Top 20 Saltwater Aquarium Beginner Mistakes To Avoid. If Only We Had Known!

Wondering how to start a saltwater tank or reef tank? Want to avoid all the same mistakes MANY of us have done before? These are the Top 20 Beginner Reefing Mistakes that we wished someone would have shared with us years ago!

Want to see how bad we've messed up in reefing? Check out the 40+ other Mistakes we have made.

BRStv Community links!

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The content contained in this video is general information on the topic and should not be relied upon as your sole source of information or safety advice for this project or topic. Each product or situation is different and has its own concerns related to successful completion and safety that must be fully researched by the individual considering the project or product. 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 Mistakes Beginner
00:10 Thinking Your First Tank Is Your Forever Tank
00:47 Not Investing In Your Five Year Plus Tank
01:51 Overlooking 40, 60, 120 Gallon Sized Tanks
02:54 Going Too Big Or Too Small
04:49 Overlooking Used Setups
06:05 Used Gear Could Be Worn Out
08:00 Going To Fast
08:40 Don’t Overlook Tangs
09:57 Listening To Everybody Rather Then Somebody
11:08 Underestimating The Cost
11:54 Buying The Same Gear Over & Over
13:22 Assuming That You Need A Sump
14:48 Assuming That You Need Everything
16:06 Assuming A Mixed Tank Is Easier
17:09 Worrying Too Much About Pests
18:32 Not Using A Screen Top
19:28 Not Thinking That Live Rock Is Easier
20:50 Not Using Sand In Your First Tank
21:52 Watching The 52 Weeks Of Reefing
22:48 Not Watching The 5 Minute Guide

[fuffoon]

I started this hobby by working at a fish store 43 years ago. I took it up again serioulsy 11 years ago. This advice is as good for me as it is for beginners.

[Jan]

Most youtubers that talk about fish always push tons of equipment you do not need. I am glad you are being honest with us.

[epa]

I'm glad you said that it's not required to have a sump and complex plumbing underneath the tank. That's a big part of why I have stayed with freshwater.

[jfgad]

With covid, i started a fresh water 30 gal. After that, a 10 gal with shrimps and otto. And another 10 gal. I added a 40 breader with guppy, shrimps and otto. Last week-end, i got a 20 gal saltwater tank. I still have all my tanks running really well! All natural plants. I think i’ll go for a pair of clown and anemone. For now, it’s cycling... live sand and live rocks. I’m now one of your subscriber! Cheers!

[phillipamond]

Thanks for the videos. It has given me the confidence to take on a 150 gallon reef ( forever ) tank that is coming next week, no room for anything else. Number one lesson from you guys.... patience ! Just finished my dry marko rock aquascape and I must say not bad, your videos did help with it. Every thing is rodded and glue. Let the cycle begin !!

[AmbersFurBabies]

I am used to freshwater and looking to start my first saltwater tank and the information has been so overwhelming. These tips have been SO HELPFUL. 😂😂😂

[eoghainlebioda]

I love how the intros to thesw videos are so brief. Straight into the reason we're all here

[jintsu]

I started with a 2.5 and it was the most successful tank, then I went up to a 20, then 56 and then back down to a fluval 13.5 and im pretty happy with it. I don’t know id ever want a big tank. Me personally I prefer the smaller tanks.

[Felis-Concolor]

The upgrading is so true. I've upgraded just about everything since I've started. Quality is key.

[joshua]

"listening to everybody rather than somebody"....this. When I started my head was spinning because of the myriad of different opinions, methods, etc.

[jessicalevy]

You guys are great! Watched a ton of your videos and was a super big help to starting my first tank. Despite some recommendations I have a 10 gallon reef and of course had some minor issues (lost a couple fish), however the 20% water change religiously every week has kept things happy and healthy.
Key is research, understanding your commitment to maintenance, and not going too fast. 7+ months in could be happier getting into the hobby. Cheers!

[MrDon]

"cutting up a piece of Fiji..."
as someone who is from Fiji Islands this has to be the highlight of the video for me
maybe that's what I'll name my 120g reef setup. " *A Piece Of Fiji* "

[tylerjaax]

I went with a 45 gallon all in one and went middle of the road. Kept it up for 3 years before upgrading. I don’t think you can have enough experience in 1 year as a new Reefer before upgrading. You haven’t made enough mistakes yet. 3 years is a better goal to me for a first tank.

[jasonjackson]

Thanks BRS; very happy that you all will give good advice.

[MexHIg]

Looking forward on upgrading from a 20
To a 120 really want to add a captive bred tang
Algo a lot more room for aquascape ! Thanks for all the information guys

[jtb]

I’ve watched the 52 weeks and a lot more of your content including follow ups. That said I’ve not yet started my reef tank so no need to rush 😆 I also like to have all the content to take in and be informed as much as possible .

[frankieg]

Thank you so much for the information! Been keeping freshwater planted tanks for over 6 years now looking to get into saltwater. Appreciate the info!

[ColoradoStreaming]

Excellent video. Especially the tip on going too fast. I have run freshwater setups for a decade and this is my number 1 rule for any fish tank. Everything you should do you need to do slow. Take your time cycling the tank, only buy a few fish at a time and let your bacteria adjust, acclimate your fish 10-20 min longer just in case, spend another day letting the temp stabilize on a new tank, spend the time bringing your new water up to temp if you have an RO system off your cold tap. I found the second you start to rush anything or not consciously slowing down you run into problems. I imagine this is especially true in a reef tank where the animals have evolved over tens of thousands of years in an extremely stable environment and you do something to shock that system in 10 min.

[rivertheservicedoodle]

I learned that I loved saltwater tanks when I was 5 my dad had one. And I’ve had several planted freshwater tanks. I’m gonna be building my first reef tank this year. I’m so excited to start this

[TheOnlyZiTRO]

you guys are great together! Thanks for the info, please keep this up!