Category Archives: How To

Algae can enter your aquarium from introduced rocks, sand or frags, and when the conditions are right, algae will take advantage and become a nuisance, if left unchecked. Here are some of the most common nuisance algae we see in aquariums and methods to help prevent and treat them.

Not all forms of filtration media are needed in every aquarium. Some tanks can get by with just basic mechanical filtering in contrast to others using all other forms. So to ease any confusion we have put together a little beginner’s guide to the most used media in aquarium filtration and how it is used for you to decide which is right for your tank needs.

Welcome to Part 4 of this four-part series, Chasing Colors, Not Numbers, where we learn about the importance of proper filtration and its affect on your corals.

As a beginner, it can be confusing with the different types of protein skimmers available. In this article we discuss each type of skimmer, installation basics, and troubleshooting.

A refractometer is considered by many to be a more accurate way to measure salinity. In this article we discuss what they are, how to use and calibrate them, with some extra useful tips.

At some point of keeping our aquariums we may have overheard someone from the reefing community talk about carbon dosing. They may say they’re adding vinegar to their tank or even vodka. Yes, vodka! You may have reacted to yourself “Um, what??” and under breath say “Like… one shot for me… and one shot for […]

Slow Tissue Necrosis (STN) and Rapid Tissue Necrosis (RTN) are two problems no reefer wants to experience with their coral. But What causes it? Is there a way to stop it? and Can it be prevented?

Fish have an almost endless variety of color, hues and patterns, but ever wonder why fish lose coloration? In this article we discuss some of the main causes of color loss and how to prevent it from happening.

Welcome to Part 3 of this four-part series, Chasing Colors, Not Numbers, where we learn about the latest research about feeding corals and what coral nutrition means for the reef aquarist.

Mirrors? Acclimation boxes? Feeding? How do you deal with tank bullies when introducing a new fish? Here are a few methods we at MD and many aquarists have used to reduce the aggression.