EASY saltwater aquarium setup
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- How I set up my saltwater aquarium. Basically identical to my freshwater aquariums.
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Awesome setup with very good aquascape Joey! Keep it up bro. Like I said, once you go saltwater... you don't go back! 😎
That’s a fact
Im always amazed with how much energy you present these videos. It really is clear to everyone, that you love this and it is not just a hobby for you. It's an important part of your life and these fish are - in some way - an extended family. It's great to see humans like you! :)
It totally has that dilapidated ruins aesthetic, I love the arches ans swim-throughs, great scape!
Thanks!
Thank you for all your videos. I just lost my mother. I'm devasted...u and your fish put a smile on my face I really appreciate all you do for the channel the people and your fish! Much love and respect and thanks for making this hard time a little easier
Anthony Montoya I'm very sorry for your loss love!
April Showers thank you
Anthony Montoya Sorry about your MOMMA.
I have 10+ years with my salt water aquariums and I'm super stoked that you got back into the salt water game. One huge item I would suggest is an algae scrubber as this will help lessen the need for water changes as salt can get expensive.
Perfect timing on your salt water set up as I am attempting a 32g biocube! Your videos on this tank are going to help me tremendously!
You can put the leftover rock in the sump to make it live and ready for your reef tank. Much better scape than the one you had. Lucas Bretz would love to check it out!
Thank you for adding the cost comparison between salt and freshwater tanks! As a person with a saltwater tank, its been an uphill battle explaining that the costs are similar.
Hey Joey, you inspired me to get my own 55 gallon cichlid tank thank you!
Fiance got me a 10 gallon tank for my birthday this month, first "large" aquarium I've had. I have to thank you for these videos, I've been watching for months and I've learned so much from them that I felt comfortable knowing I could safely care of my fish in this starter tank. Thanks for your help!
Oh, I like this scape much better! Love the arches, they add so much interest. It totally looks like ancient ruins.
Hi Joey, I really want to set up my own saltwater aquarium. Watching you setting up yours is making me determined to finally get around to doing it. Thank you!
Do it!!!
I love what you have done with the rock. This looks so much better.
Secomd setup is awesome. I set up my first saltwater tank on Friday. Thank you, so very much, for all of your information you provide to us for free.
So glad to see you start a salt water tank. There will be ups and downs just be patient and consistent.
Oh Im glad you changed the scape, this looks much better! And yea, way more free swimming space. Love all the arches!
The new scape is hands down gorgeous Joey ... looks like a deep sea rock formation
This new scape is wayyyy better than the one before. Looks Great!!
Quick suggestions from someone who has a lot of experience with saltwater.
I highly recommend adding a sump to your tank and about triple the volume of live rock you have in your display into the sump. Invest in a protein skimmer that’s rated to 3 times your total water volume and a biopellet reactor with about a 2 cup capacity. This combo will maximize your aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and will better handle nitrates and phospates which are going to be enemy #1 when it comes to saltwater tanks and along with a good organic carbon source to quickly grow and feed those denitrifying bacteria plus lots of skimming will keep those parameters down. Just make sure to run a filter sock in the first chamber of the sump, change it out often and siphon the detritus out of the sump periodically.
As for your livestock, people will say your display is too small but the choices you’ve made will actually work fine. You have to look at the activity level of the fish. A lionfish will spend most of its time camping out on the rockwork as will a snowflake eel. Puffers or triggers will cruise around the tank like crazy, so in a sense you only have 1 fish that’s utilizing most of that space so that really active fish will be happy.
Thanks!! Do me a favour though? Watch the video. Get back to me when you do.
I've been researching and thinking about setting up a saltwater tank for years. You've almost got me convinced to convert my 52 gallon Flatback Hex tank into a saltwater tank!
You make it seem so simple... Maybe when my life is put back together I'll give it a shot
Im really digging all the new video transition, great editing!
That looks waaay better than the other one! Awesome job
In fish keeping community, I think many people not going to like this but I'm very exited for this aquarium. It's gonna help me keep life baits to use them when i need.
I never even realized that's why you can't use a skimmer on freshwater. Learned something. Thanks!
This video was as awesome as it was educational. Your one of the best Joey, if not the best. Keep on doing what you do man!
I like the editing joey! Very nice!
I love the arches! I agree it does look like a coliseum from many years ago..love love love!
Nice video! I hope you kept the puffer!
The only thing I would recommend is that you add an ATO, esp if you are running a protein skimmer. Top offs w fresh water will help prevent salinity swings which can be hard on the fish. Additionally if you only plan on replenishing the evaporation w more salt water changes, over time, I suspect you’ll have some salinity issues. As a reef keeper, so excited to see how this tank progresses!
LeeLee382 yeah, I was just going to comment this. As the water evaporoates, the salinity goes up, then if you add in saltwater to fill it up during water changes the salitnity will go up a lot over the weeks. That's why auto top off is nice. You could also just fill it up with freshwater before you do a water change. But depending on how much evaporation there was, that could be a quick drastic change of salinity.
Looks good! Lots of room for flow and no dead zones
I’ve got a new drinking game... every time Joey says “I like it; I like it a lot.” We take a shot. 😂
Thanks joey for this video on my birthday .... it was so great
Your vidios all ways bring a smile to my face keep up the good work😀😀😀
That looks WAY BETTER JOEY! Good move! Flows better
Joey, you should address the fact that saltwater is way more than just salt and water, normal grocery store salt is not enough to make saltwater for aquarium. The salt you need should be selected for the purpose, coral salts are efficient for both coral and fish tanks, but fish only salts are not enough to provide corals the nutrients and elements corals use to survive and build their skeletal structure. To make salt water for aquarium they contain not only sodium chloride but also calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, potassium and countless other components. It is basic information for those that are in the saltwater hobby already, but so often i see questions on if you can use normal sea salt purchased from grocery store to make saltwater.
Raih watch perious vid. He gets his salt n talks bit bout it
Nicely done, so happy to see a saltwater aquarium!
Throw the extra rock in your sump.Since the return pump draws water across the sump, its a great spot to put the rock.
Get the lab digital refractometer. I forget who makes it, but its worth its weight in gold.
And keeping the beneficial bacteria! Good call!
Harlequin Tuskfish... vibrant colors and great for a predator tank.
So glad you’re doing a Salt Water tank! I have always loved your videos, and wished you was doing a salt water as you’re my favourite person in the hobby to watch as the quality of your videos are the best and your knowledge is up to scratch! I have a salt water aquarium and struggle to find decent videos that actually explain anything. So thank you, I’ll definitely be keeping my notifications on to keep up with the salt water aquariums progress!
Good call on the scape! It looks great! Looking forward to seeing the fish in there!
Hey, can you explain the failures of your saltwater setup since you no longer have one? I think it would help a lot of people out transitioning from fresh to salt.
Love this new rock formation. Making salt water is easier then i thought. Thanks for the video
Matthew Meyer saltwater can be very easy. It's only as difficult as you want it to be. I've actually thought about doing a video series on easy reef tanks.
New scape looks way better, i really didnt care for the other one but i actually love this one
Joey im so glad you're doing marines in the gallery. You have so much to give reef keepers too. Well done mate, love the video's buy the way .
The new scape looks so much better its really nice
The ruins of Atlantis. You definitely have a good eye for what works for your fish. It's looking awesome. It'll look great, once the fish are added. Big thumbs up!
So glad to see you doing saltwater Joey, it was nice meeting at Macna and hope to see again this year. If you need any corals for your tanks just ask I would love to send you a care package or come visit and deliver them so I can explain each Coral for your viewers.
This is probably one of my favourite videos from you. Very interesting and educational. Love it!
Since the sumps are connected for both tanks you should make a reef tank for the top one. You have extra rocks and stuff so you can make a nice tank with the stuff you have left. Food for thought i guess
+1
Second time is the charm I like this setup way better than the first setup. It has a better Flo and it looks really good with all the arches. It has lots of swimming spaces that the fish can pass through . Hey on another note thanks for signing my DYI temperature controller at the big fish deal and for the photos I really appreciated meeting you....BIG GUY😀 keep up the good work.
Joey you should do a reef in the top tank!☺
Hey Joey thanks for the motivation, have always wanted to do one, but all my research lead to expensive equipment!! But then I saw a couple of Ur videos, and have taken on the hubby. I have a 15 gal tank with two damsel, a puffcheek bleeny and two sergeant major. Am also using the the sponge biofilter. Have it running from December of last year, but did complete water changes every two weeks, which I would return from the Cayes. However lately I have notice am doing 4 weeks without changing the water. So I believe the Bio filter is really working now. Just need to make a protein skimmer now! Thanks again, will definitely continue watching your videos.
Editing skills on point 👌🏻
Definitely had to substitute the snowflake due to the gaps in the tank as they are escape artists. You should definitely look into getting a harlequin tusk fish they are awesome
You killed the new scape Joey!!!
What's up FRANK ! FRANK is looking marvelous as always !!! I like the redo on the saltwater scape...reminded me of Stonehenge at first.
It takes about 2-4 weeks to get a marine aquarium set up correctly. I mean, at least that's how I set mine up, live rock, sand, water, then after 2 weeks I drained 50% of the water and refilled. after 3 weeks I added the corals and then week 4 I added the fish. So far, 1 year later everything is perfect.
Looks great, be careful with the skimmer in the return pump chamber, skimmers work best in a stable water height, also easier to tune. So excited for this tank !!
Thanks for showing Frank too.
Vanora Moon Yes thank you
lol I basically have to these days
He has real personality and is just cute. Or at least his personality makes him adorable.
James Lien it’s more of a meme at this point
LOVE IT JOEY! GREAT IDEA WITH THE NEW SCAPE!! I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING, LOOKS MUCH MORE NATURAL AND THE FISH HAVE MUCH MORE SPACE TO SWIM. HOPE TO SEE YOU ADD THE FISH SOON GOOD LUCK 👍🏽
oh man much much better this is looking good
Great video, I’m learning a lot because I’m new in the hobby!!!
Thanks Joey!!!
😎☝🏻
Joey, Id run you salinity and temp at the same level Jeff is at the shop, this will lessen the acclimation time once you bring your fish home.
I love the new scape, it gives the fish more swimming room.
I hope you get some kind of Puffer as they are the most adorable fish.
Would you be willing to do a reef/budget tank?
Thanks Joey, this gives me that little extra confidence that I'll be doing the right thing with my SW tank. Cheers!
i like the arches too!
i feel like you made a good judgment call changing the rocks in the tank. not only does it look a lot better but also itll be better for the fish because the previous rocks looks like they took up half the tank space and i think more space to swim is always a good idea. nice job :D
I would love to see a VIDEO of you doing water changes just see how it's done with your gallary.
You have 4 likes on this message, the people (Your Fans) wants to see this happen :-)
Looks great Joe! Thanks for another vid ❤
the eel is probably subbed because there is no place for it to hide in this new scape
Looks great now, don't change it. Thanks for the inspiration for my Dwarf Lion Fish tank.
"Whats up Frank?".Freakin best intro ever!!
Bravo for the excellent advice Joey and i really like the new scape as i feel its much more suitable for the lions (i've always pronounced it VOL-A-TANS)
On the salt mixing id add just in case anyone missed it , Always add salt to water not water to salt also when using a refractometer always add a heater and test when the water has reached the temperature of your display tank (25c) as the readings will be different from cold to warm water and the refractometers are calibrated to 25c
The skimmer is going to help reduce the need but not replace water changes, id go with an auto top off as its a real work saver to keep the water more stable , for those who don't know water evaporates but salt does not so as water evaporates the tank will get saltier hence the auto top keeping things stable
Only other thing id add is something i've seen you do excellent DIY versions of and that's an algae scrubber that along with your skimmer will reduce the need for water changes by at least 50% but its something id only add after your tank has settled and fish have been added it will reduce the need for things like the purigen and chemipure :)
Im guessing the fish you replace is the snowflake
Best of luck with your new favourite tank :)
I would add that at the amount that joey was talking about with his water changes could make it cost prohibitive for his viewers. Option 2 instead of an algae scrubber would be a ball of Cheato lit opposite of the tank in the sump somehow, reduces the need for water changes and creates a place for micro fauna to grow.
You killed it with that scape! Looks fantastic!
New scape looks great! Can’t wait to see it cycled & stocked
You seem stressed. While the channel is for the viewers keep in mind this is YOUR gallery so do what you like.
Right? Some people act like Joey is their personal performing circus animal. Do this, do that. I hope Joey knows, that most of us are happy to learn from him and share the hobby.
Awesome video dude... Cant wait to see the guests in it...
Omg I'm so excited so see the fish I'm your saltwater tank!!
Hey Joey,
That is a much better look now! But if you want the ultimate predator tank you need to get a CLOWN TRIGGER!!! Very very beautiful!!!
Love the new scape Joey, but where is the eel going to hide?
Defiantly the best scape.... so good. Did not love the second one in the last video. Soooooo nice now
Just started to like the look of my aquarium then i watched this... well now i am re scaping it
Wohooo! Porcupine puffers are soooooo cute
Getting my first saltwater tank 🙂
Exo Gameing how’s your aquarium going?
Been a fish keeper since the last 70s just now set up a saltwater tank they are great
Obviously the substitute fish is Frank but with a power armor suit that converts saltwater to freshwater.
That scape definitely screams predator tank. Great job, Joey
Reef is between 1.024-1.026. ATOs are very important to a reef because it provides a stable SG for the tank.
Got it. Must have missed it in my multi-tasking. Gotta hand it to you, great energy and info generally in all your videos. Keep up the good work! 👍🏻👌🏻🤙🏻🐠🐟
That carib sea sand with the bacteria coating - most of the bacteria is in the water moisture in the bag within the sand, if you are pre rinsing that sand you are removing the bacteria anyway. You need to keep the water that comes out that bag.
The new scape is nice man! Great info also
This Is now my favorit Tank 😂👌🏼
That rescape was a good call
You did an awesome job with the rocks. All nice and open. Love watching your vids. You have some amazing tanks. Keep up the good work.
Oh and the new aquascape looks WAAAAAAY BETTER then the last scape good choice on changing it.!😀
JOEYYYYYYYYYY.....Heads up, keeping your skimmer in the same area as your return pump will cause issues. The water level will drop due to evaporation and with out an ATO The skimmer will be all over the place. You want a skimmer in an area where the water level will stay constant. Great video though. Keep it up!
Joey has done saltwater before and did fine, he knows what works for him! Have faith people!
Not a huge fan of saltwater tbh but sure ill learn a thing or two
Hey Joey, a few sea horses in the top tank would be amazing and would compliment the Predator tank. Maybe make the top tank a saltwater planted aquarium? Love your work.
New scape looks really cool!