know the numpties out there that buy first and ask questions later on forums: there’s a lot of folks that will say if he can do it I can do it. There a lot of livestock out there dying needlessly.

[@Mokkereview]

hi sir, this is fresh water or salt water?

[@Stephenkillam]

Sorry another question. What’s are you using in the back chambers and how often are you maintain that... floss, bio media etc?

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

Almost nothing and so far never. But for normal reef tanks I'd periodically replace a little bit of carbon

[@Housenova]

If your are new to the hobby feed your fish every day, THEY DESERVE IT, do 10% water change every week and that’s it, clownfish need to eat every day

[@JustMyFish]

Corals and very little bioload to your aquarium though so you could add more coral. Sticking to some more bulletproof varieties. I love zoas trying to create a massive ZOA garden in my 180 litre mini tank it's not quite a Nano Reef possibly one-and-a-half times bigger than yours. I basically feed every third day. I feed new life spectrum marine pellets.

[@ryanwalker7438]

Thankyou this proves my theory it doesn't need to be complex and take forever ♡

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

it can be SIMPLE, and it can be EASY

[@magaboi4life414]

Yah I just have 2 clownfish and everyday I feed them they barely eat…..Do clownfish just not eat a lot of food or something? Since my fw fish eat for days XD

[@KreefAquariumhobby]

Looking good! Great tips!

[@yoolars]

When using tap water, are you filtering it at all? I am considering getting a nano reef and the water change is the most daunting. I use a berkey and have generally good tap water as I am in the Midwest but am really hesitant for the reason of having to buy water from a local store. When you say no water change, does that mean you are simply adding right proportioned tap/ salt water to the tank when topping off?

[@danlandino6735]

Honestly sounds like this video was more propagandaish to promote the sale of the $1000 tank with an all in one system. They make it seem like this tank takes care of everything for you (which it does help) but does not do everything

[@mudmonkeyatvs]

Big fan. Do you feed the corals?

[@raywells2858]

Great video! Been in the hobby for over 2 decades and have had SPS dominate tanks from 300 to 5 gallons. #7 was pure gold! Your Grandma always used to say "an Ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure". She was right, trust me!!! #8 was rock solid too! Auto Top Off systems are too cool and convenient but thats a whole lot of components that could fail and result in disaster! The simpler you can make something, the less likely there is going to be an issue cropping up and throwing you for a curve ball! Like you I subscribe to a light fish bioload and Im very stingy with the food!!!

[@Hasans01]

Listening these tips who's been a tech addict came totally as a surprise. But for sure he's the best and authentic resources to reef or saltwater fish keeping we have lot for ever..😢

[@batman6540]

The best tip i can give you. Dont start one. (15years of reef keeping on my shelf)

[@melissaverdoni845]

i get how you do NEED to cycle a tank like thay say for 4 weeks, you can instant cycle if u have media from another tank anyways. you will seed it. BUUUTTTT no water changes???? really? you dont talk about how every month u check for ammonia or nitrites ... do you check ? i never thought u can eyeball a water change....

[@ZayanasLittleLion]

Can I use bright well aquatics fast start CWM with prodiobio start up nano to start up 10 gallon nano tank.? ....I cannot find Dr tim quick start and Microbacter here ???

[@jetskiwillywilly7970]

What are you using to filter? In 6 months the only thing you have done was add fish food and top off water? (Minus the bubble algae and app). Filter floss, carbon, skimmer, crush coral anything?

[@jennanation6992]

How come one uses glass lids? Dosnt it lower the ph? I dont use atos I just do by hand mainly because I dont have space for the big container of water. It does make it hard keeping the skimmer working efficiently !

[@rudra7615]

Thank you I'll be back in 6 months, looking forward to your 1 year mark video

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

Not sure what direction I'm taking this tank, I just know I need to add some red & orange colors.

[@rudra7615]

@@ReefBuildersVideo "Life.. finds a way"

[@DTOC888]

What's the best light timer setup? How long should I leave the light on to avoid algae growth?

[@marvelguy2395]

Jake, I have 2 small Reef Tanks and I am about to start a 29 gallon w a 10 Gallon Sump. I am planning some more difficult Corals. I am using Dry Marco Rock. What do you recommend in the way of Cycling? Was planning on seeding sump with some Bio Media I already have Cycled then adding a couple Mollys once the Nitrite drops.

[@KhoaNguyen.08]

*GREAT VIDEO!* What is your overhead light?

[@ridingcdaoveritfilms8892]

All of these tips I have done, and NONE OF THEM work at all...

[@Grrrnthumb]

Says to only use "4 or 5 tiny, tiny flakes"...

[@sandrag7217]

Why most pro always says the smaller the tank the harder to maintain and they recommend 60 and up 😔 really wanna get the Red Sea 20

[@sik59rt]

jesus, have prices gone that bananas since i last remember where that all-in-one tank is over $1000??

[@saltaquatic]

Hey buddy! Love your videos! So informative, plus knowing that you are a marine biologist makes the info you provide more trustworthy;)

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

How did you know I'm a marine biologist? I don't tel people that very often

[@y.a.d1737]

@@ReefBuildersVideo its in the reef builders site jake,udk😄

[@saltaquatic]

@@ReefBuildersVideo I did my research, plus when watching your content I realized you name corals and other marine species with their scientific names unlike us hobbyists who mainly use nicknames for corals and fish ;))

[@alexandersmall181]

Do they starve?

[@jaksmith6465]

you didnt reach in the tank? then what happened to those 2 orange fish you had in with your clown fish on your 1 month update video ???????

[@dailodai9586]

would all of your info apply to just a nano 5 g saltwater tank with two peppermint shrimp one pistol shrimp and one yellow watchman goby. i feed two times a day but really little shaving of frozen brine shrimp. cam nervous this is my first saltwater tank. i have 10 freshwater tank totaling of 1000g and diving into 5g nano saltwater and super nervous lol

[@DanhNguyen-xq5tk]

you're 1000000%+ correct sir... this is how i often do and i dont have to worry much........and my tank its only 40g from IM

[@julian7679]

he ads "fresh water" aka tap water to his ato resevoir? can someone explaing? i thought it needs to be salt water. tia

[@ranjsg]

Very useful tips - I am just about to start a reef nano - one question I have is - which ones better - back side sump (MAX Nano) or in-cabinet sump (Reefer Nano) ? The one in video is back side sump and seems to doing just fine!

[@sportandcoolstuff718]

Wow... You have a beautiful tank... I dream my tank can be like yours... But as you can see my friends in my video, something missing, i hope you all master can help me... Thanks for your feed back

[@joshua4023]

Not sticking your hand in the water all the time and letting nature do it’s thing will make your reef look great. Only thing I didn’t like about this video was the cycle part of things. Yes you don’t have to cycle if you buy live rock and live sand. But a lot of people don’t buy live rock or sand so they need to cycle. I think not cycling your tank leads a problem. Even if you want to buy live rock before you buy your tank, throw it in a bucket with a power head . Also throw a piece of shrimp in there and let it go to work

[@ReefingRyan]

Where can I find that upper plexiglass cover for this tank??