Category: General Information
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How Much? Calculating Live Rock Aquarium Needs
Live rock aquarium needs often puzzle aquarists. How much to include in a new saltwater aquarium? It’s one of the most common questions new aquarists ask. And you might be surprised to find out you really only need 10-20 pounds of this expensive reef substrate – no matter how big of an aquarium you have.…
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Two common questions about starting a saltwater aquarium
The two most common questions I get about starting a saltwater aquarium are: Isn’t it a lot of work? Aren’t they expensive? I tend to get these questions when someone first sees my tank–or finds out I’m a big fish nerd. Do you get the same questions? What do you say? I usually say it…
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9 Most Important Reef Tank Aquarium Water Parameters
Everyone loves adding fish, coral, and other invertebrates to their reef tanks. But before you can jump into that fun, you need to make sure you have your water on point. Reef tank water parameters are crucial for the health and well-being of EVERYTHING you add to the aquarium. And it can feel overwhelming. But…
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Vodka dosing in a reef tank
This sounds like a strange concept–and it is–but it works. Vodka dosing in a reef tank is a proven method to improve water quality by removing nitrates and phosphates from the water. Let me share some of the benefits of vodka dosing in a reef aquarium with you by answering some common questions: What is…
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How to prepare your aquarium for a hurricane or winter storm
It seems like severe storms are becoming the norm, rather than the exception around here. We’ve been hit with a severe storm of some sort, losing power for days at a time. As the intensity of the storms has increased (from my perspective) and the power outages have increased from a few hours to several…
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How to cure live rock
The first time I read the term live rock used in the context of a saltwater aquarium, my head exploded. How, in the world, could rock be alive, and what does it need to be cured from? To cure live rock, store it in salt water free from fish, corals & invertebrates for 2-4 weeks.…
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10 Aquarium photography tips and the gear that won’t break the bank
Do you love to take pictures of your fish and corals? This article provides some of the best advice I’ve gathered on the topic. Be sure to leave a comment at the bottom and let us know what you think is the best aquarium photography tip. One thing we all seem to share, in this…
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About Page
You clicked on that link to learn more about me? Now you’re in for it. Hope you’re comfortable. Because I’m getting older, and I keep making mistakes, which means this story keeps getting longer. I’ve been an “aquarium-nerd” for a very long time. I hope you’re not offended by the term. I wear that badge…
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7 Biggest Aquarium Mistakes I’ve Made in the Hobby
I was chatting with a friend and Saltwater Aquarium Blog Newsletter subscriber the other day who was bummed because he made a mistake that ended causing some pretty significant damage to his tank. In the end, he decided to take a break from the hobby. It bums me out to see this happen, and unfortunately,…
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How to Drill a Glass Aquarium
With a little confidence, some patience, and a variable speed drill, you can put a hole in your tank. (A hole you WANT in your tank – not the accidental kind) I’m serious. Sure, you could buy a pre-drilled tank from your local fish store or pay someone else to do the job for you.…
