Set It And Forget It: Getting Your Saltwater Tank On Cruise Control
Most people think saltwater tanks require a lot of time to keep them looking great and therefore are hard to maintain.
I think that’s one of the biggest myths about saltwater tanks. The truth is once your tank is on cruise control, it largely cares for itself as long as you set it up in the right way.
Links in this video: www.mrsaltwatertank.com/tc
Browse the Store! Questions?
Great Tips!
Mark, your pink diji is an insane eye catcher! I can’t keep my eye off of it!
I like your video’s but dont do the Buy this guide kinda way, people will drop you like flys.
I have no idea what that NLreef person is saying. Selling a guide is a good thing to help people.
Helping people doesnt mean pay me first then ill help you.
Ican tell you right now 90% of the people out there will be less happy with mrsaltwater tank if you go this way. I like him, always have liked him. But i wont buy a guide and it will make me less like him.
Just a tip, its not a flame.
Dear Mark,
I really want your book. It seems like it would have a lot of useful information for me since some of those things are happening to me. For example i have a horrific hair algae issue and really want to know what to do i look it up on the internet and just get opinions. But there is one issue im only 15 and really dont have 36$ is there any way i could get a coupon or any advice on the algae
Thanks,
Brandon
Ordered! Can’t wait to add it to my vast bathroom library!
Hey tmaxx95. It depends on what your source of algae is. You can learn a ton about fish tanks from all his videos. There is one dealing with phosphate levels.
Search this site and you will find more answers about it.
You may have to feed less, move rocks around for open room for water to flow, get a reactor with some phosphate sponge, gfo, and a protein skimmer.
If you don’t have any money to spend, then you are out of luck. You have a pet you can’t take care of.
Well NLreef freeloader,
Its sad that you think that way and thats your problem. An expert deserves to be paid for their knowledge that they have obtained through hard work and trial.
You might be a socialist in a socialist country where everything is handed to you for free. It doesn’t work like that everywhere. People are worthy of their hire.
People can do the same thing that Mark did, keep trying until you figure it out.
He doesn’t have to help anyone, he doesn’t even have to have a website with a lot of free information, he doesn’t even have to produce and give away a bunch of free videos. But he does.
he has a good service and provides some of the best information that I have ever seen. He delivers more than anyone else.
Why the switch to Vimeo?
Seems ur a reel dickhead thats for sure. If u cant take any advice, just keep your mount shut?
Just like i said, i doubt anyone will pay $37 for info you can find anywhere on the net, not to mention its bad overall to do it like that.
Some people should keep the negative commentsto themselves, I have spent way more for a book about reefing than this one costs…..mark I understand the amount of time and effort u take out of ur personal life to provide us with the information that u do and I appreciate it also and if u go over and beyond what u normally do, do not feel bad about charging for it we already get a lot for free and its good stuff……so if u want free advice go to ur lfs and see how long he explains things to u without u buying anything…..
i have money to spend just not 37 bucks i have all the stuff i need to maintain an aquarium i have succesfully since i was 12. i have a protein skimmer and liverock koralia powerheads kent reef salt i just dont have 37 bucks at the moment and will not by his deadline on tuesday
Sjeez u amerikans should really learn to read, my comment wasnt negative at start, so take a look at yourself specialy TJ adhd?
@ tmaxx95. Cool ur jets dude, I don’t think NLreeftank was trying to put u down with the funds comment. Sounds like he was making a general observation. It is an expensive hobby. Way to make a beautiful and relaxing hobby political! Everybody has a choice if they want to buy the guide or not. On that note, NLreeftank, why would u put down somebodies effort to spread great advice and make a few bucks at the same time. Don’t buy his book if u don’t want to! But don’t say that Mr.SaltwaterTank is bad, because he wants to reap the benefits of his efforts. If I could go back in time and avoid the confusion of being a novice in the hobby by having this a guide I would. Your way would entail me looking all over the internet to get all the advice I could get in a guide book. Call me lazy but i’de rather spend less time looking for what to do and more time enjoying my tank.
Yeah thats ok, not ment to put him down, only pointing on the fact that people like me dont like to find payed ebooks when ur looking for advice.
I´d like to come forward from a non socialist country and just say that i have always loved mrsaltwatertank tv on youtube.
He did a few whoopsies like the “why you need to buy my apex jr”.
That video got flamed and was taken down faster than a thai hooker.
even with the comments dissabled..
I understand that everyone needs to make a living.
but from a viewer/ reef keeper perspective.
theese tips are allready out there for free. (not gonna put names here)
Whats NOT out there are the nice clips taking sea world filtration tour, local reef shops & equipment reviews like he done previously.
Thats for me real saltwatertank TV.
Loved thoose and thats what makes me come back here every week!
NLreeftank didnt mean to start a fire here.
Honest opinions should not be flamed
Amaricans are great and so are Netherlands
Mark you are doing a great job with your videos, keep up the great work. It would be nice if people would watch what and how they say things in your comment section. There are kids and grown ups who prefer to get info without all the smut that comes from other peoples mouths, I get enough of that stuff out of my skimmer. And by the way… I like putting out fires…………. How about something on how to get rid of algea. I don’t remember seeing anything on it.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i didnt mean to get over excited lol its not that i dont have the money to invest or that i dont invest money in my aquarium i just am not normally on a time limit and that being said there is no way that i can get 37 dollars by tuesday. Im not putting mrsaltwater tank down with this comment but just listen. If he really wanted to help others and still make a decent living why would he put a time limit on being able to purchase his help and solve the issues?
@ tmaxx95. The “get it by Tuesday” line is a way to pressure people to get the guide. In that sense, I agree with NLReeftank that Mark is going about it the wrong way. If he wants to help people he wouldn’t put that “deadline” in there. But it is a capitalist country so its open season on your hard earned money. No matter what it takes and at whatever the cost. Just remember, its up to you if you want to “chase that apple at the end of that pole”.
Baah some of u guys are nuts! If u cant buy it dont, if u wanna buy , then go ahead and buy it. But please let the man make a living in peace, after all, he has put in countless hours and dollars in the making of that book. Why the hell would he give it all for free?
keep up the great work Mark! and thanx for all the advice dude.
Not for free. AGREED! Manipulated and pressured into it, No thanks.
I have just watched the videos and to be honest I’m very pleased with the information.
It would definitely of saved me a lot of time and money if I had seen them at the start of my journey into reef husbandry. its also nice to learn that i have already implemented Some of the practices Mr Callahan advises.
I see some people commenting unfavorably here and I cant help but think that your talking about something you haven’t experienced so your opinion’s are without true knowledge of the service that’s being offered.
I want to defend mark a bit do, and maybe make it a little bit more clear.
Mark looks like a reel standup cool kinda guy, i like him in his video’s i like how how handles his environment,tank,kids etc etc.
But really mark, ur not that kind of guy that wants to make a buck or 37 on this community his back mate. u know thats not how it works.
If i send you a link with buy my ebook for 25 dolar, u wouldnt do it either and proberly less like me. true or not?
So please keep up your great work but dont put a price tag on it.
Add a donate button to your site and people might donate some if they feel up to it.
and if you really i need of money because you got problems or anything let us know and you know lots of people will help you.
but please dont go this way. your to cool for it.
Money problems???? I see why people use pen names online ,what a low blow for u Mr nl whatever why even say anything so what the man wants to sell something on his site the way he wants, do u give the same hassle to calfo or sprung? I think u should cut it out because u aren’t saying anything worth listening to
Hi Mark, is the cruise control guide a paper book or is it electronic only? Thanks and keep up the great work!
Phil.
Good God! This has gotten as bad as Reef Central. The bottom line is Mark has a product he wants to sell so he is pushing it. If you want it buy it! If you don’t–damnit DON’T!!! Let the man be and let him run HIS site as HE wants to. If you don’t like how he does things find another site.
Mark, keep up the great job.
Hey Mark,
Love the vids. And I think it’s a great idea to offer a ‘payed for’ guide to reef keeping. For the novice. I was there once. I bought a $10 book back in the day and that stuff is so outdated.
Sure all this info is out there for free. People post how they create their tanks what they use to get amazing results and sure they ask for nothing in return. But it’s not all in one place or one guide. Although I think that’s not possible as there are so many aspects to the hobby.
If people don’t want it, don’t buy it. You know how many people ask me about my regime? lots. So I tell them over and over. Often I’ve thought of just creating a template answer. I just think it’s a great idea and I’ll be recommending it to others.
As far as the money making vibe goes…
Maybe if everyone can direct there attention to all the “famous” blogs, websites and countless reef forums that all have the same conversations and questions over and over again. Yet we keep posting up those same questions.
We don’t complain to forums that they’re making money off ad revenue and google adsense for all the free traffic we provide to them and all the free knowledge we bestow. Should we be charging the forums? No.
We’re helping them makes some bucks every month. Because we get something in return. Free knowledge. A place for conversation and sharing our passion with others. I think it’s all fare really.
So I say thanks for all the advice and I hope you release more ebooks.
@TJ Red scare tactics and calling people socialist? Seriously? What shall we call you for flaming NLreeftank’s opinion?
I agree that I feel baited, and would be less inclined to follow a link from a YouTube video in the future. A simple “I’m selling this guide for…” would have made a huge difference.
Great Information Here Mark… Keep It coming!
The nice thing about Mark’s site is that there is something for everyone. Entertaining and informative free video for visitors and pay for use written and video media for those that want more. I have a hard time understanding criticism for finding avenues for revenue through an information site. It is prolific and well established in all niches of the information age. Mark is not a pioneer in this area. He is simply grooming his business model as his site grows. I don’t believe he will eliminate all “Free” information. To believe that ALL his information will be for free is simply erroneous also. Those that don’t want to pay, don’t. It won’t hurt his feelings. Those who believe in him and like his approach will likely be happy to pay for the information. Each of you have that unique autonomy in choice.
Revenue streams are an important aspect of developing a living and evolving site that will be around as time goes on. If Mark can’t make money, he can’t keep the site up. He has to have paths to revenue. Now just everybody settle down and try to remember that there is something for everyone on his site and enjoy the high quality video, the down to earth quick tips, and reef centric news Mark brings to the internet.
Mark, I think you are doing great and rolling out the info products was in fact, the next most logical thing to do with your site.
HERE HERE!!!!
EY MARK I LOVE YOUR SHOW!! BUT I JUST WANNA KNOW IF YOU MIND TO TRANSLATE IN SPANISH YOUR SHOWS,I KNOW ITS KINDA HARD BUT IM FROM COLOMBIA AND WELL SOMETIMES I DIDNT UNDERSTAND SOME TIPS SO I APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD DO THAT THANKS,LOVE YOUR SHOWS
Haha you guys are pretty insane…..Mark is an awesome guy, and he should not be dragged into being a bad person because he wants us to spend a decent amount of money on his book. I dont agree with his time limit though…i think a lot more people would buy this book without a deadline. I have a job currently at a fish store and i worked at a fish store before that. The first fish store i worked at tried to pressure people into buying and had very little customers each day. The new fish store doesnt do that and we (litterally) have at least one customer all the time…..Pressure doesnt work Mark…..Just trying to chime in on what I’ve seen in these comments….
oh and by the way,
you are the most inspirational person to my reef tank….I’ve learned so much from you and my tank has been doing so well it is almost on cruise control hahahahaha
thanks so much man….dont take my advice wrong im just a stupid kid 😉
At about the 7:30 mark of the video, you talk about replacing the GFO once per month – what is a GFO?
just put my money where my mouth is, made the purchase, already saw a few videos, and im stoked!
I am certain that this is the best 37 dollars Ive spent on my tank so far!
GFO = phosban phosphate remover
Google.com -> Reef GFO -> answhere -> phosban….
you waisted 37 dolars on that? could be a nice new coral or fish..
I just recently stumbled upon Marks videos after visiting vivid aquarium’s website, and I have to say that I love all the work he’s put in to provide easy-to-follow, accessible information about reefing to the community, especially to new comers like me.
Mark deserves 37 bucks just for the wealth of free knowledge that he already provides, and I had no problem supporting him in his efforts and getting a wonderful guide while I’m at it.
NLreeftank, your trolling is really not going to help anyone here. You’ve already presented your opinion in the matter, so there is no need to heckle everyone’s comments. You say that you’re concerned about the community, but your childish remarks are not helping it at all.
got to have a sense of humor mate 😀
GFO=Granulate Ferric Oxide (basically iron rust) It is a phosphate remover. There are many brands of one which is Phosban. It is run in a media reactor usually. It is also usually run at a higher flow rate than GAC, which is Granulated Activated Carbon, which is used to remove impurities from your tank like poisons that a dead coral or anemone may release. GAC is most effective at a long contact time, read low flow. HTH.
Finally something current!!! Almost all the books out there are outdated and the web is teeming with contradictory and unqualified advice. Mark seems have a good grasp on the current info, delivers it in clear and simple terms and backs it up with the science behind it. I also like that he doesn’t fall for the vast ocean of gimicky equipment, worthless supplements, etc…
Love this book, love the supplemental videos too. Consequently, I was inspired enough to get off my butt and finally install my auto top off. I then ordered an ApexJr and a dual GFO and Carbon reactor. (Hopefully my wife won’t find out!)
Mark,
I am very interested in buying your guide as I really trust your opinions and find your way of explaining how to keep a healthy tank effective. My situation currently is that I have a freshwater tank (75 gallons) and want to convert it to a fish only saltwater tank. From watching your video regarding the cruise control guide, it seems as if the guide focuses mainly on the maintenance of corals. Would this guide be helpful for allowing my fish only tank (yet to be converted) to be set to a cruise control state? Or is this guide primarily for coral tanks? Please respond and give me your opinion on this as I am definitely willing to pay for the guide and the offer is running out. Thanks so much for your help! -Dustin
Great Video 🙂
If you cannot afford a $37 book then you’re in the wrong hobby. NLreertank you are totally out of line for calling Mr. Saltwater out for trying to make some money back for all the time he’s spent making videos you’ve probably watched. Where is your extensive video library that your sharing for free?
ey mark,love your show but i have a question,how can i get your book where to pay i cant found the link could you help me?
I am new to the reef world actually i have not even started to buy any equipment yet as i believe that one should study what one is going to dwell into that being said …i have found Mark and his site mr saltwater tank is the best site that i have found on this net. i would be honored in supporting Mark so he can keep giveing and/or “selling” his info. i have bought several books on this subject…but Mark’s site and e book has brought more clarity to me then any other book i have purchased .
Please keep up the AWESOME work Mark
for ever in your debt
Mike
Hi Mark. Great job! Can you please let us all know if this will be available again sometime in the near future for purchase? Thanks.
Your fee is fair and I’m sure worth it. But the deadline, I must agree, kinda sucks….especially for anyone like myself who just recently became a member AFTER the Aug 2nd date. Keep up the good work!