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When setting up a new reef tank, most aquarists are eager to get the tank cycled and stocked quickly. Walking through your local fish store (LFS), can make the desire to add fish even more urgent. To avoid buying fish that are not reef safe, or that are not easy to care for (thus not suited for beginners), it's best to do your due diligence and learn about the variety of reef fish available, what their compatibility, temperament, and care needs are. Given the overwhelming number of reef fish available, educating yourself to make good livestock choices can be a...

A salinity refractometer is a handy device that allows you to quickly check the salinity of your aquarium water or salt water mix. To be sure your refractometer is providing accurate readings, it is best to calibrate it. Here's a quick tip on how to calibrate a salinity refractometer.....(READ MORE).

Scraping the algae from the inside glass of an aquarium is probably the least favorite thing to do for almost every reef keeper. However tedious this is, we all know it must be done to prevent algae build up and to keep your aquarium healthy. There are a plethora of products available on the market to help aquarists in their daily cleaning routines, and the choices can be confusing. Today we'll take a look at the various types of algae scrapers available and show you how to choose the best scraper for your aquarium.... (READ MORE)

You probably have come across the term RO/DI water or RO water many times during your readings on saltwater or live coral reef aquariums and wondered "What is RO/DI water and do I need it?" The short answer is this, RO/DI water is highly filtered freshwater, and yes you do need it for your marine and reef aquariums, especially if you make your own salt water.... (READ MORE).

Topping off your aquarium water in regards to a salt water tank, refers to the process of replacing fresh water lost to evaporation. When water evaporates from a salt water of reef aquarium, the salt stays in the tank, but the water evaporates, thus creating a need to replenish or "top off" the fresh water in the tank so that the salinity levels do not go too high, and so that heaters do not become exposed to air and so that water pumps do not run dry. Typically this is done by hauling gallons of RO/DI filtered fresh water from...