10 gallon Reef Tank: Water Changes and Maintenance Tips. Saltwater Aquarium Tips, No Skimmer

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for 10 gallon Reef Tank: Water Changes and Maintenance Tips. Saltwater Aquarium Tips, No Skimmer

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Kris' yard service - 6 years ago

During my cycle do you recommend have light on or off or both? And if I start getting diatoms what do you recommend?

MASS Aquariums - 6 years ago

Light off until you have corals. Diatoms will go away with time

Shane Fernandes - 6 years ago

Not a good idea to replace so much of the water, secondly shaking up the substrate is not necessary at all if you have a sump. Use good bacteria for the nitrates.

MASS Aquariums - 6 years ago

All true but if it works don’t mess with it

Kris' yard service - 6 years ago

Hey, would this circulation pump be enough for a 20 gal long or would I need the next step up?

MASS Aquariums - 6 years ago

Should be perfect

Jay marin - 6 years ago

Hey why is the top of the tank always open , and theirs no lid on most peoples tanks , is there a reason for that ?

mylyingeyes - 6 years ago

I like to let my fish jump out onto the floor. Wasting money if fun. (sarcasm)

MASS Aquariums - 6 years ago

Light penetration. I like a glass top to help with evaporation

Lyndee Ortega - 6 years ago

So use a aquaclear 50 fora ten gallon?

MASS Aquariums - 6 years ago

Yep

Anonymous Anonymous - 7 years ago

Am i the only one thats bothered by him leaving the tank half empty while talking? When i drain mine for a w/c i immediately refill. Coralline exposed to air too long will die, also you smell that oceany smell when you drain, and I think that is bacteria dying.

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

+Anonymous Anonymous it's fine for the tank and if you're smelling that there might be something wrong with your tank

ParaTimbre - 7 years ago

Do you have to heat the new water or can you just touch and feel to see if the temps are identical? Also, can you make as much water as you want in advance? For example, can I make 10 gallons of saltwater for a whole month, put a heater in there are use it whenever I need it? Won't it evaporate and raise salinity if it's left in the bucket? Thanks for your videos. I'm new to this saltwater thing lol

ParaTimbre - 7 years ago

Also what is the point of a powerhead when mixing salt? Is it just to make sure there is gas exchange or just for mixing the salt? I noticed in your water change video you just a had a heater but no PH.

ParaTimbre - 7 years ago

Thanks man. I was wondering about it the whole day yesterday lol. Now in terms of stocking, I'm thinking 2 clowns, a fire shrimp or an emerald crab or a hermit crab, and a royal gramma or a fire goby. Would this work or would I have to remove one of the clowns? I see you have 2 clowns and an invert.

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

+ParaTimbre I make all my water well in advance and store it in 5 gallon buckets with the kids on. I make 40-50 gallons. You can also make it in big brute barrels. I store it in my basement and when I need to do a water change I just drop a heater in a bucket and it's usually heated to the exact temp in 30 minutes. You can store the buckets sealed for a long time. Months even. Then heat a bucket when you're ready to do a WC

ParaTimbre - 7 years ago

I've decided to buy another 5 gal bucket, 50 lbs of sea salt, a floating thermometer, 25 W heater, and a powerhead(800 gph) to prepare for water changes for a 10 gallon tank. Is this enough?

starwind aquariums - 7 years ago

thanks for the tips

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

+starwind aquariums you're welcome

El's Cichlids - 7 years ago

When some of your water in your aquarium evaporates do you add saltwater or just RODI water?

Dyn4mic Universe - 7 years ago

I dont have my tank on my channel, but I do 20% water change every 6 months... You dont need to change 30% a week...

El's Cichlids - 7 years ago

10-4 thanks guys I check it everyday other day and just add RO DI water then every Monday I do a water change about 30 % since it a 10 gallon, check out my update guys

Stoned Savage - 7 years ago

El's Cichlids & Reef bad bad bad idea your salinity would go through the ceiling :)

Johnny Aloe - 7 years ago

Just RODI, when salt water evaporates - the salt is left behind in the aquarium xD

10. comment for 10 gallon Reef Tank: Water Changes and Maintenance Tips. Saltwater Aquarium Tips, No Skimmer

brian hale - 7 years ago

Hey I have a protein skimmer on my 10gal nano reef tank. and 2 snails and a strong clean up crew. I see no algae, this skimmer pulls so much junk out. should I water change once a week? I havent for a week and a half. and how much % should I take out? and is it fine if i mix the saltwater day of w/ hot water and wait for it to cool to 79 then bang?

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

Yeah sounds good. 2.5 gallons every two weeks

noah shaw - 7 years ago

Hey mike i have my 29 gallon nano reef with softies and about 7 fish,how many gallon of water or % of water should i take out a week?

noah shaw - 7 years ago

Ok thanks mike

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

I would do 5 gallons

Sam B - 7 years ago

hey Im from and living and mass check out aquatic treasures but there is a guy in the back that is a separate coral guy tell him sam sent you the has great prices. (Hammers and frogspawn frags are always $10

Jose Morey - 7 years ago

thanks for the video!

Sam B - 7 years ago

MASS Aquariums are you in mass because I know a amazing coral guy everything is cheap and healthy

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

+ReptiReefer yes I live in MASS

BB's bb's - 7 years ago

love that tank with the clown fish. P.S. would like to buy a ( My Aquarium Box Cap, that your wearing...do you sell them?, cuz would like one

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

Thanks

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

Not yet. We are launching merchandise soon

FirstUPdaGREAT - 7 years ago

I have a question (or a few, sorry lol) that's been bugging me. I have everything I need to start my 20 long. Just need r/o water. Everything in my tank will be new. Live sand, dry reef rock. I have six 5 gallon buckets, so I'm guessing I have to mix my salt in each bucket at the right salinity level? Or can I pour in 20 gallons or rodi water into my tank, pour salt in and mix into my tank all at once? Question 2: I get when topping off water, you use regular rodi water. But when I do a water change, (5 gallon a week perhaps?) I add salt to my 5 gallon bucket and a heater to match my tanks temp. Do I need to buy 2 heaters? 1 to keep in tank and 1 for water changes? Sorry I know it's all simple water changes but I just want everything to get done right and efficient lol

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

Yes to all. Mix all your water in buckets and match salinity. 1.024-1.026. Need 2 heaters

Nicholas Fioravante - 7 years ago

Wtf is wrong with ur camera

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

No clue dude

Julia Lynn - 7 years ago

How do you recommend dealing with the evaporation? I feel like every other day my salinity levels are through the roof because it.

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

A glass top will help. You can buy an ATO as well.

Marcus Moscoso - 7 years ago

what was your light schedule for the Zoomed LED on this tank? how many hours of white and how many hours of blue?

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

Yes. Afterward

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

In your filter I would use the sponge, Chemipure and a polyfilter pad

Marcus Moscoso - 7 years ago

and then polyfilter when i add fish after tank cycles

Marcus Moscoso - 7 years ago

OK, so correct me if i'm wrong, 6 1/2 hours White + Blue daily. Also, you're recommending not using the "media" activated carbon? Because a bag was sent with purchase of the Aquaclear filter along with a bag of biomax. Just making sure I understand, I use chemipure in place of these two things? thank you for the additional help it's much appreciated.

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

It's all white and blue in this tank. You can't set separate times for either one. 6 1/2 hours total.

20. comment for 10 gallon Reef Tank: Water Changes and Maintenance Tips. Saltwater Aquarium Tips, No Skimmer

Larry Barry - 7 years ago

bare bottom way too go

Anonymous Anonymous - 7 years ago

I strongly agree. I'll never have substrate again. It is better in every single way.

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

My big tank will be BB

Andrew Trinh - 7 years ago

I just started my 16 gallon tank and when should I do my first water change and how often after that? every 2 weeks?

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

After the tank is cycled and then I do mine every 7-10 days

Justin Cole - 7 years ago

I was under the impression that the live rock provides all of the biological filtration in a reef tank. Do you just have the HOB filter for mechanical filtration?

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

Nope. That's where your BB colonizes

Justin Cole - 7 years ago

MASS Aquariums and is that only because this aquarium doesn't have a protein skimmer? (Thanks for the quick response!)

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

Yep. Exactly

JK-Aquatics - 7 years ago

Hey Mike, thanks for the nano reef series. i have started my nano reef tank. its a 15g tank. no corals yet but those are coming soon. things are going very well so far. you series was very helpfull, and made the transition into saltwater easier than i thought it would be.

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

Awesome. Good to see you around.

Chandler Mcelhaney - 7 years ago

freshwater is getting board

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

I heard that. Go for it

KurtLawrence M. - 8 years ago

How do the corals stay alive !!? Unlike fresh water plants

KurtLawrence M. - 8 years ago

For what is skimmer ?

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Removed organic waste

KurtLawrence M. - 8 years ago

I dont know what is the skimmer....

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Huh

Lauren Kesecker - 8 years ago

How much was your reef structure and where can I get one?

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

About $40. Life rock from Carib sea

NICK W - 8 years ago

How do you know much salt to mix with you water and then put it in the tank

MASS Aquariums - 7 years ago

You follow the directions on the salt you buyamdlet it sit. Use a refractometer to measure

Donald Trump - 7 years ago

NICK W they say its 1cup of salt for every 1.5 gallon of water.

noah shaw - 8 years ago

With the aquasun ho 18 inch,do you have to keep white and blue leds on for 6 -8 hours to grow corals or just the white leds.

noah shaw - 8 years ago

can u send me a link to were you bought it from.

noah shaw - 8 years ago

Ok thanks

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

You can just use whites

30. comment for 10 gallon Reef Tank: Water Changes and Maintenance Tips. Saltwater Aquarium Tips, No Skimmer

Anna Metlow - 8 years ago

do you syphon your tank

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

I do

Sunil George - 8 years ago

Do you use the AC 50 mod for your AC 50

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

What's that?

Sly Fox - 8 years ago

50% every Monday?

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Awesome. Thanks

Sly Fox - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums thanks bud, I'm enjoying the videos haha helping my start up marine/reef experience go really smooth

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

*heat

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

I just hear up a 5 gallon bucket of water and change it out.

Sly Fox - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums but 50%? does it matter how much water is changed or as long as water is changed?

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Once a week yes

Sly Fox - 8 years ago

sorry dude. thanx tho!

Sly Fox - 8 years ago

how often? every Monday you said? just on nanos or all?

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Just on my nano

David Jave - 8 years ago

@Mass Aquariums I just got a small tank i would say 3 gallon. It came with 2 sea horses and two filters. Im completely new to this and the old owner is now hospitalized and im 100% LOST. first question; Ive measured the sea level with instant ocean hydrometer and the prefered gravitiy is 1.020-1.026 when i tested my water it reached to the top completely at a 1.032. Is this a danger for my sea horses, if so how can I fix this? In relation to my first question I just came back from buying instant ocean sea salt and Im ready to make more water or even an entire new batch BUT at the store the worker told me if i wanna change the water or tank I have to let the new sea water sit for atleast a month for bacteria to build. Therefor my question is, What is the proper way to make this salt water and do I actually need to wait ? My third question is, I have a aqua clear power filter hanging on the side of the tank, Im aware that this is to filter the water now my concern is that I also have a chill solution csxc-1 the only question I have is at what temperature should I set it as, I recieved it at 48 but considering the fact that the salt level seems to be off Im concerned if perhaps the temperature might be as well. Last question; 4) It came with an led light that goes over the tank, is it neccesary for the light to be on all around the clock ?

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Add RODI water to the tank to drop your salinity and you can use saltwater immediately after you mix it. Light is not necessary at all. 6-10 hours a day is fine for you to view the fish

David Jave - 8 years ago

Im desperate for answers, if anyone can help me out. Please comment

Yoshukai Tony - 8 years ago

Ok gotcha u

Yoshukai Tony - 8 years ago

I'm running the two little fish phosban GFO how long does it last ? I hear every 4 month but don't know it's true or not

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

I go every 2-3 months

Yoshukai Tony - 8 years ago

gotcha you thanks

Yoshukai Tony - 8 years ago

did you dose any bufer to keep your PH and how you keep the desired PH

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

I do not. Crushed coral as substrate keeps my ph up and the salt water mix

Lgndsnvrdie02 - 8 years ago

I do 5 gallon changes weekly and now all my zoa's stay closed for majority of the week and start opening up again days before the next water change. Could it be that I'm changing to much? Seems like all my zoa's don't like the clean water. It all seems strange to me, but I think they like the dirty water!

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Try doing it every other week

funnymakeslifesunny - 8 years ago

Is it safe to do 50% waterchanges for a 40B reef once a week?

John Munoz - 7 years ago

funnymakeslifesunny it is safe but youre getting rid of to much aged watter 10% weakly is what you need not 50 wasting to much mix if youre doing 50

funnymakeslifesunny - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums Thanks for the quick reply.

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

I wouldn't do 50% weekly. One it's over kill, two it may be too much parameter swing for the tank and three it's a waste of RODI and salt. It will cost more money when 20%-25% is perfectly fine. Maybe do a 50% once every couple months.

Yoshukai Tony - 8 years ago

do you have a video out there of How to do water change on salt 40 gallon reef tank???

Yoshukai Tony - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums ok thank you

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Yes. Use salt water to do WC's and RODI water only to top off from evaporation.

Yoshukai Tony - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums sorry for ask I'm new on this hobby.

Yoshukai Tony - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums oh ok I'm asking because if I do that do I have to mix Ro water with salt to put in the tank to refill it ??

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Same way as this tank and yes I do have that video

chelseacarefree - 8 years ago

I find that my 6 gallon reef likes 2 smaller water changes a week rather than one big one.

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

I may try that.

RED DEAD PSYCHO - 8 years ago

This is my first salt water tank. Can I use tap water? Or what water should I use. How do I treat the water before putting in tank? I have all the equipment but haven't filled the tank with water because this is the part I'm scared of. I am a poor college student so is there any cheap method

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Only for tap

RED DEAD PSYCHO - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums one last question with that water do I still put prime in it or was that only for tap water?

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Do t use tap water if you can help it. Buy RODI from a LFS if you can. If you must use tap which you definitely don't want to treat it with Seachem Prime

Alvin Ryan Yu - 8 years ago

Nice video and tank. Question about aqua clear 50, is the chemipure blue is sitting on the middle and the poly filter is on the top of the media? And of course the sponge is in the bottom? Thanks please response

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Sponge, PolyFilter, ChemiPure. No media

Abhijeet Dutta - 8 years ago

nice video bro.. really liked ur ways of explaining things so clearly. good job..

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Thank you. Appreciate it

Lgndsnvrdie02 - 8 years ago

Hope your a Sox fan?

Lgndsnvrdie02 - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums Nope, born and raised in the Burgh! You'ed be surprised how many sox fans around here. But then again, can find them all over the country. Something magical about that city, team and certainly Fenway!! Go Sox

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Awesome. Do you not live in MASS

Lgndsnvrdie02 - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums I've been up there I think around 13 times, 12 to see the dropkick murphys st paddys shows, and been to Fenway once for a game. My man room is wall to wall Red Sox. Love the team, love the city!

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Of course.

Lgndsnvrdie02 - 8 years ago

What kind of salt mix do you like to use, and do you dose for calcium and alkalinity? I use reef crystals, 5 gallon changes every week and it seems like my calcium and alkalinity are always at the minimum or lower side when done!

hector ortiz - 8 years ago

Nice nano reef tank im taking the big jump into saltwater thanks for your videos really helpful

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Thank you. That's awesome. You'll love it.

Craig Gillott - 8 years ago

yo I wanna send a video of my tank and eponymous for idea and stuff how do I post it

Craig Gillott - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums
sent request

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Put it up on my Facebook group

Craig Gillott - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums
I have a 3 foot fish tank of various fish plecs and cat fish and others but I am after ideas on how I can make it better and maby look better. I can make a video but don't no how to send it to get ideas

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Not sure what you mean

50. comment for 10 gallon Reef Tank: Water Changes and Maintenance Tips. Saltwater Aquarium Tips, No Skimmer

SusanneAyotte - 8 years ago

Turkey Baxter blast.

calikid 831 - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums im new to reef keeping i have 5 month old reef with coral my display is good lpw maintenance look at my videos i have a qt also i subscribe look into my video thanks

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Yep

mark garcia - 8 years ago

Mike , just got my aquarium box and the magnetic corner frag rack roxs! I've placed corals on it and it has added a brand new dimension to my coralife 29, thanks!

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

That's awesome. So happy you liked that addition.

Maurice Aquariums - 8 years ago

Hey Mike great to see you, great tips as usual. I almost forgot what you looklike brother :D

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Haha. You need one

Maurice Aquariums - 8 years ago

Wow Mike I have to be like you when I grow up :D Hopefully I'll be moving soon myself and I get a fish room :D

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

All good. Moving to a bigger house and my new boy is 2 months now.

Maurice Aquariums - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums aww Mike she's a cutie pie getting big and is 3 months now. Doing a lot. How are things on your side? I see tanks are looking very well, how's the family?

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Haha. Long time Mo. How's the baby.

James King - 8 years ago

good video bro. tank looks great.

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Thanks James.

Budget Reefing with Alex - 8 years ago

Great tank buddy!! Love your informative videos

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Thank you

Fish Behind Glass - 8 years ago

Great vid. Interesting tips. Could use a couple of those ideas in my planted tanks.

RAD Aquatics - 8 years ago

Good tip about blasting the hardscape with the syringe. YO HOOK ME UP WITH A HAT!!!! .....please.....can I have one in my May MyAquariumBox?

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Ok. I'll message you when I order some stuff

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

+RAD Aquatics haha. Thanks. I'd love to bro and I know you're local. We aren't selling merchandise yet but if you PayPal me hat plus shipping I may be able to order one for you.

Noah Moore - 8 years ago

I find it awesome how you do what most think is impossible for a 10gal SW tank

Noah Moore - 8 years ago

No problem! Any time! Oh thanks. There aren't that many Noah's in the world :P

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

+Noah Moore thank you. Great name. It's my 2nd son's name.

pelphrey - 8 years ago

I use the MJ1200 to pump water back into my tank during water changes. I use the flow from the MJ1200 to spray my rock work and suspend all of the crap in my rocks. As soon as I turn the system on the junk runs through my filter sock and then I clean it a few hours later. I think it is great to you are consistently showing this tank and how minimal it truly is. Anyone can do this!

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

+pelphrey thanks bro. I love my MJ1200. I use it to pump water into buckets, mix salt water and pump water into the tank. Great pump

J B - 8 years ago

I should start doing that to my filters.. I just do the pads and stuff but I never work the internals over. Really good idea. Especially witht he added salt and what not the filters have a lot more dissolved solid to deal with.

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

+Jef B (808fishkeeper) you know it Batty

CityReefer - 8 years ago

Nice video and some great tips for smaller tanks. I'm going to take that syringe tip to clean my rock, as it may help with my hair algae problem.

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

+CityReefer it's a good tip. Gets all the shit you don't see

NYCity Cichlids - 8 years ago

Nice hat sir. Thanks for the tips.

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

+NYCity Cichlids thanks homie

CJ'S AQUARIUMS - 8 years ago

solid info! everything translates to larger tanks too... hows the response after a 50% water change?Swinging parameters are hell! I'm testing a theory on this and plan on making a video soon... surprised your still dropping vids when your about to move dedication lol

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Yeah. I Havnt figured out where in putting the tank yet.

CJ'S AQUARIUMS - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums priorities man... I moved my tank first got it setup them moved the furniture around where my tank was. But u will have a whole room to yourself... I had to negotiate a corner of the family room hahahaha

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Haha. Tanks are the last thing to go. Everything else is almost packed up

Skye Fuego - 8 years ago

thank you so much for this video, I just went to the pet shop and set up a 10 gl. salt water tank.

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

+Skyefuego awesome. You'll love it

Anthony's Malawi Predators - 8 years ago

pro tip: if your aquaclear is making a funky clunking noise take out the filter, get the motor, remove the impeller, and clean all the sand and gunk out. Should be smooth sailing from there

Anthony's Malawi Predators - 8 years ago

always the best info from the man the myth the Mass legend!!! I'd appreciate it if you guys go check out my 3 gallon picotope update I uploaded earlier today!

Dee From Brooklyn - 8 years ago

great minds think alike. . i just changed my water. . good thing about small tanks, quick water changes. . be careful of drastic ph shifts though. .

Home Aquatics Hobby - 8 years ago

Great tips man, amazing looking Clown Fish!

Ian Churney - 8 years ago

Quick question! im starting saltwater soon, and im getting a RO/DI unit but im not sure which one i should get? Thanks.

Ian Churney - 8 years ago

+MASS Aquariums thank you.

MASS Aquariums - 8 years ago

Get the 50gph one to start if you're going small.

Parker Mullen - 8 years ago

Great information once again! Keep the videos coming my man!

About 10 gallon Reef Tank: Water Changes and Maintenance Tips. Saltwater Aquarium Tips, No Skimmer

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