Many aquarists carry out a strict daily, weekly and monthly maintenance schedule when their systems are new but oftentimes, they overlook many basic aspects that need to be addressed on a regular basis, once there systems have been running successfully for an extended length of time.  This oversight often leads to problems that we can avoid by maintaining a maintenance log and sticking with our planned maintenance.  

The following maintenance routine is a basic suggested routine for reef aquariums.  Take a look at it and modify it as you see fit, but stick with it! Please keep in mind that this is NOT a guide line, but a basic recommendation for beginners.

Daily

• Feed Daily (if fish present)

   

• Check Temperature                             

   

• Check Salinity/add top-off water

   

• Check/log pH

   

• Check Skimmer Collection Cup

   

• Clean Front Glass

   

• Visual Check All Equipment

   

• Visual Check Organisms

   

Weekly 

• Quick-clean Skimmer (use brush)

   

• Check aragonite sand for clumping

   

• Check Ammonia

   

• Check Nitrate

   

• Water Change (5% in most cases)

   

• Adjust pH if necessary

   

 Monthly

• Fully clean skimmer

   

• Change Granulated Activated Carbon

   

• Full Equipment Inspection

   

• Clean any salt creep on equipment and tank

   

• Water-change (if not performed weekly)

   

• Add Supplements

   

• Replace lighting bulbs (annually in most cases or as directed by manufacturer)

   

• Add/replace substrate (aragonite breaks down slowly which requires us to add more from time to time. Also, clumping may cause us to remove some sand which must also be replaced.