🔍 Free tool · straight from our care sheets
Is my setup safe?
Most marine losses start in the setup, not the animal — and they're almost all preventable. Tell us which fish, coral or invert you keep and tick what's true of your tank. You'll get a personalised risk report: what to fix now, the numbers to double-check, and the signs that mean it's time to get help. Updated September 11, 2026.
Fix it with: parameter target chart · water test checker · reef dosing calculator · is my animal okay?
Save your audit + a re-check reminder
Join the shoal and we'll keep your result, remind you to re-check your setup, and send the fix guides for anything the audit flags. Free sheets and tools always stay open — no gatekeeping.
Honest reef care straight to your inbox. No spam — unsubscribe anytime. See how we handle your data in our privacy notice.Quick answers
How do I know if my reef or saltwater setup is safe?
Check it against the three things that cause most harm: setup mistakes (like adding livestock before the tank has cycled, or dosing without testing), husbandry numbers that are out of range (temperature, salinity, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, minimum tank size), and any warning signs the animal is already showing. This free audit walks you through all three for your species and gives you a personalised risk report.
What is the most common beginner reef mistake?
Rushing — adding fish or coral before the tank is cycled and the water is stable — and chasing perfect numbers instead of stable ones. Most marine losses trace back to an uncycled tank, an unstable salinity or alkalinity, or livestock that was never quarantined, not to bad luck. Getting the water right first prevents the majority of problems.
Does the setup audit diagnose my animal or replace a vet?
No. It never diagnoses and never gives a medication or dose. It flags common setup risks from our fact-checked care sheets and always shows the "get help now" signs. If the audit surfaces a warning sign, or things do not improve after you fix the basics, quarantine and get an aquatic vet or an experienced reefer involved.
Is the setup audit free?
Yes — completely free, no account, and the risk report always shows on the page. Joining the shoal is optional; it just lets us save your result and remind you to re-check your setup.