Category Archives: How To

The long-term solution to cyano and algae is adding competing bacteria back into your aquarium that will consume nutrients and then removing those organisms, thereby removing the nutrients from the system. It’s not as hard as it sounds!

The idea behind a reef tank refugium is to provide an isolated environment, separate from the main aquarium for the cultivation of macroalgae, live foods and biological denitrification.

Maintaining proper water chemistry is arguably one of the more difficult aspects of keeping a healthy captive reef tank. Thankfully we have amazing tools to help us out! In this video, we show YOU how to dial in your ESV Two Part dosing using the Hanna Instrument’s Checkers.

Keeping nitrate under control has always been a concern because nitrate is the end-product of nitrification via your biological filtration so it’s continually added to your aquarium water. It may seem like a constant battle to keep nitrate under control. The good news is there are many proven ways to minimize nitrate build-up.

Cyanobacteria, or Cyano for short, is not an algae like what many of you might think but is in fact a photosynthetic bacteria that can quickly coat the surfaces inside your tank. Its ugly, prolific and can even out-compete your coral. Here is your guide to preventing this plague and some helpful tips for cleaning it up.

The TRITON Method is a holistic reef keeping system. You do not need to be a chemist to use it. Just test your seawater, know what’s in it, and act to fix it. To take full advantage of the program, it is recommended you have a sump with a refugium that is 10-20% of your total system volume.

Dr. Timothy A. Hovanec presents a short, concise recipe on how to fishless cycle your aquarium. You can add DrTim’s One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria or not with this method. By adding the bacteria, your cycling time will be shorter and you’ll be watching fish in your aquarium sooner.

Setting up an aquarium is an exciting project. Typically, we can’t wait to start adding fish, corals, and invertebrates, but, a newly set up aquarium is not ready for new animals right away. In this episode, we’ll share our best tips to help you succeed when cycling your new aquarium.

Growing coralline algae is one of the most discussed topics among reef aquarists. But here’s some good news: there is no magic formula or aquatic voodoo. Growing coralline algae is quite easy—and here’s what you need to know!

Backwards compatibility is one of the VorTech’s best features. Upgrade previous model pumps to the current QD versions. QD upgrade kits can significantly reduce motor noise from older version VorTechs and in some models will also increase flow.