Short answer: Yes. If you are new to the hobby, starting a living reef tank may be overwhelming. At any size, living reef aquariums can be more challenging to maintain compared to the other types of aquariums. Most reefkeepers get their start with freshwater or a simple saltwater tank and work their way up to the complexity of a reef tank.
What Makes Reef Tanks More Difficult?
A living reef aquarium requires a delicate balance of various factors such as water chemistry, temperature, lighting, and water flow to create a suitable environment for the coral and other living organisms to thrive. These aquariums also require a significant investment of time, effort, and money to maintain. Many types of coral are less hardy than a fish and will die if their environment isn’t within an acceptable range. Even their proximity to your lighting needs to be done with intent based on which species you have in the tank. You will also need to do all the basics that come along with any tank type like monitoring the water parameters, performing regular water changes, periodic deep cleanings, and ongoing monitoring of the filtration system. Additionally, you will need to provide the right food and supplements for both the fish and the invertebrates in the tank.
Reef Tank Maintenance Checklist
To be successful in maintaining a reef tank requires you have attention to detail and plenty of time for regular maintenance. Here are some tips to help you keep your living reef aquarium healthy and thriving:
Monitor water parameters
Regularly test the water quality, including pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and salinity levels, to ensure that they are within the acceptable range for your fish and coral. Your local fish store can help identify why your corals aren’t doing well if you bring in water samples.
Perform regular water changes
Regular water changes are essential to maintain good water quality in the aquarium. Typically, a 10-20% water change is recommended every week. Purchasing ready-to-add water from your local aquarium retailer makes this process easy! If possible, locate your reef tank near a sink or drain for easy removal of old water.
Maintain proper lighting and water flow
Provide the right amount and type of lighting and water flow to ensure that the corals and other invertebrates receive the necessary light and nutrients they need to grow. Your local fish store can help you select the right coral for your setup.
Feed the fish and invertebrates properly
Offer a varied diet of high-quality fish food and invertebrate food, and feed your fish and invertebrates the appropriate amount for their size and species. Do not overfeed! Excess nutrients will make water parameters spike in potentially harmful ways.
Control the temperature and keep your aquarium squeaky clean
Maintain the appropriate temperature range for your fish and coral, and clean the aquarium regularly to remove debris and algae buildup. Placing the tank away from windows or heating/cooling ducts is always a good idea. Sunlight breeds algae and direct exposure to airflow from your home’s HVAC system can overpower a small aquarium heater.
Avoid overstocking
Overstocking the aquarium is always tempting but adding too many fish can lead to poor water quality, stress, and disease. It’s always best to start with less than you’d like and work your way up. Also never underestimate how much your fish and corals will grow! Leave them some room to grow into.
Quarantine new additions
Always quarantine new fish and invertebrates for several weeks before adding them to the main tank to prevent the spread of diseases. Place them in a separate tank and monitor their health before introducing them into your main tank. Quarantine tanks are also a great place to experiment with coral propagation if you have mature corals in your main tank that are ready to be cut back.
Consider professional maintenance
If you have the budget for it, a great option for many people is professional maintenance. A quick Google search for “local aquarium maintenance companies” will help you locate and read reviews of service providers in your area. Professional cleaning and aquarium care is a great way to get your tank started and you can gradually get more comfortable with the processes and take over whichever responsibilities you are comfortable with.
Should I Try a Living Reef Tank?
Overall, while living reef aquariums can be challenging to maintain, they can also be rewarding, providing a stunning display of aquatic life in your home. If you are new to aquariums and fishkeeping, it is typically best to start with a simpler setup and work your way up to a living reef aquarium as you gain experience and knowledge. When you are ready to give it a shot, follow the guidelines above and seek advice from experienced aquarium hobbyists or professionals to ensure that you are providing the best possible care for your fish and coral. Reefkeeping can be fun!
