Making FIRST SALTWATER Tank in the Studio (EP1) 

👇👇MD MERCH CLICK HERE👇👇: FULL SHOP: md-fish-tanks.creator-spring.com Here we go...the journey begins... Equipment (all links affiliate): LED FLOODLIGHTS: US amzn.to/3m3cEz9 UK amzn.to/3orIdRv GOOD BUDGET LIGHT:: US amzn.to/2MDfjk1 UK amzn.to/3iYlfQQ SMALL HANG ON BACK FILTER: US amzn.to/2Mw63OO UK amzn.to/39rx3b5 NANO INTERNAL FILTER: US amzn.to/3oxGBWm UK CANISTER FILTER: US amzn.to/3iNeVtW UK amzn.to/2Fo774a GOOSENECK CLIP ON LAMP: (similar as product is now discontinued) US amzn.to/2IlwLVA UK amzn.to/2LNat13 MINI WATER PUMP: US amzn.to/2oAmf5y UK amzn.to/2mjHDez TANKS: US amzn.to/2SOocHG UK amzn.to/2SPA24i STRIP LED LIGHT: US (similar) amzn.to/2SNgbm7 UK amzn.to/2Fn9aW1 ASTA LED LIGHT: US amzn.to/3k9EmpY UK amzn.to/3p5XUPY AQUARIUM RACKING: Shelving: US amzn.to/2SrYZ5k UK amzn.to/2GFWKJ2 AIRPUMP (FILTER SYSTEM): US amzn.to/31z8FA9 UK amzn.to/37GIoUa FILTER SPONGES: US amzn.to/3dQLUfM UK amzn.to/3dS2k7K MEDIA BAGS: US amzn.to/34Kaf2N UK amzn.to/3lAj3z1 STAINLESS LILY PIPES: US amzn.to/2FqHpvR UK amzn.to/2RlfrnC BOWL AQUARIUMS: US amzn.to/2M4FwFO UK: amzn.to/2Vx73CL API® products Subscribe to API on RU-vid: ru-vid.com USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/page/2193F555-CE5F-4A6B-BDC4-F315CB7F175D?channel=MDTanks UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/25663644-6C8C-432C-9E6A-0A85082C3E3C AQUARIAN® products Follow AQUARIAN on RU-vid: ru-vid.com/show-UCNxaNWKoWr_ztSgXgPj9r8A Purchase AQUARIAN products here: aquarian.co.uk/where-to-buy/ AWESOME MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY ru-vid.com/show-UC3uQXzXSPspf2LoGdtYGiHwjoin FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/md_fishtanks/ FOR BUSINESS ENQUIRIES: admin@mdfishtanks.com #plantedtank #aquascape #mdfishtanks

This is like watching a parent try to explain to their child why they can’t have all of their Halloween candy at once😂😂😂

Why do I feel like these guys are going to be buying a bigger studio in a few months? 😂

Matt had me chuckling the first minute in. His chair is looking a little sketchy. 😂 This is easily my favorite channel now. The banter between you two is perfect I am excited about these tanks. I have never kept a marine tank and I am hoping it will make me less intimidated by them.

MD going salty?! Just when you thought it can’t get any better…!! Can’t wait to see you work your magic on this tank! 😍

I am one of the few enthusiasts that loves FW plants and Stony corals. Dry rock is an absolute beast. It takes 18 months to fully cure to resemble anything like formerly imported live rock. Once settled it is easier hobby than plants. I say this will hard work and tears getting it to work. Now I am a grower and seller. Experts have failed on some setups with dry rock. Absolutely seek out some seasoned rocks once settled. Small sand bed is much more forgiving starting out but means you keep it forever to remain stable. I can go on and on but also NEVER let RODI blow out.

Love that you included Matt’s chair slip not once… but TWICE! 😂 Looking forward to seeing the first inhabitants of this tank!

I love the addition of Matt to the channel. It’s fun watching your antics. I kinda miss the builds with just you. Those felt personal, like I was part of the experience. Now, it’s watching people build. It’s a different dynamic. I’m here for all of it, I just wanted to tell you that I also valued the solo builds.

It will be fine MD never overstocks. Not this time MD, promise me. Best double act in fishkeeping.

These tanks look the perfect size to take a first shot at saltwater - which is exactly what I want to do alongside my planted aquascape. Looking forward to this vid/series! 🙌

I have an. RO unit with a float valve when it shuts off the product water the back pressure stops the supply water no waste after shut off.🐟😎✌️

I would put a piece of plastic or glass over that screen lid to prevent evaporation out of the salt tanks. That helps a TON with a reef tank. I put a very thin layer of sand on the bottom of the tank before I put the rock scape on - not enough that would cause it to tumble from diggers but enough to put a barrier between the rock and glass. Sea anemones and corals are animals not plants.

Do yourself a favour and buy a Hanna salinity/temperature checker. It is digital and so much easier, cost about £80.

I don't know anything about marine but when I visited a local Maidenhead recently they had a few gobies, no idea on the breed but they were amazing. Gorgeous colours, move their heads and looked around like a little water bulldog and kinda scooted around using its fins as legs. Would love to see you get something like that for yours if it's a suitable inhabitant for how you set up the tanks. They seemed so interesting

only the first couple of seconds in and I laughed at Matt 😅 you guys have no idea how much I needed that smile today. can’t wait for the rest of the video 🥰

I used to use natural sea water from southend on sea, my corals used to go nuts for it!!! and its free

Never a dull moment with Matt 😂🤣 I’m so glad I stumbled upon your channel

I really love that you've listened to what I've been saying, man the sit down informational segments are perfect w the 2 of you. The last few vids have been spot on man great job!

My domain, love saltwater fish. Been keeping them since the age of 16. They are easier for me than freshwater fish. Got two marine tanks at home and planning a tropical marine pond in the New Year with mangrove plants and soft corals.

Using blue light to read a refractometer makes it harder. I use white lights and can read it much easier.

Water flow, you really do need at least one wave maker for each of those tanks, ideally with random pulses. Artificial live rock YES, 100%. Carib sea also make some great pieces. Live sand is a great way to seed the system.

MD you were my inspiration for my planted tanks, I’ve had many experienced fish store owners complement my set ups. You are truly one of my favorites So happy you are taking this next step!

For fish only you can have salinity 1.020 but for for corals it must be from 1.025 or 1.026 typically. But it also depends on fish at what salinity they kept before.

The waste water from your ro unit is great for your neocaridina shrimp. They love the hard water and minerals FYI now it's not wasted.

I know everyone has already said it but I have to echo them: Matt on the chair was priceless! This was so fun and interesting, I’m really enjoying this series. Thanks for the video!

Crazy how fast your studio has filled up. Looks great

I know you do research but if you haven’t seen bulk reef supply’s 52 weeks of reefing on RU-vid it’s very helpful in setting up and general information on saltwater. Love the channel keep it up guys 🩶

On the cords going to what, I wrapped a rubber band around all my pumps, makes maintenance easier. As for saltwater, that's what I started with 20 years ago. Not only is it miles ahead in expense, but when I got algae, there was no balancing it. That's what lead to the demise of my tank. In comparison, I've been battling algae in a freshwater for 6 months with a tank in front of a window, but now with Chinese algae eaters, nerite snails, floating plants, pothos, etc. I'm finally getting a lush planted aquarium. Best of luck with the new saltwater tank in the studio!

Hi guys, so glad you've uploaded today. i've just attempted my first live plant aquarium. is there somewhere I can send you both Photo's?

I enjoy these with both of you. We get so much information, entertainment and we get to see beautiful setups and help us be more creative. But the salt water, I’m enjoying every second. I been wanting one for a while but have been to afraid to get into it.

For the longest time as a kid I just thought corals were sea plants... it wasn't until I saw some in a pet shop that I actually realized they were living animals. It really is trippy sometimes.

MD and Fish Shop Matt are the Duo I've been waiting for!

I’m not a fan of the self piercing water tap. Especially if your RO has an auto shut off. The hole in those where the needle goes through is like 1/16 of an inch which severely limits your water pressure and messes up your efficiency. Much better to use a garden hose adapter. They also sell a replacement shut off valve for the sink with a splitter on its that’s much better than the self piercer 😂

Matt, put a padlock on that salt water tank to keep Mr Impatient out 😂😂😂

MD, I'm impatient like you. I would want get the saltwater tank started as soon as possible.

The best thing MD ever added to the studio is Matt

hey fellers, just run the waste tube up to the sink drain

The Tesseract is looking good 32:38

Loving these Saturday morning videos! Hope you two have a great weekend!

MD, you need a bigger studio ASAP. And oh, next time look for one AT LEAST 4 times larger than what you have at the moment. Curious and excited to see how this salt water tanks turns out.

i stopped watching about 2 years ago this was my go to fish channel then i stopped after having problems with my tank and fish got back into it and ur massive now wow 🤣 i remember u was doing up ur little shed in the back garden🤣 always had the best tanks

I’d like to see you try something. I've been keeping reefs and African cichlids for over 40 years with the exact same setup. A 100 gal tank with a 55 gal sump tank. In the reef, my main tank has only a light dusting of white sand for aesthetics, and 4” of live sand in the sump. In addition there are 30 mangrove trees and all the macro algae that I can cram in. The cichid tank is pretty much the same. The sump has pearl weed and stems and is set up as you would set up any planted tank. Both fresh and salt run 16/8. 16 hours of light on the sump, 8 hours on the tank. My reef is going on 4 years without a water change and I cant even remember changing the water on my freshwater tank.

I see the tank behind the mbuna tank has been completed quietly. Can't wait for that build video either.

Did you remember to flush the carbon filter first to remove the small dust particles?

Love that marine series. Here's a thing, just like the monsteras you put in the other tank you can put a mangrove plant straight into the saltwater!

I'd love to see some lil clowns... even those lil black ones!? Those are wicked

So you guys knock back a couple of pints while filming, don't you! :

We love seeing everything in the process!

Keep your friends close and your anemones closer

Quality.

Absolutely love it the first MD and fish shop Matt saltwater aquarium

The expression on Matt's face at the beginning with the chair surprising him...liked it!

Love your transparency md, we are learning with you which will a so cool ♥️♥️♥️

I wish the USA had nice systems like this at decent prices. This is a great setup! Enjoy the journey!

Love that you're doing mixed reef nano tanks ❤. I've got a pistol shrimp and shrimp goby in my fluval 13, along with all the zoas, softies and euphillia ❤❤

You should reach out to prestige reef about corals. Seems like a really lovely bloke who is really knowledgeable and I think he is in your neck of the woods.

Great video. Thanks guys!!

I really enjoyed this marine video. I have never kept marine as though it was too complicated but might give it ago now.

Omg MD u made us impatient like u, cannot wait this tank to filled with fish and corals.

Those eco rocks are awesome. Won them in Reefapalooza Orlando as one of the only ones to get them here in the states as the availability is scarce. Super lightweight very cool looking. Corals and fish very happy with the setup. Good luck to your journey on the new tanks and setups. Keep up the great work you and Matt do, I watch pretty much all your videos.

I watched this while having breakfast. Best start of a day for a long time now. This really made me laugh and the combination of being funny and interesting makes it fantastic. Also, I really recognize how impatient you get sometimes. I'm the same. My partner keeps telling me that it's impossible to focus at everything all at once, and the fish keeping helps me being a little more patient... Still, of course my adhd affects me all the time, that's why I got the diagnosis, but finding this fish keeping hobby have been really good for me.

Haha so many times I was just laughing my head off. Excited for these videos now, and excited to learn from Matt!

👍💯👍 Entertaining & informational, MD & Matt got the right formula!!!😊

Thank you! I finally understand RO water!

🎉 great start lovin’ the process!

Hey I had two bits of info to share with you: On the last video, you did the riparian planting of the (peace lilies?), I saw Serpa wedge them in filter foam and shove them in. Simple and looks good. For the rock, Serpa likes to use egg crate light diffuser on the bottom of the tank, but typically only for big heavy stones. Cheers.

0:02 the true definition of fear in your eyes ahahah haven't even started the video yet and this was classic

Very interesting about the RO, funny watching MD utterly lost and listening to your wisdom Matt. Also wow never drinking RO water.

This one was one of the best aquarium videos on youtube. Just good content and delivered in such a natural way.

looking forward to seeing this come together.

The show was great before, but Matt is a great contribution to it.

I am sooooo happy you're working on Salt Water...yay! I am starting one and we can simultaneously set it up....

I'm starting a cold saltwater local aquarium, seaweeds etc there are so many call seaweeds etc around the channel islands and UK

Omg! I'm soooooooo excited for the next installment!

You all should have mangrove shoots growing from the filter reservoir in the back of the tank! It would be awesome!

Looks so cool! Any chance in adding a mangrove tree?

Always fun when 1 puts out a feeler and stings it's neighbour.

Oh wow I remember that first saltwater tank you made! I'd completely forgotten about it! Super looking forward to the new ones, can't wait to see what you guys do with them :)

Did you record that? Yes, its going in…twice 🤣

Best start to a video ever! 🤣 Abd I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what you will be deciding on to put into this marine tank; I've seen from another channel or two that do marine tanks how ridiculously much choice there is so it'll be interesting to see what your choice will be. Gotta agree though, I'm also much more for the simple and natural look (my 2-footer platy tank has just one large lava rock in it and some plants around it and liver moss growing on the pieces of mesh bag that poke out of the decorative substrate layer), and like you said, the super colorful tanks with anemenenemenenones and clownfish have already been done a million time so something different is always more interesting!

You two are very easy to watch - I want my own Fish Shop Matt!

That’s a case of beer every time you admit it’s the first time you’ve done something MD

These two crack me up. I've been following MD for years and Matt since he started his channel, but they are best together. However, neither can pronounce anemone. lol

Just FYI, it might be a million times easier to read the salinity meter if you don't look at it with a blue light. Use the ceiling light as the light source. The filter on it is blue so blue light on blue filter is really hard to see. It also helps to keep the part with the water on it parallel with the ground.. camera might be able to pick it up if you don't use the blue tank light as the lumination source

Very informative video, great job guys

Fun video. 20 btas would look super cool in that size tank 😉. Saltwater has a little more to it than freshwater but it is easier than most people imagine, and once your tank is is mature maintenance is pretty easy. Looking forward to seeing what you finally decide to put in it.

I really enjoyed that! i too know sod all about marine. best team vid so far!

If you want a lot of anemones get flower anatomies I used to have 5 to 7 in my tank when I did salt water

Enjoying this series gents. Not sure I’ll ever get around to salt water but am definitely curious and the infotainment is great👌🏻

Congrats on putting the light the right way. I would recommend upgrading the skimmer. Also convert a scaper tank into a shallow reef the 145l

A great video guys - keep it up. I've been watching this chan since 250k subs. To see the journey and growth has been fantastic!

Yesssss i have been waiting for you to make a saltwater aquarium

Was a pleasure meeting you two in person at Aquashella a few weeks back. I to just started my first marine tank, but have nothing in it yet. Cheers!

definitely look at getting Bangaii cardinals and maybe a weeping willow toadstool!!

Awesome! Got me thinking a little bit about saltwater.

Finaly reef tank.. ❤❤❤ its cost 5-10 times than aquascape.. But its the best investment..

Hey Matt and Crew! Where did you get those black multi spoke wall shelf brackets from? Pretty please 😅

And if the RO unit doesn't work out, the pipe is tapped and ready to go for an ice maker or a coffee maker! Sweet! 🙂

coral tanksss

I love how the video starts and then immediately caos