Things Folks Forget to tell you about Reef Keeping

Since getting into reef keeping, I'm finding there is alot of knowledge that goes unsaid until a problem arises. Granted it's sometimes easy to forget to pass on the basics of ANY topic because it's so minimal.

So in my attempt to help new reefers I'm going to start a list of things I've encountered that usually goes unmentioned.

#1) Your Salt mix - Most everyone grabs a couple of scoops of salt, mixes with RODI water, test with Hydrometer or Refractometer waits until temp stabilizes then adds/replaces mixture in your tank. Here's the catch Salt mixes settle and separate in shipping & storage. What appears to be a normal mixture/procedure turns into a hunt why trace elements or basic elements are not proportionate to what's advertised on bag/bucket. After going in circles during a water change I was enlightened to the fact "You need to mix your salt up before you add it to your RODI water" Mix it up in the bag or bucket before adding water so all the base and trace elements are mixed equally".

#2) Stray Voltage - Stray voltage is voltage given off by pumps, heaters, etc. There is always going to be a little given off. They key word is LITTLE. If one day you notice fish or inverts acting erratically or corals not opening pull out a voltage tester. Plug the ground end into an electrical sockets ground and the positive end into you tank or sump. An acceptable voltage is .5 or less. On average it's .3. Anything over a volt you have current leaking into your tank that is affecting your inhabitants. My point here is NO ONE ever recommended a ground probe for my tank(s). For around $10 you can buy a ground probe from multiple sources - it plugs into any electrical outlet and has a stainless or titanium probe that acts as a grounding source to prevent stray voltage from circulating in your tank. It gives voltage a path to ground and is a cheap insurance policy for your tanks livestock.

#3) Make Sure Your Tank is Level - I know sounds fundamental BUT... if the surface from tank to stand is off or floor to stand is off you can be exerting pressure on low the side of your tank and could cause a leak or a fracture. We all assume tanks and stands are perfectly level. We set our tank up in our living spaces and come home one day to 75 gals of saltwater in carpet or worse yet leaking through wood floor. Not to mention inhabitants gasping and pumps cooking due to lack of water. Check & double check that stand is sitting level on carpet, wood floor, etc. Then level tank on stand and check it multiple times when filling. THEN check it weekly for a couple of months.

There are many more items that get overlooked but I'll add more as I remember and encounter.

Happy Reefing.