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We recommend the drip acclimation method. Float the bag in your tank for 15–20 minutes to match temperature, then slowly drip tank water into the container over 60–90 minutes. This helps fish and invertebrates adjust gradually to changes in water chemistry and reduces stress.

We recommend changing 10–20% of the tank water bi-weekly. Water changes help remove excess nutrients, replenish trace elements, and maintain overall water quality. Larger tanks with stable conditions may allow for biweekly changes, but consistency is key.

Ideal parameters for a reef tank include: Salinity: 1.023–1.026 Temperature: 75–82°F pH: 8.1–8.3 Alkalinity: 7–12 dKH Calcium: ~400 ppm Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: <2 ppm for reef systems

A typical saltwater aquarium takes 4 to 6 weeks to fully cycle. During this time, beneficial bacteria establish themselves to break down harmful ammonia and nitrite, creating a stable environment for fish and coral. Water parameters should be closely monitored throughout this process. At Clearwater Reef Design, we help significantly accelerate the cycling process for our clients. Our customers receive premium live rock that has been cultivated over years, already teeming with beneficial bacteria and microfauna. Additionally, we incorporate pre-cycled water directly from our own established systems, helping your tank stabilize faster, more safely, and with fewer stressors. It’s one of the many built-in advantages of working with a professional service like ours.

Basic saltwater setups require a reliable heater, quality lighting (especially for reef tanks), powerheads for water movement, a filtration system, and test kits. For reef systems, we also recommend a protein skimmer, auto top-off system, and a sump for added filtration and stability.

While not mandatory, a protein skimmer significantly improves water quality by removing dissolved organics before they break down via thesprucepets.com. Especially in reef setups, it supports healthier corals and cleaner tanks.

Live rock comes with beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that help establish biological filtration quickly. Dry rock is sterile and often more affordable but takes longer to cycle. Both options work, but live rock can jumpstart your system and provide a more natural aesthetic.

All-in-one (AIO) tanks have built-in filtration and are ideal for compact setups or beginners. Systems with sumps or refugiums offer more flexibility, better water quality control, and allow you to hide equipment. They're preferred for larger or more advanced reef setups.

While smaller tanks may seem easier to manage, we typically recommend starting with at least a 90-gallon saltwater system. Larger volumes provide greater water stability, which is especially important for beginners—minor fluctuations in salinity, pH, or nutrient levels are less likely to cause harm in a higher-capacity system. In short, a 90-gallon setup creates a more forgiving environment that makes learning the hobby smoother, reduces maintenance stress, and gives you room to grow as your livestock and experience expand.

A saltwater tank houses marine fish and may include live rock or basic invertebrates. A reef tank, however, supports corals, anemones, and other photosynthetic invertebrates—requiring advanced lighting, precise water chemistry, and stable salinity

We typically do not use filter socks or traditional media in our systems. While they can provide short-term mechanical filtration, they often require frequent cleaning and can trap nutrients that lead to unwanted spikes in nitrates if not maintained properly. Instead, we find it far more beneficial to incorporate a chaeto refugium (chaetomorpha algae) into the filtration system. A refugium not only helps reduce nitrates and phosphates naturally, but also creates a healthier, more balanced ecosystem by supporting copepods and other microfauna. It’s a more sustainable and long-term approach to nutrient export that aligns with our focus on building stable, low-maintenance reef systems.

For new tanks, test daily during the initial cycling process. Once your tank is established, test key parameters like ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, alkalinity, and salinity at least once a week. Regular testing helps you catch imbalances early and maintain a healthy environment.