How To Set Up A Saltwater Aquarium For Beginners

[@ReefDork]

Looking for a budget setup? Here's a $182 setup guide - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3bGdGdvr5x3hKs

[@mu7496]

😂 me too

[@thestrawman1429]

This guide is great but i think a welcome addition to a total newbie would be to explain what each and every part of the system does so we can understand the system as a whole too and what parts of the equipment do. I'm assuming this guide is for those progressing from having more basic systems.

[@kadenstimpson3167]

Agreed. I struggle to learn how to do things if I don't understand the reasons for why things are done the way they are

[@joelalbertoazcona5588]

☝🏼

[@alfaroexotics]

That's what I thought too. I'm a complete newbie. So I'm sort of lost already.

[@yossarian00]

@@kadenstimpson3167 I think that's a good trait to have, even if it can be frustrating at times. All manners of curiosity are a good thing in my opinion.

[@enzomontini758]

Not gunna lie most youtubers would of dragged this out in to 10 episodes great short vid

[@patrickhanlon932]

The humor really brings this video to the next level. Good stuff.

[@davidhughes7180]

Best one-stop saltwater set up video on KZbin! Years of experience and research condensed in to 18mins. Follow this and you won't go wrong. We'll done @Reefdork, what a guy.

[@ReefDork]

🤣 Cheers David

[@arthurayers5044]

You just inspired me to try saltwater again. I see where I failed the first time. I thank you very much for all the information in this video. I love that you indexed the video. The extra effort shows, not just yanking your chain here.

[@ReefDork]

Thanks, glad you liked it

[@davethomasthedreamteam9418]

I've consumed hundreds of hours of content and this was by far the most helpful video I've seen as I get geared up to get going in the hobby.

[@strhandmade]

Have freshwater tanks over a decade, and just before New Year somehow reef tanks appeared in my feed and i always knew one day i will go there :) I think time has come :D Such videos is especially helpful! Thanks, subscribed and going through your content :)

[@eracli0]

Did you set one up?!

[@Ffollies]

Back in the 80s when I had a saltwater aquarium, my first two fish were damselfishes. One looked very similar to the blue one at 16:08 the other one was a striped damselfish about the same size but a different shape. From what I remember the striped one was pretty aggressive after I added other fish but I don't think the blue one was. I remember a few years later the blue one disappeared. I eventually found his decomposing remains in one of the coral hiding spots. Oh well, he lived a pretty long life for a fish in captivity (a few years)

[@banshee_studios_uk]

The other striped fish you mention sounds like a humbug damsel (Black & white striped) very territorial but really Hardy.

[@Ffollies]

@@banshee_studios_uk I just looked it up and I think you're right. Looks like the fish I had. Even though small, he used to chase the other fish and he lived pretty long too.

[@thomashinchliffe6375]

"water tight seal" 🦭😂😂. Love it

[@Rafilkis]

Nice video... Any about how to do a cover ?

[@ReefDork]

I haven't made a video, but most covers are pretty easy to put together...

[@Thtguymoe]

Great video Alex! Always love seeing tank set up and build videos. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

[@m0tek]

Thanks , gotta love the seal subliminal messages

[@themictionary]

The seal at 4:12👌

[@LewisWiddowson]

Good video. Lots of little extra tips most videos won't contain, magnet trick with the sand - brilliant.

[@delaneykryan]

I am a really big fan of your commentary! thank you for your videos

[@peteredie9108]

Just a quick note, its actually not important the tank is level stress wise. Obviously appearance wise you want it to be level, but you should never worry about your tank busting apart or leaking from being unlevel. You just want to make sure the bottom of the tank is evenly supported. Thanks to static fluid pressure, the forces on the tank only depend on head height, and apply evenly in every direction. You could have a tank be 45 degrees off and the tank will still be totally safe.

[@kellygordon103]

The failed silicone joints on my tank disagree. When not level, you put more stress on those joints.

[@youtubeuser3182]

You’re awesome dude. Really awesome tips that-you’re right-I have not heard on ANY of the other salesman videos I’ve watched.

[@adatewithnature8333]

i love the hilarious things he says in such a flat voice

[@assaf85]

Another great video from Reef Dork! I've been following your channel for a very long time now, Reef aquariums are my "passive youtube hobby" - and one day I might gonna buy me one. This video is definitely on top of my lists as a tutorials on how to do it correctly!

[@aliabu-humos7893]

Recently started my first 20 gallon saltwater tank. I already have everything that I needed such as filter, light, and a power head. I spent $58 for live rock that weighed 10 pounds and I got a 50 pound salt bucket for $40 of chewy, plus hydrometer to test salinity for $8 also off chewy. Currently cycling the tank to speed up the process I used a fluval bacteria starter , however I still lost my pair of clownfish. I should’ve waited for the 3 week mark to test for nitrite then add the clownfish along with bacteria starter. Lesson learned glad I only lost $20 worth of fish. One thing that I found helpful in my old freshwater setup was taking media filter from an old tank and placing it in a new setup to speed the process in half, so I’m going to do that with my saltwater tank and hope for the best. Going bigger is better in saltwater hobby, but those just starting out go with a 20 gallon or even a 40 gallon for better results and fewer fluctuations in water parameters it’ll just cost you a bit more.

[@Sim-Rig]

Istarted mine with Live sand from my local beach. Collected the water from the beach too. 800 litres of water for my 6 foot tank.

[@75Curlylion]

Great video. You made me forget about wanting a Saltwater tank.....I'll stay fresh hahaha

[@DadHD]

As usual, great video. Officially starting my cycle on Sunday but some not so lively hitchhikers on my rock seem to have decided to get it going before then! 😂

[@davidlee9262]

im really surprised that this video is so helpful in every way. it was really hard for me to understand how reef tank works from other youtubers but this video really explained everything that i need to know to have a reef tank. I just subscribed to your channel!

[@jaysrealreefuk]

A brilliant comprehensive guide for beginners. How much did this setup cost you? Love your channel. Happy New Year to you and your family. 👍

[@ReefDork]

Costs video to follow next week... 😁

[@Saltyaquarium]

Another nice video! Well done!

[@getreefed3653]

i bought the same tank second hand 2 days ago lol great timing on the serious. would love to see how you would integrate a filter sock or cup onto this system

[@Pyraus]

Hey you're great at this, I wish you luck on your channel sir

[@Sedona_FD3S]

Lube on the hinges. Genius, will do now.

[@Chris_topher1117]

Nobody likes you

[@StackAquatics]

Most helpful video I’ve seen for setting up a new tank! 👏🏻

[@andy2798100]

Thanks so much for making this video. Now I understand how to setup a sump. Still not sure I trust my self to fit the pipe work though. So after using juwel tanks for the past 10 years maybe this is the year i finally get a sumped system. Only issue I have is my clown fish are in an 80cm long juwel tank which is 125 litres. To change to a sump system I would have to buy something like a red sea reefer 170 or aquaone reefsys 180 which are 2ft cubes, so my fish would be going from a narrow rectangle tank to a 2ft square sumped tank so they wouldn’t have as much swimming space.

[@ReefDork]

Clowns wouldn't be bothered about the swimming space I'd guess - they hardly move in most tanks!

[@marksmith566]

You’ll find the clowns will spend 99% of their life’s in one corner no matter what size tank you have!

[@richardportelli1983]

Aqua one mini reefs are really under rated! They are a great looking tank for what you pay for them!

[@tyronedean1812]

Absolutely cracking video… I’m looking to purchase my first take very soon. Either a Red Sea Reefer 250xl or a 350…. This video was by far the best breakdown for what I need and why… thank you.. really appreciate #nervous #excited #nocluewhatimdoing

[@benjaminbelgium89]

Great video! Accurate information and humorous narration. Look forward to the next one!

[@fluppie19dw]

Damn This is just what I needed, How hard is it to find the right guide! thank you very much Sir,

[@MagicFamily2000]

Now THIS IS A SET UP !

[@njmoonfrost6145]

My mom wants a saltwater tank (I do too but don’t tell her XD) so this is a big help and explains a few things

[@chiraagshetty7164]

Who saw the seal?😂

[@Brandon9856]

I had to go back to make sure i wasnt going crazy XD

[@medelpascual7212]

@@Brandon9856 lmfao

[@paulcanning4702]

Thought I was having a stroke ! 😂

[@Aquaja]

Great tutorial for starters!!! Compliments from our side!

[@MegaFickles]

Great video. I have that fish tank myself, it was the first one I bought. I got anxiety though from the lack of QT on the clowns. I suffered a velvet outbreak a few months in my journey and that is when I bought a second tank for QT.

[@leoleal9766]

Lol enjoyable 👍

[@VitRav]

Great video. Enjoyable and not overdone.

[@elementalsteve9029]

I love how just assumes I have a partner lol

[@ReefDork]

🤣🙂

[@virak8641]

។ៗ

[@Chris_topher1117]

I hate you

[@torchup9256]

Lollll

[@Krfification101]

F

[@persian9259]

So much good info in this video, best I've seen

[@Sutsamadori97]

THANK god for this series🤗

[@matthewrappold1459]

I love damsels:( but honestly they can be a huge pain. I find that if you just keep them together, and have plenty of hiding places they generally don’t cause much harm. Can’t stress enough about keep only damsels or none in a tank this size. Other than that, their hardy, inexpensive, and come in a large variety of colors. They also don’t pester inverts and they don’t mess with corals( usually:()

[@gasser5001]

I had.... NOOOOOO CLUE... that salt water tanks had this much going on. WOOOOOOOOW! I still want one!

[@Peppym1nt]

That seal jumpscare made me spit my drink XD

[@-Wreckanize-]

Great video. Happy New Year. I always put sand first, then rocks. It is risky putting rocks first, if one tumbles, or you drop one, the rock hitting bare glass might not end well. You can always dig around the rock base to ensure the rocks touch the bottom. Love how you didn't drip acclimate the clowns. Even my LFS said just to put the bag in to temp match your aquarium then put the clowns in, they can survive anything.

[@ReefDork]

People advising drip acclimation for fish is my pet peeve!

[@bonesawarm6987]

Rock always before sand sitting on egg crate...then if a fish digs the sand it won’t all crash down

[@efegichris]

Most how to set up a marine tank videos stress me out, they all seem way too overwhelming. This one is great!

[@haymatr]

That was a good and easily understandable tutorial for beginners keep it up

[@kickassaz]

When you moved the tank over with Mrs reef dork did you use furniture sliders ? Need to move mine soon.

[@ReefDork]

No, I think I put cardboard under it but I can't remember now

[@kickassaz]

@@ReefDork how many gallons is it ? Got to move my 30g to get floor layed. Drain and move on sliders will be ok ?

[@jxj5924]

great video as usual. I'm starting to plan my first reef tank so good timing on this one.

[@returnedfavor]

You're going Aquashella Dallas?! Awesome!!

[@bonesawarm6987]

My 100G reef tank is ran on a fluval 407 canister with a inline heater and uv steriliser...no sump or skimmer and it’s been thriving for years

[@timothyp.1205]

Thanks for the video, very informative. A lot of new info for me... You seem very well researched!

[@ericallen639]

I love how he puts it next to the 🔥 place 😆

[@umar]

It's a great start for my project. I would love you do a next video for Introduction to Sump, Filteration GFO Carbon or Crush coral filteration along with how to start introducing corals without hitting hard with Algae.. 👍🏽 Loving the Beginner Playlist aswell..

[@vorname2222]

Really like the fightclub seal!;)

[@ReefDork]

😅

[@courtneykeeps]

I've always wanted to have a saltwater aquarium as they're beautiful but I keep freshwater because it's way simpler and more forgiving. Great video though!

[@tracytaylor2943]

Really funny & enjoyed this tutorial.... very helpful too thanks :) :)

[@harryt988]

Hideous wallpaper mate

[@nipponjim7815]

its oldschool i like it haha

[@bethc1886]

Probs a stupid question but the water you use for the top up reservoir still needs to be ro di water I assume?

[@ReefDork]

Yep, absolutely

[@zacs.4024]

Amazing video. Love it!

[@wilsonline90]

nice to see details like the silicon grease. that should be in the manual.

[@thetipsycookery8268]

Love the video! That light is definitely not cheap 🤣

[@marcuswebb21]

Best Beginner video ever very comprehensive. Great Job Alex👍

[@georgegatti1]

Funny video. Thanks for sharing.

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

Very good instruction. Well done

[@SanMartan]

Have you done a video on setting up a coral QT tank? That's my next mission

[@ReefDork]

Never QT'd corals i'm afraid...

[@jasonwright1753]

I just bought a tank, rocks, live sand and nearly ready to fill, this ‘beginners’ guide is overwhelming and makes me think not to even bother

[@j.walker6845]

Great video

[@justinhayslett2711]

Wow! More complicated than I thought! Thank you though.

[@lagunamusic7686]

Is that the Reef Breeders Photon over the tank in the first part?

[@ReefDork]

Evergrows, but yeah basically the same thing 🙂

[@lagunamusic7686]

@@ReefDork There are a few key differences. Evergrows have a different spectrum, if you compare the LED’s they’re not the same layout. Evergrows also use a different controller, and don’t use the same app (if they use an app at all).

[@piotrzemanek5947]

Great job .... . I have questions where from u got crocodile clips for plumbing I couldn't find them anywhere ?

[@ReefDork]

They came with the tank and I can't find them online either! I don't even know what they're called I'm afraid...

[@piotrzemanek5947]

@@ReefDork tkanks for replay if I am right they called crocodile clip in US but here in UK no idea.... .

[@simonperry6848]

@@piotrzemanek5947 They are called Herbie Clips in the U.K. but not easy to get a hold of.

[@piotrzemanek5947]

Thanks Simon I found a website with all dimensions clips it might help somebody www.westfieldfasteners.co.uk/Nylon-Blk_HoseClip_HCL_Herbie.html

[@johnswiney1104]

Do you recommend have and air rock in the tank as well?

[@ReefDork]

No, not necessary in a saltwater tank - you get oxygenation from the other pumps.

[@josephposada1830]

Bless the Mrs.Reef Dork

[@michaelfisher6260]

hello, excellent video as always, but can you tell me where you brought your fish trap that you use in your Peninsular tank please

[@ReefDork]

I got it from my lfs, ReefKeeper Windsor. But it's made by Aqua Medic.

[@robchallis2423]

Great and helpful video thank you .

[@aquaescaping2597]

Cost of salt water set up makes me run miles, but you make it seem easy. Maybe just maybe you may have convinced me.👌

[@dennisquiambao5551]

This is beginner? WOW, I'm probably gonna stay with freshwater forever

[@f87115]

Tank pump lights that’s all you need

[@f87115]

Saltwater is easy once set up… you don’t need all this ,,, saltwater maintains its ph better than a fresh,,, don’t be scared,, though after watching this I can see the pullback for saltwater, seriously though, tank pump filter lights water filter, Brita pitcher cheap

[@subadanus6310]

@@f87115 need an RODI water filter.... cheapest is $160, need a powerhead, need special lights if i want to do anything other than fish, need to buy salt, a salinity measurement tool... it's a LOT different than freshwater and much more intensive

[@nickthompson7369]

@@subadanus6310 I doubt you need rodi water

[@subadanus6310]

@@nickthompson7369 300+ GH ml/l hardness, carbonate 300+, PH 8.0... yes, i do

[@FactsandLogicFox]

Are there any stores in the uk or Europe that sell high end acropora or some sellers on forums ?

[@ReefDork]

Euro Corals in Germany is very good and Dream Corals looks good too, although I'm not sure how accurate their photos are and they're very expensive. In the UK, AAC and Reefdreams are the best places I know if, along with Signature Frags and Frag Farm

[@thestrawberryaniahomegarde7228]

Question - can sponge filters be used instead hung on back filter?

[@ReefDork]

Yep - if you buy large sheets of cheap filter floss, you can throw it away and replace it every few days to good effect.

[@crankbait09]

great tutorial, i enjoyed it. only thing I would disagree on is the no need to do a drip acclimation when introducing a new water pet. I believe this is important. I certainly wouldn't skip. would also set up a quarantine tank

[@StudioGhibletz]

I think it's especially important for invertebrates

[@brewerfan100]

Great video

[@Michael_k_DK]

Hey Reef Dork I Saw parkers video today and they showed a very Nice Cade aquarium With Steel stand that was Nice you should have a look on these aquariums one Time

[@thereefingspider3282]

Love this channel. Glad I don’t have any kids to hear my swear words while I’m working on my tanks.

[@kickassaz]

Superglue or epoxy to secure rockscape together ?

[@ReefDork]

Epoxy all the way!

[@EIY_Kumar]

hi alex...big fan..love all your videos.. I'm from India and corals are banned in India.. however tube worm, anemones and other inverts are not.. so can you make a video suggesting creators that can help me create a "non-coral" reef tank

[@simonhedderwick4516]

Great video as always. Can you tell me where you got the plastic hose clamps from?

[@ReefDork]

They came with the tank I'm afraid - I tried to find them online when I made the video but couldn't

[@simonhedderwick4516]

@@ReefDork no worries. Thanks for the reply. Think I have found them now on Amazon.

[@ReefDork]

@@simonhedderwick4516 could you post a link?

[@simonhedderwick4516]

@@ReefDork Try this - Glarks 121Pcs 8 Size Heavy Duty Black Double Gripping Nylon Hose Clamps Set, 6.1-26.1mm Plastic Snap Ratcheting Clamps Assortment Kit (Black 121Pcs)

[@jwoodard621]

Hi there how much salt for 12 litre tank for brine shrimp please its just the set up of the salt water thankyou so much for your video 😀

[@gentlemanreefer6105]

Happy New Year!

[@liodiy]

do you install the UV-C lsmpa?

[@ReefDork]

What's that? UV steriliser? Yes, in an ideal world you'd have one - I do on my tank 🙂

[@LewisTommason]

Hi Alex. Hoping you can help!! I have a tank set up following your methods - (used atm colony a couple of months ago). All running great and stable so far (touch wood). I have a red sea reefer 350 - I've had 6 fish in the tank for a few weeks. I don't have a very good LFS so I tend to order online, but to keep costs down on delivery I ordered 3 fish, 4 cuc and a couple of corals. - Now I'm thinking it's a lot to add at once.. so should I add another bottle of ATM colony to help the tank out before adding them?

[@ReefDork]

I wouldn't bother personally but going slow is better...

[@andrewmorrison2798]

Absolutely brilliant video. I have just set up a marine tank (beginning of December) but having problems with nitrate its sky high what do you suggest. Ammonia is 0 and nitrite is about 1 on the salifert test kits would really like some help.

[@ReefDork]

Sounds like the cycle isn't complete yet - just ride it out until nitrite is 0. Don't worry about nitrates for the moment either - it's not a problem in my opinion 🙂

[@reinaldo1504]

Do we need like bacteria house before substrate ? Like in freshwater setup

[@ReefDork]

I'm not sure what you mean by bacteria house, but no - you just need sand and rock 🙂

[@reinaldo1504]

@@ReefDork thank you very much

[@paulsmith6267]

I am about to set up a 125 gallon reef tank. You mentioned not having the lights on for a couple months I think you said or you said at least a little while maybe I need to watch the video again. But is that what I need to do once I get it set up I don't even have it on the stand yet. But once I get it set up do I need to leave the lights off for a little while. Thanks in advance!

[@ReefDork]

Yeah, best to leave the lights off for a month or so. In a big tank like that, it'd be good to get an algae eating fish early doors too 🙂

[@tammymoscato3014]

" if you do jus don't tell,anyone on fb 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@aquariumaddickuk]

Discus keepers changing 500 litres of carefully remineralised RODI weekly watch this thinking "is that it?!" 🤣 Joking aside-a great guide!

[@wan_nur85]

Im gonna do this idea for my 5 gallon gsp puffer tank