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Then Vs. Now

Modern Reefing vs. 20 Years Ago: Live Rock, LEDs, & Coral Growth Tips | Newbie Tank Build 2.0

How dirty is too dirty for a reef tank? What does "stable water parameters" actually mean? And why does every single reefer give you a different answer to the exact same question?!

In this episode, Jimmy sits down in Hawaii with fellow reefer Mark to discuss how saltwater aquarium keeping has evolved over the last 20 years. Mark shares his experience returning to the hobby with a 60-gallon all-in-one system after a two-decade break, breaking down the major differences in modern LED lighting, cultured live rock versus dry rock, and the shortcut to skipping long ugly phases. They dive deep into practical reefing lessons, covering the secrets to torch coral success, managing water parameters with simple testing routines, avoiding heater disasters, and why changing one variable at a time is critical for stability. Whether you are setting up your first saltwater tank or returning after years away, tune in for real-world advice on equipment choices, maintenance schedules, and making your reef tank thrive.

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  • Tigger Pods Live Copepods (6 oz) - Reef Nutrition

    Tigger Pods Live Copepods (6 oz) - Reef Nutrition

    Reef Nutrition
    $28.00
    Because Tigger-Pods (Tigriopus californicus copepods) swim upwards with a stimulating, jerky motion, they are attractive to a wide range of fish like Mandarin dragonets, Seahorses and Pipefish. They are easy to...
  • MarcoRocks Coralline Reef Saver Rock (by the lb) - Marco Rocks

    MarcoRocks Coralline Reef Saver Rock (by the lb) - Marco Rocks

    MarcoRocks
    $4.79
    We start with our ReefSaver rock with result looking something straight from the ocean.  This is not a wet or "live" product.   Our Coralline rock features no paint and no concrete.  We use an organic colorant that preserves all of...
  • HI97115UC Bluetooth Marine Master Multiparameter Checker - Hanna Instruments

    HI97115UC Bluetooth Marine Master Multiparameter Checker - Hanna Instruments

    Hanna Instruments
    $499.99
    Hanna Instruments HI97115UC Marine Master Bluetooth Multiparameter Checker Precision Testing for the Serious Reef Hobbyist Achieve unparalleled accuracy and control over your reef aquarium's water chemistry with the Hanna Instruments HI97115UC Marine...
  • MarcoRocks Maricultured Live Rock

    MarcoRocks Maricultured Live Rock

    MarcoRocks
    $110.00 - $389.00
    We ONLY Ship Maricultured Live Rock on Tuesdays for Wednesday delivery.  That means if you order Wednesday - Monday, all orders will ship on the following Tuesday. Pricing includes Fedex Priority Overnight Shipping - Rock this nice...
  • One & Only Reef Live Nitrifying Bacteria (8 oz) 120 Gallons - Dr Tim's

    One & Only Reef Live Nitrifying Bacteria (8 oz) 120 Gallons - Dr Tim's

    Dr Tim's Aquatics
    $66.29
    We store this in a climate controlled environment to keep it fresh - Good for 6 months at room temperature, 1 year at 50°F. Best to keep refrigerated for longest shelf life. One and Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria prevents new tank syndrome by...
  • Live Aragonite Natural Bottom Fine Mix (15 lb) Sand - Two Little Fishies

    Live Aragonite Natural Bottom Fine Mix (15 lb) Sand - Two Little Fishies

    Two Little Fishies
    $27.11
    Fine aragonite sand sustainably harvested from pristine sites in the Western Pacific and Caribbean. Sterilized then packaged with live BioPronto, naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms that help to purify water in marine aquariums. Packaged in (15...
  • ICP Water Analysis - Tropic Marin

    ICP Water Analysis - Tropic Marin

    Tropic Marin
    $37.99
    Professional ICP seawater laboratory analysis - ICP-OES is used to analyze over 35 chemical elements in the seawater sample.After the measurement, the user can call up the detailed analysis report on the website lab.tropic-marin...