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Reef Tank Update - Fighting Brown Algae, Water Testing & First Water Change | Newbie Tank Build 2.0

SaltwaterAquarium

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2025-10-04 In this episode, I give you an update on my Red Sea S1000 reef tank, which has been running for about a month with three small fish. We dive into some common early challenges—like battling brown algae and even dinos—plus I show you how I test my water parameters using the Hanna test kit and log results in the Hydros app. You’ll also see my very first water change on this tank and learn a few tricks for keeping track of aquarium parameters. If you’re starting your own saltwater aquarium, this episode is packed with helpful tips and real-world lessons from a beginner’s reefing journey!
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⚠️ Products In This Video
► Hanna Instruments HI97115UC Bluetooth Marine Master Multiparameter Checker - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/hi9...
► SICCE Scuba 400 Watt Contactless App Adjustable Aquarium Fish Tank Heater - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/sic...
► SaltwaterAquarium.com Tank Parameter Reference Card - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/sal...
► Reef Nutrition Tigger Pods Live Copepods (6 oz) - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/tig...
► Reef Nutrition Apex-Pods Live Copepods (6 oz) - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/ape...
► Deluxe Water Change Aquarium Kit - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/del...
► Basic Water Change Aquarium Kit - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/bas...
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📩 If you have a request related to equipment in this video, or this video in general, email - sales@saltwateraquarium.com #saltwateraquarium #swaq

20 Comments

@historybuff4402 1 year ago

Another great video. I hope you kick this problem quick. Good thing is that it’s not a reef, so you don’t have to worry about coral needs while you fight dinos. That’s what’s great made it challenging for me when I had an outbreak.

Keep up the great work!

@BamBamm681 1 year ago

the biggest plus i have with that system is the larger cuvette makes it easier to put the reagents in making for a more secure feeling when doing testing I would love that one

@thomasdirocco 1 year ago

The freebie section on the website is sweet but I always forget to add them before ordering!

@CopperCanyonTerrapins 1 year ago

I like my individual checkers. You dont have to worry about reagant expiring if you get in a good testing routine. Most reagents are good for 25 tests like jimmy mentioned in the video and have about a year expiration. I test about every two weeks...sometimes more frquently if I think something is off. So i am going through every reagent in the year window. Usually every 9 months i have to order a refill so i never run completely out. Has worked well for me and my tank has never looked better due to the steady paprameters i have been able to maintain with this testing routine.

@Craigsnowgold 1 year ago

Great video no nonsense just good information.

@CopperCanyonTerrapins 1 year ago

Jimmy, I wish we were neighbors! We'd be fast friends I think! 😂

@adambarker3578 1 year ago

Phone in saltwater? That gave me a little laugh. Great video

@carlosthereefer 1 year ago

Great video! I hope you get rid of the dinos quickly, been there and yes it sucks. I didn't know about being able to save parameters on the Hydros app, thanks for that!

@ramboslice810 1 year ago

I'm a noob so take it for what it's worth. I've heard not to take water from the surface, I fill a pot big enough for all my tests and dunk it in halfway down in my display. Also I'd use a syringe to fill the cuvettes for cosistancy

@allenpost3616 1 year ago

That's a nice test kit. I'll be getting one for when I set up a marine tank. Thanks for the usage guide. 👍

@kylehaapala3905 4 months ago

Very curious how many pairs of glasses you own/how many colors you have! haha

@Absentreef 1 year ago

I like the Hanna master checker. I have one. Only thing I don’t like it how long it takes to test. Usually like 30-45 mins for me atleast.

@michaelhans2509 1 year ago

Jimmy, buy the python no spill kit. You can hook up your tube to the sink. That will create a strong vacuum and you will clean the sand bed quickly. Also you can get a 3’ tube to make it a lot easier. You won’t need the ladder probably

@lorenzobosforo6697 1 year ago

Jimmy you're supposed to shake the reagent bottle.

@TheJohnny220 1 year ago

Yeah thats what I want in my living room ha h a ha ahaha

@shawnhendricks4345 1 year ago

Great video Jimmy.
There is no way I am dipping my phone in my tank or sump to change the temperature. Seems like a great idea in the lab but not realistic in the home setting in my opinion.

@TheCluelessReefer 1 year ago (edited)

Hanna agents, at best, last 6 months after opening. Friends in coral labs have also validated this. But 2 refills per year or your wasting time

@deadpoolredsuit4892 1 year ago

Is the S1000 really 7ft long? - Cool! Come 2026 i want a 6ft tank. The question is, is a Red Sea set up too OTT for a fish only tank, which is what i want, fish only, not too many fish, as i like them to have space to move. I am thinking on 3 or 4 fish.