Many new hobbyists rush to add fish and corals without cycling their tank. This leads to toxic ammonia spikes, endangering your livestock. Always cycle your tank and use test kits to confirm stability.

Adding too many fish or corals at once can overwhelm your filtration system. Introduce livestock gradually to allow your tank’s ecosystem to adjust.

Beginners often pick fish or corals based on appearance rather than care requirements. Research before purchasing to ensure you’re selecting hardy, beginner-friendly species.

Water quality is the foundation of a healthy reef. Test salinity, pH, and nutrient levels regularly. Invest in an automatic top-off system to maintain consistent salinity.

Corals need specific light spectrums to thrive. Ensure your lighting matches the needs of the corals you’ve chosen.