Starting a new reef aquarium is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. This new reef tank setup checklist walks you step by step through what you need before adding saltwater, rock, and your first coral or fish. Use it as a pre-launch guide so you don’t miss anything important.

1. Planning Your New Reef Tank

Before buying equipment, decide what kind of reef you want. A thoughtfully planned system is easier to maintain and more stable long term.

Decide on Tank Size and Location

  • Tank size: 20–40 gallons is a great starter range; larger volumes are more stable but cost more.
  • Location: Choose a level floor away from direct sunlight, doors that slam, and high-traffic areas.
  • Access: Make sure you can reach the back of the tank and sump for cleaning and maintenance.

For help choosing dimensions and style, see our Beginner Reef Tank Guide.

Essential Gear Checklist

  • Display tank and stand rated for the full weight
  • Sump or hang-on-back filtration (if not using an all-in-one)
  • Return pump and powerheads for strong, random flow
  • Heater (or two smaller heaters for redundancy) and thermometer
  • Reef-capable LED lighting with adjustable intensity
  • Protein skimmer (especially for tanks 30+ gallons)
  • Auto top-off (ATO) system for consistent water level and salinity
  • Reef salt mix and RO/DI water source
  • Test kits: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, alkalinity; refractometer for salinity

Pro tip: Buy the best quality equipment you can reasonably afford the first time. Upgrading later often costs more than starting with solid gear.

2. Rock, Sand, and Water: Building the Foundation

Rock and Aquascape

  • Dry or live rock: Aim for roughly 1 pound of rock per gallon as a starting point.
  • Rinse dry rock to remove dust; cure if needed to avoid nutrient spikes.
  • Build an open, stable structure with caves and overhangs for fish and coral placement.

Sand Bed and Saltwater

  • Substrate: Fine aragonite sand 1–2 inches deep works well for most setups.
  • Rinse dry sand until water runs mostly clear to reduce initial cloudiness.
  • Mix saltwater in a separate container with RO/DI water; match temperature and salinity (1.025–1.026 SG).

Once rock and sand are in place, fill the tank with mixed saltwater, start your pumps, heater, and skimmer (if recommended by the manufacturer), and let the system run.

3. Cycling and Pre-Stocking Checks

Cycle the Tank

  • Use a bottled bacteria product or a small ammonia source (pure ammonia or fish food).
  • Test every few days: you should see ammonia rise, then nitrite, then both drop to zero.
  • The cycle is considered complete when ammonia and nitrite are zero and nitrate is detectable.

For a detailed breakdown of this process, check our How to Cycle a Reef Tank article.

Final Setup Checklist Before Livestock

  • Stable temperature (typically 77–79°F) for at least a week
  • Salinity steady at 1.025–1.026 SG
  • Ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm; nitrate kept under 20 ppm
  • Lights programmed with a gentle ramp-up schedule; avoid blasting full intensity on day one
  • Backup plan for power outages (battery air pump or generator)

Pro tip: Start with a small, hardy cleanup crew and one or two beginner-friendly fish. Add coral only after the tank has been stable for several weeks.

With this new reef tank setup checklist, you have a clear path from empty glass box to thriving reef. Take your time, test often, and make gradual changes. If you’d like help choosing your first coral and fish, visit our Best Beginner Reef Fish and Corals guide. A patient, methodical start sets you up for years of colorful, healthy reef keeping.

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