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A little piece of the ocean.

The saltwater rhythm.

Marine keeping rewards consistency. Daily top-offs replace evaporation, and every two weeks a modest water change removes accumulating nutrients. For reef systems, monthly chemistry checks keep coral thriving.

🌡 75–78°F🧂 Specific gravity 1.024–1.026💧 10–15% every two weeks

Daily

A few quiet minutes

  • Top off evaporated waterReplace evaporation with appropriate freshwater/RO-DI water — salt does not evaporate.
  • Check temperatureTypical marine range: 75–78°F.
  • Check equipmentPumps, heater and skimmer should all sound and look normal.
  • Observe fish and coralLook for polyp extension, aggression or pale colouration.
  • Feed appropriatelySmall targeted feeds; most fish finish quickly.
  • Maintain the protein skimmerEmpty the collection cup as needed.

Every Two Weeks

Water changes & cleaning

  • Perform a 10–15% water changePrepare appropriately mixed saltwater in advance and match temperature.
  • Check salinityKeep specific gravity around 1.024–1.026.
  • Test ammonia, nitrite and nitrateZero, zero, and as low as practical.
  • Clean the aquarium glassA soft pad keeps viewing panes crystal clear.

Monthly

Testing & deeper maintenance

  • Monitor reef chemistryTypical reef reference ranges: alkalinity 8–12 dKH · calcium 400–450 ppm · magnesium 1300–1400 ppm.
  • Maintain mechanical filtrationRinse sponges and filter socks in removed saltwater.
  • Replace carbon media where applicableActivated carbon exhausts; replace per manufacturer guidance.
  • Service pumps and powerheadsInspect impellers and clear any growth from pump intakes.
  • Maintain the protein skimmerDeep-clean the skimmer body and venturi to keep performance stable.

Test targets

Numbers to aim for when your test kit asks.

Specific gravity

1.024 – 1.026

Measured with a refractometer

Alkalinity

8 – 12 dKH

The buffer that keeps pH stable

Calcium

400 – 450 ppm

Coral skeletons demand it

Magnesium

1300 – 1400 ppm

Keeps calcium and alkalinity in balance

Ammonia / Nitrite

0 ppm

Always zero in a healthy system

Nitrate

< 10 ppm

Reef systems run lean

General guidelines — species-specific requirements override these numbers. Always research your specific livestock.

Ready to keep the rhythm?

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