What’s Your Reef Routine?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Every successful reef tank has a rhythm—and every reefer does things a little differently. Some have a detailed checklist, others go by feel, but the small habits we build make a big difference over time.

So let’s break it down and share what works for you. Feel free to include:

• Daily tasks (feeding, topping off, checking equipment, etc.)
• Weekly or biweekly habits (water changes, glass cleaning, testing)
• Monthly or long-term tasks (deep cleans, calibrations, bulb replacements)
• Any time-saving tools, routines, or little hacks that have helped

Sometimes it’s not the fancy gear—it’s the little habits that make or break a reef. Sharing our routines might help someone else level up.

No matter your experience level, your input is welcome! Whether you’re still figuring things out or have your system on cruise control, we’d love to hear what your reef routine looks like.

 

[design.maddie]

I'll do my best to keep honest here.

Daily is only feeding and critter inspections.

Weekly(or every few days) I clean the glass and take a look at all the equipment.
I have been dialing in my AFR(on a doser) so Alk checks every couple days later in the afternoon.
I keep an eye on my filter sock area and will manage that as needed.

Monthly I fill up my ATO and give the glass a really good scrape. I will disturb the sand bed a bit and knock stuff around. This always gets the tank bustling for a bit.

 

[BryanM]

I still don't have a routine.... that's what dealing with a persistent issue gets you.

But I've gone for simplicity via automation in this tank. It really only has two main things: Automated ALK testing and AFR dosing, and an algae turf scrubber.

When I do get to a routine, it will be check ATS twice a week, harvest as necessary, and while the doors are open might as well look at the ATO and the reagents for the automated ALK tester.

Occasionally I will test N, P.

And glass cleaning as needed, probably 2x a week.

 

[Paul B]

I walk past the tank almost every day and put my finger on the glass to make sure the temperature is correct. I casually look at the fish and if they seem fine and are smiling I go about my day doing whatever.

Every 2 days I do have to clean the glass and I normally feed once a day but I do miss some days on purpose. The fish have never complained not even the ones on Jenny Craig. :rolleyes:

Every few months I change some water. I rarely test unless I am writing an article about something but that doesn't mean it is right.

I walk every morning and when I walk in the rain, like this morning I bring a plastic bad to collect earthworms to cut up and feed the fish. I feel the gut bacteria is one reason I never had to quarantine and I have no medications.

 

[exnisstech]

I walk past the tank almost every day and put my finger on the glass to make sure the temperature is correct. I casually look at the fish and if they seem fine and are smiling I go about my day doing whatever.

Every 2 days I do have to clean the glass and I normally feed once a day but I do miss some days on purpose. The fish have never complained not even the ones on Jenny Craig. :rolleyes:

Every few months I change some water. I rarely test unless I am writing an article about something but that doesn't mean it is right.

I walk every morning and when I walk in the rain, like this morning I bring a plastic bad to collect earthworms to cut up and feed the fish. I feel the gut bacteria is one reason I never had to quarantine and I have no medications.

Spring here too so worms are out. I'm starting a worm box and will gather night crawlers to fill it.


Daily: I manually dose 2part and bacto balance to one tank. Manually dose 2 part to another tank. Feed fish all day. I feed multiple small meals since I'm home all day.
Weekly: water tests and water changes on Sunday. Fill ATO reservoirs. I have one skimmer running and usually empty that on Sunday and clean out the ATS
I used to clean glass every other day but I've started doing it whenever it gets so dirty I can't stand it. I've found the dirtier it is the better the tank looks when I'm finished lol. Also more algae comes off to feed the tangs too lazy to clean the glass themselves.

 

[Paul B]

Spring here too so worms are out. I'm starting a worm box and will gather night crawlers to fill it.

 

[ColorMeGone]

Every day,
Check salinity, then 3 cups a day water change, Clean glass, Check ATO in tank to make sure no baby Micro Brittle stars are in there. (new thing now) I have had to remove 2 already in the last month or so. Check water spec's once a week and adjust dosers accordingly. Clean return pump and wave maker once a week.
Almost forgot. Use tweezers to knock some bubble algae off the rocks and net it up.

 

[exnisstech]

Even if the nutritional content is poor (which I don't believe) the entertainment value watching the fish fight over them is worth the effort for me.

 

[reefpanda]

Some of my daily mad scientist notes

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Some of my daily mad scientist notes

Nice! That's some next-level record keeping there!

 

[Reefer Matt]

Daily:
Wake up. Check R2R. Check Apex. Go to work. Eat dinner. Inspect the tanks. Fix any problems. Relax if time permits.

Semi Daily:
Feed fish. Clean glass as desired. Top off ato. Clean filter socks.

Weekly:
Test No3 and Po4. Check 2 part, refill as required. Clean algae scrubbers.

Monthly:
Water changes (5 tanks, 120 gallons total changed). Make monthly update vid for youtube. Frag coral as desired.