Reef Aquarium Care

Reef Aquarium Care: Daily Habits for a Thriving Reef

Caring for a reef aquarium is one of the most rewarding parts of the saltwater hobby. Corals, fish, and invertebrates all rely on you to keep their tiny ecosystem stable and clean. With a simple routine and a few smart habits, you can prevent most problems before they start and enjoy a colorful, thriving reef for years.

Water Quality: The Foundation of Reef Health

Stable, clean water is the single most important factor in reef aquarium care. Before you fine‑tune anything else, make sure your basic parameters are under control. If you need a refresher on setup and cycling, see our guide on setting up a saltwater aquarium.

Key Parameters to Watch

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity (use a refractometer for accuracy).
• Temperature: 76–79°F (24–26°C) with minimal daily swings.
• Alkalinity: 7–9 dKH for most mixed reefs.
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm for healthy coral growth.
• Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm to stabilize alkalinity and calcium.
• Nitrate: 2–15 ppm (some nutrients are good for corals).
• Phosphate: 0.02–0.1 ppm (avoid both zero and very high levels).

Test new systems weekly and established tanks at least twice a month. Record your results so you can spot trends before they become problems. If you’re battling algae, our article on saltwater aquarium maintenance covers nutrient control in more depth.

Water Changes and Filtration

Regular water changes remove excess nutrients, replenish trace elements, and help keep your reef stable.

• Change 10–15% of the water every 1–2 weeks for most tanks.
• Mix saltwater at least 24 hours in advance with a powerhead and heater.
• Match temperature and salinity to your display tank before adding new water.
• Rinse or replace mechanical filter media (filter socks, floss) 1–2 times per week.

Pro tip: Mark a line on your sump or display for the correct water level. Top off with RO/DI freshwater daily to keep salinity stable.

Coral, Fish, and Equipment Care

Once your water quality is stable, focus on the living (and mechanical) parts of your reef. Small, consistent actions keep everything running smoothly.

Feeding and Livestock Health

• Feed small amounts 1–2 times per day and avoid overfeeding to reduce waste.
• Offer a variety: frozen foods, pellets, nori, and occasional coral foods for LPS/soft corals.
• Observe your fish and corals daily for signs of stress: clamped fins, retracted polyps, rapid breathing, or unusual spots.
• Quarantine new fish when possible to prevent introducing parasites.

Lighting is another critical piece of coral health. Keep your reef lights on a consistent schedule of 8–10 hours of full intensity, and avoid frequent changes to intensity or spectrum. Use a timer or controller to automate your photoperiod.

Routine Equipment Maintenance

• Clean skimmer cups and necks 1–2 times per week for better performance.
• Remove salt creep from cords, rims, and light mounts monthly.
• Soak powerheads and pumps in a vinegar solution every few months to remove calcium buildup.
• Check heaters, return pumps, and overflows regularly to ensure everything is running quietly and reliably.

As your reef matures, you may add dosing pumps, auto top-off systems, or controllers. Introduce new gear slowly and monitor parameters closely whenever you change your routine.

Bringing It All Together

Successful reef aquarium care is less about perfection and more about consistency. Test regularly, perform modest water changes, keep your equipment clean, and watch your animals closely. Over time, you’ll learn the normal “look” of your reef and be able to react quickly to anything out of the ordinary. For more long‑term planning and stocking ideas, don’t miss our guide to choosing saltwater fish for your system.

With a steady routine and a bit of patience, your reef will reward you with vibrant colors, natural behaviors, and a living slice of the ocean in your home.

Sources

• Borneman, E. J. Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History. TFH Publications.
• Sprung, J. & Delbeek, J. C. The Reef Aquarium series. Ricordea Publishing.
• Holmes‑Farley, R. “Reef Aquarium Water Parameters.” Various articles and FAQs.