Reef Tank Maintenance Checklist

Jan 19, 2026

Reef Tank (saltwater aquarium) Maintenance Checklist

A thriving reef tank doesn’t happen by accident. Corals, fish, and invertebrates depend on stable, clean water and consistent care. A simple, repeatable reef tank maintenance checklist helps you avoid algae outbreaks, stressed livestock, and costly crashes. Use this guide as a routine you can customize to your own system.

Daily & Weekly Reef Tank Tasks

Daily and weekly habits keep your reef stable and let you catch problems early, before they turn into emergencies.

Daily Checks (2–5 minutes)

Visual livestock check: Make sure fish are eating, breathing normally, and not showing torn fins, spots, or unusual hiding.
Coral behavior: Look for polyp extension, color changes, or tissue recession. Sudden changes may signal issues with light, flow, or chemistry.
Temperature & equipment: Confirm heaters, return pumps, and wavemakers are running. Verify temperature is within your target range (typically 24–26°C / 75–79°F).
Top off evaporated water: Use fresh RO/DI water, not saltwater, to maintain salinity. An auto top-off (ATO) system can automate this step.

Weekly Tasks

Water testing: Test salinity, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Record your results so you can spot trends over time.
Glass cleaning: Use a magnetic scraper to remove film algae from viewing panels. Check corners and seams as you go.
Filter maintenance: Rinse or replace filter socks, floss, or sponges in removed tank water to avoid killing beneficial bacteria.
Light and flow check: Confirm your light schedule is correct and powerheads are free of obstructions or snails.

For more on dialing in your routine, see our guide on setting up your first reef tank, which covers equipment choices that make maintenance easier from day one.

Monthly & Seasonal Deep Cleaning

Deeper maintenance keeps nutrients under control and extends the life of your equipment. Add these to your calendar so they don’t get forgotten.

Monthly Tasks

Water change (10–20%): Mix and heat new saltwater to match your tank’s salinity and temperature. Siphon detritus from the sump and low-flow areas in the display.
Skimmer cleaning: Empty and scrub the collection cup and neck. A clean skimmer pulls out more waste and keeps your water clearer.
Test kit calibration: Check expiration dates and, if possible, compare results with a trusted reference or local shop.
Rock and sand inspection: Gently turkey-baste rocks to lift detritus into the water column before a water change. Watch for cyanobacteria or nuisance algae patches.

Every 3–6 Months

Pump and powerhead service: Disassemble, soak in a vinegar or citric-acid solution, and scrub off calcium buildup. Rinse thoroughly in fresh water before reinstalling.
Heater safety check: Inspect for cracks, corrosion, or stuck thermostats. Consider replacing older heaters proactively.
Lighting maintenance: Clean lenses and splash guards. If you use T5 or metal halide, follow manufacturer guidelines for bulb replacement.
Review stocking and feeding: Over time, bioload creeps up. Adjust feeding amounts and export methods if nutrients are slowly rising.

Pro tip: Keep a simple reef log (notebook or app). Note test results, livestock additions, and any changes to lighting, dosing, or equipment. When something goes wrong, that log becomes your troubleshooting roadmap.

To fine-tune your nutrient export and coral growth, pair this checklist with a solid reef tank water parameters guide so you always know what numbers you’re aiming for.

Putting Your Checklist into Practice

The best reef tank maintenance checklist is the one you’ll actually follow. Start with this framework, then customize it to your tank size, bioload, and equipment. Many hobbyists find it helpful to:

Create a printed checklist on the cabinet door or use a task app with reminders.
Batch tasks together, like testing water right before your weekly water change.
Schedule deep-cleaning days when you have time to work slowly and avoid rushed mistakes.

Consistent, small efforts are far more effective than occasional heroic cleanups. With a clear routine, your reef tank will reward you with stable parameters, vibrant corals, and years of enjoyment. For more long-term planning, check out our reef tank maintenance schedule for sample routines by tank size.