How to Clean a Reef Tank
Aquariums provide enjoyment for marine enthusiasts. Reef aquariums can contain fish, corals, mollusks and invertebrates that are from a person's favorite vacation area or native region, such as the Indo-Pacific or Caribbean. Since reef aquariums contain corals, the marine environment must be maintained within specific ranges of water and light. The pH, alkalinity, specific gravity and temperature of the water must fall within certain ranges to mimic the native area. UV and natural light must be controlled to simulate daylight for sensitive corals and invertebrates to thrive. Part of a regular cleaning routine provides fresh water for oxygen and checks for healthy water quality levels.
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Things You'll Need
- Big bucket
- Large cup
- Net
- Sponge scrubber
- Water filter floss
- Aquarium sea salt
- Water
- Water treatment
- Hydrometer
- Aquarium siphon
- Tank thermometer
- Test kits: pH, ammonia, nitrite, KH, calcium/magnesium
- Optional: supplements and water heater
Instructions
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Weekly or Bi-weekly
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1
Clean the inside of the tank with the sponge scrubber to remove algae on the glass and salt buildup around the tank and filters. Use your net to remove any floating debris, such as algae.
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2
Perform tests on the water for pH, ammonia, nitrites, KH and salinity to ensure levels are healthy. For reef tanks levels should be:
pH: 7.8 to 8.4
Salinity: 1.025 sg
KH: 150 to 200 ppm
Ammonia: <0.1 ppm
Nitrites: <1 ppm
Calcium: 375 to 450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250 to 1350 ppm -
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3
Replace the water filter floss.
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4
Remove at least 10 percent of the total water and prepare your water replacement using water treatment solution and aquarium salt to maintain the salinity and pH. If supplements are needed based on test results, add the correct amount according to your instructions.
Deposit the removed water into the big bucket for discard.
Carefully add 1 gallon of the treated replacement water into the tank, near the water jets for dispersion. Continue to add the treated replacement water in increments. If your tank is small (such as less than 30 gallons), add the replacement water in 2-cup increments.
Every Two or Three Months
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5
Siphon the sand and substrate carefully. Clean the glass using the sponge scrubber.
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6
Check the hoses, tubing, pumps and lights. Clean filter cups, hoses and canisters as needed. Replace lighting elements and bulbs as needed.
Check and replace the filter floss, carbon and air stones (if used). -
7
Perform tests on the water for pH, ammonia, nitrites, KH and salinity to make sure levels remain are healthy. For reef tanks levels should be:
pH: 7.8 to 8.4
Salinity: 1.025 sg
KH: 150 to 200 ppm
Ammonia: <0.1 ppm
Nitrites: <1 ppm
Calcium: 375 to 450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250 to 1350 ppm -
8
Remove 25 percent to 30 percent of the total water and prepare your water replacement using water treatment solution and aquarium salt to maintain the salinity and pH. If supplements are needed based on test results, add the correct amount according to your instructions.
Deposit the removed water into the big bucket for discard.
Attach the thermometer to the side of the tank where it is easily visible. -
9
Carefully add half of the treated replacement water slowly into the tank, near the water jets for dispersion.
Check the water temperature to ensure it remains in the desired range for your reef. If the water temperature is lower than your desired range, heat the remaining water using the water heater to the desired range and wait for the temperature in the tank to stabilize to the desired range.
Add the remaining heated and treated water slowly to the tank near the water jets.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If your tank is large (more than 60 gallons), use a small water pump and hose to remove the water from the tank and deposit it into a large garbage bin for easy disposition.
When removing or adding water, be careful not to disturb your marine life. If supplementation is needed to correct levels, test your water one or two days after adding the supplements (according to your manufacturer's instructions).
