🐠 Reef Tank Checklist – A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Saltwater Success
Thinking about starting a reef tank? You’re not alone — reef tanks are some of the most beautiful and rewarding aquariums you can keep. But they’re also more complex than freshwater setups, requiring specialized equipment, water chemistry, and long-term care.
This step-by-step reef tank checklist walks you through exactly what you need to set up, stock, and maintain your saltwater aquarium — whether you’re building a nano reef or a full-blown coral showcase.
🧰 Equipment Checklist – What You Need to Start a Reef Tank
These are the essential components every reef tank needs. Budget options and high-end choices exist, but the basics don’t change.
- Display Tank: 20–75 gallons is ideal for beginners. All-in-one kits simplify plumbing.
- Stand or Cabinet: Must support full tank weight (water = ~8.3 lbs/gal).
- Reef-Safe Lighting: Full-spectrum LEDs (blue heavy) for coral growth. Brands: AI Prime, Kessil, Red Sea, Nicrew.
- Heater: Adjustable with a guard. Set between 77–79°F.
- Thermometer: Digital preferred for accuracy.
- Filtration: Either hang-on-back (HOB), all-in-one compartments, or sump-based systems.
- Protein Skimmer: Optional for nanos, essential for larger reefs. Removes organic waste before it breaks down.
- Powerheads or Wave Makers: Provide turbulent flow — critical for coral health.
- Reef Salt Mix: Instant Ocean Reef Crystals, Red Sea Coral Pro, Fritz RPM.
- RO/DI Water Source: Either buy or make it. Tap water is a no-go for reef tanks.
- Refractometer: Measures salinity (1.025 specific gravity is ideal).
- Test Kits: Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, Alkalinity (dKH), Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate.
🌊 Water Preparation & Cycling Supplies
- RO/DI Water: Use for mixing salt and top-offs (prevents algae and impurities).
- Mixing Container: 5–10 gallon food-grade bin or bucket with lid.
- Powerhead & Heater for Mixing: Mix reef salt and aerate for 12–24 hrs before water changes or top-offs.
- Live Rock or Dry Rock: Base of your biological filter. Cured rock cycles faster.
- Live Sand: Optional, but adds beneficial bacteria and aesthetic appeal.
- Bacteria Starter: Dr. Tim’s One & Only, Fritz Turbo Start, Microbacter7.
- Ammonia Source (for cycling): Ammonium chloride or raw shrimp method.
🔬 Water Parameters for a Healthy Reef Tank
| Parameter | Target Range |
|---|---|
| Salinity (SG) | 1.025 |
| Temperature | 77–79°F (25–26°C) |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Alkalinity (dKH) | 8–12 |
| Calcium | 400–450 ppm |
| Magnesium | 1250–1350 ppm |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | <10 ppm for SPS / <20 ppm for softies/LPS |
| Phosphate | <0.05 ppm |
🐚 Coral & Livestock Compatibility Checklist
Plan your stocking based on tank size, experience level, and available light/flow. Start with hardy species before moving into advanced coral types.
- Beginner Corals: Zoanthids, Mushrooms, Green Star Polyps, Kenya Tree, Toadstool Leather
- Intermediate: LPS like Frogspawn, Hammer, Torch, Candy Cane, Acan
- Advanced: SPS like Montipora, Acropora (require stable nutrients, strong light/flow)
- Fish: Clownfish, Firefish, Royal Gramma, Blennies, Gobies, Cardinalfish
- Inverts: Nassarius Snails, Trochus Snails, Emerald Crabs, Cleaner Shrimp, Peppermint Shrimp
- Avoid: Fish known to nip corals (e.g., certain Angels, large Wrasses)
🧪 Weekly & Monthly Testing Checklist
- Weekly: Salinity, Temperature, Nitrate, Phosphate, pH
- Biweekly: Calcium, Alkalinity, Magnesium
- Monthly: Full parameter run including trace elements
🧼 Ongoing Reef Maintenance Tasks
- Top off evaporated water daily with RO/DI (not saltwater)
- Clean glass/acrylic with magnetic scraper or algae pad
- Clean skimmer cup weekly
- Perform 10–20% water changes every 1–2 weeks
- Blow detritus off rocks with turkey baster or powerhead
- Test and dose calcium/alk/mag as needed (manual or with doser)
- Inspect corals and remove pests if spotted (e.g., aiptasia, flatworms)
💊 Reef Emergency Supplies (Disaster Prep)
- Battery-operated air pump (oxygen during power outages)
- Backup heater or USB-powered heating pad
- Reef-safe medications (if quarantining livestock)
- Salinity and pH buffer
- Emergency contact card (local store, vet, aquarist group)
- Container for coral dips (Bayer, Revive, iodine)
- Turkey baster, pipettes, fragging scissors, tweezers
📦 Optional Gear Worth Considering
- Auto top-off system (ATO)
- Dosing pump (for calcium, alkalinity, magnesium)
- ATO reservoir (5+ gallons for stability)
- Controller (Apex, GHL, Inkbird for temperature)
- RO/DI system (saves money long-term vs buying water)
- Frag rack and coral glue (for mounting new frags)
🔗 Related Reef Tank Guides
- Emergency Aquarium Kit for Power Outages
- How to Cycle a Saltwater Aquarium
- Diagnose Algae and Nutrient Issues
- Routine Maintenance Explained
📌 Final Thoughts – Reef Tanks Are Worth the Prep
Reef tanks may be complex, but with the right checklist, clear expectations, and reliable tools, they’re completely achievable — even for beginners. Build slowly, research every addition, and aim for consistency over perfection. Your coral and fish will reward your patience with vibrant color, movement, and a slice of ocean life right in your home.
Still stuck on setup? Drop your tank size and goals in the comments — I’ll help you create a tailored reef starter plan.
