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Year Of The Reef

A step-by-step video build series guiding you to setup a reef aquarium. These 26 videos will equip you with the tools and knowledge to have a successful under water ecosystem.

Year Of The Reef Winners

$2000 Prize Winner #1

Michael M.
Washington DC

$2000 Prize Winner #2

Tara Woods

$2000 Prize Winner #3

Jul 01, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025

$2000 Prize Winner #4

Oct 01, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025

Year of the reef

22. Stop Cloudy Water in Your Reef Tank

22. Stop Cloudy Water in Your Reef Tank

Want your reef tank to look like the ones you see in magazines — crystal-clear, vibrant, and alive? In this episode of Year of the Reef, Jess breaks down exactly how to achieve and maintain sparkling clear water in your...

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21. Break the Algae Cycle in Your Reef Tank

21. Break the Algae Cycle in Your Reef Tank

Tired of fighting algae in your reef tank — only to see it come back again and again? In Episode 21 of Year of the Reef, Jess breaks down how to break the algae cycle for good. Learn what really...

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20. Aquarium Automation Explained

20. Aquarium Automation Explained

Consistency is the secret to a thriving reef tank — but life happens. Travel, busy schedules, or simple forgetfulness can throw your saltwater aquarium out of balance. That’s where aquarium automation steps in.

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19. Simple Daily, Weekly & Monthly Steps for a Thriving Reef

19. Simple Daily, Weekly & Monthly Steps for a Thriving Reef

Maintaining a reef aquarium isn’t just about equipment and colorful corals—it’s about consistency, awareness, and having a clear plan. In this episode of Year of the Reef, Jess breaks down the Waterbox Method, a structured, easy-to-follow approach that helps reefers...

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18. Coral Feeding Secrets Revealed! Boost Color, Growth & Health

18. Coral Feeding Secrets Revealed! Boost Color, Growth & Health

Want brighter, faster-growing corals? 🌟 The secret is in how you feed them. In this episode of Year of the Reef (Ep. 18), Jess breaks down the best feeding methods and foods to maximize coral health, color, and growth in...

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17. Beginner’s Guide to Stunning LPS Corals

17. Beginner’s Guide to Stunning LPS Corals

Ready to take your reef tank to the next level? 🌟 If your soft corals are thriving and your water parameters are stable, it might be time to add some vibrant, flowing LPS corals to your setup! In this episode of Year of the Reef, Jess walks you through the best beginner-friendly LPS corals, how to place them, and key tips to keep them healthy and happy.

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16. Dosing and Testing

16. Dosing and Testing

Ready to take your LPS reef tank to the next level? In Year of the Reef Episode 16, Jess breaks down the critical elements of water chemistry—calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium—and how to test, dose, and maintain them for healthy, vibrant corals.

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15. The importance of carbon and phosphate media in your reef aquarium

15. The importance of carbon and phosphate media in your reef aquarium

If your reef tank isn’t crystal clear, thriving, and free of nuisance algae—your filtration might be missing a crucial step!

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14. Beginner Soft Corals for a Thriving Reef Tank

14. Beginner Soft Corals for a Thriving Reef Tank

Your reef tank is cycled, your fish and inverts are in—now it’s time to take the next big step: adding your first coral!

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13. Are You Feeding Your Fish Wrong?

13. Are You Feeding Your Fish Wrong?

Is your fish's diet helping them thrive—or slowly harming them? In Episode 13 of Year of the Reef, Jess breaks down exactly what your saltwater fish need to stay healthy, vibrant, and disease-free. From herbivores like tangs and foxfaces to omnivores and carnivores, every species has unique dietary needs—and feeding the wrong food can lead to dull colors, digestive issues, and even early death.

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12. How to Set Up a Refugium for a Thriving Reef Tank!

12. How to Set Up a Refugium for a Thriving Reef Tank!

Welcome to Episode 12 of Year of the Reef!  In this episode, we're diving into refugiums—one of the most effective ways to enhance nutrient export, boost biodiversity, and support a thriving reef ecosystem.

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11. Choosing & Adding Fish to Your Reef Aquarium

11. Choosing & Adding Fish to Your Reef Aquarium

Your tank is ready—but is your first fish? Picking the wrong species can lead to stress, aggression, or worse! In Episode 11 of Year of the Reef, Jess walks you through the best beginner-friendly fish, which ones to avoid, and how to properly acclimate them for a successful start.

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10. Best Inverts for a New Reef Tank!

10. Best Inverts for a New Reef Tank!

Not all invertebrates are suited for the early stages of your reef tank, so choosing the right clean-up crew is essential for success!

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9. The TRUTH About Reef Salt & Aquarium Cycling!

9. The TRUTH About Reef Salt & Aquarium Cycling!

Not all salt is created equal—and cycling your aquarium is an absolute must!

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8. Master the Art of Aquascaping!

8. Master the Art of Aquascaping!

Creating the perfect aquascape for your saltwater aquarium can feel overwhelming—but with the right approach, it’s an exciting and rewarding experience! In this video, we’ll show you how to design a stunning aquascape using CaribSea LifeRock, ensuring both beauty and functionality in your reef tank.

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7. Why RO/DI Water is ESSENTIAL for Your Reef Tank

7. Why RO/DI Water is ESSENTIAL for Your Reef Tank

Say goodbye to algae outbreaks, heavy metals, and unwanted nutrients—pure water means a happier, healthier reef!

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6. The Key to Thriving Corals: Mastering Reef Aquarium Lighting!

6. The Key to Thriving Corals: Mastering Reef Aquarium Lighting!

Lighting in your reef tank is not just for looks—it’s essential for coral health, growth, and survival! In this episode of Year of the Reef, Jess breaks down the science behind reef lighting, how corals rely on light for energy, and why choosing the right LED system can make all the difference.

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5. Keep Your Reef Stable: ATO & Temperature Tips!

5. Keep Your Reef Stable: ATO & Temperature Tips!

Even minor changes in temperature or water levels can have a huge impact on your reef aquarium’s health! In this episode of Year of the Reef, Jess dives into why stability is crucial and how to maintain the perfect conditions for your aquatic life.

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4. Your Aquarium is a Toilet Without THIS! Protein Skimmer

4. Your Aquarium is a Toilet Without THIS! Protein Skimmer

Let’s face it—nobody wants to swim in a toilet… not even your fish! That’s why a protein skimmer is one of the most essential tools for maintaining crystal-clear, healthy water in your reef aquarium.

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3. Mastering Flow with Return Pumps & Powerheads

3. Mastering Flow with Return Pumps & Powerheads

In Episode 3 of Year of the Reef, Jess dives into one of the most critical aspects of reef aquarium success: water flow. Learn why proper flow is essential for coral health, nutrient distribution, and maintaining pristine water quality.

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2. Sump Filtration – Why do you need them and how do they work?

2. Sump Filtration – Why do you need them and how do they work?

Dive into the essentials of sumps and plumbing in Episode 2 of Year of the Reef! Whether you're new to aquarium sumps or just want to enhance your knowledge, we’ve got you covered. 

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