Setting up a reef tank is exciting, but the amount of gear can feel overwhelming. This essential reef tank equipment checklist walks you through what you actually need, why you need it, and a few places where it makes sense to invest a little more from day one.

Core Life-Support Equipment

These items keep your reef stable and your fish and corals healthy. Think of them as non‑negotiable.

Aquarium, Stand & Sump

Your display tank and a sturdy stand are the foundation. Many reef keepers also use a sump for extra water volume and hidden equipment. If you’re still choosing a size, check out our guide on choosing your first reef tank size to match your space and budget.

Filtration & Water Movement

• Protein Skimmer: Removes dissolved organics before they break down. Aim for a skimmer rated slightly higher than your tank volume.
• Return Pump: Feeds water from the sump back to the display. Look for quiet operation and a bit of extra flow capacity.
• Powerheads/Wavemakers: Provide internal flow that keeps detritus suspended and corals happy. Multiple smaller pumps often create more natural currents than one big one.
• Mechanical & Chemical Filtration: Filter socks, filter cups, or media baskets with carbon and phosphate remover help polish the water.

Pro tip: Aim for 20–40x your display volume in total flow for most mixed reefs. Higher‑energy SPS systems may need even more.

Heater, Temperature Control & ATO

• Reliable Heater: Use a quality, appropriately sized heater; many reefers split wattage across two heaters for redundancy.
• Temperature Controller: An external controller can shut off a stuck heater before it cooks your tank.
• Auto Top Off (ATO): Replaces evaporated water with fresh RO/DI, keeping salinity stable. This is one of the biggest quality‑of‑life upgrades you can buy.

Lighting, Water Quality & Essential Tools

Reef‑Capable Lighting

Corals rely on light as their primary energy source. Choose LEDs, T5s, or hybrids designed for reef aquariums, not generic “fish‑only” fixtures. Look for:

• Proper spectrum (strong blue range for coral growth)
• Even coverage across the entire tank
• Built‑in timers or controllability

For help dialing in intensity and photoperiod, see our article on reef lighting basics.

RO/DI System & Salt Mix

• RO/DI Filter: Produces pure water, free from chlorine, chloramine, and excess nutrients. Starting with clean water solves many algae problems before they begin.
• Reef Salt Mix: Choose a reputable salt formulated for marine systems and mix it thoroughly with RO/DI water before use.

Test Kits & Dosing Gear

• Basic Test Kits: Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and phosphate are must‑haves in the early months.
• Reef Parameters: As corals grow, add test kits for alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium.
• Dosing Pumps or Manual Dosing: Once consumption increases, use dosing pumps or a consistent manual routine to maintain stable levels.

Everyday Tools & Safety

• Refractometer or digital salinity meter
• Algae scraper and dedicated aquarium towels
• Buckets and mixing containers labeled “aquarium only”
• Power strip with drip loops and GFCI protection
• Battery backup or air pump for power outages

For a more detailed breakdown of maintenance routines using this gear, visit our reef tank maintenance schedule guide.

Bringing It All Together

Building your reef tank around a solid equipment checklist sets you up for long‑term stability and fewer headaches. Focus first on life‑support gear (filtration, flow, temperature, and top‑off), then invest in quality lighting and reliable test kits. Add tools and automation over time as your system matures.

With the right equipment in place, you can spend less time fighting problems and more time enjoying the living reef you’ve created in your home.