Is Keeping a Saltwater Aquarium Expensive? With a Little Help From Thomas It Doesn't Have to Be!

Looking for a few tips to shave some cost off of your reef keeping budget? Thomas has his Top 10 Tips for keeping a little cash in your pocket while still having an awesome reef tank!

Check out some sales and deals to save even more money at Bulk Reef Supply:

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*Legal Stuff*
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

00:00 - Intro
00:32 - Reefing is not a competition.
01:38 - Get a smaller tank.
02:45 - Stick to the basics.
03:43 - RODI water at home.
04:33 - Buy in bulk.
05:20 - DIY your sump.
06:33 - Use soft plumbing.
07:53 - Avoid the "cheapest" gear.
09:04 - Common affordable livestock.
10:22 - There is no BEST coral.

[scottgleason]

I honestly like soft and flowing corals myself

[SparkyHelper]

Thank you for #10 especially!!! I fell into this when I got started.

[aquaticnut]

As a former aquarium store manager and wholesale worker this video is perfect! I respect BRS so much cause they keep it real! Thanks Thomas and BRS crew!!! Setting up a new nano tank tomorrow 👍

[vegetadt]

Love seeing Thomas doing more videos beyond his spotlights!!! He is a 💎

[limitlessluis]

Yup! My wife and I LOVE flowing, moving corals! Sure hard corals are beautiful as well, but softies and LPS have a great appearance when there’s movement! We own three mixed reef tanks: two nanos and one 24” cube! The smaller tanks are SO much easier to work on! Thank you BRS for all the informative,
engaging content! Cheers! 😃

[jimmypark]

I’m a new reefer with a 25 AIO and one another point I want to make is to be actively engaged with your reefing community. My marine biologist buddy who has been in the hobby for over 20 years gave me some frags that would have pretty expensive.

[joseglafargue]

you are the best . That is exactly what i thinking.
and you are the best at BRS for my point of view
thank you to be there !

[codyczaikowski]

Thomas, first of all, I look forward to every video you do. Your attitude and energy brings so much life to your videos, thank you.

Second, your tips are exactly what new hobbyists need to hear so thank you for say what needs to be said!

[Stephenkillam]

This is a vid that needed to be made. Killer job man!!!🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[jackiescoggins]

Ryan u r right!! Who wouldn't love this guy!! He is great!!

[Fifthimagez]

Absolutely awesome video on my second attempt to keep a saltwater tank

[borisradanovic]

hey thomas, greetings from germany, thanks for your great videos, im enjoying them very much. its so easy to understand when youre describing all. i will make a 35 gallon tank at autumn/ winter and your vides helped me so much picking the right gear😁 thumbs up👍

[nimus]

Have to say it again I miss Thomas in this format. I hope we see more of these fireside chats! Also totally agree with the number one point. I’m as guilty as anyone for buying into the hype so I appreciate the reminder stay true to your own vision. 😎

[SammyDee]

Buy used and graduate to high end stuff...
Make your own water...
Actually test and learn the elements relationships to one another....
Cheap equipment is fine as long as it performs as intended...

My 2c

[brentbondura]

The honesty and no-sales feel of this video is refreshing. Been in this a long time and while I love the path the hobby is taking, I hate it just as much.. Too many glam tanks and not enough normal, everyday reefer tanks being shown. #honestyinreefing

[gregoryrunningelk]

Thomas is episode is awesome, two thumbs up. I will be showing all my friends this one for sure! Because they are scared to start a saltwater aquarium because of the cost. Now I have an expert they can hear from. Peace!

[melvinnieves]

Thanks Thomas for share all your experiences on this hobby.

[Glitchfishy]

This video in a nutshell:

Don't follow the crowd, buy the best you can afford/accommodate and make yourself happy 😌❤️

[markstover]

This is the best Thomas video to date. Thanks Thomas and BRS.

[thomasreenberg]

I really enjoyed this video.

I always go for mixed reef. Love the sway of a good big softy.