Top 10 TIPS for an EASY & Successful Nano Reef Tank

[@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

[@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.

[@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 ^^^^

[@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

[@glennrudolph]

All in favor of more RB content say aye

[@LucasSousaS205]

Agreed

[@JVS_Tarnished]

Agreed

[@enzobruschini565]

Aye

[@tommysilva5454]

Aye

[@coralocto1380]

Aye

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@jesusrios9482]

Great video and is definitely going to help. Thanks

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@nevadagunbros]

Extremely well done! Love the tips about evaporation

[@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

[@BahamaLlamaCoral]

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

[@tammyshowalter5036]

Thank You!!! After watching another series I moved my brand new unopened setup to the garage. I just couldn't take all of their negatives!! You have inspired me to setup!!!

[@Arborpress]

He's no longer with us unfortunately 😪

[@tammyshowalter5036]

@@Arborpress yes, I think we are all aware. His inspiration lives on

[@JeanEstevez]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@KhoaNguyen.08]

*GREAT VIDEO!* What is your overhead light?

[@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

[@olivermauriz6258]

Could you please tell me what brand and how many gallons this particular tank have on your video. Am new into salt water tanks and how don't know what tank size will be a good one to start. I want simple stuff and just a little few fish

[@tjwaggoner1]

Getting back in the hobby and setting up a 15gallon and really liked this video and will definitely keep it mind moving forward

[@ryanrich06]

Just ordered a tank and all necessary equipment. You really inspired me to get another tank after a 7 year hiatus. Thanks man!

[@funwithfish1507]

How’s it going?

[@marcink8956]

Tank looks amazing 🐠

[@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

[@emoboo5]

Jake love it ,if you don't mind can you please tell what plants are you using for humidity

[@Exses3D]

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

[@XHamad123]

I am trying to understand, how did you keep the water parameter for 6 month without water change and without dosing

[@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. :)

[@steventoone2000]

How did it go?

[@xanderjones2747]

Have loved this whole series and am looking forward to building a 50gal reef tank this year. On the issue of quarantining fish and corals from a store to prevent pests in your tank, how do you do that.

[@NunoMa92]

Super good, thank you for sharing

[@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.

[@MellowYellow.]

I love this channel! Very helpful thank you! 🐠

[@krazykid2002k]

Thank you so much for these tips starting my first 36g bowfront reef tank and these tips were very informational

[@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.

[@anthonymalfino1]

Awesome vid man! I'm in. I just bought a fluval 13.5, so I need all the knowledge I can get. Thank you

[@karljoseph4766]

Beautiful nano reef tank 🪸 and beautiful clowns fish great results bravo 👏

[@DTOC888]

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

[@ollie0775]

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

[@jessielees]

your videos have been inspiration on this tank. Im setting up the same system. Im not stocking it day 1 , but I do have a goal of no water changes and im hoping to be able to do without the skimmer too, i'll add it if i have to down the road but it runs a bit louder than I like so I hope to do without it.

[@fishypetkeeping]

Thanks for sharing this! I really want to start a nano reef tank eventually, and this is the best informative video I've seen so far!

[@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?

[@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

[@mudmonkeyatvs]

Big fan. Do you feed the corals?

[@dmkappa62]

Beautiful simple tank, love it

[@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.

[@ou812reefing]

Great video very help full 👍👍👍👍👍

[@santisreef1055]

Thanks for all the great info just started my own nano tank. Love the videos!!!

[@youngmango4508]

Some of these good tips are great for freshwater as well! Saving for when i start my saltwater tank!!! Do you think it would be a bad idea, for a first saltwater tank, to have a larger tank? Maybe a 150 cube? Lots of flow and some high lighting above? I have big dreams

[@kellyhanson2831]

How are you keeping the tank cooler during the summer months

[@jamesvance9000]

Jake I’m wondering about the lid you have on the top doesn’t it reduce the light to much?

[@vassilisbitzionis1420]

I really like your perspective Jake. Looking forward for the next update on this tank!

[@KreefAquariumhobby]

Looking good! Great tips!

[@jesse4r5]

@reef builders did you buy the lid or make it? Thanks.

[@ER_666_]

Hello, can you share what you guys are using for Filter media on this tank?

[@jh-nt9ws]

So you do not dose on this reef tank because your starting parameters are reasonable? I thought you might need to add as they deplete, but if you do, what would you dose for a nano like this?

[@jamesisaac9416]

Have you used lids on many other reef tanks? I want to reduce evaporation but am concerned about dropping the ph.

[@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!

[@edwardroy3401]

Excellent video

[@StaySlayin]

Did you turn on the lights day one? If not when did you start?

[@elslick]

Awsome tips list bro and the tank is looking great. That bacteria adative is awesome. I had an issue with a smiling outbreak used vibrant and boom looks great now. Keep up the great content.

[@artofwar-3263]

Looks great 6 months later, I just went back and watched the set up video again so I definitely see the growth in some stuff, keep em coming!!

[@Tigeron1a]

See this is perfect...I feel less is more in many application this is no exception.

[@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!!!

[@LamNguyen-xq8mb]

Thank you for sharing...learn a lot from you

[@bensimpson4091]

how do you manage the GSP on the same structure as the other coral? does the lower light and limited feeding keep it under control or do the other corals do fine at keeping it in its lane? also I just watched the build of this and i ended up breaking out my box of Marco rock that I have stored away for the Nano build I am planning. the issue I realised is my Marco rock is all in pretty large pieces which is going to prevent light spread over the front of it should I break them in to smaller pieces or should is a near vertical structure sufficient for most corals? I could build up to the back wall but I had planned to grow my GSP on the back.

[@polishfarmer132]

how often do you do water changes? or do you just have a big sump and add fresh water after evaporation ?

[@sussex_reef559]

What you using for your lid? Cheers

[@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 !

[@kathleenday1334]

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

[@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?

[@OlivernMaple]

Such a great informative video!

[@EdwardCoviello]

Excellent advise !

[@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

[@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.

[@craigsmart1986]

Do you dose anything in this tank?

[@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.

[@homegrownreefer]

awesome video! thanks for sharing!

[@MixPlays]

Where did you get the netted lid and glass lid for the red sea max nano? Are you able to comment a link to buy them?

[@ReefingRyan]

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

[@elslick]

The auto top off thing i am with you on. My first nano had a dumb ass attack and forgot to turn the auto off when doing a water changed dumped about a gallon of fresh water. Threw my salinity way off. Lost several nice peices that had just started to take off. Super sad day hahah. Like the saying says keep it simple stupid. Less moving parts less to break seems logical.

[@waggscole4971]

I live in South Carolina and have access to ocean water do you think I could use that ocean water for a reef tank?

[@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..😢

[@TLASPEK]

What lens and filter you are using for this video?

[@GenePlotkin]

What are you planing on doing with the few corals on the right side that are not doing so well? Is the assumption that the water change will help take care of that? What do you recommend for keeping the temperature down if you have a lid, for those who live in hotter environments?

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

All the corals are doing well enough, only the softies have slowed down in growth since nutrients are low, compare to the first day of setup everything but the Duncan is much bigger

[@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?

[@MrMushroomish]

Amazing tips, thanks for keeping it real ;)

[@victorpires9473]

How do you keep the aquarium free of algae on the substrate? Do you use any product?

[@chrisgreer3876]

I have a red sea max e170 would a xr15 gen 4 pro or a hydra 26 be a better light for it?

[@brighton09100]

What did you say you treated the bubble algae with? Thanks

[@_sgj.2]

Hey Jake I’m new to the hobby and I was wondering. What tank would be best to start with the Red Sea Nano Max or the BioCube and why?

[@pauldeacon8764]

Hi Jake! I really enjoyed the video!so is it best to keep your lighting blue please?? 😀👍

[@BigMosh]

What was the razer product you used to remove algae ?