DIY Reef Aquariums

A reef aquarium is an aquarium that contains live coral, just like a natural coral reef. These aquariums can be extremely difficult to set up and maintain, particularly if you are buying the components separately and setting it up yourself. There are numerous steps you must take to ensure a proper living environment for your saltwater fish and corals, which are very sensitive to various water parameters and require high-quality filtration, water and lighting.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass aquarium, 20-plus gallons
  • Fluorescent light fixture
  • Fluorescent fish lights, 6 watts per gallon, actinic color, at least 10,000K
  • Aquarium heater
  • Live sand or regular marine sand
  • Base rock
  • Live rock
  • Aquarium filter kit, powerful enough for tank size
  • Protein skimmer, powerful enough for tank size
  • Tank thermometer
  • Bucket
  • Marine salt, Instant Ocean from Marine Labs recommended
  • Hydrometer
  • Saltwater test kit
  • Saltwater fish
  • Corals
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the aquarium in an area where it will not receive direct sunlight. This will prevent unwanted algae propagation, which can be a burden on your tank and highly unsightly.

    • 2

      Mix a bucket of saltwater by combining marine salt and distilled water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the amount of salt required. Measure the salinity of the water with a hydrometer. Correct salinity should be around 1.024ppm (parts per million) and 1.027ppm.

    • 3

      Fill the tank with saltwater. You may need to make several batches, depending on the size of your tank.

    • 4

      Layer the bottom of the tank with about 1 1/2 inches of live sand or standard marine sand.

    • 5

      Place some "base rock" where you want your corals and live rock to rest. Base rock is standard aquarium rock that is not harmed by direct contact with the aquarium sand.

    • 6

      Add your live rock atop your base rock, with the larger rocks on the bottom and the smaller ones on top.

    • 7

      Hook up your filter. Most saltwater systems use either sump filters or canister filters. Consult the owner's manual to determine which type of filter to install.

    • 8

      Hook up the heater. An adjustable heater is recommended. Maintain the temperature at about 85 degrees. Monitor the temperature with an aquarium thermometer.

    • 9

      Run the filter for two weeks. Hook up your protein skimmer but do not turn it on yet.

      Set up your aquarium lights.

    • 10

      Wait another week and let the aquarium cycle. Test the water parameters --- including salinity and pH --- with a saltwater test kit. Add some "test" animals to the tank, like marine crabs. If these animals survive, you can add larger fish and coral.