How to Start a Saltwater Aquarium: The 90/10 Method
Starting a saltwater aquarium doesn’t have to be complicated. The 90/10 Method simplifies reefing by focusing on the 10% of actions that produce 90% of long-term success. Rather than chasing every gadget or theory, this approach gives you a clear, proven path from day one. Begin by choosing a tank in the “Goldilocks zone” — around 40–75 gallons for the best balance of stability and simplicity. Use dry rock and sand to create a functional aquascape, install a reliable heater, return pump, and light, and start the nitrogen cycle with pure RODI water and quality salt mix. Once stable, add a small cleanup crew, then hardy fish and corals slowly. The 90/10 Method teaches you exactly when and how to take each step, removing the guesswork that causes most new reefers to fail. With this method, you’ll spend less time fighting problems and more time enjoying a thriving, beautiful saltwater reef.
Reef Tank Type, Size, Source Water, Substrate, and Rock - 90/10 Part 1
Serious Reefs developed the 90/10 Method to give nearly everyone a straightforward path to a beautiful reef tank with minimal effort. The idea is simple: choose the highest-success option at every decision point so that 90 percent of people reach the finish line, and do it using roughly 10 percent of the effort and complexity typical of hobbyist approaches.