The 3reef Tip & Win Contest

When in doubt, ask 3reef.

 

Use well water that is heavy with lime, but make sure you run it through a water softener first. If you do, your corals will explode in growth and your tank will look amazing!

And siphon your sand bed every week during water changes!

 

Consistency is key and especially when making adjustments to your tank (i.e. dosing/water chemistry, adjusting for more light or switching types, water temp, etc) Small increments are much easier to evaluate and make it easier on your inhabitants as well. Also, don't forget "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" which is the reason why I quarantine everything now before it is introduced into my DT.

 

keep a journal of everything you have done to your tank, last water change, water chem.
and instructions just incase something happens while you are out of town, so your wife/husband boyfriend girlfriend, roommate friend etc for them to know who to call, like a LFS or another local reefer.

 

Never be afraid to ask questions.

 

Always have RO water (fresh and salt) set aside Incase of emergencies, replace these emergency reserves monthly.

 

Don't treat LFS clerks badly just because you think you know more about fish keeping, chances are - you don't

 

Do your homework.
Invest in quality equipment the first time, if your prefences change, you can easily sell quality gear.
Start with base rock.
Buy a few quality name brand buckets.
And "Don't forget to bring a towel".

 

water quality, it all begins here

 

dont sell yourself short by buying cheap equipment