Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
How do I start a beginner reef tank?
Begin with a stable, right-sized setup: solid filtration, heater, ATO, and beginner-friendly lights. Start with hardy soft corals/LPS and a light fish load.
We’ll map your first 30-day plan so you can enjoy the glow, not the stress.
How much time does a beginner tank take weekly?
Plan on 15–30 minutes for testing/topping off and a weekly 10–15% water change. We can tailor it to your routine.
How much does it cost to set up an aquarium?
Reef: ~$40–$45/gal.
Fish-only: ~$30–$35/gal.
(Livestock not included.) We can price out a full package.
How much live rock do I need?
Aim for ¾–1 lb per gallon. Modern scapes often use less rock and more bio-media—we can size it with you.
How deep should my sand bed be?
1″–2″ is clean and easy to maintain. Deeper beds are possible but need thoughtful flow and care.
Should I test my water?
Yes—testing is the difference between guessing and growing. Bring results in and we’ll help you dial them in.
Are corals plants?
Nope—corals are animals with tiny mouths and tentacles, often hosting algae that act like solar panels.
What size tank should I start with?
Most beginners succeed fastest with 40–75 gallons—more stable, easier to maintain, and more forgiving.
Can I start with tap water?
We recommend RODI water. Tap introduces nutrients/metals that fuel algae and slow coral growth.
Can my kids help with the tank?
Absolutely—feeding fish, mixing saltwater, testing, and spotting new growth are all kid-friendly.
How long until my tank is ready for coral?
Most tanks are ready around 3–6 weeks after cycling, depending on stability.
Are your corals aquacultured/quarantined?
Yes—whenever possible. Aquacultured pieces adapt faster and protect wild reefs.
Do you carry aquacultured corals and captive-bred fish?
Yes. They ship better, eat faster, and acclimate more easily.
Can you help me build a stocking list for my tank?
Absolutely—bring your tank size or photos and we’ll build a tailored plan.
How do I keep color and growth strong?
Stable parameters, balanced nutrients, consistent feeding, and correct lighting/flow. We’ll show you how.
Does your store sell freshwater fish?
We focus 100% on saltwater, but we can connect you with local freshwater specialists.
What are the best starter corals?
Toadstools, zoanthids, mushrooms, and hardy LPS like hammers/frogspawn are great first choices.
What fish should I avoid as a beginner?
Skip mandarins, anthias, certain wrasses, copperband butterflies, and large tangs until your system matures.
Can you identify pests on my corals?
Yes—bring a photo or the coral (in a sealed container) and we’ll help diagnose and treat.
Can I mix aggressive and peaceful fish?
Usually not. Proper order and tank size matter—we’ll guide you to safe combinations.
How long will my animals be okay in a fish bag?
With pure oxygen and temperature control, ~24 hours is typical. Acclimate slowly when home.
How much water do I have to change?
Reef: 5–10% weekly.
Fish-only: ~25% monthly.
Heavy nutrients? Change more—we’ll recommend a schedule.
Do I need a sump?
Not always, but sumps improve stability, hide equipment, and increase filtration capacity.
What lighting should I use for coral?
LEDs from Neptune, AI, Ecotech, or Kessil offer reliable PAR, color, and control. We’ll match light to coral type.
Do I need a protein skimmer?
For reefs—yes, especially medium/large tanks. For small/nano systems, it depends on bioload.
Should I use an ATO (auto top-off)?
Highly recommended. Stability = success.
How long does the nitrogen cycle take?
Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on bacteria and water quality.
Do I need a quarantine tank?
It’s best practice for fish health but optional for beginners. We’ll show you simple setups.
Can you help me choose equipment for my budget?
Absolutely—tell us your goals and we’ll match gear to performance and cost.
What maintenance services do you provide?
Everything—from one-time tune-ups to weekly service: testing, water changes, algae control, dosing setup, and equipment cleaning.
What should I test weekly?
Reef: pH, KH, Ca, Mg, NO₃, PO₄, Salinity
Fish-only: pH, KH, Nitrate, Salinity
Plus ammonia/nitrite during cycling.
Why are my corals losing color?
Common causes: unstable alkalinity, low nutrients, poor flow, too much/too little light, or pests.
Why do I have algae blooms?
They’re normal in new tanks. Nutrient control, proper lighting, and good clean-up crews help.
What salt mix should I use?
We’ll match salt to your goals—soft corals, SPS, mixed reefs, or fish-only systems.
Why is my tank cloudy?
Could be a bacterial bloom, precipitate, or sand disturbance—bring a photo and we’ll diagnose.
How do I stabilize pH?
Proper gas exchange, balanced nutrients, and alkalinity stability are key. We’ll help tune your setup.
When should I replace my RO/DI filters?
Typically every 6–12 months, depending on source water and TDS readings.
Do you offer custom aquarium installation in Atlanta/Alpharetta?
Yes—we design, install, and maintain custom systems with clean cabinetry, quiet plumbing, and smart automation
Can you install and maintain my aquarium?
Absolutely. From concept to care—we handle everything.
Do you service commercial clients?
Yes. Offices, restaurants, lobbies, medical spaces, and custom showpieces.
Can you build an in-wall or peninsula tank?
Yes—our custom team can engineer, design, and install architectural displays.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance plans?
Yes—weekly, biweekly, and monthly service packages available.
Can you upgrade my existing tank?
Definitely—lighting, plumbing, filtration, aquascaping, cabinetry, or livestock.
Do you help with troubleshooting?
Yes—bring water results, photos, or videos and we’ll diagnose equipment or livestock issues.
How long does a custom build take?
Typically 4–10 weeks depending on design, cabinetry, and tank manufacturer lead times.
Does Pure Reef ship products or animals?
No—we only sell in-store to protect livestock health. We’ll bag with oxygen and help time your pickup.
Do you hold livestock?
Yes, short-term holds are available with a deposit.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes—available in-store.
What forms of payment do you accept?
All major cards, cash, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Do you offer water testing?
Yes—bring a sample, and we’ll provide a full analysis and recommendations.
Can I return livestock?
For the safety of our systems, we cannot accept livestock returns—but we will help you troubleshoot or rehome responsibly.
Do you fill jugs with RODI or premixed saltwater?
Yes—we sell both.