Updated 2023
Two Months into Your Saltwater Aquarium Adventure!
By now, the excitement must be building up, and you might be eager to dive into the world of gear acquisition. To cater to your needs, we’re thrilled to present you with two comprehensive build guides. Whether you’re eyeing a 20-gallon setup or a 45-gallon one, we’ve got you covered. Our aim is to keep things concise and easily digestible, offering direct links to every product mentioned in each section. It’s worth noting that these guides lean toward the mid-range in terms of quality, striking a balance between top-notch gear and unnecessary extravagance.
Now, we understand that some of you are keen on finding ways to be budget-conscious. If that sounds like you, make sure to catch this week’s video until the very end! We’ve got some valuable insights to help you save some cash without compromising on the quality of your setup.
This Week's Video:
Build One: 13.5 Gallon Setup
Your Aquarium and Stand Foundation
To kickstart your saltwater venture, securing a reliable aquarium is paramount. It sets the stage for the type of corals and fish you’ll be able to house. With a capacity of 13.5 gallons, this tank strikes a balance—providing ample space for corals to flourish without the eternal wait for growth or breaking the bank on an abundance of corals. While accommodating numerous favorites, keep in mind that stocking a multitude of fish or larger species might not be feasible.
Introducing the Fluval Evo Peninsula, an “All-in-One” (AIO) marvel where filtration is seamlessly integrated within the aquarium. While it doesn’t encompass all essentials, it significantly simplifies maintenance and care routines. Notably, this brand and its aquarium line boast a strong reputation, ensuring a supportive community of fellow enthusiasts who share similar setups.
While you have the flexibility to place this aquarium on a robust desk or dresser, it’s prudent to remember that it carries a weight of approximately 200 pounds. Safety should be a priority, so avoid unnecessary risks when selecting its resting place.
Light and Light Mount
Rock and Sand
You probably already know that reef rock and sand is more than just for looks, it actually holds a majority of the bacteria that filters your water! there are of course several good options, but we do like the CaribSea Life Rock, as it comes in a nice natural looking purple color and some cool shapes.
As for sand, our favorite is CaribSea. Either Fiji Pink, or Special Grade. We linked Fiji pink below, but a quick search for Special Grade will be easy enough. A 10 lb bag will be sufficient for a 1/2″ to 1″ sandbed, and if you want something deeper, then just buy a 20 pound bag. Be sure to get either the Ocean Direct or Arag-Alive line, as they come packaged wet and with good bacteria, which will help with the tank cycle.
Maintaining Proper Temperature with a Heater
In case you’re not yet aware, the majority of saltwater aquariums are designed as tropical reef environments, which necessitates maintaining a water temperature between 77 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. While a heater might seem like a straightforward component, its significance is paramount. I strongly recommend not only obtaining a temperature monitor but also ensuring you have a backup heater on hand. Our preference lies with the Eheim Jager glass heaters – they’ve proven reliable and efficient. For a tank of this size, a 50W heater is the perfect fit.
Cracking the Mystery of the RO/DI Filter
The RO/DI Filter might appear a tad daunting, especially for those new to the saltwater aquarium hobby. Trust me, I’ve been there – I spent a good few months contemplating whether diving into setting one up was worth it. But here’s the scoop: it’s an essential tool for producing saltwater, and once you have it up and running, the intimidation factor significantly diminishes. Plus, the long-term financial benefits are substantial. It’s an investment that pays off!
Crafting Your Salt Mix
The salt mix isn’t just about the salt itself – it’s a concoction that contains all the vital major and minor elements essential for the well-being of your fish and corals! Amidst the array of available brands, our choice aims to provide a balance that supports coral growth without necessitating additional dosing.
If budget-consciousness is on your mind, you might consider a more economical salt or even purchasing saltwater from your local fish store. But keep in mind, the long-term cost-effectiveness may not be as favorable. And please, make sure not to overlook acquiring a Refractometer! They’re pretty standard, so grab one alongside your salt purchase – it’s an absolute must!
Testing the Waters
In this journey, testing your saltwater is your compass for gauging the well-being of your aquarium. While a plethora of test kits are available, we recommend starting with a foundational kit that monitors your pH and nitrates, ensuring they remain within safe limits.
Essential Maintenance Tools
Now, let’s delve into the realm of essential maintenance gear – not the flashiest, but unquestionably vital. These tools become your dependable companions for weekly upkeep. Algae buildup on the glass is part of the routine, and a magnetic scraper brings ease to the task, while its handheld counterpart conquers more stubborn spots. Though not obligatory, the magnetic scraper’s budget-friendly cost delivers convenience that grows on you over time. When it comes to water changes and algae cleanup, a siphon and trusty buckets become your go-to arsenal. And don’t underestimate the fish net’s versatility – it’s your solution for tasks ranging from capturing fish to tidying up remnants of meals.
And before wrapping up, keep in mind that a smart surge protector is a smart investment. It ensures the safeguarding of your equipment whenever you plug it in.
Have more queries? Tune into the video above and explore earlier blog posts for insights!
Build Two: 40 Gallon Setup
This larger build will mirror the smaller build, with most of the gear just being upscaled versions of the same thing. If you already read the section above for the 20 gallon build, but wanted something bigger, you can just go ahead and use the links in this build! The same money saving tips apply to this build, just upscaled as well.
Revamped Aquarium and Sturdy Stand
The spotlight here is on the aquarium, marking the primary significant change from the previous build! In this iteration, we’re opting for the Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion Pro 40 Gallon All-in-One aquarium.
With a 40-gallon capacity, this aquarium doesn’t quite classify as “big” in the eyes of seasoned hobbyists. Yet, compared to the previous build, it’s more than twice the size. This expansion unlocks a plethora of possibilities, whether you’re considering corals, fish, creative aquascaping, or other ventures. However, it’s worth noting that its size warrants a dedicated aquarium stand to provide adequate support for the weight. The good news is that this aquarium comes with a specially designed stand for this purpose.
Light and Light Mount
Rock and Sand
You probably already know that reef rock and sand is more than just for looks, it actually holds a majority of the bacteria that filters your water! there are of course several good options, but we do like the CaribSea Life Rock, as it comes in a nice natural looking purple color and some cool shapes.
As for sand, our favorite is CaribSea. Either Fiji Pink, or Special Grade. We linked Fiji pink below, but a quick search for Special Grade will be easy enough. A 20 lb bag will be sufficient for a 1/2″ to 1″ sandbed, and if you want something deeper, then just buy two 20 pound bags. Be sure to get either the Ocean Direct or Arag-Alive line, as they come packaged wet and with good bacteria, which will help with the tank cycle.
Cracking the Mystery of the RO/DI Filter
The RO/DI Filter might appear a tad daunting, especially for those new to the saltwater aquarium hobby. Trust me, I’ve been there – I spent a good few months contemplating whether diving into setting one up was worth it. But here’s the scoop: it’s an essential tool for producing saltwater, and once you have it up and running, the intimidation factor significantly diminishes. Plus, the long-term financial benefits are substantial. It’s an investment that pays off!
Crafting Your Salt Mix
The salt mix isn’t just about the salt itself – it’s a concoction that contains all the vital major and minor elements essential for the well-being of your fish and corals! Amidst the array of available brands, our choice aims to provide a balance that supports coral growth without necessitating additional dosing.
If budget-consciousness is on your mind, you might consider a more economical salt or even purchasing saltwater from your local fish store. But keep in mind, the long-term cost-effectiveness may not be as favorable. And please, make sure not to overlook acquiring a Refractometer! They’re pretty standard, so grab one alongside your salt purchase – it’s an absolute must!
Testing the Waters
In this journey, testing your saltwater is your compass for gauging the well-being of your aquarium. While a plethora of test kits are available, we recommend starting with a foundational kit that monitors your pH and nitrates, ensuring they remain within safe limits.
Essential Maintenance Tools
Now, let’s delve into the realm of essential maintenance gear – not the flashiest, but unquestionably vital. These tools become your dependable companions for weekly upkeep. Algae buildup on the glass is part of the routine, and a magnetic scraper brings ease to the task, while its handheld counterpart conquers more stubborn spots. Though not obligatory, the magnetic scraper’s budget-friendly cost delivers convenience that grows on you over time. When it comes to water changes and algae cleanup, a siphon and trusty buckets become your go-to arsenal. And don’t underestimate the fish net’s versatility – it’s your solution for tasks ranging from capturing fish to tidying up remnants of meals.
And before wrapping up, keep in mind that a smart surge protector is a smart investment. It ensures the safeguarding of your equipment whenever you plug it in.
Have more queries? Tune into the video above and explore earlier blog posts for insights!
