Proper Way To Maintain a Reef Aquarium.

[whysomanyshoes]

I was just about ready to quit the hobby. Non-stop testing with expensive kits, constant water changes, spending way too much time and money on maintenance with little left to just enjoy.

They system was started the first week of January with tap water using Seachem Prime.
Running 7 months now.
No water changes - just top up for evaporation.
Temp is steady 26.5
Salinity 35 (1.025)
Display has about 20 lbs of now live rock.
Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish - Captive Bred
BLUE DAMSEL
Blue and Yellow Damsel
Three Stripe Damsel (2)
Red Fire Blenny
Royal Urchin
Hermit Crabs and Snails.

Water changes - Never
Testing

So here is my system :

25 gal display
25 gal sump

1 powerhead in display.
heater in sump
sump FULL of Chaeto.
Also in sump bag of charcoal and a home made filter using synthetic pillow stuffing in a dollar store tray. When it gets dirty I just replace with new media.
Cheap airstone skimmer ($12 from China)
And of course light, recirculation pump, ground probe. thermometer.

 

[glb]

Are you having problems with your tank? You had said you were ready to quit, so if you could give us more info we can help you out!