Keeping a thriving reef tank isn’t just about gorgeous corals and colorful fish—it’s about consistent, smart maintenance. A clear reef maintenance checklist helps you stay ahead of algae, nutrient spikes, and equipment failures, so your system stays stable and your livestock stays healthy.

Daily & Every-Other-Day Reef Maintenance

Short, regular check-ins prevent most big problems. Build these quick habits into your routine:

  • Visual livestock check: Look for clamped fins, rapid breathing, retracted polyps, or unusual hiding behavior.
  • Temperature check: Confirm your heater and chiller are holding a stable range (usually 77–79°F / 25–26°C for most mixed reefs).
  • Top off evaporated water: Use fresh RO/DI water to maintain salinity. An auto top-off (ATO) system makes this nearly effortless.
  • Feed carefully: Target feed corals and fish only what they can consume in a few minutes to avoid nutrient spikes.
  • Quick glass cleaning: Use a magnetic cleaner to remove film algae before it becomes a thick layer.

For a deeper dive into early warning signs, check out our Reef Tank Troubleshooting Guide.

Weekly & Biweekly Reef Maintenance Tasks

These are the backbone of your reef maintenance checklist. Set a recurring reminder and treat it like an important appointment.

Water Changes & Testing

  • Water change (10–15%): Siphon detritus from the sump and low-flow areas, then refill with pre-mixed, heated, and aerated saltwater.
  • Test key parameters: Check salinity, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Log your results so you can spot trends.
  • Adjust dosing: If alkalinity or calcium drifts, tweak your dosing pumps or two-part additions slowly.

Equipment & Nutrient Control

  • Clean mechanical filtration: Rinse filter socks or pads in tank water you removed during the water change.
  • Skimmer maintenance: Empty and wipe the skimmer cup; check that the foam head is stable and not overflowing.
  • Check pumps and powerheads: Confirm they are running quietly with good flow patterns and no obstructions.
  • Light schedule review: Ensure your photoperiod and intensity match the needs of your coral mix and are not drifting due to programming changes.

Pro tip: Keep a laminated copy of your reef maintenance checklist near the tank and mark off tasks with a dry-erase marker. It’s simple, but it dramatically improves consistency.

For help dialing in your water changes, see our step-by-step Saltwater Aquarium Water Change Guide.

Monthly & Quarterly Deep-Clean Tasks

These less frequent jobs keep your system efficient and extend the life of your equipment.

  • Deep clean powerheads and pumps: Soak in a mild vinegar solution, scrub off calcium buildup, and reassemble carefully.
  • Inspect plumbing and fittings: Look for salt creep, slow drips, or brittle tubing that needs replacement.
  • Replace or regenerate media: Swap out carbon and phosphate media according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • Light maintenance: Wipe lenses and splash guards; verify your LEDs or bulbs are not past their recommended lifespan.
  • Review livestock and stocking: Make sure your bio-load still matches your filtration capacity and nutrient export methods.

For brand-new systems, pair this checklist with our New Reef Tank Setup Checklist so your maintenance routine evolves as the tank matures.

Bringing It All Together

A good reef maintenance checklist is less about perfection and more about consistency. By breaking tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly routines, you protect your investment, prevent emergencies, and give your corals the stable environment they need to thrive. Start simple, track your results, and refine your schedule as your reef grows and changes—you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, stable display for years to come.

Sources

  • Delbeek, J. C., & Sprung, J. (1994–2005). The Reef Aquarium (Vols. 1–3). Ricordea Publishing.
  • Paletta, M. (2003). Ultimate Marine Aquariums. Microcosm Ltd.
  • Borneman, E. H. (2001). Aquarium Corals. TFH Publications.
  • Holmes-Farley, R. (various years). Reef chemistry articles, archived in major reef aquarium forums and publications.

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