How to set up a Saltwater Aquarium

ADVERTISING

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »

RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

Shop now »

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

Shop now »

Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Shop now »

Most popular comments
for How to set up a Saltwater Aquarium

Live comments
Comments on YouTube

Oscar Garcia - 6 years ago

I would actually recommend waiting somewhere around a month for beginners to salt water for practice on monitoring salt levels, oh, temperature, etc. but I believe you need to wait at least 2 week at the minimum but fish are different depending what u want in there.

Russell Keith - 6 years ago

ok i put the salt and water in last. pour it in or what?

Fishyfredz 7e - 6 years ago

Pls sub to my channel

Will McCarley - 6 years ago

I have been reading through several of the comments and I am going to do my best in answering as many as possible. First, you always want to add your rock in the aquarium first because sand can be shifted over time by certain species like gobies. Your rock could possibly fall over and crack your glass. If you add live rock (rock that is freshly harvested from the ocean that has bacteria) instead of dry rock, you want to do this entire process in one go. This is because if the live rock goes too long without water, some of the helpful bacteria that cycle the tank may die. Secondly, there is lots of concern about saltwater aquariums being too expensive, but that is not necessarily true. Yes, it can put a dent in your wallet, but not if your stay away from the more expensive parts of the hobby. Coral is the most expensive part in my experience. I love reef tanks, but your fish do not need coral. I have seen tanks that do great with artificial props or just dry rock. Another thing that is expensive is the live rock. I DO NOT recommend live rock because you can turn dry rock (much cheaper) into live rock in a matter of a month while your tank cycles. The bacteria will eventually grow to the point where it can sustain fish. Live sand, on the other hand, I 100% recommend because it is only slightly more expensive than dry sand but adds lots of helpful bacteria to your tank that will help cycle it. The last thing I recommend people with a budget to stay away from is expensive fish. Some fish, like tangs, can come with a hefty price, when you can buy other colorful fish, like ocellaris clownfish, for only $20. I hope that many of you do make the decision to go saltwater. The maintenance is not crazy, but you will enjoy it much more.
P.S. Lights are an expensive part of the hobby. Powerful and expensive lights are only needed when coral is present, so if you do not have coral, a simple LED light will work fine.

FANTAIL - 7 years ago

how much is the pump do you need light for dryrock and do yoh needwave maker

Trippy Luckz65 - 6 years ago

And a decent light

Trippy Luckz65 - 6 years ago

FANTAIL fish like waves and some corals

Sumalatha Desai - 7 years ago

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Hi… Im madly in love with marine fish… but in India cost is too high… a 2 and a half feet tank with set cost you upto Rs.40k.. its too much… my cousin stays near beach and I prefer the natural water than artificial mixing. He will send me half a drum of beach water and salt from that…
Now I do have douts on how to handle it
1)my tank is 3 feet, 10mm glass.
2)if I add beach water into it. Do my fish stays happy?
3)do i need sump and other stuffs?
4) I need your help in sorting this out with minimal things with filters ..
5) what is sump and other skimmer etc…pls give me an idea is it required? If so how to setup. With minimal things.
6)what is the duration of the beach water that stays healthy in aquarium? When to change it?
7)if light is too bright (led) is it true that it generates algae into aquarium?
These agents making me angry with no proper information and guide.. pls help. I donot want to buy anythg from them exceot instruments.

The Canine Nutritionist - 7 years ago

Collectors douse the coral reefs with cyanide, which is ingested by the fish who live there, and as reported in Scientific American, “The resulting asphyxiation stuns some fish and sends others into spasms, making them easy to grab by hand or net.” Half the affected fish die on the reef, and 40 percent of those who survive the initial poisoning die before they reach an aquarium. Cyanide also kills the coral reefs themselves, and marine biologists rank it as one of the biggest dangers in Southeast Asian waters.

Nicole Giron - 7 years ago

Did I miss you putting in a filter?

M1ett1nen - 7 years ago

How much 10 galloon tank cost to keep alive per month

10. comment for How to set up a Saltwater Aquarium

Weston Smith - 7 years ago

How much did it cost in total

Mr.NiceGuy - 7 years ago

I added tap water to top off the tank :( the premixed saltwater in a bag didn’t come with enough for a 10 gal tank. Should i dump the live sand, rock, and water and go buy fresh saltwater? My fluval seameter is reading below the very bottom number.

Ooparks - 7 years ago

Whats the filter for? I thought reefs dont need filter?

rahul biswas - 7 years ago

Sir can u say please how much salt mix in 1galon water
I want to start a mini salt water aquaream

Marcel Simon - 7 years ago

rahul biswas different amounts for different salt

FUNNY SH#T - 7 years ago

i have to saltwater tanks and one is just coral when would i need to to eater changes on it

Espagan - 7 years ago

Can you add them all of them at ones . When I go to petsmart they told me to wait rocks to cycle for 2 months and one more thing to cycle which will take approximately 4 months in total for al of them to cycle

Wild Pets - 7 years ago

the rock isn't live because how can it be live if its dry?

Dodge Reyes - 7 years ago

Hi, could you list all the equipments you've used for this set up pls?

bar snack - 7 years ago

WHAT DO YOU MEAN FISH OR CORAL???? CORALS AND CLOWNFISH LOVE EACH OTHER

masieh mitra - 7 years ago

I love the layout of the rocks, how you positioned them in your tank. The size/proportion, composition, dept, cave, back space and surface & height for the corals to grow , that you have created are all very well done, in my opinion. It's difficult for most people to find the right balance.

20. comment for How to set up a Saltwater Aquarium

Daniel Vasquez - 7 years ago

Wondering how much did it cost you to get everything for the tank? Also is there a simpler way to make the perfect water for the fishes?

Spike - 7 years ago

Wait what gallon is the tank?

James Harden - 7 years ago

Never mind

James Harden - 7 years ago

You forgot about the water

James Dockery - 7 years ago

When you mix saltwater do you ever experience precipitation?

KM - 7 years ago

when you say add the rock on top do you mean an actual rock or Dwayne the rock Johnson?

Pesky Vrmt - 7 years ago

Dang! That RO/DI thing cost twice as much as the tank!

Kurnacopia - 7 years ago

I agree with some of the other guys here...this didn't explain anything. Add sand, add rock, add black parts, look at salt...bang here is the tank. Please redo and add some darn detail. I was looking for real info on complete tank creation...not highlights.

RICK LETT - 7 years ago

And no hydrometer?

Shane Henderson - 7 years ago

Great vid man! How has the HOB filter been working for you? I want to do basically the same type of setup with a 26 gal tank I have and have been kind of worried about how the filter will perform.

Liv Walters - 7 years ago

I have a fuzzy dwarf lionfish and I actually had to rescape my tank because he kept knocking over my awkwardly shaped live rock- so I have to do the rock first so the rock won't fall and kill my corals

30. comment for How to set up a Saltwater Aquarium

Shane Bell - 7 years ago

Shweeet

Cody Carr - 7 years ago

Hey, who makes the lightning?

KuteKem - 7 years ago

Cow fish/box fish are saltwater right?

inbedf - 7 years ago

ODI Unit is must? cant use tap water direct in bucket and mix ocean salt? Don;t want to spend money on that ODI unit, costly and space consuming.

WoLfGlam - 7 years ago

How much salt do you put in 10 gallon tank

Brian Geiser - 7 years ago

I am really thinking about creating some videos for beginners. It seems like there isn't as much info for beginner in videos as there could be.

Brian Geiser - 7 years ago

WoLfGlam hopefully by now you have your answer. There is a general rule of thumb but it is best to pick up a refractometer or the less favorable a swingarm hydrometer. Happy reefing!!!

Prasanna Gupta - 7 years ago

One of the simplest builds! So helpful .. thanks :)

Tony Russo - 7 years ago

Do you really need a filter for a saltwater tank

theBALLSIESTcat - 7 years ago

What about when you do water changes? Since you have to wait a month before putting in fish

Daynger Kat - 7 years ago

All those "umms" are killing me!

Pauline Cowell - 7 years ago

hi; l have brought biorb 105 liter; l want to turn it into a marine tank.l phone biorb ;but they were no help./saying phone a local fish shop.i did when I said it was a 105 biorb;the line went died; he then said wait he'll did you buy that for? could some who has turn the 105 biorb into a Marine tank please help me? pauline

Garbage Human - 7 years ago

a 10 gallon tank is VERY hard to maintain, and you need to top it off every week and do weekly water changes as well. For beginners, it would be better to start off with a 25-30 gallon. Also, tin cans? really? ew. no one wants tin cans on their aquarium.

Garbage Human - 7 years ago

I don't feed my fish every day.
Its to much work.

Brian Geiser - 7 years ago

You feed your fish once a day right? How much extra work is it really to dump some water in while you do so?

Garbage Human - 7 years ago

once DAILY?
buddy, people have a life outside their fish tanks.

Brian Geiser - 7 years ago

Amelia Donaldson top off every week? nah once daily at least. Gotta keep the S.G or salinity swings to a minimum.

Gatlingpea 123 - 7 years ago

I have a freshwater aquarium and want to switch to salt what is RODI water

adrian marquez - 7 years ago

Gatlingpea 123 reverse osmosis

trailsofdevil - 7 years ago

please tell me the names of the filters and equipment you have used here

Hector Carrasquillo Sr. - 7 years ago

Maverick. Caught ur video. I have a 10gl. ready to make it a saltwater tank. Right now it has freshwater with a filter, pump, heater, light. Could I turn the water into saltwater? I do have the small gravel on the bottom. What do you suggest?

Jeanette Donaldson - 7 years ago

also, why do you like having TIN CANS on your tank? for a vintage look? no one should have a tank like yours.

mouf - 7 years ago

Jeanette Donaldson He his, mister ego

Jeanette Donaldson - 7 years ago

first off, your like 18 and you still have a transformers poster in your room? second, you CANNOT maintain a 10 gallon saltwater aquarium unless your a pro. You don't sound like a pro.

Kareem Borrego - 7 years ago

Can someone help me out so i put the sand in first 50 lbs of it for a 50 gallon and it said in the instructions to mixxx the sand with the water very well i did that but now theres no sand on the floor its all gone did i do something wrong??

Click Bait - 8 years ago

Link to this shit

Kronos99 - 8 years ago

How much was the lights filter and other things inside the tank?

Bentley B - 8 years ago

so what chemical do I need to buy to make the water saltwater so it can be safe for saltwater fish, I'm converting fresh water to salt water

50. comment for How to set up a Saltwater Aquarium

Kyo Jane - 8 years ago

But you didn't show us anything about the equipment which is the part people struggle with. This was just a how to put water in your tank video. Oh well i hope your tank worked out nice.

ROHAN KUMAR - 8 years ago

which fish at present in your aqurium

Stevenn Brouwer - 8 years ago

this is an addicting hobby, watch out!

Moist and Squishy - 8 years ago

where to buy those sponge looking animals that look like alien tentacles that grow on the coral?

Jeanette Donaldson - 7 years ago

lol you mean anamones? everywhere.

Raman Thind - 8 years ago

Shi-Jie Michael Zhao. You can buy anemones or hammer coral. They both look like tentacles growing on a rock

Jesse Preciado - 8 years ago

how often do you do water changes

Mopar Is Cool And Chevy Not cool - 8 years ago

how often do you ad salt

xzinx - 8 years ago

i work in dialysis, and we have a big RO water room can i use that water?

Liam Ackermann - 8 years ago

When starting a new tank is it necessary to boost the ph? I understand reef tanks need a ph around 8.2 and given that RODI and distilled water is closer to 7, how do people combat this problem? Im starting my first system soon and this just came to my attention.

starkiller 86 - 8 years ago

How long was that live rock out of water?die off begins within minutes of being out of water

5yuser - 8 years ago

This video didn't explain anything. If I were to do the same setup and nothing else, is the livestock going to just magically do well? Out of 50+ factors that one should understand in maintaining a saltwater tank (even a freshwater one), this guy didn't even talk about the bare minimum like how much salt I should mix, when to add animals, or anything on maintenance. I got these equipment and now what? Just add fish and leave it alone? So do I need to feed the fish too?

Ben Jay - 6 years ago

Technically, the best way to figure out how to set up a saltwater tank is to learn from multiple sources. I have yet to find a single video or article that explains everything from tank to fish in one fell swoop.

Sciddly Boogly - 8 years ago

5yuser it says how much salt to mix on the salt pack. and this video was literally just about the equipment and preparing for fish.

Jeremey Persaud - 8 years ago

How many 4 inch marine fish would you suggest stalking in a 45 gallon tank clowns damsels firefish goby pajama fish

Posittron - 8 years ago

I am building a 180 gallon(7ft length) saltwater aquarium and I do not have space for a sump(the tank is gonna be under my 4K TV placed on the ground so no space for a Sump). Can I use two cannister filters (sunsun hw302) and a protein skimmer?

Bobby buck - 8 years ago

When u do water changes do u need to add salt again

Animalia - 7 years ago

Eyesick Aquariums What do you mean by real Salt water, do they sale saltwater?

Eyesick Aquariums - 8 years ago

or you can just buy real saltwater. and keep it at a good salinity level with fresh water every other day

Alex Heschuk - 8 years ago

Well yeah, otherwise after a few water changes you'd have a mostly freshwater tank

Bobby buck - 8 years ago

How much salt do u mix

starkiller 86 - 8 years ago

Bobby buck the instructions are on the box

Tyler Thib - 8 years ago

I have a 130g freshwater tank with three filters can I use them for a saltwater tank

Anna Metlow - 8 years ago

do i really have to cure the dry rock?

Garry Thomas - 8 years ago

Sir not every one will under stand what FOWLR stands for? For those that dont, it means fish only with live rock. No explanation of the nitrogen cycle? Poor quality explanation! if you would like to learn the correct way, ask questions on my facebook page. Salty reefers

Cj Res - 7 years ago

Garry Thomas I am looking for more info on the filtration airation right now. Any help would be appreciated

Pikartist 001 - 8 years ago

Chandria Tyler - 8 years ago

Best tank set ever!!!

Joey .A - 8 years ago

Can i just use saltwater?, and i had a freshwater aquarium and i want to change it ,so can I use the same filter or does have to be for saltwater??? I hope u answer thank you.

trailsofdevil - 7 years ago

which filter is used here ???

starkiller 86 - 8 years ago

Joey .A you can use the same filter just clean it out weekly

Joey _ - 8 years ago

Aren't you supposed too have a protein skimmer?

Sciddly Boogly - 8 years ago

Joseph Jones I think that may be for corals, I might be wrong though.

Mr Suited - 8 years ago

Do you have to feed the coral for the first month?

Miguel Vieira - 8 years ago

measures ?

wcdeich4 - 8 years ago

How much did all the equipment cost?

Max Marak - 8 years ago

I'm also wondering this! It's a super nice setup, but it seems like a ton of cash for an empty tank. Nevermind the RO water gear...

Jason Thompson - 8 years ago

how much would 40 pounds worth of live rock

Eden Frawley - 8 years ago

There is oxygen in water

jack shipley - 8 years ago

They filter the oxygen out of the water through their gills. Their gills basically act like lungs.

Eric Southard - 8 years ago

Did you say you had to let it cycle for a month?

SC Prepper - 8 years ago

Itll already have ammonia, you have to wait for the bacteria to establish. Adding bacterial supplements can help, butmitll still take time for the bacteria to actually settle down. You can technically add instantly, just monitor water conditions closely and dont hold back on water chamges.

Jiren The savage - 8 years ago

+SC Prepper cant i just make the process go faster by just adding ammonia like the regular ones they sell in the stores? i heard it works.

Eric Southard - 8 years ago

+SC Prepper thanks, it should be ready soon

SC Prepper - 8 years ago

yes, whether fresh or salt, all tanks need to cycle to establish bacteria. you can add additives to shorten the process, but it still takes a while. also, your rock will need to cure, if your using live rock. dry rock doesnt need to be cured, just cycled.

Adam B - 8 years ago

excellent video. thanks

Libby Baumert - 8 years ago

Can I use freshwater filter for saltwater

Tiny budgie - 8 years ago

Is it possible to use a hang on the back filter that is rated for 10 gallons in a 7 gallon tank?

Max Marak - 8 years ago

There's no such thing as too much filtration, only too little. The general rule of thumb is to take whatever the OEM says, and double it. :)

Juan Man - 8 years ago

Yes

victor olivera - 8 years ago

Excellent video. It help me a lot. Thank you.

Cartledge_ - 8 years ago

Do you need a pump for a 15 gallon tank???

Adam Tolin - 8 years ago

You need a pump for pretty much every tank

ryan gallagher - 8 years ago

my sand keeps fogging the tank every time i touch it

Nella Hussey - 8 years ago

what is each equipment used for

Bobby Boy - 8 years ago

how would you go from this to a reef tank.

Eden Frawley - 8 years ago

+Sydney Heim if you want a boost. Get a protein skimmer

Sydney Heim - 8 years ago

You start adding live corals (hope this helped)

Jesus Garcia - 8 years ago

what kind of lights did you use and how much did you pay for them.

Rotter Tube Reef - 8 years ago

good video. great for the beginner

Pierce S. - 8 years ago

How much money did all that round up to?

BlueMarlin - 8 years ago

Hi, is it ok if i don't get live sand or live rock or does something have to be live

Adam Tolin - 8 years ago

It's fine just not at pretty or "real"

injection6930 - 8 years ago

hi, i'm new to saltwater tanks. haven't started yet, but i'm knowledgeable with freshwater. could you just buy jugs of spring water and make salt water out of that instead of having that rodi unit?

Theo Colvin - 8 years ago

How big is the tank?

YADYAD 306 - 8 years ago

10 gallon.

Jennifer Trudeau - 8 years ago

and dude your rocks look boss

Jennifer Trudeau - 8 years ago

how much were your live rocks ?

Plants and Fish - 8 years ago

Really informative, thanks. Nice and quick too!

Hadrosaur838 - 8 years ago

I might as well make it look like the shallow water of hawaii

Eduardo Santana - 8 years ago

are those live rocks cured or uncured?

GummyBear Studios - 8 years ago

how much would it cost to make this + fishies

abdulaziz Khan - 8 years ago

somple and best ,,keep it up

Luna harmony 1987 - 8 years ago

Can I put a saltwater fish in a 5-6.5 gallon tank?

Sam Hawkins - 8 years ago

+Luna harmony 1987 30 should be OK for 2 clown fish

Luna harmony 1987 - 8 years ago

So.. I need a 20-30 gallon tank.... what if I want two (nemo) clownfish? What tank size would you say is best?

Sam Hawkins - 8 years ago

+Luna harmony 1987 Might be able to go smaller for 1 or 2 fish.

Sam Hawkins - 8 years ago

+Luna harmony 1987 Usually the least acceptable size for saltwater is 30 gallons

100. comment for How to set up a Saltwater Aquarium

Pyro Guy - 8 years ago

hi im starting my saltwater tank soon just a quick question what is the rodi unit

Sean Suokallio - 8 years ago

always wanted to do a reef setup but that 2 week to a month wait before you put fish in puts me off everytime. one day ill do it

Basel Melhem - 8 years ago

you can go with both , you can put reef and fish at the same time

Jake Pham - 8 years ago

whyd you put the "live" rock in without water?

Agario Clasher - 8 years ago

I'm starting a saltwater aquarium, but I was wondering where to buy the lights which you had in your video, Plus what lid for your tank did you use, nice tutorial bro

OPSBOYS - 8 years ago

please subscribe to me

sugar venus - 8 years ago

Pls must answer,

is it only need ocean salt?
Can i understand no need other ingredient ?

sugar venus - 8 years ago

Thank you for your reply,
How to increase and decrease (Nitrates and Ammonia)? Also how to test them, how much is work for water?

RedMoon Exotics / MantisDude101 - 8 years ago

No just use instant ocean and add the correct portion to the water and that will work. Don't forget to test for nitrates, ammonia and phosphates.

R e e f f r e d - 8 years ago

Like!!

Ron Jon - 8 years ago

Good info for beginners.

Luma III, Inc - 8 years ago

Very nice video!

jody gallant - 8 years ago

what about a protean skimmer

jody gallant - 8 years ago

I just did and wow lol

henry c - 8 years ago

Protein skimmers are not required but for what they pull out you may want to consider buying one

Fish Dude - 8 years ago

hello i have a question i Cycled my marine aquarium and i added fish just to tell you i waited until my amonia went high the back down same with the nitrites then nitrates were at like 20 ppm then added one clown fish and 8 crabs the my nitrite went higher what caused that???

Missy bansda - 8 years ago

Pure r.o.d. I. Water 1:33 ?

Jay Asuncion - 8 years ago

Thank you great video!!!!

cranky monkey - 8 years ago

any vids on lighting? and tank hoods etc?..i bought a naked tank, not sure what to cover it with...

Kaelin Claxton - 8 years ago

we're considering starting a small reef tank and have been doing a lot of researching on saltwater aquariums. one of the things I've seen a lot is a protein skimmer. Do you recommend one, or is it not necessary.

Rachel Dow - 8 years ago

There is a huge argument on this one. I know someone who tested it. They have been running tanks for 20 years and have one tank with it, and one tank without it. There seems to be no difference in the lifespan and the initial health of the fish. She even tried one for two years with a skimmer, then took it away to see what would happen, and nothing did. I haven't been doing tanks for 20 years, but my current tank is up and running for 2 years now and works perfectly fine without a skimmer. But it's a huge debate and you will get a different answer out of everyone. Most people at the LFS will say yes you need one to get you to buy one. But like I said, I know someone who runs one with, and one without with no difference. And I personally don't use one.

Varun m - 8 years ago

+Maverick Tide how much is the least amount of money required per month to maintain these salt water aquariums? assuming we have a 30 litre aquarium ,using the equipment and items you showed with 2 fish and some corals added?

Eden Frawley - 8 years ago

+Varun m I have 2 fresh water fish tanks and I haven't seen a big dent in my power bill. Very small

Varun m - 8 years ago

+Joshua Cortez But wouldnt using 1-2 Ocean mix every month ,water bill + electricity bill just for the aquarium make the maintanence cost to around 100-200 $ per month?
I havnt tried this hobby yet but considering it, so just trying to see what the running cost would be every month... if anyone is into saltwater aquarium hobby please let me know thanks.

Joshua Cortez - 8 years ago

+Varun m The equipment will run you $75-130+ depending on what size and what brand you get. For a 10-25 gallon it would be around $100. Water changes are easy so maintaining water wise would be like $2 a month if you use RO/DI water you make from the tap

fish lovers - 8 years ago

do you use skimmer

henry c - 8 years ago

No, you don't need a protein skimmer but for what they pull out you may want to consider buying one

Seth Calandrelli - 8 years ago

how much gallons would i need for 4 fish or even 3

Seth Calandrelli - 8 years ago

ok thanks

Joshua Cortez - 8 years ago

+Seth Calandrelli It depends on their size. It's usually 1 gallon per 2 inches of fish

Raphae Baetiong - 8 years ago

Does a 30-35 gallon reef tank needs a skimmer?

Mr. Thiccums - 8 years ago

+henry c True

henry c - 8 years ago

No, you do not need a protein skimmer but for what they pull out you may want to consider buying one

Mr. Thiccums - 8 years ago

If you want to build a sump yes.

ArkTiger4c - 8 years ago

If you live right by the coast can you use real sea water to start up a reef tank ?

RICK LETT - 7 years ago

You gotta pee a LOT to contaminate the ocean!

Eden Frawley - 8 years ago

+Ivan Kos you still don't know what is in the water

Ivan Kos - 8 years ago

yes but go to a wild beach

Cianan Mortem - 8 years ago

+ArkTiger4c Yes and no, yes theoretically, but no since you don't know what kind of contaminants are in there, like chemicals and human pee.

Kelvin Brookins - 8 years ago

Thanks for the video.... I always wanted a salt water tank

garretts91 - 8 years ago

If you can get good foundation rocks its best to add them before the sand so you can place them flat to the glass bottom of the tank. That's the most sturdy way to start off.

Cheesus - 8 years ago

How much was the live rock per lb?

Kanvaru - 8 years ago

+Cheesus don't ask me,Go check for yourself

Cheesus - 8 years ago

+iDecapZX Florida?

Kanvaru - 8 years ago

Depends on where you live,Where you buy it.

ross central - 8 years ago

Belle Sargent - 8 years ago

You have to wait a month???!!!

Sydney Heim - 8 years ago

Not if you buy certain products such as biospira. With these you can jump start your tank

cockneyb2k - 8 years ago

don't add no fish before you cycle the tank. meaning you have to wait for the good bacteria to grow first. other wish your fish will be vulnerable to stress and disease. not good.

Jose Duran - 8 years ago

Yes and you shouldn't add multiple fish at one time that's just how it is it's better to wait than to rush it and having to take it down after because it wasn't done right

heazy87 - 9 years ago

yo what leds are thos? I need ones for my reef

Maurice Aquariums - 9 years ago

This was a very educational and SIMPLE video stress on the simple because I've watched other videos and I'm afraid to do saltwater because they made it look so hard and technical, with testing and salinity (Blew my mind). Thank you for your great video

Sciddly Boogly - 8 years ago

Maurice Aquariums me too

Maurice Aquariums - 8 years ago

+Sciddly Boogly aww man yea. Blew my mind, but I have a better grasp of it all now.

Sciddly Boogly - 8 years ago

Maurice Aquariums yeah, something that also put me off is when they open the sump unit... just wires everywhere and a bunch of heavy equipment.

livie508 - 9 years ago

what would be the smallest tank you would recommend? I have seen 7 - 9 litre tanks designed for lone Beta fish, would that be suitable to set up for a small marine fish as a first attempt or would that be too small? (I have a 22 litre tropical tank with angel fish in so i am not new to fish keeping, only to saltwater fish)

livie508 - 9 years ago

ahh nice, hope it all goes smoothly

beating2 - 9 years ago

not sure but probably keeping my old plecs and clown loackes and putting some channa from old tank.

livie508 - 9 years ago

ah yeah, what fish you putting in there?

beating2 - 9 years ago

yah i just got 600l recently. i hope im not moving any time soon

livie508 - 9 years ago

i will probably end up getting one when im settled in a place and can leave room for a 90l tank or something

livie508 - 9 years ago

ok well right now im just researching, thank you for the advice :)

beating2 - 9 years ago

+livie508
Always get the biggest one you can afford and fit.

livie508 - 9 years ago

I am aware that small tanks aren't always suitable, however I spoke to my local fish supplier who is a hobbyist himself who seemed to know a lot about aquariums. I have a single angel fish and it is a small breed of them. I am just wondering as to what size tank would be the smallest that would be recommended as i would only have a clown or two with some small live rock, I don't have a large amount of space available so maybe a 30 litre tank would be the biggest I could accommodate

beating2 - 9 years ago

+livie508 not be to rude or anything but anything less than 25l should not exist..... and 22l is way to small for angel fish and more suited for a betta. just imagine yourelf stuck in a small 1x1 size toilet for a rest of your life.....

jsnipe99 - 9 years ago

how many gallons

Henry Bastian mason - 8 years ago

jsnipe99 10 gallons

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+jsnipe99 10 gallons

BIBARNI TV - 9 years ago

What do you recomend to make instant ocean water?

BIBARNI TV - 9 years ago

+Maverick Tide thanks for the nice answer

BIBARNI TV - 9 years ago

+Maverick Tide pardon, what is rodi

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+BIBARNI TV Buy instant ocean salt and mix it with a power head and a heater for a couple days. Make sure the water is rodi! Thats all

Benjamin Yeoman - 9 years ago

It's got too much war we in

BIBARNI TV - 9 years ago

It was breaking Itself

BIBARNI TV - 9 years ago

You know I have a 55 gallon aquarium

Ryan Saeger - 9 years ago

Can I just get live sand from a clean spot on the Jersey shore or is it too toxic? I live close to the beach.

Kanvaru - 8 years ago

Then again you can bring sand from the beach,The sand that's in the water.I used that sand to make an aquarium filled with the fish,rocks and stuff you can find in a lagoon.

Kanvaru - 8 years ago

I once brought sand from a reef.After everything was done,a When I added the fish.The next day.They were all gone.i found this weird shrimp eating my small fish.

In short.Its mostly a no no to bring sand from the beach/Reef.

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Ryan Saeger i wouldn't! Maybe its good maybe its not, you'll never know. Safe to always buy aquarium sand from pet stores. Thats what i would do.

masieh mitra - 9 years ago

its depends on the fish wether you should put the rocks first or the sand. Your methode is the best if you dont have fish that dig up the sand. But if the they do, they might scoop the sand away that is supporting the rock(angle) and thus cause the rocks to fall and even possibly break your tank.

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+masieh mitra your right, it does depend on the critters you'll have in the tank for the most part. This aquascape was intended for a basic beginner setup. For me it worked out great. I was only planning on getting a blue damsel and a couple small snails and hermits.

robertj668 - 9 years ago

Nice simple video to get a nice basic understanding. Well done.

BIBARNI TV - 9 years ago

Thanks a lot you are my close friend now

BIBARNI TV - 9 years ago

Can I use the food salt to make ocean water?

BIBARNI TV - 9 years ago

+BIBARNI TV maybe I would get the salt water by the bail at the sea

BIBARNI TV - 9 years ago

Thanks for concerns.

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+BIBARNI TV absolutely not! You'll kill everything in the tank. Food salt and aquarium salt are totally different. Ones for consuming thee other for your aquarium.

BIBARNI TV - 9 years ago

I have an aquarium as well

Nick Hayes - 9 years ago

is it possible to use a freshwater tank and filter for saltwater?

The Angry Gameing Banana - 7 years ago

The Tarsheir just dip it in bleach and rinse it first

VF6 - 8 years ago

idk about adding a dead coral

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Nick Hayes yup, just make sure you do weekly water changes to keep your parameters in check

TUC - 9 years ago

the lights are important saltwater aquarium ? @Maverick Tide

TUC - 9 years ago

+Maverick Tide Thanks ! :)

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Tuccoffe channel of course. Thats how most of the corals get there food. But i guess if you are setting up a fowlr tank (fish only with live rock) lighting isn't important. It depends on the set up.

D i m a - 9 years ago

live sand also speeds up the cycle

TheFishTank Doc. - 9 years ago

Nice tank. You don't need to wait a month for live rock to cycle. If you can get it under water quickly it might not need cycling, and your tank could be ready in 3 days, if you have zero ammonia.

Tommy rodgers - 7 years ago

TheFishTank Doc. G

TheFishTank Doc. - 8 years ago

Read my video on how to cycle a reef tank. (How to build a reef tank part 9)

TheFishTank Doc. - 8 years ago

+cockneyb2k Your live rock is your filter. So what filter are you talking about. You don't need any other form of biological filtration. You need mechanical filtration (a protein skimmer) and chemical filtration (a phosban/activated carbon reactor)

TheFishTank Doc. - 8 years ago

It is not just about the bacteria dying. If a few bacteria die then so what. It is about things like sponges and coralline algae dying. If life of the rock dies, then it could take days for your tank to cycle, and the nitrifying bacteria to eat the ammonia, and nitrite created by the dead matter. If nothing dies then you will get no ammonia spike and no cycle. You need to wait 6 days and test the water. If you have zero ammonia then your tank is ready. Often the a cycle happens, (the ammonia and nitrite spike going up and down) very quickly and you don't see it. The cycle could take a week or could take 3 weeks. The cycle is over when the ammonia reads zero. It is not just a case of waiting a month. Many companies that sell live rock over the net, and do over night shipping, claim you will get no die of. I have never go my rock over the net, so can't comment on this. I have on many occasions seen zero die of and no cycle (ammonia spike), when using live rock. There are a lot of myths and false information about live rock. It is more often than not, that your tank won't enter a cycle. If it always took a month to cycle a tank, then what is the point of buying live rock.

cockneyb2k - 8 years ago

+TheFishTank Doc. Using ready cycled rock lol when you buy rock and move it from one tank to another bacteria is going to die as water parameters are not the same from tank to tank. Any tank will not take 3 days to cycle no matter if your going to use ready cycled Rock or even additives. What about the filter.. That needs to go through the same process as the tank. It needs to build up bacteria and it don't take 3 days.

TheFishTank Doc. - 8 years ago

So many reefers like yourself don't fully understand cycling tank. That is why I make video to help new reefers out. See part 9 of my video series "how to build a reef tank" to learn more.
Basically if you are using ready cycled live rock and/or sand, then you don't need to cycle it again. The cycling process is just building up the level of bacteria. If you have ready cycled rock, then you already have enough bacteria, and so don't need to build up any levels.
You could add fish straight away, but the reason I say wait 3 days, is incase something on the rock has died in the moving process, and as caused an ammonia spike!!!.
Using live rock is basically skipping the cycling process. Waiting 4 or even 2 weeks, (unless you are going to feed the bacteria in some way, to increase the levels of bacteria) is a waste of time, and the expense of buying live rock.

cockneyb2k - 8 years ago

3 days I don't think so.. yes adding live rock live sand will help speed up the process but maybe 2 weeks. never will you cycle a tank in 3 days. filter needs to grow to other wise he will get a spike lol 3 days.

juan sanchez - 9 years ago

I just bought a 55 gallon this is the kind where is divided in to so I need 2 canister pump what type of pump do I need do I need 2 55 gallon pump or I can go small pump

Joseph Nassif - 9 years ago

where did you buy your lights from ?!?!

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Joseph Nassif ecoxotic

Due October - 9 years ago

Check out my tank tell me what you think! I am trying to have an amazing tank!

Luke Baldwin - 9 years ago

Thanks I wanna set up a saltwater tank

Delson Noche - 9 years ago

can i use a not live rock

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Delson Noche sure can

Laura Robinson - 9 years ago

Roughly how much did this cost you to set up, including all of the equipment, sand/rock, etc.?
Thanks!

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Laura Robinson around $400-$500

Mike Goldman - 9 years ago

Do you want a fish tank stand well here it is you can design it and we build it go on Craigslist and look up Custom Aquarium Stands! It will have a picture of a jumping fish and email us!

Rose Petals - 9 years ago

Please put a list of everything with the total cost

Saltwater Life - 9 years ago

do reef crystals only help the coral or does it also make the freshwater saltwater

Ian 64 - 9 years ago

how do you cycle the tank? Do you use a protein skimmer? I'm a n00b to saltwater and i am wondering if i should make a reef tank or a fowlr tank

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Ian 64 Cycle tank: add sand, rock and equipment. Let it run for a month or so, and thats how u cycle a tank. No protein skimmer. Start out with a Fowlr. Fish are a lot hardier then corals.

Ian 64 - 9 years ago

at 1:30 there appears to be water over the sand. Is it RODI water? Or is it regular tap?

Cjx0r - 9 years ago

+Maverick Tide I thought that was from the live sand you used?

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Ian 64 its rodi

Jerrod Bearden - 9 years ago

How much does a basic tank like this cost to set up?

Jerrod Bearden - 9 years ago

Thanks!! I decided on fresh water since its my first 10 gallon tank haha.Maybe somewhere down the road I'll do salt water!!

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Jerrod B around $400. Thats for the lights, tank, filter, heater, sand, salt, and live rock

Shibe Inu - 9 years ago

After putting together the tank what other maintenance is required to keep everything in place?

Shibe Inu - 9 years ago

+Maverick Tide Should I put the fish in another tank or something when I wipe the inside?

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Shibe Inu just weekly water changes. Scrub the filter cartages and wipe down the glass as well.

4thGloryMonday - 9 years ago

so how many hours would u recommend i have the lights going per day?

4thGloryMonday - 9 years ago

thanks man

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+4thGloryMonday 10hrs actinics and 8hrs whites

Cameron Campbell - 9 years ago

Do you not need a protein skimmer? I have one, and I'm not sure what to do with it / how to use it.

Lori Garcia - 9 years ago

Awesome video. than you :)

Steve Wrightson - 9 years ago

Very informative video, thank you for posting.

Prestige Reef - 9 years ago

Very useful for a beginner :)

Alan Gomez - 9 years ago

YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO WAIT A MONTH?
WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Kade Alber - 8 years ago

You really don't have to but you will have a high risk of killing the fish

hyun-Ae Pak - 9 years ago

+Alan Gomez Bio - spira 100 Ml if u use this u dont have to wait i never did and all my fish is fine and my tank marine shops will tell u know it cycles with fish

TrapCodes - 9 years ago

+Alan Gomez Just take live rock and water from another establish tank and you dont have to wait for that long

Tom Cichlid - 9 years ago

I wouldn't do that really, you wan't to be able to see that the cycle has completed otherwise you can't be sure. I've used those products once or twice but without seeing the cycled happen I won't add fish

Emmojo - 9 years ago

+Tom Cichlid There are products that are sold to allow people to go ahead and add the fish the same day.

Tom Cichlid - 9 years ago

+Alan Gomez Yes, it needs to cycle. If you just put fish straight in they will due from ammonia poisining

Wasim Imran - 9 years ago

+Maverick Tide how much all of this cost ! ??

Miss Lexy Lady - 9 years ago

I want to start a saltwater aquarium and I've been watching videos on how to do so. Now I have learned that aquarist do things differently from one another. I saw a man do exactly what you did here but he added fish immediately. Why does the water have to cycle? I've seen several videos in which thr fish were added immediately.

sentosahugo - 9 years ago

i just like hearing you say add lmao

sirderpsalot - 9 years ago

For live rock to remain 'live', wouldn't you need it to be kept submerged and not dried out like how it was in the box?

Nicky Bee - 7 years ago

sirderpsalot I wonder if it was submerged and for video purpose reasons he just put it in the box to show us and transfer it to the tank? I don't know how long live rock can be outside of water before it becomes dry rock though. Just a thought :) and different perspective on why it was in the box

Jorden Watkins - 9 years ago

Live rock is called live rock because of the life that lives within it and carries out the nitrogen cycle. He may have bought live rock, but when he dried it out and put it in a box he killed everything In the rock making it dry rock or dead rock. So for him to say he used live rock in the setup is incorrect. Hope this helps to clarify

Kendall Stenlund - 9 years ago

Indeed.

sirderpsalot - 9 years ago

Yeah, I guess it does look very natural/appealing

Kendall Stenlund - 9 years ago

Essentially yeah. The "living rock" (coral remains) and "living sand" (ocean floor sand) just look far more authentic for a mini-reef aquarium than other substitutes.

sirderpsalot - 9 years ago

Ah I see. Not to be rude, but if that is the case it sounds like a 'snake oil' product. Virtually all sand or crushed coral substrate will become established by living microorganisms over time.

Kendall Stenlund - 9 years ago

+sirderpsalot From what I understand, it's called live rock because its porous surface makes it an ideal place for a build up many kinds of marine microorganisms, which are an essential part of maintaining an authentic ocean environment, as they act as natural filters for all the nasties that build up in the tank over time. So no, the rock isn't alive when you buy it, but after a length of time it appears to become alive, so to speak.

Nic Aiuto - 9 years ago

i would love to know when your next update is coming out! i love your channel!

Bob Hutcherson - 9 years ago

What would be the best fish to start out with in a small salt water tank my first try at this ?

daveyyy89 - 9 years ago

when you have goby/sand shifting seastar, your rock will collapse if they dig the sand.

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+daveyyy89 thats why i don't have them.

Polo1126 - 9 years ago

I know its an old video and that you already addressed this, but I really think that the rock should be placed first. Sand can shift over time, and you don't want to end up with a small rockslide that can hurt tank inhabitants or crack the glass. This can be a greater risk if you're going to be keeping sand sifters like gobies. Other than that, great video and your tank looks great man!

TheAirborne65 - 9 years ago

Nice looking setup! good advise!

Martin Welters - 9 years ago

Nice scape

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Martin Welters thanks!

nhi tran - 9 years ago

where did he bought the lights :O?

ifeellike trickshoting - 9 years ago

what will i need to make the pure water?

ifeellike trickshoting - 9 years ago

Ok thanks!

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+ifeellike trickshoting a rodi unit. Its specifically designed to clean your tap water.

ifeellike trickshoting - 9 years ago

+ Maverick tide

FARM BOY REEF - 9 years ago

Nice tank man how long have you had it running.

FARM BOY REEF - 9 years ago

+Maverick Tide nice .. I will be waiting !!! Lol

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+FARM BOY REEF not going to say just yet...your just going to have to wait! Still trying to decide between 2 sizes so will see.

FARM BOY REEF - 9 years ago

+Maverick Tide very nice man ! How many gallons are u going for ?

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+FARM BOY REEF a year or so. Took it down though, planing on a much bigger build this year!

EssexAquariums - 9 years ago

I have recently been thinking of converting from Freshwater to Salt-water but I am wondering If I can use the same filter and heater I did with the freshwater tank. Will I also need to wait a month to add fish in or just a week?

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+EssexAquariums Sure thing! Thats what i did. The same filter (hob) and heater. Just rinse it really good. If you do weekly water changes pretty consistently you should be fine in not having a elaborate filtration system. I can say that because i went through that process myself and had great success!

RicksReef Updates - 9 years ago

I did something similar.The tank I have was freshwater.it is crucial to know wheter medicine was used in the freshwater tank.Most fish illness meds have copper wich is harmful to coral and invertebrates.The copper sinks in to the actual tank and over time,when you add your saltwater,seeps out.If no meds were ever used in this tank then you want to thoughroughly clean the tank and equipment in tap water and scrub with white house vinegar.I would not recomment the filter(if its a hang on back) for too long.Freshwater and Salt filtration differ greately.You want to let the cycle finish because the ammonia is deadly.Once the cycle finishes the water params are much more stable and you can safely add certain fish.Test kits will help deyermine to wait a week or a month.feel free to check out my new channel on Saltwater aquariums.

jeiry pena - 9 years ago

Is more difficult I think very expensive

hello there - 9 years ago

Haha very expensive indeed your mind would be blown when you see how much stingrays and sharks cost thats why i stuck with freshwater but next year im getting saltwater

Niikischannel - 9 years ago

Setting up a saltwater is not that difficult to set up. you can research the different types, but the main ones are fish only and fish only with live rock. there is also reef, but reef requires advanced knowledge and I wouldn't suggest it to newbies - if you have live rock, you have to get the reef light to keep the rock live however, you can do a fish only and use regular lighting and the fish will be easier to buy since you wont have to worry about reef eaters, only compatibility. some basic understanding of water quality, filtration, and general husbandry and you can have a great saltwater tank. again, I DO suggest at least a 55 gallon - you will find that the more water volume you have, the more stable your water parameters are. Don't forget to cycle your tanks people!!!

acbrooklyn723 - 9 years ago

I've never had a salt water tank but want one.. my question is do you have to wait a month to cycle the water or is there a faster way? Thanks

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+acbrooklyn723 every tank is different. Some tanks can be cycled in just 2 weeks other maybe 2 months! One month is just a good guide in setting up a sustainable reef. You wouldn't want to speed up the process. Patience is key with saltwater.

Nerf family Uk - 9 years ago

Good video

john yager - 9 years ago

What did you use on yur diy led's? I cant figure out what the supports on the sides are. Whare did you order them from?

Radiant Penguin - 9 years ago

Best recomended waiting a month on feburary

Niikischannel - 9 years ago

there are a lot of things wrong with this set up - it looks great right now, but give it a few months. The more water volume, thee more stable your parameters are going to be. I do not suggest trying to do a saltwater with anything less than a 55 gallon tank, and it should have a sump, not HOB's -

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Euphilliophile he just needs to learn more about nano tanks thats all.

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Ray Castillo so then why do u agree with niikischannel? In ur next couple of lines u just proved to him it can be done. WEIRD

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+Niikischannel
- few months have past niikischannel and the tank looks gorgeous!
- "The more water volume, thee more stable your parameters are going to be." (i agree with that statement)
- well i setup a 10 gallon reef tank which is less than 55 gallon and i had great success! i would suggest people to set one up if they are willing to learn some key stuff about maintaining a nano reef.
- Sumps are not necessary. yes there nice to have if u have a large aquarium but i have a small tank and a simple HOB filter with activated carbon and gfo work great. Plus weekly water changes.

So your statement "there are a lot of things wrong with this set up" sucks. i just proven to u that it can be done. If u haven't already watched my vids, i suggest u watch them (its about setting up and maintaining a nano reef tank). Hey maybe u can learn something about nano reef tanks :) ~~bonus~~ there cheaper to setup as well (don't need a whole lot of live stock and the equipment is cheaper for nano's)

AquaManiac - 9 years ago

this dudes stupid. +Niikischannel

Ray Castillo - 9 years ago

I agree with you about this guy's setup. However, you CAN start a salt aquarium smaller than 55g. The key to a successful marine aquarium is filtration, water changes, lighting and lots a patience. Nowadays, you can buy an "all in one" tank like RedSea and can have a very beautiful reef setup.

erick aguilar - 9 years ago

Hey I would like to get some advise am planning on setting up a salt water tank 15 gallon I have the filter Aqua clear the regular heater that you would buy from a petco and I have the live sand but kind nervous about it now idk what els would I need to set it up

Itsjayy - 9 years ago

+Maverick Tide this video was actually fun to watch unlike other people who I couldn't watch because they are so boring

Maverick Tide - 9 years ago

+erick aguilar rock, salt, some nice leds that are intended for reef tanks (its all in the vid bud)

Dixon Cider - 9 years ago

Okay guys, newbie here. I have had freshwater tanks for the last 30 years. I currently have a 120 gallon freshwater tank with about 10 African cichlids. My plecostomus is 15 years old and some of my cichlids live to be 10 years old. I change my filters about every two months and do a partial water change about every year. What kind of surprise am I in for if I decide to add a saltwater tank? I have heard so many horror stories about saltwater tanks and therefore never tried one. Thanks.

RicksReef Updates - 9 years ago

Im new to the hobby .The thing about this is...Money.The more youre willing to spend will make things much smoother.Alot more chemestry,biology and patience are involved in this than you first imagine lol.Choosing the right size aquarium ,lights,substrate,powerheads,supplements,water and liverock /filters and livestock break or make your set up.Im doing mine on a budget,feel free to check out my new channel on begginner reef tanks !

Jayson Saldana - 9 years ago

You do not NEED at least a 50 gallon tank. And if you were to start a saltwater, you would have to perform many more water changes. It is not cheap by any means, so make sure you have enough money.

Dixon Cider - 9 years ago

+Niikischannel awesome response! thanks so much.

Niikischannel - 9 years ago

saltwater is a lot of fun! I started with a 55 gallon with simple HOB filters and moved to a 90 gallon with an overflow and sump. it CAN be done with simple equipment, but its easier, but more expensive to do it the "correct" way. If you would like to try saltwater, get you at least a 50 gallon tank, get TWO HOB filters, rated for at least 100 gallons each; the ones with the three stage filtration - filtration is going to be your biggest challenge without a sump, but like I said, it can be done. the filters can be rinsed and reused a couple times, to save on money - you will have to decide if you want to do live rock or not, if you do, you will need special lighting -

Coltin Brumfield - 9 years ago

where do you get live rock?

Charlie The Muffin - 9 years ago

How long should i wait to put fish in it? 1 month?

RicksReef Updates - 9 years ago

You use live rock to cycle the tank (as explained in the video)This can take a couple of weeks.Reason you dont want to put fish or coral during this time is that ammonia nitrate nitrate are going up and down in the water making it lethal to them.Once theres enough beneficial bacteria to control these swings, the water is much more stable.And will continue to stabilize as the tank matures.You can put a small raw shrimp in your tank from the store to help kickstart/speed up this process.Testing kits will help you determine when its safe to add livstock.Please check out my new channel on begginer reef aquariums :)

Rob Tooyi - 9 years ago

Depends if you use just rock or live sand or both. If you put live sand it will act like a filter for bacteria since when you buy live sand it has good bacteria in it to kill bad bacteria so if you have live sand you don't have to wait

Mark Nutt - 9 years ago

Wait until your tank has cycled..

This could range from a couple days to a couple months.

So get testing.

Piyo Chan - 9 years ago

Do you not need bubbles?

5K VENOM - 9 years ago

Why is my water so dang cloudy I know the water will get cloudy at the beginning but it's so cloudy I can't even see the back round

v2Spyro - 9 years ago

Great video! I was wondering, I used fine white sand for my freshwater set up. But now I am converting it to a salt water aquarium. Can I keep the same white sand or is the freshwater bacteria growing in the substrate harmful if i put it in a saltwater tank? Also if I can use it still will I have to clean it really well? Looking forward to a reply!

RicksReef Updates - 9 years ago

Its better to use special substrate meant for saltwater tanks.Aragonite/crushed coral/live sand help buffer/stabilize your reef as oppposed to just plain freshwater sand.You can clean it very very well and let it dry out for some time and reuse it if you really want.But I recommend using the correct substrate to be better off in the long run.feel free to check out my new channel on begginer reef tanks.

Isaiah Furrow - 9 years ago

Good stuff! If you have anything in the tank that moves sand around, digs, etc.... that can cause rockwork to collapse if it's placed on top of the sand... I use a blending of the two approaches, and put just a small layer of sand in first, like 1/4 inch, then add rock, then the rest of the sand... so far that is working well for me. Any "live" rock I've purchased, came home in water, bagged just as fish would be.... fully cured and ready to go in the tank. I wouldn't want the rock to be in a dry box like that for any length of time, as then it seems to me that it would need to be cycled again and would only be marginally better than dry rock. I'm looking to pick up a BRS RO unit after new years, let me know what you think of that unit and how long it takes to make a bucket full of water. I use Reef Crystals and like it so far, a bucket for $49 has lasted a LONG time.... Nice video and nice looking setup you've got going there.... you forgot to mention a hydrometer, or I missed it.... :) Happy Holidays...

ivanthegod - 10 years ago

Lots to know about taking care of a saltwater tank! Don't recommend for impatient people.
Cost of the hobby is up to what you want to run, have in it

Jonathan Cabanas - 10 years ago

how much did all that cost?

Spencer Lake - 7 years ago

Jonathan Cabanas alot

joe vogt - 10 years ago

how much did you spend round about?

Cassie Snedden - 10 years ago

Please explain. I only understand what YOU WANT. Price, other options, reason as to why you like what you're choosing were lacking. Not informative whatsoever,

Thamer Shehri - 10 years ago

I know this might be stupid but can i get some water directly from the sea and put it in the aquarium. And can i use food salt for the water ?

QuittingYoutubeKThxBye - 9 years ago

+Thamer Shehri No using table salt will kill the animals

sirderpsalot - 9 years ago

+Thamer Shehri Water directly from the ocean is fine for marine aquarium use. Just make sure that the area you take it from is free from human pollution (e.g. avoid areas with high industrial activity/ports). Also don't take water during periods of rainfall (or you'll get a lot of fresh water/runoff), and try time your collection during hightide transition as that is when the water will be cleanest.

Doris Rodriguez - 9 years ago

I would say to get sea water from Catalina Island bcs there is absolutely no pollution no stores like walmart or Target bcs they don't want to hurt the wildlife there

Devin Guenther - 9 years ago

+Mark Known Mark, you can't use common house salt for a reef tank or even a fish only tank for that matter. House salt is in no way compatible. Salt mixes have a balanced blend of nutrients and trace elements that mimic natural sea water. These conditions are essential in the salt water aquarium. Natural sea water is a good option but you will need to collect it away from public beaches and high traffic boating areas. In these areas the water and sand is contaminated by fuel, sunscreen, and all kinds of human waste that can be dangerous to aquatic life

Dante Marx - 10 years ago

+Thamer Shehri where in saudi are you located im in al khobar and can tell you where to find

Mark Known - 10 years ago

Hey Thamer, you can 100% use saltwater, if possible always use that. Make sure its "sea water" though. and not freshwater. As for using table salt. Actually you can use it. i have found tho that usuing house salt you need 3 times as much as the pet store bought salt.

14th Garage - 10 years ago

sound good and hopefully you dont aha good luck! :)

Thamer Shehri - 10 years ago

I'm planing to get one or two clownfish on 20 gallon tank and i can go and buy the filter,skimmer,heater at anytime but right now i'm trying to know where to get salt, i found out that sea water might be polluted and it can't be tested by normal test kits to know if it is. I will search on ebay and try to buy a 50 gal bag, hoping that i won't get raped by the shipping price

14th Garage - 10 years ago

a pet store that sells these types of fish will probably sell already mixed water or the salt itself and how big is your aquarium you plan to build i recommended the 50 bag because its more than enough for water changes when need in a 10 gallon but they do sell smaller bags the cheapest is 10 gallons for 7 USD plus shipping probably also check ebay as well and on the settings choose local only or free shipping

Thamer Shehri - 10 years ago

I live in saudi arabia and and im trying to find salt for aquariums but i cant find any and the shipping would be so expensive for a 50gallon of salt i will search to see if i can use sea water

14th Garage - 10 years ago

i dont know about the water from the ocean but please don use cooking salt just buy the salt that is need amazon sells a 50 gallon bag of the same he uses in this vid for only 15 dollars

DakGuy05 - 10 years ago

How much does that bucket of salt cost?

Ehsan Adib Shabahang - 10 years ago

very nice setup bro

Devin Solomon - 10 years ago

how much did the equipment cost?

Aveen Arya - 10 years ago

Im getting a 200 gallon tank

Aido97 - 10 years ago

holy shit nice

Kubiakmimi2 - 10 years ago

it's nor live rock

Tw1zzl3rs - 10 years ago

I didn't understand the whole reverse osmosis process. Do you need it with a saltwater aquarium? Why do you need it? That whole process is what puts me off marine tanks. I always wanted to keep a lionfish though lol

Benjamin - 10 years ago

+Tw1zzl3rs In a freshwater aquarium you can just use tap water (in most cases), but you HAVE to add a neutralizer that will take out the harmful chemicals from the tap water..like chlorine, chromine, etc..
of course, you could do this for saltwater too, and add the salt..but with the amount of money you invest into saltwater aquariums, most people don't want to risk it. Therefore, you buy a reverse osmosis system(RO system) from online or your local hardware store(usually less than $100), which is going to take out all the chemicals from the water and insure that you're using completely pure water. this may sound like a lot of money, but most places charge roughly a dollar a gallon...so let's say you have a fifty gallon tank with a 20 gallon sump..that's 70 gallons..which is 70 dollars, not including water changes and what not..so it's definitely more worth it to get the system.. Although, if I was this guy with a 10 gallon tank, I probably would just buy the water from my local fish store.

victor iliadis - 10 years ago

+Tw1zzl3rs algae blooms , fish deaths yes you can keep a marine NOT a reef but it would be dangerous

Grim Reaper - 10 years ago

+Tw1zzl3rs tbh I'm not completely sure but if u did set up a tank I recommend using reverse osmosis just for the fishs safety

Tw1zzl3rs - 10 years ago

+Grim Reaper Oh okay cause I have seen setups where something was setup directly with the aquarium and I never understood that process. So you can run a tank without a reverse osmosis?

Grim Reaper - 10 years ago

It's pure water, you can't use tap water because all the other minerals and stuff that that

LSD4CHAIN8AW - 10 years ago

I already put water in my tank can i still add of rock and sand

Aidan.H - 10 years ago

yes but the water will go cloudy. Maybe if you take the water out and put the sand and live rock in then put a plate on the sand and pour the water on the plate so the water won't get cloudy

Josh Stillwell - 10 years ago

how are you finding the panorama pro? I was going to get one but all the reviews said that individual LED's would blow after at least 6 months

perveysage777 - 10 years ago

Hang on filters for saltwater tanks turn into a giant mess it's a lot better to have the water flow back into the tank with a power head trust me. With a hang on filter the salt starts to crystallize on the filter and on the tank where it splashes

Supasonic1995 - 10 years ago

So I think the more important question is the cost...

Hiro LeHyun - 6 years ago

I’m starting one my self 75g around basic stuff ,, like live (40pounds) sand life rock (40 pounds ) , lights , 2 water pump (wave maker) , ph ponder to help with ph , and a filter .. around 280ish . Not including the salt to make salt water ..

Vijai Vijai - 10 years ago

I'd say the first group of fish should be a clown fish family

Cjsop00 _ - 10 years ago

Can you use just any old tank or do you need some kind of special tank?

tydu 123 - 9 years ago

I don't think it matters as long as your fish like it

Justin Harding - 10 years ago

How much did this cost in total for everything including what you added after like the fish and corals?

Colin Campbell - 10 years ago

Sadnear how much did all of us equipment cost, I may be investing in one if these tanks so yah. I am a hug fan of u and I watched all of your videos. I may not be getting g as much coral as u but I still am trying, also I was wondering what to do with that reef thing, try to make more vids. Us biggest fan crcampbell22

Dante G - 10 years ago

Whats the best way to clean a tank?

robert vartazarov - 10 years ago

Nice tank very well informed you are.

Jim Roland - 10 years ago

Really good video. Would be perfect with a bit more detail on what each bit of kit is for (pumps etc)

Gabe Lang - 10 years ago

Nice one man

Gabe Lang - 10 years ago

where you At?

Primo Reef Acrylics - 10 years ago

very nice aquascape. I shall do something similar on my new build :P

yaoming yen - 10 years ago

Can I use tap water

Boxboymike - 10 years ago

How long did it take to make Rodi water?

Exotic Cichlids - 10 years ago

one question , how to prevent the evaporation to get on the wall , cause i had this problem and it corroded my wall

Jiren The savage - 10 years ago

Saltwater aquariums look so hard, like do i have to do that mixing of water stuff at almost the end?

Joseph Jack - 10 years ago

Is the rodi unit completely necessary or does it just make preparing water easier?

Tito Maquito - 10 years ago

i added the water then the salt then to sand it its been really cloudy for about 5 hours hopefully its a settled tomorrow. i should of watched this video before i did that. Do you think it will look good tomorrow?

Kyle Anderson - 10 years ago

can you make the list of the equipment you used and add it to the description?

lukemn29 - 10 years ago

How many watts per gallon did your lighting set-up give you?

Pokerface_Lily - 10 years ago

i have clams that i've brought from the beach and it has been 4 days living without water. i am planning to get saltwater and sand for it as a start. do i really have to wait for 5hrs for water tests? ;(

mymovievideos - 10 years ago

Thanks for this

Joe Imburgia - 10 years ago

Should I start with a 20gallon

Hadallgo - 10 years ago

Not to be a negative but it seemed like it went on forever. I liked the video though.

Johanan Micaiah - 10 years ago

I love the cave!!! But u can have a successful tank without the live sand right? I mean over time, won't the bacteria colonize normal sand as well, except that live sand is instantly colonised?

Johanan Micaiah - 10 years ago

Ok tks for the advice!!!

Katie Newmeyer - 10 years ago

Yes, you don't need live sand/rock. In fact, it's probably better to start out with dead stuff because it's cheaper and there's no chance of getting weird pests growing in your tank that came with the live rock. But the downside is it takes longer to get your tank stable. If you have the patience, start with dry rock.

Danielle Rogers - 10 years ago

thanks! So did you end up putting fish in it?

The Almighty Tubs - 10 years ago

Can I use 100% salt water that you can buy in 10 gallon judges thanks

JAMSAQUARIUMS1239 - 10 years ago

oh cool setup soon I am going to make my Juwel koral 60 54L (14G) aquarium a saltwater aquarium

Sunny Mukherjee - 10 years ago

I love your scape

Andrew Arjoon - 10 years ago

Did you need a protein skimmer? and what is RODI Water?

ajmidd12 - 10 years ago

+Johanan Micaiah
Reverse Osmosis De-Ionized water = RODI. You can get away with using only RO water if you want to, people have done it with great success.

Protein skimmers vastly reduce the amount of water changes and maintenance needed, plus they pull stuff out of the water that you wouldn't otherwise know is in there. Highly recommended.

Johanan Micaiah - 10 years ago

No you do not need a protein skimmer to have a successful tank as long as u do regular water changes. RODI water is reverse osmosis water which is basically pure water which is free from pollutants which u don't need for a fish only tank normal tap water wld do. Idk if corals need it though :)

cupcake girl - 11 years ago

Note: You will want to add your rock first directly on the glass and then the sand if you will have certain livestock. Example White Sand Sifting Goby's will burrow causing the rock to shift if it is not directly on the glass which could mean trouble. Different tank dwellers could cause the same thing so something to think about.

Laura Holmes - 10 years ago

Nicely noted :P

FishTankArmy - 11 years ago

How long did it take for the cloudiness to disappear from your tank?

Darryl Sawyer - 10 years ago

my guess is a day or two

Brian Castillo - 10 years ago

Proboly 5 minutes or less

emily Gonzalez - 11 years ago

Great video, very clear instructions thank you so much!!!

Mr. Slickboi7 - 11 years ago

Thanks for the advice!! Just got my 90 gallon tank up check it out let me what you think

Maverick Tide - 11 years ago

feroz kaamil: Around $300-$500

Feroz Reef - 11 years ago

Dude how much does all fish tank cost ? Thanks

Maverick Tide - 11 years ago

Ralf Roshi: Online at ecoxotic.com

Ralf Roshi - 11 years ago

were do you buy the led

Andy Barber - 11 years ago

Wow this is a cool vid!!!!

Maverick Tide - 11 years ago

floridafishtanks: Claya94 is right! With a tank this small i really dont want to put a whole lot of equipment on it. Water changes is big for picos and nanos. But yea for a 40 gallon breeder it will make the whole system more stable all right. Protein skimmers are really important as well for a reef tank.

Maverick Tide - 11 years ago

1uploaderman: Yea i like live sand, you should get it. 1 month or more is ideal for the tank to cycle. Well i had it before because i was using tap water not any more. Just do big water changes because your parameters are probable out of whack. Water changes will fix it.

Maverick Tide - 11 years ago

fivegallonfishkeeper: Stands for Reverse Osmosis Deionized, it is a unit that filters all the bad stuff in tap water. Best thing to use for saltwater aquariums.

fivegallonfishkeeper - 11 years ago

whats rodi water

Paandemonium - 11 years ago

Sump/fuge are mainly used for larger tanks, with a tank this small you dont reallyyyy need it as you can control water parameters with water changes. You do however need it in a 40 Breeder in my opinion. I have a sump with a skimmer and two media reactors in for my 40B. You need a skimmer especially if you want anemones(right now I have several). Join a forum you can get all the answers you need!