Saltwater & Reef Service Packages

$2.00/$2.50/gal

Bi-Weekly Saltwater & Reef Service Package: Consistent & Comprehensive Care - Base Price $2.00/gallon (under 100 gallons) / $2.50/gallon (100 gallons or more)

Invest in the consistent health, vibrant corals, and thriving inhabitants of your saltwater or reef aquarium with our recommended bi-weekly service. This package provides regular, thorough maintenance, ensuring a stable and flourishing marine environment. Our experienced reef aquarist will perform the following on a rotating basis over two bi-weekly cycles:

Cycle 1:

• Partial Water Change (up to 20%): Removing and replacing a portion of your aquarium water with freshly mixed, properly salinated, and temperature-matched saltwater. This helps replenish essential trace elements and maintain optimal water quality.

• Comprehensive Substrate Vacuuming: Thoroughly cleaning the substrate to remove accumulated detritus, uneaten food, and other organic waste, which can lead to nutrient imbalances.

• Algae Control (Interior Glass Cleaning): Scrubbing the interior glass panels to remove algae buildup, ensuring optimal light penetration for corals and clear viewing.

• Protein Skimmer Cleaning: Cleaning the collection cup and body of your protein skimmer to maintain its efficiency in removing organic waste.

• Equipment Check-Up: Visually inspecting the functionality of your filter, protein skimmer, powerheads, heater, chiller (if applicable), and lighting system.

• Basic Decoration & Coral Frag Rack Cleaning: Gently brushing off easily accessible decorations and coral frag racks to remove loose detritus and algae.

• Water Parameter Quick Check (Liquid Test Kit - Quick Analysis): Using our liquid test kits to assess key parameters such as salinity, pH, alkalinity, and nitrate levels, allowing for early detection of potential issues.

• Coral Polyp Extension Check: Visually inspecting your corals for polyp extension and overall health.

Cycle 2 (Alternating Bi-Weekly): In addition to the tasks above, this cycle will include:

• Thorough Decoration & Rockwork Cleaning: Removing easily accessible decorations and gently brushing off algae from exposed rockwork.

• Filter Maintenance (Mechanical Media Rinse): Rinsing the mechanical filter media in removed aquarium water to clear out accumulated particulate matter (replacement of media is an additional cost).

• Detailed Water Parameter Testing (Liquid Test Kit - Comprehensive Analysis): Using our liquid test kits for a more accurate and comprehensive analysis of key parameters, including salinity, pH, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate, providing a deeper understanding of your reef chemistry.

• Powerhead Cleaning (Basic): Removing and rinsing powerheads to ensure optimal water flow and prevent buildup that can reduce efficiency.

• Coral Observation for Pests/Disease: A closer visual inspection of corals for any signs of pests or disease.

Base Price: $2.00 per gallon (under 100 gallons) or $2.50 per gallon (100 gallons or more) of your aquarium's capacity per visit, billed bi-weekly. Additional service fees, applicable North Carolina sales taxes, and mileage will be added to the final invoice.

Monthly Saltwater & Reef Service Package: Less Frequent, More Intensive Care - Base Price $2.00/gallon (under 100 gallons) / $2.50/gallon (100 gallons or more)

While our monthly service offers a less frequent maintenance schedule, it involves a more intensive cleaning process that can be more disruptive to your aquarium's delicate balance and may not provide the consistent stability crucial for a thriving reef. This service includes a more significant single instance of the following:

• Larger Partial Water Change (up to 30%): A substantial water change aimed at a more significant refresh, but potentially causing larger fluctuations in sensitive reef parameters.

• Very Thorough Substrate Vacuuming: An extensive cleaning of the substrate, which can disturb beneficial bacteria colonies if not done carefully.

• Intensive Algae Removal: A more aggressive cleaning of all glass, decorations, and accessible rockwork, potentially releasing a large amount of organic matter into the water at once.

• Comprehensive Equipment Inspection & Basic Cleaning: A detailed check and basic cleaning of all equipment, which is beneficial but less proactive than regular bi-weekly checks.

• Detailed Water Parameter Testing (Liquid Test Kit - Comprehensive Analysis): A thorough analysis of key water parameters using our liquid test kits, providing a snapshot of the conditions but lacking the regular monitoring of the bi-weekly plan.

• More Thorough Decoration & Rockwork Cleaning: A more involved cleaning of decorations and rockwork, potentially requiring more manipulation within the tank.

• Powerhead Cleaning (More Detailed): A more detailed cleaning of powerheads, potentially involving disassembly.

• Coral Observation for Pests/Disease: A more extended visual inspection for any signs of pests or disease.

Base Price: $2.00 per gallon (under 100 gallons) or $2.50 per gallon (100 gallons or more) of your aquarium's capacity per visit, billed monthly. Due to the intensive nature and potential for greater fluctuations in the sensitive reef environment, we strongly recommend our bi-weekly service for optimal long-term health, coral growth, and stability. Additional service fees, applicable North Carolina sales taxes, and mileage will be added to the final invoice.