SaltwaterReefCo, aquarium installation, maintenance - BLOG

Mandarinfish (often sold as Synchiropus splendidus) are prized for their vivid colors, but they are also among the most challenging marine fish to keep. The main reason is feeding: in the wild they graze on tiny, living crustaceans, and many individuals struggle when offered frozen or prepared substitutes.

For most keepers, the key to “mandarinfish-proof” feeding is b...

Using the right water is an unglamorous but critical choice in everything from water filtration systems to reef aquariums. Many users eventually land on RO/DI water—water produced by reverse osmosis (RO) followed by deionization (DI)—because it delivers consistently low levels of dissolved solids and contaminants.

While tap water can vary by season, l...

Dosing pumps and calcium reactors are popular tools for maintaining the balance of key parameters that corals need—especially calcium (Ca), alkalinity (often measured as dKH), and carbonate/bicarbonate levels. When these drift, growth can slow and sensitive species may struggle. While both approaches can support stable reef systems, they differ significantly in how they deliv...

Seasonal temperature swings—natural ups and downs in seawater temperature across the year—are a normal part of life for many marine ecosystems. But for coral reefs, the size, timing, and speed of these changes can determine whether corals thrive, survive, or gradually decline.

Unlike slow, predictable cycles, sharper seasonal shifts can leave corals with less time to ...

SPS corals (small polyp stony corals) reward patience with fast, colorful growth—but they’re also less forgiving than many soft corals and LPS. Two popular beginner-friendly starts are Montipora and Acropora. This guide focuses on what matters most early on: stable parameters, appropriate light and flow, and gentle acclimation.