I Hacked My Entire Reef Tank... Here’s Why | Mark Callahan, Mr. Saltwater Tank

1-28-2026 In this episode, Mark takes a literal "hammer and chisel" approach to his reef, demonstrating why sometimes you have to tear it all down to help it grow better. After noticing that his massive green and purple Slimers were becoming "weedy," reaching the surface, and shading out other prized corals, Mark decided to perform an aggressive "hacking" procedure to restart the growth cycle. Watch as he uses a little brute force to clear out massive SPS colonies, creating room for new additions and refreshing the tank's biological "Qi." While the move caused a temporary dip in alkalinity consumption and a minor cyano outbreak due to increased light on the sandbed, Mark explains why he isn't sweating the small stuff and how this reset will allow for a more vibrant, diverse reef over the next year. ______________________________________________ ⚠️ Products In This Video ► Ocean Wonders DIY Coral Propagation Kit- https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/diy-coral-propagation-kit-oceans-wonders/ ► Bashsea I Sea Floating Coral Viewer 8" (Black) - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/i-sea-floating-coral-viewer-8-black-bashsea/ ► ORA Aquacultured Juicy Grape Acropora Coral (Acropora sp.) - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/aquacultured-juicy-grape-acropora-coral-acropora-sp-ora/ ► ORA ACI Cultured Green Slimer Acropora Coral - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/aci-cultured-green-slimer-acropora-coral-saq-coral-farm/ ► Maxspect Coral Tweezers - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/coral-tweezers-maxspect/ ► Tunze 33.86" Aquarium Foldable Tongs Carbon Fiber (33.86") 0220.450 - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/33-86-aquarium-foldable-tongs-carbon-fiber-33-86-0220-450-tunze/ ______________________________________________ Website - https://www.saltwateraquarium.com Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/swaqdotcom/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/saltwateraquariumdotcom/ Follow us on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwateraquarium.com ______________________________________________ 📩 If you have a request related to equipment in this video, or this video in general, email - [email protected] #saltwateraquarium #swaq