Top Simple Beginner Tips For Starting A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Setup

[@frankcava8073]

My best tip is to watch EVERY BRSTV video on every subject, especially on dosing, chemistry, lighting and cycling. You will get the absolute best info to start off with if you follow that tip

[@ianshepherd6336]

I’ve followed BRS since Christmas when I got a Flex 132 marine. I’ve gathered much information from you, equipment, set up a quarantine and put effort into a scape I like. I’ve let them cycle all this time and got less and less clunky at water changing routines etc... So today I’ve enjoyed watching my first two little clowns swimming about... My confidence has swelled as well as growing the patience and knowledge on my journey... thank you guys... : )

[@marshadowxd6169]

I also plan on gwtting this tank, would u recommend it?

[@IGSHOTZ98]

Never heard the pros say buy an all in one tank. Your honesty continues to bring me back to the channel. ALL MY TANKS ARE AIOs

[@DiveBC]

One of the best tips I have and was touched on is having a utility pump with a hose on it. I use an old ac pump that I got with a tank take over 6 years ago. It's about 250gph and I use it to move water where ever it's needed. Saves a lot of time and energy. One tip with using a Python is to put a mark on the back corner of the glass where you can see when looking for it to indicate how much water to remove from the system to how much water was made to replace the old water. I just used a sharpe mark on the back pane of glass at the corner. Unless I showed someone they will never know its there

[@bwtjma183]

Thanks for the tips! Hoping to start a tank here soon

[@glasscanvasart5273]

I really like the location tip. Find a place for it and get the biggest aquarium that fits the space, your budget and what you want to keep.

[@yzkid100]

Agreed. Setting up a new tank now and had plans for my office for the longest time but it would get very little view time. Instead, I got the thumbs up from the Mrs for the living room and that was the best decision

[@seangriffiths9163]

Yet I dont think my partner would like a 14ft tank 🤣 I might need help to convince her.

[@annebartells777]

You all and one other site has helped be be a successful reefer. I really enjoy the hobby. Thank you for your devotion to the hobby and teaching others to be successful too

[@Acanofbeer]

Great tips. Thanks guys 👍👍

[@PracticalReefer]

Love the channel! BRS helped me so much starting my office reef tank! 👌 I also started my own channel to share my 20 gallon budget build experience! 🐠

[@jacklawer6389]

Great stuff, i started saltwater in the 1980 no internet, gr8 today

[@NYCityCichlids]

Thanks for the info.

[@amandafinley6392]

Watching your videos to get my start. I've maintained 55 gal tanks of freshwater for about 5 years. So I got a 75 gallon today. I'm planning on starting my set up in two days. Because my schedule is 7 on/7 off and wed starts my off week so I will have time to devote to the initial set up and water checks. Before adding in the live rock.

[@mathew-street]

#8. Be okay with clean-up crew, like Turbo snails are your best option, and many of them when the algae takes over if you can't get a Tang Fish.

[@ianwesley2858]

Easy water changes has made running my tank so much easier. I have a drain at the top of my sump, so when I add water to the tank it overflows down the drain. Then I just have one pump on a timer that adds new saltwater. Took a bit of work to setup, but I have never had to move water with anything but a pump.

[@johnreefervermont4874]

Love these videos. Very informative

[@rja9784]

My Pygmy angelfish loves algae!!! Especially algae on the back wall

[@raisethereef]

Don't overlook a lawnmower blenny for the smaller tanks where tangs really aren't appropriate. Urchins can also fill this void as well but do have some drawbacks. The AIO discussion is 100% on point. My first tank was a 38 tall with HOB equipment and did pretty well. Then I got out of the hobby for 12 months and started back up with a JBJ 24g Nanocube. It was $200 on sale and came with lights, return pump and some media. My LFS was running a special and I got some LR to go with it. That tank taught me everything and was super succesful because of the simplicity. While upgading and getting a sump can be daunting, applying many of those simple aspects can go a very long way to success. Get an AIO and learn. Make mistakes. Feel the hurt and pain from failure. As for the last tip, make all maintenance easy. If it is easy, you will do it. The bigger issue here is when you are brand new, you don't know what will be hard or what obstacles you will face. Sometimes, you can never plan around some of the obstacles until the tank is setup and running. Then you have the AHA moment

[@abreef543]

Great advice as usual @bulkreefsupply

[@redneckgearheadgarage495]

About 14 years ago i was broke, broke! And old acquaintance ccalls me to ask if i want his 75 gallon setup for free. I say sure! I had no idea about fish especially saltwater. I learned real quick thanks to an amazing forum group and lfs.

[@CalcioFan4Ever]

Acquiring the knowledge i can def agree with. I come from a freshwater background and am expanding into saltwater, before i found this channel, it was rather hard to find a set person to study from

[@mathew-street]

#4. Buy a RODI unit and Salt. Make your own saltwater from day one.

[@dobermanguy9437]

I could never figure out why people would buy mixed saltwater from a store and have to Lug it home you don't know if the ro di water it's up to Snuff for if the salt was correctly mixed to the level you need even if you only have a small fish tank this is still not worth it get your own Rodi unit and mix your own salt water you will be happy in the long run and save a lot of money and lugging jugs of water home

[@mathew-street]

@@dobermanguy9437 My LFS was making 1.021 Saltwater as I think, that is all they need as the coral and fish never stay in their tanks longer than a week or two and keep cost down so why would I want that water

[@mathew-street]

#10. Plan on water changes of at least 10% each week and plan what or who can take care of the tank if or when you go out of town overnight or more. A reef tank is a daily time hog to maintain and about 30 min to 4 hours every weekend at first.

[@michaelharwood4931]

Excellent!

[@jbreefer148]

This is excellent information and I love using the sicce utility pump for doing water changes. And I also use the brute trashcans. Thanks

[@ulrichsd]

If I had to pick one optional piece of equipment between skimmer, sump, auto top off... It would be the ato. I can make time every couple weeks to get a water change done, but not having the everyday maintenance of adding water is so nice.

[@devachapman6315]

I 100X agree IMHO this is not an optional equipment in reefing!

[@mathew-street]

#7. Research all your fish on your own and make a plan on what you want and wait for them. Plan on what fish need to go in last for your tank size. Research the fish before you buy your tank as the tank you get may be too small for the tank you get. Tang fish need large tanks (over 50 gallons) and are the best to eat algae

[@stevemunn367]

Yes great video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@captainwin6333]

Mine would have to be tailored to my room conditions. In winter, it's down near freezing over nights and in summer, the room and tank water can hit 28C. My 4ft freshwater tank normally sits at around 24C but in summer it'll go up 4 degrees just due to ambient temperatures.

[@ce6311]

Same for me. I have a 20g saltwater tank and I usually just turn on a fan and it only goes up a couple degrees in summer. Happens over a couple month span also so the fish and coral can adapt. Just don’t overheat the tank 75-80 is what I aim for throughout the year.

[@rajgill7576]

I just set up my first reef tank first ever saktwater today! I just got premixed water and a 10lb bag of wet live sand, got everything in and starting running the empty tank. I also got a bacteria starter thing my local saltwater fish shop recommended. My tank is super cloudy because i didnt rinse the sand out (didnt want to rinse the bacteria out) any recommendations? Water change, or leave it?

[@kimberlyelaine1966]

Thank you! I’m just starting my tank and looking for resources! I come back here and. I’ve been trying to find local groups here in Nashville but not having much luck

[@BRStv]

Check out the Middle Tennessee Reef Club. Robert Farnsworth, who is part of our BRS social media team, is a member and says that it's a great group of people 🙂

[@kimberlyelaine1966]

@@BRStv I did but there hasn’t been any activity since 2018. Or that is what is showing online.

[@marshadowxd6169]

At ponit 8, how would u manage that with a MantisShrimp tank?

[@mathew-street]

#2. You need to quarantine all new fish for at least 14 days in a separate 10 gallon or more tank. #2a. You need to dip all new coral.

[@Exses3D]

Must be nice to be a key to find Tropic Marin in stock..

[@-Wreckanize-]

Another tip, whether or not you can have an RODI installed in your house will ultimately determine the size of the tank you can have.

[@NinjaSushi2]

They're not that big

[@-Wreckanize-]

@@NinjaSushi2 You misunderstood. With an RODI you can have a bigger tank because you're not limited to lugging water around

[@xisotopex]

does the live rock go in the tank while it cycles?

[@terrileebowden7800]

Question, I am newish to this hobby. We had a saltwater tank over 20 years ago but obviously the dynamics of this hobby have changed since then. We added our first pair of clown fish to my 40 gallon breeder tank last night. They are pretty tiny FYI. They sat in one spot of the tank on the bottom looking like they were struggling to swim against current. I have opposing power heads on either side plus my filter puts out a pretty strong current. When we got up this morning they were laying on the gravel not moving. Thought they were dying but I have read this morning that they do sleep at night so that eased my mind. After watching them start to struggle again, I chose to turn off the powerheads this morning and just left the filter running and they seem to be a bit more active and are struggling WAY less but are still not moving around the tank very much. I assume just getting comfortable in their new surroundings. Should I leave the power heads off for now since they are tiny little babies and they are they only ones in the tank? Any info would be appreciated.

[@BRStv]

It sounds like you've already identified that the flow is too much for the new clowns, so good move in turning the powerheads off for now. Clownfish aren't really open water swimmers, so it's normal for them to pick an area or object to host and stay close to it. Based on the description that you've given of the behavior, nothing sounds too far out of the ordinary. As long as they're eating, it sounds like you're off to a good start! 🙂

[@FarryEntertainment]

How much money does it cost to keep the tank warm?

[@carolebouchard6822]

I am new at this I bought a 75 gallon set it up I did a 30% water change but I don’t think I mixed my salt long enough my water is cloudy white I am worried I put 5 wave maker pumps to mix the salt it has been 2 days water still cloudy but my level is now at 1.023. Hope my clown fish will survive I’m watching all your videos lots to learn. What do I do? Leave pumps in tank and it should mix and water will clear up?

[@ProxoDJ]

My little fluval 13.5 did beautiful compared to my 1 year old 40 gal, maybe i got lazy but i'd recommend if you're really into keeping salt, even though smaller is 'harder' it fills out quicker keeping your interest... p.s Choose your master yoda wisely ..

[@timothydillard9507]

He said “the first beer” after work 😳

[@marcussreef]

The second one too

[@hjp242]

Lol

[@TonyDamazio]

When are you guys going to restock that salt?! Heck I'll buy that one you got on the counter! Lol

[@BRStv]

We're working hard to get our hands on as much salt as we can right now. Good news is that we have a pretty large shipment on the way! 🙂

[@LuisRivera-bn9ts]

On a 55 gal tank how much sand do you out in

[@jasonnikolic]

When you said the 3 points as to the importance of where you first set the tank up - you missed one important point, point 4: Because changing your mind after the fact and/or having to move it somewhere else is a huge pain, you got to get it right the first time!

[@rivertheservicedoodle1730]

I’m getting a reef tank set up because I was gifted a 20 gallon tank and I really don’t want another freshwater tank. I was wondering what kind of tang or herbivore you all would recommend for algea

[@BRStv]

20 gallons is a bit too small for a tang, but definitely take a look at blue tuxedo urchins. Super cool creatures and algae eating machines!

[@mathew-street]

#9. You WILL need an ATO (Auto Top Off) Unit/system. Just too hard to keep up with the evepaeration. Only top off with RODI water as salt does not evaporate.

[@kevinpitzer]

Clean up Crew with Tangs....What if you are starting a 20 gal with a 11 gal sump? What would you recommend for this?

[@BRStv]

Algae blenny and/or pincushion/blue tuxedo urchin are all great options!

[@kevinpitzer]

@@BRStv Thank you for the response.

[@newandy24]

I’m starting my first saltwater tank but my only hang up is I’m supposed to move in 9 months. Should I just wait or can I get it going and successfully move the tank with having major issues?

[@BRStv]

Ultimately, it really depends on how far you're moving and how big of a tank you're setting up. If you're moving across town and setting up a smaller 10-20 gallon reef, it's a lot more manageable.

[@Tommy81.519]

Should I leave my filtration off when starting a new tank and using microbacter startxlm?

[@BRStv]

Brightwell suggests to remove filter socks, turn off UV or ozone, and also turn your skimmer off until your cycle is complete and you're no longer dosing the product

[@Fishaddict1970]

Can you use freshwater bio to cycle salt water ?

[@Arborpress]

You need saltwater bio. Fritz Aquatics has turbo start for saltwater cycling.

[@fletchlives1812]

The guy in the cap could really be Dr Steve Brule.

[@Va4444]

I wouldnt suggest tangs for a some one new, because most of the time people's first tank is too small for a tang. A good one would be a blenny. Best one be lawnmower blenny

[@crazylikeafox1000]

Can you sculpt live rock?

[@BRStv]

Some rock types are easier to modify than others. I think you'll like this video, which is all about creating a custom aquascape using the Marco Rocks kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmjPkH-IocSemdk

[@ce6311]

Is it okay to go bare bottom on a tank after I’ve had the media, 20lbs of rock and equipment running on another tank for a year? My plans to cover it in coral anyways

[@BRStv]

If you're starting with established rock, the chances that you're going to have issues going bare bottom are much less. Since this next isn't your first tank and you probably have learned a thing or two from your current system, going bare bottom is worth considering. Overall, the advice of a bare bottom being more work in that first year or so still applies.

[@ce6311]

@@BRStv great. It’s a weird shaped tank (sits in corner with bow front) so I’m thinking bare bottom means I can get a power head blowing across the bottom to mitigate dead-zones in the deep corners . Thanks a lot!

[@briankavanagh7191]

Hi BRS what's your thoughts on natural seawater, good or bad.

[@BRStv]

This is an older video, but even after a few years, our thoughts remain largely the same. Pollution is going to be the biggest concern, so as long as you have access to a clean source, it can be an attractive option. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3bRdpR6raaCjKs

[@briankavanagh7191]

@@BRStv Thank you.

[@o7hero114]

i have one its you and the tank behind u lol i want that

[@mathew-street]

#6. Don't take the word of anyone that works at your Local Fish Store (LFS). They are in the business to sell, even if they are wrong.

[@ande5460]

Better advice would be to find a fish store that knows what they are talking about and want you to be successful.

[@icazuchi]

TIP No. 1: "you're going to spend MONEY... lots of MONEY"

[@あらふですあらふ]

Nope in Bangladesh I can setup a whole marine tank under 8k - 800doller Sea sand ( blue treasure) = 350tk per kg (3.5doller) Sea salt ( blue treasure) = 400 tk per kg ( 4 doller) Blue uv light= 550 taka ( 5.5dollerl) Live stone = 400taka per kg (4doller ) Anti bacterial medicine= 600 taka ( 6doller ) Coral per frags = 500-3000 taka (5-30 doller) Clown fish = 200-1000 ( 2-10 doller ) Hermit crab = 500 taka (5 doller ) NOW FOR THE SUMP ceramic balls = 75 taka per kg ( 0.75 doller ) Protein skimmer ( homemade) = 500 taka (5 doller ) Submersible motor = 300 taka ( 3doller) Pipe= 20-90 taka ( 0.20-0.90 doller ) Filter sock = 60 taka ( 0.60 doller ) AQUARIUM 3FT = 2200 TAKA ( 22 DOLLER ) SUMP TANK= 1200 TAKA ( 12 DOLLER )

[@njjeff201]

Are Tangs still available? Hawaii has stopped Yellows. Anyone else selling them @affordable $$$?

[@BRStv]

There are some out there, but with the recent ban they are more difficult to find at prices they were before.

[@njjeff201]

@@BRStv TY. Maybe I’ll go for seahorses & pipe fish

[@o7hero114]

tank at 14 36 is my goal .

[@lemon2125]

why do you not sell waterbox tanks?

[@BRStv]

We used to sell the Waterbox tanks a few years ago, but availability was a problem. Absolutely nothing against their tanks; they're great tanks.

[@andrewsebourn8956]

Hey y’all I need your help I had this orange stuff all over my sand and so I did a water change to get rid of it and a couple days later it’s back and I don’t know why I’ve had this tank since the end of December

[@andrewsebourn8956]

Could it be that I don’t have a protein skimmer?

[@BRStv]

Hard to say for sure, but I would suggest looking up diatoms to see if that's what you're dealing with.

[@andrewsebourn8956]

@@BRStv turns out I it was Cyanobacteria from over feeding and I am using a red slime remover product that the fish store recommended

[@JaspalSingh-nm7nh]

Plz setting your light hydra 26 in my tank plz randy help and plz draw graph our setting your light plz

[@BRStv]

Check this setup video out. It covers a ton of good information on the Hydra 26 with some recommended settings and tons of PAR data. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqmyaYOGbJWoaM0

[@mathew-street]

#5. Buy the best, name-brand light(s) from day one. Don't skimp, even if the lights cost as much or more as the aquarium.

[@ce6311]

No. Know what you want to keep. If it’s sps or lps corals then you may want a expensive light. If you’re keeping fish or soft coral then you can save some money there and invest in something better for your setup.

[@mathew-street]

@@ce6311 Ya, I know someone like that, and then you go to their house and they have a frag rack and don't understand what everything is not going well as they thought I would only do fish

[@ce6311]

@@mathew-street I have a 170$ light that I’ve had for 3 years with corals under it. All the corals do great and I never had to spend 2k on led lights

[@ce6311]

@@mathew-street I also buy all my coral from a guy on kijiji who grows them all under the same light as me. Viperspectra which is technically a black box design. He has a plate coral that covers the bottom of a 120 gal. I haven’t tried any high priced sticks under it, but monti caps, zoas, nems grow like weeds under it

[@akvasvet]

☀️ 👍 ☀️

[@esteradinica8277]

Be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight or else you might get a algae breakout.

[@Herwaa]

❤

[@reefingbliss2354]

Why is it ok for you to say “first beer after work” yet I can’t ask a question on FB about cannabis smoke and fish tanks?

[@ce6311]

It’s safe. Looks nice with thunderstorm settings also

[@MTXCraze]

i press rosin and smoke(herb) in the same room I make my salt water. I also have a air stone running because i need aerate my RO before the DI stage, its gotta be sucking in something, been doing this about 2 years without any issues. if you run carbon in your tank you should be fine. i wouldn't worry about it. although I have had problems with candles and those wax burners.

[@atheplummer]

Tang's are your best friend... LOL, Those things are going for $400.00 US now, since Hawaii closed down fish collections..

[@BRStv]

The good news is that not all tangs come from Hawaii. Many bristletooth tangs, for example, are harvested in places like Indonesia and go for less than $100.

[@atheplummer]

@@BRStv With the current price of Yellow's, it makes my favorite.... A purple much more 'affordable'.... That's next on the fish list..

[@Waynerock77]

One of the best things I tell people is if you bust your ass in the first year every year after that is going to get easier and easier

[@mathew-street]

#3. Only use lLIVE Rock and you may need to also dip the rock with Coral Dip. (recommended) Don't buy the white dry rock, it will cost you way more in time and money over time.

[@mathew-street]

#1. It will cost $100 a gallon for a reef tank or more.

[@debbiehudgens4407]

My fish stores was my worst nightmare for information 😢

[@TomM-hv6ui]

First!!!

[@tiff7436]

I'm so overwhelmed that I keep putting off filling my tank with water

[@BRStv]

With all of the info out there, I could understand why you'd feel that way! We have a series called the 5 Minute Saltwater Aquarium Guide that I think you'd find very helpful. Quick, straight to the point videos with less theory and more direct advice. If you follow the steps in that series, I'm confident that you can do this! kzbin.info/aero/PLBaMLrfToJyxJ1PuJZwhkxvvdFP14eV_t

[@jeff9062]

I'm the opposite of get the biggest tank possible... The reason is simple, smaller is cheaper. Big mistakes cost less, fewer things die. Yes things will die, this said. Smaller is easier on almost all areas of this trade, easier to move or get rid of. Once you master a smaller tank, then you know a lot more about the hobby spending much less on mistakes.

[@njjeff201]

I think smaller the tank the higher the failure rate

[@jeff9062]

@@njjeff201 I've heard people say that, but some of my best tanks have been 20-60 gallons.

[@njjeff201]

@@jeff9062 That’s great. You obviously have the knowledge & know how. I’ve heard people say if you ever lose power in the winter large tanks won’t drop as fast as smaller & of course any diseases makes smaller tanks more vulnerable.

[@jeff9062]

@@njjeff201 It's funny how some tanks just refuse to go right, and all tanks are completely different. I'm working on a 200g now and it's kicking my butt, financially and mentally...

[@cemsayar9884]

You talk too much, but people want visuals, don't you understand?

[@andrenewcomb3708]

Make sure you live in a neighborhood where the 'good' people won't visit when you're not there.

[@dobermanguy9437]

Back in the day in the 80s they would never help you out they were just try and sell you a fish and hope that fish would die so you come back and buy another one🤣😂

[@platinumstudiosentertainment]

Excellent video, but it would've been much better with showing how to set up a tank instead of just talking about it. A lot of time wasted waiting for this to happen on your video upload.

[@MomboJumbo]

Did anyone get a BRS ad before the video lol.