My maintenance procedures vary according to what really needs done at that given time, but certain things get done on a ritualistic-style basis.
Water changes are Numero Uno in my book, with a 10% weekly water change being essential IMO. As Anthony Calfo likes to say, Dilution is the Solution to Pollution.
Once a month I also run a Magnum 350 as a Particulate filter when doing a water change. When I run this filter, I also take the time to blow out the rocks if needed, and generally get the tank looking like a typhoon came through. Stir it all up into the water column and remove as much as possible. I'll let the Mag350 run overnight sometimes, but usually only until the tank is clear again. It's only purpose in my practices is Particulate removal. If the water is clear, then it's done it's job.
Before I remove it, I also use it to siphon the detritus buildup in my initial sump chamber. After a month of use, there gets to be a substantial amount of free waste sitting in the bottom, so I suck it up with the Mag while it's out.
Other than that, I also rinse all sponges and filter socks after doing the water change weekly.
I prune the algae from my refugium as needed, or as often as I remember to do it. Same goes for the skimmer, although I try to remember to check it at least every other day. At the same time I check the reactor's effluent and bubble rates to make sure all is good there.
I always try to take a few minutes each day to watch the tank, and see what is taking place. I use this time more as a "water test" than anything else. As TG said, I look at the fish, the corals, note algae growth, coralline growth, etc. Just make sure things are working like they should. If something then seems out of whack, I start by checking the most likely culprit with a "real" water test.
The fish get fed once every other day or so, sometimes once a week. My selection of fish are mainly algal grazers though, so they have most everything they need already provided for them. I just supplement the diet as I see fit
The Lionfish gets fed twice a week religiously however (different tank).
Bulbs get changed at an embarrasing rate (I'm not going there!), and PH's get replaced more often than cleaned, due to a wavemaker chowing the impellars
If the Algae gets REAL bad (yes, it has before), then I break out a toothbrush and bucket of water, removing each badly affected rock and scrubbing as needed. Fortunately this is a once or twice in a lifetime (So Far!!) ordeal
I would also consider fragging part of the maintenance in my tank, as it's the only way I can make room for more stuff. I frag down at least a few things each month, but it's also more on an "as-needed" basis.
I don't add any supplements other than Kalkwasser, and it gets replaced 5.5 Gallons at a time over a 4 or 5 day period at a very slow drip. The water changes and Ca Reactor handle all other elemental replenishment.
I know I might seem a little lax in my maintenance practices, but the biggest and most important part of my routine is the weekly water changes. Seeing this done in my shop's tanks for 20+ years now, I definitely see major benefits when it comes to fish health, disease resistance, and overall coloration of the fish.
Everyone's results may vary, but this is what works best for me
Cos