Keeping a reef aquarium thriving doesn’t have to take hours every day. With a simple weekly reef tank maintenance schedule, you can stay ahead of algae, nutrient spikes, and equipment issues before they become real problems. This routine is designed for busy hobbyists who still want crystal-clear water and healthy, growing corals.
Quick Daily vs. Weekly Tasks
Daily checks are about observation; weekly maintenance is where you actually roll up your sleeves. If you already do quick daily glances at your fish, corals, and equipment, your weekly session will be smooth and predictable.
Daily 2–3 Minute Check
- Confirm all pumps, powerheads, and lights are running.
- Feed fish and spot-feed corals as needed.
- Look for signs of stress: heavy breathing, closed polyps, or sudden algae blooms.
For a deeper dive into daily care, see our guide on beginner reef tank checklists.
Simple Weekly Reef Tank Maintenance Schedule
Plan on 30–60 minutes once a week. Pick the same day so it becomes a habit, and keep your tools ready: buckets, siphon hose, algae scraper, test kits, and clean towels.
1. Test Key Water Parameters (10–15 minutes)
- Salinity: Verify with a calibrated refractometer.
- Temperature: Confirm it matches your heater/controller reading.
- Alkalinity: The most important weekly test for coral health.
- Nitrate & Phosphate: Track trends to catch nutrient creep.
Tip: Write your test results in a notebook or app. Stable numbers over time matter more than chasing a “perfect” value.
2. Perform a 10–15% Water Change (15–25 minutes)
- Mix saltwater at least 24 hours in advance with heat and circulation.
- Turn off return pump and skimmer before you start siphoning.
- Vacuum detritus from bare spots in the sump and easy-to-reach areas of the display.
- Refill slowly to avoid stirring sand and stressing corals.
Consistent small water changes help stabilize trace elements and export dissolved waste without shocking your system. If you’re unsure how much to change, our article on reef tank water change schedules breaks down options for different tank sizes.
3. Clean Glass and Equipment (10–15 minutes)
- Use a magnetic scraper for daily film algae and a blade for stubborn spots on the front and side panels.
- Remove and rinse filter socks, sponges, or mechanical pads in old tank water.
- Wipe down salt creep on the rim, plumbing, and light mounts.
- Check powerheads and return nozzles for snail shells or buildup that could restrict flow.
Tip: Rotate two sets of mechanical filters so you always have a clean one ready to go.
4. Inspect Livestock and Adjust Feeding (5–10 minutes)
- Look closely at coral tissue, polyp extension, and coloration.
- Watch fish behavior during feeding—shy eaters may need targeted food.
- If nutrients are creeping up, slightly reduce feeding or increase export (more frequent sock changes or a bit more skimming).
For more on balancing nutrients, see our post on controlling nutrients in reef tanks.
Keeping Your Routine Simple and Sustainable
The best reef tank maintenance schedule is the one you can stick to every week. Focus on:
- Consistency over perfection.
- Logging test results and changes.
- Making small adjustments instead of big, sudden corrections.
With a straightforward weekly plan, your reef will stay stable, your equipment will last longer, and you’ll spend more time enjoying your tank instead of fixing emergencies.
Sources
- Sprung, J. & Delbeek, J. C. The Reef Aquarium series.
- Borneman, E. H. Aquarium Corals. TFH Publications.
- Randy Holmes-Farley, “Water Parameters in Reef Aquaria,” Advanced Aquarist.
- Bulk Reef Supply & Marine Depot educational articles and videos on reef maintenance best practices.
By
