A reef aquarium requires regular attention to thrive. Contrary to popular belief, maintenance isn't time-consuming if you establish an effective routine. Here's the complete guide for successful weekly maintenance.
Why regular maintenance is crucial
A reef aquarium is a closed ecosystem where waste accumulates naturally:
- Food leftovers decompose
- Fish produce waste
- Corals release mucus
- Algae die and decompose
Without intervention, this waste disrupts the water's chemical balance and threatens your inhabitants' health.
The ideal weekly routine
1. Water tests (10 minutes)
Test essential parameters every week:
| Parameter | Frequency | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Salinity | Weekly | Constant evaporation |
| NO3 | Weekly | Pollution indicator |
| PO4 | Weekly | Algae risk |
| KH | Weekly | Coral consumption |
| Ca/Mg | Bi-weekly | If hard corals |
💡 Blue tip: Record your measurements in the app to track trends.
2. Water change (20-30 minutes)
Water change is THE most important task:
Recommended volume: 10-15% of total volume
Steps:
- Prepare saltwater 24h in advance (same temperature, same salinity)
- Turn off pumps
- Siphon the bottom and dirty areas
- Add new water slowly
- Turn pumps back on
3. Glass cleaning (5 minutes)
Algae accumulates on glass and reduces light:
- Use an appropriate cleaning magnet
- Clean before water change (algae will be siphoned)
- Watch out for sand grains that can scratch
4. Inhabitant inspection (10 minutes)
Take time to observe carefully:
- Fish: Normal behavior? Signs of disease?
- Corals: Polyp extension? Vibrant colors?
- Invertebrates: All present and active?
- Nuisance algae: New appearances?
5. Skimmer maintenance (5 minutes)
The skimmer works 24/7, it deserves attention:
- Empty and clean the collection cup
- Check water level in the chamber
- Adjust if necessary
6. Equipment check (5 minutes)
A quick check can prevent disasters:
- Flow pumps: Working correctly?
- Heater: Stable temperature?
- Lighting: All LEDs functional?
- Water level: Top off evaporation with RO water
Monthly schedule
In addition to weekly routine, some tasks are monthly:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Complete skimmer cleaning | Monthly |
| Full ICP test | Every 2-3 months |
| Filter media change | Depends on type |
| Seals and tubing check | Monthly |
Mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Skipping water changes: "My water looks clean" is not a reliable indicator
- ❌ Changing too much water at once: Limit to 20% to avoid stress
- ❌ Neglecting top-off: Evaporated water is fresh, not salty!
- ❌ Cleaning everything at once: Keep beneficial bacteria
Automate with Blue
The Blue app simplifies your routine:
- ⏰ Automatic reminders for each task
- 📊 Measurement history with graphs
- ✅ Customizable maintenance checklist
- 📝 Notes to track observations
Conclusion
One hour per week is enough to maintain a reef aquarium in excellent health. The key is consistency: 15 minutes every day is better than 3 hours once a month. With Blue, you'll never miss an important task again.
Download Blue and simplify your maintenance routine today!