Water Chemistry
GFO vs Lanthanum Chloride: Choosing a Phosphate Removal Method
How GFO media and LaCl3 dosing compare for stripping phosphate, plus the best workflow for each.
Topic
Water Chemistry
Salinity, alkalinity, calcium, nutrients and the test gear that measures them.
Water Chemistry
Reef Tank Temperature: Stability, Chillers, and the 78F Sweet Spot
Why 78°F is the reef target, when you need a chiller, and how to use room AC strategically to avoid…
Water Chemistry
Biopellets vs Carbon Dosing: Two Roads to Low Nutrients
Both export nitrate and phosphate by feeding bacteria. Here is when each approach fits and which one is safer.
Water Chemistry
Alkalinity Dosing: Two-Part, Kalkwasser, and Stability Strategy
How to dose alkalinity for stable reef chemistry — daily test cadence, calculator math, and which method fits your tank.
Water Chemistry
Calcium Reactor vs Two-Part Dosing: Which Is Right for Your Reef?
A full comparison of the two main reef dosing methods by cost, complexity, parameter stability, and tank size.
Water Chemistry
Reef Tank Salinity: How to Measure, Maintain, and Match Natural Seawater
The difference between specific gravity and salinity, why refractometers beat hydrometers, and the 35 ppt target.
Filtration & Protein Skimmers
RO/DI Water for Reef Tanks: Why Tap Water Will Crash Your Reef
How RO/DI works, why TDS-zero water matters for reef chemistry, and what to look for in a 4-stage unit.
Beginner & Setup Guides
Reef Tank Cycling Explained: Ammonia, Nitrite, and the Nitrogen Cycle
The biology behind tank cycling and how to know exactly when your reef is ready for its first inhabitants.
Water Chemistry
Milwaukee MA887 Digital Refractometer Review: Lab-Grade Salinity in a Handheld
A digital refractometer that eliminates the eyepiece-line guesswork — calibration, accuracy, and 18-month reliability.
Water Chemistry
Salifert Test Kits Review: The Hobbyist Standard for Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium
Why Salifert remains the most recommended hobby-grade test kit despite Hanna ULR alternatives.
Water Chemistry
Red Sea Coral Pro Salt Review: Elevated Calcium and Alkalinity for SPS Reefs
ICP results, mixing experience, and 12-month assessment of one of the most popular SPS-targeted reef salts.
Water Chemistry
BRS Pharma Two-Part Solution Review
Pharma-grade alkalinity and calcium for stable two-part dosing. Mixing experience, ICP cleanliness, value vs DIY.
Water Chemistry
Hanna Checker Phosphate ULR Review: The Test Kit That Changed My Reef
Why the ultra-low-range phosphate checker is the most useful $50 in reef-keeping for SPS-focused tanks.