How I run my generator for my 400g reef during a power outage melevsreef 2026-09-20 | How I run my generator for my 400g reef during a power outage
Unboxing and Installation of the Neptune Trident Automatic Water Analyzer melevsreef 2023-07-07 | I received a brand new Trident, so I decided to do an unboxing and show how I installed it under my reef. You can buy Neptune Products from my website: melevsreef.com/reefshop/brands/Neptune-Systems
Coral Magazine: Bonus interview with Murray Camp about Burnout melevsreef 2023-06-29 | Read Murray's full article in the Coral Magazine July-August 2023 issue. Available here: melevsreef.com/reefshop/dry-goods/publications/coral-magazine-jul-aug-2023Side note, the images in that article were taken by me. It was great seeing them in print.
Lets talk about measuring PAR and why it matters melevsreef 2023-06-25 | Please shop for aquarium gear at http://www.melevsreef.com and support my small business. :)
My channel has a sponsor! melevsreef 2023-06-19 | Here's the official announcement that Fritz Industries chose to sponsor my channel. We decided to try to mimic a possible scene from The Office for fun, and I hope you enjoy it. Please welcome them, as this is a good thing!
RD157: an idea that worked melevsreef 2023-06-19 | This nuisance algae has spread, but isn’t adhering like others. So I decided to try something to clean up the tank.
Lets talk about RODI systems and pure water melevsreef 2023-06-11 | Shop here: melevsreef.com/reefshop/reverse-osmosis
Lets talk about the Hydros Controller on Caitlins Reef melevsreef 2023-06-04 | You can buy some Hydros gear here: melevsreef.com/reefshop/brands/Hydros
Caitlins Reef - One Year Update - the Japanese Pygmy Angelfishs home melevsreef 2023-05-30 | Today is Caitlin's birthday, which corresponds with the anniversary date of her reef. I set this up in her honor a year ago. Flare, the C. interrupta angelfish continues to be a stunner. As you watch, you'll see how active she is and why it's so hard for me to take good pictures of her. I can't even get the camera to focus on her for video.
Let’s talk about Cyanide-caught fish, and what we know melevsreef 2023-05-28 | Is Cyanide still a problem?Cruz needs your help! givesendgo.com/kfc?fbclid=IwAR2K
New frags from Tidal Gardens melevsreef 2023-04-29 | Tidal Gardens had a sale and the one frag I wanted was marked down! Had to buy it, but decided to pick out a couple more that caught my eye. They still need to be properly planted but for now they are safe. Safer. You’ll see why I said that.
Lets Talk about Cyanobacteria melevsreef 2023-04-23 | Link to RedCyano Rx: melevsreef.com/reefshop/dry-goods/additives-and-solutions/redcyano-rx
RD156: Some of my fish melevsreef 2023-04-19 | I don’t showcase my fish enough, but that’s because I’m a coral guy.
RD155: Pipefish melevsreef 2023-04-17 | Pipefish are slower moving copepod-consumers, but can also eat some bugs on SPS corals. I recently added a pair for the latter reason, as that could be beneficial in the long run.
RD154: Treating Caitlin’s Reef to solve a Cyanobacteria issue melevsreef 2023-04-17 | During a previous water change, I believe I may have killed the Randall Goby while siphoning the visible sandy areas of the tank. I never saw it after I was done, despite performing this task the exact same way for nearly a year. The sandbed got ugly a week later, and I still didn’t see the fish. Putting two and two together, it seems it perished and spiked the water in the process. Cyanobacteria was creeping into the system and I decided to use RedCyano Rx now before it got worse. After dosing and waiting four days, I did a 5g water change and that was all there was to it.
Lets talk about frozen fish food, and protecting sheetrock walls melevsreef 2023-04-16 | Shop Melev's Reef for aquarium products I trust: http://www.melevsreef.com
Lets Talk about Saltwater is too hard! Is it? melevsreef 2023-04-01 | Where do these thoughts come from?
RD153: Annual Skimmer Cleaning and Texas-sized Vermetids melevsreef 2023-03-27 | I decided that Sunday was going to be work in the tank day. The protein skimmer was due for a full cleaning, the algae turf scrubber needed to be stripped of algae, and while I had the acid bath going, I put all the Vortech wetsides in that solution too. I have extras at the ready, so they were installed while the dirty ones soaked so the reef maintained normal flow. I used Pump Clean, which I sell as well: melevsreef.com/reefshop/dry-goods/pumps/pump-clean#reeftank #skimmer #maintenance
Lets talk! (ICP, Reef Blueprint, Reef stuff) melevsreef 2023-03-25 | I got a new microphone, let’s see how it works
RD152: Sicce to the rescue melevsreef 2023-03-20 | I ended up using three Sicce products tonight. Why not? I sell them from my shop. 😊 It rescued my back, hence the title.
Lets Talk about Reef Power Consumption melevsreef 2023-02-25 | I did the math, and it’s pretty interesting.
Will you win? #livestream #contest #winnerwinnerchickendinner melevsreef 2023-02-23 | Win one of the five controller boards being given out this Saturday during our livestream. Post a picture of your rat’s nest NOW in the Club Melevsreef contest thread (our group on facebook), and the moderators will decide who is worthy. Can you top some of the fire hazards already posted? 😆 @adaptivereef is shipping it to your door, even if you are international! You have to be present during the livestream to win.
RD151: three chores and a necessary replacement/repair melevsreef 2023-02-19 | The bladder tank burst the bladder, apparently. Those tanks are sealed so I can't see inside, but that's really the only logical reason for what I'm seeing. The simplest cure was to install a new one. Cait's Reef got a long-overdue water change, which makes me feel better. The ATS got cleaned out, the Versa got calibrated so the trickle rate looked normal again, and I picked up some more frozen fish food at Frank's Tanks because I was out. #ats #waterchange #reeftank
Lets Talk about LPS corals melevsreef 2023-02-18 | These very popular corals have specific needs. Here's the types we talked about: Hammer, Frogspawn, Torch, Acan / Micromussa, Frammer, Sun coral / Tubastrea, Dendrophyllia, Fungia / Not a fungia, Candy Cane, Alveopora ,Goniopora (flowerpot), Elegance, Duncans & Blastos. These corals need specific reef parameters, water temperatures, good lighting, medium flow, and always dip for pests.ReVive Coral Cleaner: http://melevsreef.com/reefshop/dry-goods/pests-and-dips/revive-coral-cleaner-dipCG Coral Glue: http://melevsreef.com/reefshop/dry-goods/tools/cg-coral-glue
RD150: Did it work? Update on the Phosphate level melevsreef 2023-02-15 | Last night I dosed 125 drops of Phosphate Rx in my reef. Let's see how much of a difference the water tests tonight. And I finally added more salt to my mixing station so it'll be ready to use tomorrow.
RD149: my preferred way to bring phosphates down melevsreef 2023-02-14 | Since the PO4 level yesterday measured .75ppm or higher, it was definitely time to knock them down. Phosphate Rx has been my tool of choice for over a decade. It's easy, quick, and works.Phosphate Rx: http://melevsreef.com/reefshop/dry-goods/additives-and-solutions/phosphate-rx
RD148: Prodibio, Skimmate, Water Tests and more melevsreef 2023-02-13 | The refugium is nice and clean again. I did discover one of my test kits was old enough to give me false results, which I should have caught sooner (the boxes are in a bin, opened where I can just pull out the reagents, so I didn't see the date on the carton). And I took care of a few other necessary tasks today.
Lets talk about electricity and avoiding a fire melevsreef 2023-02-11 | If you haven't gone over everything electrical in your aquarium area, it's time to do so. And that means opening up every item, from outlet covers to power strips. Unplug and inspect every cord, look for corrosion, burned/smoldered wiring, bare spots on cords, anything that looks damaged versus brand new. Tidy up those power cords, use drip loops, and consider adding splash guards to keep the power sockets dry at all costs. Just because everything is fine doesn't mean you don't have an issue brewing, sight-unseen. You don't want your home to burn down
RD147: Killing aiptasia and cleaning up Cait’s Reef melevsreef 2023-02-11 | There's been one huge aiptasia in this tank for months and it needs to go away. While the tank needed to be circulation-free for a full hour, it was the perfect time to clean the equipment, soaking those in Pump Clean for a while. A quick demonstration of how I use F Aiptasia was included, and some closeups of the critters was included. Plus you get to see Flare, the Japanese Pygmy Angelfish. I sell Pump Clean and F Aiptasia on my website, because they work and I like to sell what I use. http://www.melevsreef.com
RD146: That 7 year old membrane was toast! melevsreef 2023-02-10 | I have a feeling I installed the last membrane in my RODI system in 2016. For the last six months or so, the TDS coming out of the membrane measured ~8, which is pretty high when my source water measures less than 150. It should be reading about 2 or 3, resulting in DI resin lasting much longer than it has. That's when I thought "how old is this membrane?!" Using strap wrenches from Harbor Freight, I opened up the housing to find it filthy within, and the membrane was thrown out. While I had it broken down, I greased up the O-rings and made sure the fittings were snug. Then I ran it for about an hour to flush out the preservatives in the new membrane. Now it's good to go for the next few years.
RD145: I cleaned the Calcium Reactor & found the problem melevsreef 2023-02-09 | My calcium reactor is over 19 years old and should really be named Old Faithful. It’s what I use to maintain the alkalinity and calcium levels in my reef, running 24 hours a day. It was desperately in need of a good deep cleaning, and that’s what I did. I completely disassembled it, including the pump itself. Once everything was clean and reassembled, I went ahead and filled it up with new Reborn media from Two Little Fishies, and the normal Alk level has been hit in less than 24 hours later.
Lets talk about Sandbeds melevsreef 2023-01-14 | Some of the points discussed:Deep Sand Bed vs NoneSandbed dwellers (cucumbers, nassarius, pistol shrimp, serpent stars, conchs)Proper flowVacuumingAdding more/new sandgrain size mattersnutrient sink vs denitrification
I built a Smokeless Fire Pit, from start to finish! melevsreef 2023-01-14 | This was on my wish list for a really long time. I debated the look, and watched hours of youtube videos to figure out the best features. It had to be smokeless, so I wouldn't have to keep moving to avoid choking. I built it when I had some free time, especially once I knew exactly what needed to be done. A lot of thought went into this project, and the CNC came in handy for an important part. If you have any questions, let me know.#diy #smokeless #firepit This is the metal ring insert I used: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DRSVF1X?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_detailsThe screened top: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2NSSBVZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Calibrating the Apex LLS 23” (liquid level sensor) melevsreef 2023-01-13 | I couldn’t calibrate the LLS in my top off reservoir because I couldn’t lift it to each required depth, which the Fusion task demands. However, you can do so in other containers as explained in this brief video. The purpose of the Liquid Level Sensor is to notify you when the water level changes out of a desired range. In my case, if the water drops too low, I’ll get a reminder to refill it. If it measures too high, my reservoir may be about to overflow. You could use the LLS to know if your sump’s water level is suddenly running low or is too full, indicating the return pump has failed or the system hasn’t been topped off for a while. This is a Neptune Systems sensor made to work with the Apex controller and requires a FMM port. #apex #lls #controlfreak
Lets talk with Jake Phillips of Biota melevsreef 2023-01-07 | Aquacultured fish and corals are important for the future of the hobby and possibly our oceans.Learn more here: shop.thebiotagroup.comShop Melev's Reef: melevsreef.com
Lets talk about Eels with Amy King melevsreef 2022-12-31 | Amy of Eel Lady Aquatics joins us to answer all my eel questions. She has a passion for these beautiful fish, and explains lots of points that one should consider before buying one.IG: instagram.com/eelladyaquaticsFb: facebook.com/eelladyShop Melev's Reef for your aquarium needs: melevsreef.com
Gifting your Loved Ones Aquarium for the holiday melevsreef 2022-12-24 | Communication is better than a surprise in this case
I joined Fritz to set up this easy lagoon reef aquarium! melevsreef 2022-12-24 | Shawn over at Fritz asked if I would do a collaboration video with him, setting up an aquarium that could be auctioned off next week. He had everything including the cameraman; I just had to show up and help, and edit my version of the footage. We show you how we assembled it, step by step. I bet the Fritz video will be way different, and probably better too. LOL Be sure to follow Fritz on social media to learn the details how to participate in this auction, raising funds for a local charity group.Link to Fritz channel: youtube.com/@fritzaquatics7123
Surprise! Streaming with the Fritz crew melevsreef 2022-12-22 | Join this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCpv_735gcJAtjFi9Fl-WubA/joinIf you wish, you can join this channel and get a few perks. This is a monthly membership that Youtube offers, and I've decided to turn it on for anyone that is interested. Active members will get badges and emoticons to use during our weekly livestreams. An immediate perk will be the ability to watch as we rework the aquacaping of the 400-gallon reef next week. If you are seeing this later and missed that opportunity, there will be other behind-the-scenes streams for active members.
9 year Anniversary of my Reef melevsreef 2022-12-05 | On November 10th, 2022, my reef turned nine. In this video, I explain what gear I use while you get to enjoy the best part: the livestock! If you have any questions, ask below. And please shop from my website: http://melevsreef.com/reefshop
Lets talk to Deven about reefing with a newborn melevsreef 2022-12-03 | Deven's channel is ReefDudes, here on youtube. youtube.com/reefdudes
Lets talk about Small Business Saturday melevsreef 2022-11-26 | I shared the story of how my business got started, and what I do these days. Then I answered your questions during a nice video of what my reef looks like today.
Livestream time: Whats your topic? melevsreef 2022-11-19 | For the livestream this week, the audience quickly provided us with a few useful questions I could address in detail.
