Getting your first reef tank off the ground is exciting, but the gear list can feel overwhelming. This reef tank equipment checklist walks you through the core items you actually need, what each piece does, and a few smart upgrades that make reefing easier and more stable long term.

Core Reef Tank Equipment You Shouldn’t Skip

Display Tank & Stand

Your display tank is the centerpiece of your reef. For most beginners, a 20–75 gallon glass or acrylic tank is a great starting point. Pair it with a sturdy stand that can support the full weight of water, rock, and sand. If you’re unsure how to size your first system, see our Beginner Reef Tank Size Guide for pros and cons of popular tank sizes.

Sump or Filtration Chamber

A sump (or rear filtration chamber on an AIO tank) hides equipment and increases water volume, which boosts stability. In your sump, you’ll typically house:

• Filter socks or filter cups – trap large debris.
• Media baskets – hold carbon, GFO, or bio-media.
• Return pump – sends clean water back to the display.

Heater & Temperature Control

Reef tanks thrive between 77–79°F (25–26°C). Use a reliable, appropriately sized heater and a separate thermometer at minimum. A dedicated temperature controller is an excellent safeguard against heater failure.

Lighting for Coral Growth

Quality reef lighting is essential. Look for LED fixtures with proven PAR output and controllable spectrum. Mount the light high enough for even spread and acclimate new corals slowly to avoid light shock. For more on dialing in your photoperiod and intensity, check out our Reef Tank Lighting Basics.

Flow: Powerheads & Wavemakers

Corals need steady, random flow to deliver nutrients and remove waste. Use at least one powerhead or wavemaker, positioned to eliminate dead spots and keep detritus suspended so it can be filtered out.

Filtration, Testing, and Maintenance Essentials

Protein Skimmer

A protein skimmer removes dissolved organics before they break down into excess nutrients. While very small systems can sometimes run without one, most reef tanks benefit from a properly sized, consistently tuned skimmer.

Rock, Sand, and Biological Filtration

Live rock or high-quality dry rock provides the main biological surface area for beneficial bacteria. Many reefers also add a shallow sand bed for aesthetics and additional habitat. Rinse dry sand thoroughly before use to reduce cloudiness.

Test Kits & Refractometer

Regular testing keeps your reef on track. At minimum, have kits for:

• Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate (cycling and nutrient control)
• pH, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium (coral health)

Use a refractometer (not a swing-arm hydrometer) to measure salinity accurately and calibrate it with a proper solution.

ATO (Auto Top-Off) System

Evaporation changes salinity, which stresses corals and fish. An auto top-off system adds fresh RO/DI water automatically to keep salinity stable. This is one of the most impactful quality-of-life upgrades you can make.

RO/DI Water Filter

Starting with pure water is crucial. An RO/DI unit removes chlorine, chloramine, and other contaminants that can fuel algae or harm sensitive invertebrates. Use RO/DI for both mixing saltwater and top-off water.

Helpful Extras That Make Reefing Easier

Once your core equipment is sorted, consider these convenience items:

• Power strip with drip loops – organizes cords and improves safety.
• Battery backup or UPS – keeps flow running during short power outages.
• Automatic doser – maintains stable alkalinity and calcium as your coral load increases.
• Aquarium controller – centralizes monitoring and adds failsafes.

Tip: Before buying anything, sketch your sump and cabinet layout. Planning where each piece of gear will sit saves frustration and messy rewiring later.

With this reef tank equipment checklist, you can build a system that’s not only beautiful but also stable and easier to maintain. Start with the essentials, add automation as your budget allows, and keep learning. For a step-by-step path from empty glass box to thriving reef, visit our New Reef Tank Setup Guide and turn your equipment list into a living slice of the ocean.