How to Set Up a Saltwater Aquarium: Step by Step Beginner's Guide

Thinking about starting a saltwater aquarium? You're in the right place!
In this video, I’ll show you just how easy it can be to set up a simple, beginner-friendly reef tank. While this isn’t my first saltwater aquarium, I’ve designed this setup to be as straightforward as possible — perfect for anyone looking to start their own marine tank with confidence.

This is the beginning of a new series where we’ll add fish, corals, and more, so be sure to subscribe and follow along as the tank comes to life!

Good news you can get NT Labs test kits in America!
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/catalogsearch/result?q=nt%20labs

Massive shout out to @NTLabsOfficialSite for sponsoring the channel and for their awesome range of liquids and foods!

Links to NT Labs Marine test kits & Optimus and Satus below:
https://www.nt-labs.com/browse-products/indoor/marine-lab/
https://www.nt-labs.com/browse-products/indoor/optimus-satus/

Nitrogen cycle video:
https://youtu.be/80vr8B1nEew?si=y2B3d5SuQPHyB8ch

Find all my merch below!
https://my-store-d0bef8.creator-spring.com

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00:00 Setting up a reef aquarium
01:51 Unboxing our new fish tank
03:52 Adding coral sand and reef rock
06:06 Using tap water or R.O water?
10:19 Setting up the pump, protein skimmer, heater and lighting
16:24 Mixing salt and water
20:50 Testing salinity with refractometer and hydrometer
26:29 Adding mature live rock, Satus Bacteria and food
30:56 Testing your saltwater for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph
33:03 Picking out the first inhabitants
35:05 Acclimatising our new animals
38:01 We have life in the tank!
41:29 How has it done?