- What is the difference
between a reef tank and a saltwater tank?
First off, let's define both of those terms
just so we're on the same page
and then we'll explore not only what they are
but also the differences in setting up and maintaining them.
The term reef tank refers to a saltwater aquarium
that specifically contains living corals
and other photosynthetic marine organisms,
a variety of invertebrates
and of course fish,
and ultimately emulates a reef ecosystem.
The term saltwater tank on the other hand
is a catchall and covers all types of saltwater tanks
including reef tanks, fish only tanks, predator tanks.
Seahorse tanks, macrology tanks, biotopes,
the list goes on.
So, while saying saltwater tank is fairly ambiguous,
I think what most people probably mean when they say that
is a simple fish only tank.
So for the rest of this video
that is what I'll be referring to
whenever I say saltwater tank.
Now there are a lot of similarities
between a simple saltwater tank and a reef tank
which makes perfect makes sense.
They both start off as a tank and stand.
They both have filtration powered by a pump.
They both have a light,
a heater for temperature control.
Substrate for the bottom,
usually rock to create an aquascape or habitat for the fish.
And of course the major factor
that sets them apart from a freshwater aquarium,
they both need salt water mixed up
using synthetic marine salt
with a tool to measure the salinity.
On the other hand, a reef tank requires a light
designed specifically to grow corals.
It'll often have more filtration elements
to keep the water parameters within a safe range
for those corals.
It'll have wave pumps within the tank
to add the extra flow that the corals need.
The substrate and the rock will be natural
or made of natural materials
and the aquascape built up with coral placement in mind.
The salt mix that's used will often be specific
to keeping corals and you'll wanna mix it
into RODI water and not tap water.
You'll also have a number of additives
for maintaining the water chemistry for those corals.
I'm sure the theme is starting to appear.
A reef tank really focuses on coral husbandry
rather than the fish
and that includes the equipment and the maintenance.
With a simple salt water tank,
you'll need to feed your fish,
clean the algae from the glass,
do a partial water change once every couple of weeks
and replace the filter media
and clean the equipment every month or two.
With a reef tank, you have all of that
plus you're all also gonna be feeding your corals.
Testing a handful of parameters
and dosing additives to maintain them.
You'll often have a protein skimer cup
to empty out weekly
and other filtration elements
like reactors that will need tending to periodically.
If you have an algae outbreak,
you'll wanna rely on snails, crabs, fish
and manual removal to take care of it
rather than an algaesie since they tend to be harmful
to corals and other invertebrates.
But that's also what makes a reef tank
such an amazing and captivating ecosystem to have.
You get to see all of these intricate
and fascinating relationships
between all of these different organisms
right in your home.
Brightly colored fish and fluorescing corals,
swimming and swaying in the flow.
Watching a tank full of small corals
grow into a thriving reef
and feeling that sense of pride and accomplishment
and sharing it with your friends and family.
And yes, you can also have a reef tank that's really simple
and easy to care for.
Soft coral dominated tanks
are a really great example of just that.
And starting off with a saltwater tank to get your feet wet
and then converting it to a reef tank over time
is also a great option.
The best way to get your reefing journey started
is by learning the basics
so you know exactly what size tank,
type of filtration, lighting, pumps and other gear to get.
And then how to pick the easiest fish
and corals to start with
so you cab be successful the first time.
And on that note,
check out this five minute guide series
on setting up your first reef tank.
Ryan walks you through everything
from picking up the tank itself
to the fish and the corals and everything in between
and start enjoying the reefing hobby.
Don't wait,
it's so much fun.
We'd love to have you, me specifically.
I need more reefing friends
so I can justify to my wife that I'm not crazy.
(upbeat music)