★ Mr Saltwater Tank Planet 120 Gallon (Youtube Series - Budget Reef Upgrade) ★

[SaltwaterAq]

[VIDEO] - Episode 10 - SAND
In this episode we discuss sand options for our Mega Matrix 120 build. We share our thoughts on a bare-bottom tank vs a tank with sand as well as why we add our sand to the tank before adding rock. We also review when and how to rinse sand before putting it in your tank.

 

[SaltwaterAq]

[Video] Episode 11 - Live & Dry ROCK!

What is the purpose of Rock in a Saltwater Tank and do you really even need it? In this episode, we discuss the role of rock in your tank, as well as the pros and cons of both dry and live rock. We also share which one we prefer and our process for aquascaping our tank.

 

[SaltwaterAq]

[VIDEO] - Episode 12 - Filling Your Tank
It's time to fill your tank! But what kind of water should you fill it with? In this episode, we review what type of water is best for both live and dry rock, as well as the two choices in water you have when mixing saltwater. Is RODI Water the best, or should you use Purified Tap Water? What about Distilled Water? We'll share our thoughts and also touch on the installation of an RODI unit.

 

[SaltwaterAq]

[VIDEO] - Episode 13 - Testing for LEAKS & Adding SALT to Your Aquarium
You've filled your tank, now it's time to check for leaks! In this episode, we'll review how to spot a leak, and more importantly, we'll tell you how to manage it. Whether it's a bigger leak or even just a pinhole leak, we'll share tips to help get your tank ready to move on to the next step - adding salt! We'll also touch on the best way to add salt to your tank and explain how to run a flowback test.

 

[SaltwaterAq]

[VIDEO] - Episode 14 - CYCLING Your Tank
It’s time to put livestock in your saltwater tank! But, wait! Before you can do that, you must cycle you tank! In this episode, we’ll explain what cycling is, and why you must do it. We’ll review the nitrogen cycle and whether you should cycle with or without fish. We’ll also touch on why you should quarantine your livestock, and why your tank is never done cycling.

 

[SaltwaterAq]

[VIDEO] - Episode 15 - The NEXT 60 DAYS - Adding Fish, Clean Up Crew, RODI Water Top Off, Diatom Blooms
You've got your tank up and running, added some fish, and gone through that initial cycle, now what? In this episode, we'll share what to do over the next 60 days to keep your tank alive and thriving. We will walk you through adding fish to your tank, our stocking list included, as well as when to add your clean up crew. We'll also touch on what to do when you spot a diatom bloom and how to top off your tank with RODI water.

 

[SaltwaterAq]

[VIDEO] - Episode 16 - Creating FLOW In Your Aquarium With Powerheads
It's time to put things in motion, specifically, your in-tank flow. How do you do that? In this episode, we'll review what powerheads do for your tank and how to use them. We'll share how they differ from return pumps and go over the differences between AC powerheads and DC powerheads. We'll also discuss how to find the right size for your tank by calculating your Tank Turnover Rate.

 

[SaltwaterAq]

[VIDEO] - Episode 17 - Choosing A PROTEIN SKIMMER for Your Saltwater Aquarium
In this episode, we discuss protein skimmers! We'll review why having a protein skimmer is important when it comes to effective nutrient exporting, sharing how they work and the benefits of having one for your tank. We'll also help you choose a protein skimmer for your tank, as well as discuss what kind of maintenance you're in for weekly, monthly, and beyond.

 

[SaltwaterAq]

[VIDEO] - Episode 18 - Filter Media & Reactors - GFO, CARBON, BIO PELLETS
In this episode we cover the main types of Filter Media used to manage nitrates, phosphates, dissolved organics and outside chemicals. When do we add it? When do we use it and Why? We cover the main types of media used on saltwater aquariums. GFO = Granular Ferric Oxide, Activated Carbon & Bio Pellets.

️ PRO TIPS:
► Each type of media needs it's own flow rate

1. GFO should slightly tumble like a thick stew boiling.
2. Activated Carbon should NOT tumble.
3. Bio Pellets should gently tumble, more then a stew but less then a rolling boil.

► If the color of your skim mate changes after adding media, your likely pushing too much water through the media breaking it down.

 

[SaltwaterAq]

[VIDEO] - Episode 19 - Choosing the Right LED LIGHTING For Your Saltwater Aquarium

One of the biggest things we get asked about is lighting. In this episode, we will discuss how to choose the right light for your reef tank and will reveal which light we have chosen for our Mega Matrix 120. We’ll review the four main types of lighting, PCs, Metal Halides, T5s, and LEDs, sharing which ones are on the way out and which lights we prefer. We’ll review what factors to consider when choosing a light for your aquarium, and share other tips like how high above the water line you should mount your light and what your color temperature should be.

 

[SaltwaterAq]

[VIDEO] - Episode 20 - MUST HAVE Automation For Your Tank!
A well-designed tank should be an easy tank to maintain. In this episode, we’ll discuss the Top 3 things we feel you must automate and how tank automation can stabilize your tank AND help make maintenance even easier. We’ll review our “must automate” list, sharing why automating your Auto Top Off, Temperature Control, and Lighting Control will set you up for a safer, more successful tank.