Top 20 Saltwater Aquarium Beginner Mistakes To Avoid. If Only We Had Known!

Wondering how to start a saltwater tank or reef tank? Want to avoid all the same mistakes MANY of us have done before? These are the Top 20 Beginner Reefing Mistakes that we wished someone would have shared with us years ago!
Want to see how bad we've messed up in reefing? Check out the 40+ other Mistakes we have made.
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The content contained in this video is general information on the topic and should not be relied upon as your sole source of information or safety advice for this project or topic. Each product or situation is different and has its own concerns related to successful completion and safety that must be fully researched by the individual considering the project or product. The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.
00:00 Mistakes Beginner
00:10 Thinking Your First Tank Is Your Forever Tank
00:47 Not Investing In Your Five Year Plus Tank
01:51 Overlooking 40, 60, 120 Gallon Sized Tanks
02:54 Going Too Big Or Too Small
04:49 Overlooking Used Setups
06:05 Used Gear Could Be Worn Out
08:00 Going To Fast
08:40 Don’t Overlook Tangs
09:57 Listening To Everybody Rather Then Somebody
11:08 Underestimating The Cost
11:54 Buying The Same Gear Over & Over
13:22 Assuming That You Need A Sump
14:48 Assuming That You Need Everything
16:06 Assuming A Mixed Tank Is Easier
17:09 Worrying Too Much About Pests
18:32 Not Using A Screen Top
19:28 Not Thinking That Live Rock Is Easier
20:50 Not Using Sand In Your First Tank
21:52 Watching The 52 Weeks Of Reefing
22:48 Not Watching The 5 Minute Guide

[@fuffoon]

I started this hobby by working at a fish store 43 years ago. I took it up again serioulsy 11 years ago. This advice is as good for me as it is for beginners.

[@1776Jan]

Most youtubers that talk about fish always push tons of equipment you do not need. I am glad you are being honest with us.

[@joshua969]

"listening to everybody rather than somebody"....this. When I started my head was spinning because of the myriad of different opinions, methods, etc.

[@truereefkeeping6022]

I’m on month 5 and my head is still spinning, so much stuff to remember and so much stuff to do ALL THE TIME

[@Wogix26]

@@truereefkeeping6022 try an aquarium app. I keep track of all my tests and when I need to do maintenance as well as when I added anything or did whatever. Even has a hall of fish for the ones that decided to yeet themselves into my filter sock. RIP firefish why must your species be inherently suicidal

[@sonofbiscuit838]

@@Wogix26 which app do you use? I feel like having an app like that would help a lot!

[@Wogix26]

@@sonofbiscuit838 personally I use my fish pal. It’s two dollars it’s not perfect but two dollars to keep track of everything is great. I think there might be some other free options however

[@sonofbiscuit838]

@@Wogix26 Thanks I'll have to check it out!

[@epa316]

I'm glad you said that it's not required to have a sump and complex plumbing underneath the tank. That's a big part of why I have stayed with freshwater.

[@jintsu49]

I started with a 2.5 and it was the most successful tank, then I went up to a 20, then 56 and then back down to a fluval 13.5 and im pretty happy with it. I don’t know id ever want a big tank. Me personally I prefer the smaller tanks.

[@lukebouwman7271]

@Trail Mix if you get a closed top it should not evaporate anymore

[@retr0galaxy647]

I baught a 20 gallon tank and I'm a beginner, I thought that was good enough but everyone's yelling to get a 50 or 120 gallon tank, I just don't have that kind of money and I spent 109 dollars on this tank, do you have any advice to maintain a small saltwater tank? (I plan to slowly start to save money to upgrade to a bigger tank)

[@travelbug9831]

I’d love to get some help! I’m putting together a 6 gallon cube and would love whatever advice you have

[@stupidkitty84]

Same. I started with 35/40 gal, then 75 gal, and now I'm back down to Biocube 32 gal. I'm actually about to add a Nuvo 10 or 15 to start a zoa and ricordea tank. Big tanks take too much time, money and maintenance.

[@sabrinaswinconeck]

Same till an anemone died 🫤

[@MrDon967]

"cutting up a piece of Fiji..." as someone who is from Fiji Islands this has to be the highlight of the video for me maybe that's what I'll name my 120g reef setup. " *A Piece Of Fiji* "

[@jfgad]

With covid, i started a fresh water 30 gal. After that, a 10 gal with shrimps and otto. And another 10 gal. I added a 40 breader with guppy, shrimps and otto. Last week-end, i got a 20 gal saltwater tank. I still have all my tanks running really well! All natural plants. I think i’ll go for a pair of clown and anemone. For now, it’s cycling... live sand and live rocks. I’m now one of your subscriber! Cheers!

[@shane6450]

The upgrading is so true. I've upgraded just about everything since I've started. Quality is key.

[@bakersohc]

Buy once, cry once

[@sailavish]

Do I need a all in one kit? For filtration?

[@shane6450]

@@sailavish if you're in it for long term and success, get a sump and skimmer. It's so worth it. Otherwise you'll spend more money down the line trying to fix the poor filtration like I did. It's night and day.

[@jonathankhuzkian6419]

I literally just bought a bigger tank yesterday, lol

[@eoghainlebioda1396]

I love how the intros to thesw videos are so brief. Straight into the reason we're all here

[@HaiGirlHey]

Yes started within 30 secs

[@GlitchedAudio]

Awesome vid for getting started. Binge watching these as about to have my second attempt at reefing.

[@jtb65]

I’ve watched the 52 weeks and a lot more of your content including follow ups. That said I’ve not yet started my reef tank so no need to rush 😆 I also like to have all the content to take in and be informed as much as possible .

[@aquapuncture]

You guys have some really good tips here! 👍 Thanks, as always 🙏

[@georgeduncan8946]

In 91' 55 gallon first tank..loooong cycle..mnths😮then 8 more smaller tanks & experience..& technology was so helpfull & appreciated💥💥💥

[@phillipamond3317]

Thanks for the videos. It has given me the confidence to take on a 150 gallon reef ( forever ) tank that is coming next week, no room for anything else. Number one lesson from you guys.... patience ! Just finished my dry marko rock aquascape and I must say not bad, your videos did help with it. Every thing is rodded and glue. Let the cycle begin !!

[@jasonjackson4528]

Thanks BRS; very happy that you all will give good advice.

[@frankieg3933]

Thank you so much for the information! Been keeping freshwater planted tanks for over 6 years now looking to get into saltwater. Appreciate the info!

[@rivertheservicedoodle1730]

I learned that I loved saltwater tanks when I was 5 my dad had one. And I’ve had several planted freshwater tanks. I’m gonna be building my first reef tank this year. I’m so excited to start this

[@TheOnlyZiTRO]

you guys are great together! Thanks for the info, please keep this up!

[@ou812reefing]

Once again great information thanks BRS

[@vichillebrand9990]

Thx guys! Just contemplating getting started. Saw the Rea sea Max Nano but now decide to go bigger, as that’s what I want anyway…120 gal would look great!

[@stephenmartin7227]

A 55 gallon long is perfect for a beginner! I say this because they are so much easier to find and you can most likely find them cheaper then most tanks.

[@PeterAndWillAnderson]

You guys are getting better and better.

[@corpointblazer318]

I have a 40 breeder and a 13.5 nano tank. I’ love them both their awesome

[@tylerjaax4917]

I went with a 45 gallon all in one and went middle of the road. Kept it up for 3 years before upgrading. I don’t think you can have enough experience in 1 year as a new Reefer before upgrading. You haven’t made enough mistakes yet. 3 years is a better goal to me for a first tank.

[@MrDon967]

all depends on how those sps looks some people might make less mistakes then others my first freshwater tank in the US and all the fish sadly died my second batch of fish all alive and well apart from losing 2 red minnows which cost like 21cents each the rest all thriving and i did several hours of research yet still failed on the contrary my first ever try in saltwater and the fish all thriving and now getting ready for upgrade to 120g with no fish loss at all yet.

[@jessicalevy9803]

You guys are great! Watched a ton of your videos and was a super big help to starting my first tank. Despite some recommendations I have a 10 gallon reef and of course had some minor issues (lost a couple fish), however the 20% water change religiously every week has kept things happy and healthy. Key is research, understanding your commitment to maintenance, and not going too fast. 7+ months in could be happier getting into the hobby. Cheers!

[@Eazy_Company]

20% is quite a bit every week, 10% a week is better and what they preach on this channel. You're taking out a lot of nutrients, unless levels are bad 10% a week is best.

[@Danyal7016]

Even doing a water change every week seems like a lot of work, atm I’m keeping just a saltwater tank with no corals with good amount of clean up crew. Only do water changes when my nitrates go above 10 Which is like once a month or so.

[@antonarson]

How would you get the cycle started in a tank with dry rock? Buy live sand and a turbo start and pray it has enough OUMPF to get it going? Feed with ammonia maybe, to create those NO2, NO3?

[@yairflores9066]

Looking forward on upgrading from a 20 To a 120 really want to add a captive bred tang Algo a lot more room for aquascape ! Thanks for all the information guys

[@jessicaevans7451]

Any recommendations for a 10 gallon tank? I'm just starting, and I don't have room for more 😅

[@thestrawberryaniahomegarde7228]

Good advice. Thank you

[@EmmaWebber-ey5nk]

very good information, thank u

[@samuelcontreras9248]

Great stuff!

[@freakygoblin3068]

Used setups.. started with this with a redsea reefer. Had the option to have everything, including livestock. Didn't take them up on the livestock option. Why? I think if you are starting, it will help if you actually start from scratch, learning the basics. Can also mean "needing everything" comes into play. You may not need all the equipment such as GFO reactor or even dosing. Couple of mistakes I think a lot of newbies do: 1. thinking they are an exception when something is called "expert only" and 2. Overstocking corals as tank look bare. Corals will grow.

[@swedehog69]

Brilliant video as always! When are you opening your EU-shop :) ?

[@RandySoWavvy]

Looking to get into salt water I have a fresh water tank that’s super successful and has been going strong for 4yrs. I was able to establish another tank for my mom because my plants and fish kept growing and multiplying and she wanted a tank so it worked out perfectly 😊 Finally ready to try a new tank and figured why not try a salt water tank

[@JasonFolk07]

That's good advice on the looking at cheaper used setups. I been doing freshwater for years I learned the hard way everything doesn't have to be brand new if it works like it should what's the problem getting used gear right lol

[@Fifthimagez]

This was an amazing video

[@mrdougdoug6596]

BRS is my somebody :'D

[@chrisprice8053]

i still have my 1st tank up and running it a 10 gal it been up 15 years, the only prob i seem to have is temp in the summer. in the start i went threw the algae many times and it took me 6 months to cycle it.. LOST all coral 4 times now i just do softy cuz can take swings better. Use 2 HOB aqua clear filters 1 wave maker tryed a few lights. no sand but crushed coral. water change every 2 to 3 weeks 4 gal.

[@RobBoryckiGolf]

Love it guys

[@Pika_Gabe]

I'm STILL putting together the pieces for my 215 gallon! I've been slowly scraping money together over the past year working minimum wage to do it and I've still got to buy RODI, lights, rock, heating, and powerheads. Not to mention stocking the dang thing! (And I thought my 75 gallon cichlid tank was expensive! Lol)

[@abelgomez9863]

this is a very good helpful video. im nee and im about to purchase a 72g tank and i jst dont knw whats the best sub pump or something on top..

[@AQUAPLANET128]

Great video. ❤

[@ce6311]

Keeping it simple is a great tip for beginners. Once you can figure out how to keep a simple system stable you understand what you actually need and what you can skip on. I’ve saved a lot of money waiting until I know what I need for my system rather than guessing or buying everything up front. Almost everytime I’ve bought something on impulse or in hopes it would change my tank for the better a month or two later I realize I didn’t need it or that there was a product that would have done a better job of accomplishing what my tank needed.

[@mathieuleblanc529]

I’m trying to learn about having an Aquarium and I don’t have a tank yet. What do you think is the best size tank in gallons for me.

[@mathieuleblanc529]

In saltwater...

[@ce6311]

@@mathieuleblanc529 I think most people recommend a 40-60 gallon for beginners as too big gets expensive and to small makes it harder to keep the water stable. I started with a 20 but had problems with the tank, switched everything over to a 94 gallon and it’s done a lot better since. If I could get start over again I would get a all in one tank with the filter storages in the back.

[@jamesjordan6239]

I started with a 3 gallon to “test the waters”. It lasted 2.5 years with a move included. My vacation feeder messed up only reason I tore it down. Cycled slowly with live rock and slowly added fish, clean up crew and corals. Went back to a 30 gal freshwater but missing my corals!

[@smokey8524]

they run a business and sell setups that are super nice and pricy then recommend to look for a used one to save a lot of money.... love these guys

[@stevemunn367]

These are great videos 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧

[@DangerRevolution]

Awesome video! Wondering what type of tank is that one you showing?

[@brispy1890]

Right after i bought a 29g as a first tank… i saw maybe a 40 gallon all in one with a stand sitting on the corner by my girls place. The used tank tip is useful lol

[@chancebeeman4949]

been successfully keeping axolotls for the past year i think i’m ready for a saltwater build

[@crazymexican2184]

Yup i first started about a year n half ago with a 2.5 gallon with a few freshwater fish for my kids to all the tank sizes in between up to my current day 75g freshwater community tank with an fx4 , my all guppy 40g Breeder with a 407(soon to be converted to an all fish saltwater tank) and my 5g quarantine and an absurd amount of fish supplies ive stock piled lol. Most of my set ups ive collected used filters and tanks since it does add up quick.

[@lisafoster4468]

Question. Would a solo Bartlett's Anthias do OK in a 60 cube? Or do I need to get the 75 that LiveAquaria recommends?

[@CrazyAquariumGuy]

You should do another one. There is almost nothing about it out there! Going from Freshwater 30 years into a saltwater Pufferfish tank. (Not reef) What are neccesary and what is the biggest difference? Hope you do it. This video was awesome. I already have a 175 Gallon with 2 pounds of ceramic, would I just need to shift to sea rocks, crushed coral, a scimmer and then go? My filters on this tank could easily handle a 500 G Freshwater. Biggest question, mixing the salt? How sensetive are they compared to freshwater fish. Nitrates? Thanks in advance. Hope you find the time to answer this comment. Even if you do not. Thanks a lot for a great video.

[@michaelalan6459]

I bought a used biocube a month ago for $150. After stripping it down, buying new equipment to replace everything and all peripherals I finally started cycling a week ago. I'm in well over $1000 now.

[@boj4klayman919]

My reeftank roadmap went a little like this jbj 28 nano cube, fluval 13.5, innovative marine nuvo 15, jbj 45 flat panel, another fluval 13.5, planet aquariums tideline 65, a drilled 65 with synergy reef overflow and eshopps sump (first drilled tank), 20 long only run with wavemaker and liverock, waterbox 180 peninsula, bio cube 32. Only tanks I've sold was the tideline 65 and the jbj 28. the second fluval i gave to a friend as well as some sump clowns and he gave me a bio cube. Working on drilling the 20 long to put over a 29 sump, thinking about going with a 29 display but idk. There was also a 40 breeder in there somewhere run with a hang on skimmer and filter

[@ColoradoStreaming]

Excellent video. Especially the tip on going too fast. I have run freshwater setups for a decade and this is my number 1 rule for any fish tank. Everything you should do you need to do slow. Take your time cycling the tank, only buy a few fish at a time and let your bacteria adjust, acclimate your fish 10-20 min longer just in case, spend another day letting the temp stabilize on a new tank, spend the time bringing your new water up to temp if you have an RO system off your cold tap. I found the second you start to rush anything or not consciously slowing down you run into problems. I imagine this is especially true in a reef tank where the animals have evolved over tens of thousands of years in an extremely stable environment and you do something to shock that system in 10 min.

[@AnthonyLGreen-cz9wy]

I have run into this scenario. Started a Freshwater tank 2 weeks ago. I put a bacteria starter in it and thought I could add fish on day 5. Water just started to look cloudy that morning but I got fish anyway and all of them died in less than 24 hours. I decided to get my water checked and my nit’s were at 0, PH was low and hardly any ammonia. My water has been cloudy for 9 days now. Finally got a test kit and found my PH was still low. I raised it and we shall see if it finally clears. I learned i have to be patient or when I start my 35 gallon Saltwater tank i am gonna kill a lot of fish

[@seanpaterson1602]

#3 for me. I got a 25 gallon peninsula for my first saltwater tank. Wish I went with something bigger.

[@andrewtyree82]

I watched the 160 build multiple times before my first build and I still recommend it when people ask my noob ass about starting a tank, so when yall gonna do the two ai prime on a 24x24 lol

[@mathew-street]

Even if I ever get another / bigger tank, I will also keep this tank. :)

[@blueyez7383]

I’ve upgraded countless stuff on my 75 gallon sumpless reef tank the lights to be honest was the biggest and most expensive upgrades

[@asantemayo1007]

I waited like a month for my 10 gallon to cycle 😂😂 wasn’t in a rush

[@cryptcr3ature81]

...even with fresh water, tank size is something I wish I'd known ahead of time. I started small (10 gallon) and then went up from there. My biggest was 120 gallon and by then it was more of a chore than a hobby. I won't go that big again.

[@mplusfish8018]

I went from a 12gal tall to a 85gal long back to a 10g cube then eventually a 25gal lagoon and that was the perfect one for me..😁

[@thermalx796]

Lagoon?

[@dominickschultz3479]

I just started a fluval 13.5 and it is my very first time in all of reefing or salt water. Being it just started about 2 hours ago on Dec 20th 22 I honestly have no idea what to do. Temps, how to use the skimmer (fluval mini) I know my tank is pretty now but other then that I know not to put anything in right now for the next week or so. I put some bacteria from a little pod I got but I didn't have access to fritz turbo start... so idk.

[@dm6840]

I want to get into the hobby. Honestly I will get a small tank. I've been looking at the fluval 13.5 gallon.

[@noahbrowning7227]

Im new to the reef hobby. I have a 49 gallon and i am recieving all your information and would love more answers.

[@BRStv]

Definitely check out our 5 Minute Saltwater Aquarium Guide series! Perfect for those just getting into the hobby! kzbin.info/aero/PLBaMLrfToJyxJ1PuJZwhkxvvdFP14eV_t

[@Flornmonk]

Thinking about getting a 50gallon tank (200L) as my first reef tank. That size sounds like a good middle ground between big and small, right?

[@cloudyam2286]

Just Facebook market place bought my soon to be first salt water tank. 90 gallon with sump holes drilled. I was going to get a simple all in one kit then I seen the prices per gallon and it was crazy. I personally enjoy the demand of a larger tank and the reward aspect. As I have a planted 150gallon fresh water with oscars and bichir. But any recommendations on livestock? Id love a coral car shark

[@sinclairbowman92]

I just bought a 40gal hexagonal tank. Couldn’t say no to the deal. The tank, stand, sump, protein skimmer, and return pump for $400. All I need is a light, rock, sand and livestock.

[@sairakaizad1035]

Would a blend (starry blenny) be a possible substitute for tangs? It seemed that all mine wanted to do was pick at rocks all day.

[@BRStv]

Absolutely! 🙂

[@spinster4000]

I'm going to buy the Fluval Flex 32.5 Gallon and I just need to know what other equipment I would need to buy alongside the tank itself, like a skimmer or anything

[@robertlugo8702]

What are the All-in-One alternatives to a sump? My brother has a 90g that we cant drill. So I was thinking of an HOB overflow but would be interested in alternative methods

[@BRStv]

If you didn't want to run a sump, you could certainly go with hang-on equipment. Fiji Cube also makes some all-in-one drop in kits. They don't make one specifically for a 90 gallon, but you may be able to retro fit one of their larger kits and make it work.

[@nimavaladkhani403]

Hey Ryan, can I have two fluval 407 canister filters in my 90 gallon rectangle reef tank instead sump as I have no room in stand?

[@BRStv]

As long as they're maintained, canister filters are a viable option. I'm not familiar with that specific model, but you may only need one (which would also make maintenance easier).

[@jeffstevens5445]

What about over feeding? I'm what I would call "Experienced" but I always ask myself If I am over feeding. Any input on feeding parameters would be most appreciated. Love the videos. Keep it up 👌

[@SamwiseandSeantay]

Are you testing your water? If nitrate is lookin high and you know ur tank isn’t overstocked then you’re feeding too much.

[@chatterbrains40]

Don't forget the lawnmower blennys, amazing Algae eaters!!

[@shoelacy7101]

Do you have any tips for people transitioning from freshwater to saltwater aquariums? What are some major differences that I should be aware of when starting?

[@StreetArtistsOfTheWorld]

Listening to multiple people and filling with corals with diff needs - those two hit home. Suggestion: Since you guys do multiple tank tests, can you show 4 (or more :p ) different tanks: softies, SPS LPS mixed and the journey on how to get there maybe as a series or as a 2hr vid? I see beautiful tanks on BRS,Insta,FB etc but not sure what was placed where and why :(

[@edwardharris1602]

Love the Videos. Guy with the beard easy on the eyes 😍

[@brandonmms]

I watched the 52 weeks...5 minute guide...another channels guide...even found Ryan's old videos, how to start a reef tank....the info was good but it comes down to how you choose to follow it. Like that tip about listening to somebody and not everyone...see BRS, I paid attention

[@billydegraw3458]

I just got a 55 gallon still building it right now I don’t have the blue lights yet but I also can’t put nothing in the tank yet so I’m not worried yet bout coral and stuff imma start slow and build it up

[@dr.geraldcase-blanchard4904]

This is a kid I love the vid but my dad says he wants me to research literally everything and I think this will let me and my dad know more about this

[@Tohei08]

Yooo #10 is the ONE!!! Underestimating the cost!! 😱😱

[@TheRedfish]

Haha me right now. I for some reason got back into fish tanks and got a 20 gallon Hex cube for angelfish and the next week I stopped using it and got a 29 gal for a Green Spotted Puffer and two weeks later I spent $500 on a waterbox 10 gallon cube and I don't have any live stock yet! I ended up spending all my tax return when i originally planned on just a quarter of it when I bought the 20 gallon hex lol!

[@thermalx796]

@@TheRedfish isn't there gonna be more tax returns or no

[@TheRedfish]

@@thermalx796 you only get tax returns once a year. Do you mean the stimulus checks? I don’t get those

[@thermalx796]

@@TheRedfish oh yeah I meant stimulus

[@jojolowlowful]

Do you think a young tang could do okay in an 85 gallon cube and for how long? I'm having gha issues and a tang sounds like it'd really help

[@BRStv]

You could definitely put a small tang in a tank of that size. How long you'd be able to keep them before rehoming would greatly depend on the type of tang. Try a smaller species like a tomini tang 🙂

[@alaskacosplay]

When getting a second hand setup, I find it to be a risk since the previous owner may have had an illness that killed all the livestock and it's gonna be a headache to clean especially when a beginner gets it and they don't know what was in the tank. I'd prefer to stick to all new things since I know it's clean, fresh, and untouched. That's my preference because I'm not gonna risk buying an infected tank.

[@joedunn7434]

Yeah I started with a 90gal and in 4 months, I got two 20s and a 55gal lol don’t ever expect to have a forever tank. If you’re really into it, you’ll make room for another tank….and then another…. And another… and so on

[@inherentjesse]

I found a store closing down and he’s selling the stuff for so cheap. He just has to get rid of it. 300g is larger than what I originally wanted. But a sump tank, stand and 300g tank for $300 is crazy. Sad to see him go but he’s just older and doesn’t have the energy to keep up with all his tanks. I’m nervous but excited at the same time.

[@Brianhahahaha]

I see over complications in the fresh water world everyone has a fx6 does weekly water changes nice lighting plants and soils. Mean while I use cheap air powered sponge filters bare bottom tanks cheap led lights no decorations once a month water changes and am happy with my tanks. Can you just use sponge filters and cheap lighting and just do water changes?

[@fishlegend2536]

I thought it was my last tank but now I upgraded to the best red sea tank and I am spending a lot of money Lol 😂!!

[@miguelvargas6017]

Ive been into freshwater tanks for a year now i understand water volume compared to amount of fish/fish waste could i manage a nano saltwater tank without much difference than the salinity

[@kevinhelfrich1705]

What are those stripped fish at the top at 11:00? I really like the way they swim and would love some for my tank.

[@BRStv]

Those are striped blennies. Super cool fish and rather inexpensive!

[@kevinhelfrich1705]

@@BRStv Thanks for the reply. You guys are awesome

[@GarryL277]

I live in Australia about halfway up the east coast and 5 mins from the Beach and was thinking about using salt water straight from the ocean. Would you advise cleaning it or would you go with artificial salt water?

[@BRStv]

Ultimately, it'll come down to how much you trust the area and any potential pollution. Typically, beaches and areas close to the coast have more pollution vs further out into the ocean, so if you have access to a boat, you may be able to get some cleaner water. Of course, all areas are a bit different.

[@Kamel419]

i would maybe add "expecting things to happen quickly" - the only things that happen quickly in a reef tank are bad things. your fish and corals are going to take a lot of time to grow, and many of them have very long lifespans.

[@SamwiseandSeantay]

100%! Preparing for disaster will save so much stress!

[@ColoradoStreaming]

This is very true. Its also good to have in the back of your head the common mistakes that cause an ELF (Extinction Level F*ckup) and do whatever you can to work around or mitigate those.

[@stephenwerle4509]

Depending on how much effort you wanna put in to use the tanks and equipment you can get a lot of mileage out of them I got 120 gallon tank made out of half inch glass in 1978 it was set up and ran for almost 20 years before the old timer stored it in his garage for almost 20 more years in 2015 I bought it off craigslist for 100 bucks I brought it home cut out all the old silicone and buffed the hard water marks from the glass I sealed it all back together I meticulously cleaned the canister filter that it came with as well as the T9 light and ran with all used equipment for seven years that being said I replaced heaters several times during that time

[@mrvang8077]

Who'd needs a larger tank for a small space. 25 gallon is perfect for a tight space. The larger the tank the bigger the maintenance job so nty! I'm fine with a 10 gallon tank for 1 or 2 saltwater fish.

[@mikeneff4646]

funny I went 55, 75, 125 because I preferred the long tanks to watch the fish swim more, instead of the narrower cube designs for alot of reefers

[@thomasstreetbreeze]

Just learnt the screen top mistake over the weekend with my royal gramma

[@BRStv]

Sorry to hear that 🙁

[@Elliesexotics]

my first marine tank was a 50 gallon. bad idea lol i couldnt lift any of the water tubs so it was 6 years of dreading water changes. downsizing to a 20 gallon and ive never been more excited about a tank since i dont have to worry about lifting anything too heavy

[@StorMacce]

got me a 25g for 25 bucks a nero 3, Ai prime and a heater been up and running for about 1 year soon looking good some cyano bacteria periods otherwise pretty good yer so far

[@TheHemiphil81]

I can say honestly getting into the glass cages 260 .radian lights, vortec power heads hamali sump .bubble king skimmer and Calc reactor and other needed supplies the bill is up the 18 grand so far.

[@bigeuknowme]

I very much agree with the “Listen to somebody rather than everybody” advice. This same type of advice also applies to working out! I work at a gym and certain people who are beginners too frequently ask advice from the whole community with many differing opinions that can be opposite of each other.

[@georgeduncan8946]

Creating live rock with lavastone & seachem in filterbox foam & ceramic pieces💥💥💥 was very succesful

[@TheTechFarm]

I been in the hobby since I was 13 I am now starting my first saltwater reef tank but my landlord is not thrilled with my 55 gal fresh water tank so I'm made a compromise with him and although he is not thrilled with a 55 gal or larger he is ok with two 35 gal so I'm downsizing my freshwater tank and and adding a 35 gal reed tank as my first reef tank

[@Pontiuspilate666]

Talk about saving money, a refugium is the cheapest filtration in my opinion. A sump is crucial for a good one.