SaltwaterReefCo, aquarium installation, maintenance, IL

  How to Relocate a Reef Aquarium Safely Moving a reef aquarium isn’t like transporting a freshwater tank. Corals, live rock, fish, and the beneficial bacteria that keep water chemistry stable all depend on temperature, oxygen, salinity, and low stress. With the right timeline and packing strategy, you can relocate your reef tank safely and minimize downtime. Start with a relocation plan—then build a timeline around it. Ideally, arrange your move so the display tank is out of stable conditions fo ... Read more »

  Algae in Reef Tanks: Causes and How to Fight It Algae is one of the most common challenges in reef keeping, and it’s rarely “random.” When it appears in a reef tank—whether as green film, brown diatoms, or more persistent nuisance growth—it often points to an underlying imbalance in nutrients, lighting, or system maintenance. While algae can be unsightly, it also provides clues. The key is to identify which type you’re dealing with and address the root cause, not just the visible patches. ... Read more »

  How to Size a Protein Skimmer for Your Tank Protein skimmers are a common solution for reducing dissolved organics in marine (and some brackish) aquariums. But “oversized” and “undersized” skimmers both underperform: an undersized unit struggles to keep up with waste, while an oversized unit can be difficult to tune and may pull out nutrients faster than intended. Proper sizing comes down to a few measurable characteristics and an honest assessment of your tank’s bioload. Start with your ta ... Read more »

  Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium: Reef Chemistry Triangle Successful coral growth in saltwater tanks often comes down to a simple but unforgiving relationship: calcium (Ca), alkalinity (often measured as dKH or meq/L), and magnesium (Mg) work together to support stable reef chemistry. Because these parameters are linked through precipitation and ion balance, adjusting one without understanding the others can create knock-on problems. Why the three numbers are connected Corals build skeletons primarily from calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) ... Read more »

  SPS vs LPS Corals: Key Differences and How to Start Choosing between SPS (Small Polyp Stony) and LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals can feel overwhelming, especially when most advice assumes you already have a mature, stable tank. The good news: once you know what each group needs—light, water quality, and flow—you can make a smarter, more realistic first pick. In broad terms, SPS corals grow as encrusting branches or plates and typically demand stronger light and very stable water conditions. LPS corals, with their larger fles ... Read more »

  How to Protect Your Aquarium During a Power Outage When the electricity goes out, your aquarium’s biggest risks are oxygen depletion, temperature swings, and loss of water movement and filtration. The good news: with a few prepared tools and quick actions, you can significantly extend how long your tank can run safely. Start with the first 5–15 minutes. Don’t wait to see what happens. If you have air stones and an emergency power source, begin aeration immediately to keep oxygen levels stable. Even i ... Read more »