Lessons Learned Thread

[earman88]

I have been informed about a similar thread, so I apologize for making a second one. https://www.livingreefs.com/newbie-...wbie-mistakes-weve-all-been-there-t41904.html

In case anyone missed that one. :)

 

[Nonfamous]

KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF THE TANK!!!

As much as we want to fix whatever we find wrong, time and research is better at fixing things that we are. Minimize the amount of things you do to your tank at one time. If you add a new fish or coral, don't do a water change, redecorate, clean up the sand, refit the sump or anything else! When things go wrong, don't panic, take the SMALLEST steps possible to correct the situation.

 

[ChrisKrillz]

Don't buy compact fluorescent lights... You will want to upgrade immediately after you realize you cant have a thriving reef tank with them.
That's why I ordered some Vertex Illumilux LED's :D

 

[bjohanson1234]

When first setting up the tank, leave plenty of room between it and the wall to reach behind for plumbing, plugging things in, and the inevitable jumping fish or dropped item.