Embark on an oceanic adventure in your own home with our curated list of must-have items for setting up a stunning reef tank. Setting up a saltwater aquarium is an investment in a slice of the ocean. A basic setup (20-30 gallons) costs about $850, si...
Sections
10
Aquarium & Stand
Filtration Systems
Lighting
Substrate & Live Rock
Water Treatment & Testing
Heaters & Thermometers
Aquarium & Stand
The foundation of your miniature ocean
An all-in-one cube-shaped tank with built-in filtration and lighting
Coralife LED BioCube 32 Gallon Aquarium Kit
A sturdy metal stand designed to support medium-sized aquariums
Metal Tank Stand - for 40 Gallon Tanks
A sleek, all-in-one aquarium set featuring a 45-gallon glass tank, matching stand, and built-in LED lighting for a modern, hassle-free setup
Marineland® Simple Modern LED Aquarium & Stand Ensemble - 45 Gallon
Filtration Systems
Keep your aquatic environment clean and healthy. Protein skimmers, power filters, and canister filters work together to provide comprehensive water purification, each addressing different aspects of aquarium filtration for optimal water quality
Removes dissolved organic compounds from water to improve clarity and quality
Fluval Sea PS1 Protein Skimmer for Aquariums
A hang-on-back filter that provides mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration
Aquarium Power Filter for Up to 45 Gallons
A powerful external canister filter for larger tanks with multiple filtration media options
Canister Filter for Aquariums, Black
Lighting
Illuminate your underwater world and support coral growt
A programmable LED light with various color modes to mimic natural reef lighting
LED Light, 18"-24"
A high-output LED light designed specifically for coral growth and fish color enhancement
Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED Light, 59W, 48-60in
A compact, powerful LED light with wireless control and customizable spectrum settings
AquaIllumination Prime 16 HD LED Reef Light
Substrate & Live Rock
Create a natural habitat for beneficial bacteria and bottom-dwelling creatures
seeded live sand that helps jumpstart the biological filtration in your tank
CaribSea Fiji Pink Sand
white gravel for a clean, bright look in your aquarium
Aquarium White Sand, 0.8-2 mm
cured live rock that provides biological filtration and a natural reef structure
Real Reef Premium Live Rock 20 LB Mixed Sizes
Water Treatment & Testing
Maintain optimal water conditions for your marine life
A widely used salt mix for creating synthetic seawater for marine aquariums
Instant Ocean Sea Salt
A comprehensive test kit for measuring essential water parameters in marine tanks
API SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT
A concentrated water conditioner that removes chlorine and detoxifies ammonia and nitrite
Seachem Prime Water Conditioner, 2 Liter
Heaters & Thermometers
Regulate temperature for a stable environment
A programmable heater with digital display and safety shut-off features
Fluval E 300 Watt Electronic Heater
An easy-to-read digital thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring
Aquarium Thermometer
An easy-to-read digital thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring
Fish Tank Digital Thermometer
Pumps & Powerheads
Simulate natural water movement and improve oxygenation
A compact powerhead that creates wide, gentle water flow for smaller tanks
Aquarium Circulation Pump
An energy-efficient pump with adjustable flow rates for creating realistic reef currents
NanoStream Pump
A powerful, adjustable pump for creating strong water movement in larger aquariums
EHEIM compactON Aquarium Pump - 3000, Black
Cleaning Tools
Keep your aquarium sparkling clean
A magnetic cleaner for easily removing algae from aquarium glass without getting your hands wet
Algae Cleaning Magnets Glass/Acrylic Medium
A long hose system for easy water changes and gravel cleaning that attaches to a sink faucet
No Spill Clean & Fill Aquarium System
A versatile tool with interchangeable blades for cleaning algae from glass or acrylic surfaces
Algae Scraper for Glass Aquariums
Decorations & Hideaways
Create a visually appealing and comfortable environment for your fish
Artificial coral structures that provide hiding spots and visual interest without the maintenance of live coral
Coral Reef Decor, Resin Aquarium Cave
artificial rocks that can be arranged to create custom reef structures and caves
Reef Stacker Dry Rock Aquascaping Kit, 10 lbs
Realistic-looking artificial coral pieces for adding color and structure to your aquascape
Purple Aquarium Coral Ornaments Decor
Books
This book is excellent for both beginners and experienced reef keepers, offering comprehensive guides on tank setup, water chemistry, and care for various marine life
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist Handbook
Considered one of the best coral books available, it provides essential information on coral care, identification, and husbandry for anyone serious about keeping corals
Aquarium Corals: Selection and Husbandry
This book offers an easy-to-follow guide for long-term success, covering topics like live rock, equipment selection, aquascaping, and disease prevention
