Setting up a reef tank is exciting, but the sheer amount of gear can feel overwhelming. This reef tank equipment guide breaks down the essentials, explains what each piece does, and offers practical tips so you can spend less time guessing and more time enjoying your corals and fish.

Core Life Support: Filtration, Flow, and Heat

Filtration Basics

Your filtration system keeps the water clear, stable, and safe. At minimum, you’ll want:

• Quality protein skimmer – Pulls out dissolved organics before they break down into nitrate and phosphate. Aim for a skimmer rated slightly above your total water volume.
• Mechanical filtration – Filter socks, cups, or pads catch detritus and uneaten food. Rinse or replace them every 2–3 days to avoid nutrient spikes.
• Biological filtration – Live rock and/or biomedia provide surface area for beneficial bacteria. Don’t over-clean this; it’s the heart of your biofilter.

For a deeper dive into water quality, see our guide on reef tank water parameters and how to keep them stable.

Flow and Oxygenation

Corals thrive in strong, random water movement. Proper flow:

• Delivers oxygen and nutrients to corals
• Prevents detritus from settling on rock and sand
• Helps maintain even temperature throughout the tank

Use powerheads or wavemakers aimed across the tank, not directly at corals. Start at 20–40x your display volume in total flow and adjust based on coral response.

Heating and Temperature Control

Most reef tanks do best between 77–79°F (25–26°C). You’ll need:

• Reliable heater (or two smaller heaters for redundancy)
• Separate thermometer to verify temperature
• Cooling solution in warm climates, such as a fan or chiller

Pro tip: Use a dedicated temperature controller for an extra layer of safety against heater failures.

Lighting, Testing, and Automation

Reef Lighting Essentials

Light powers photosynthesis for corals and other photosynthetic invertebrates. When choosing reef LEDs or other fixtures, consider:

• Spectrum: Blue-heavy spectrum (around 14–20K) supports coral health and coloration.
• PAR (intensity): Soft corals usually need less light than SPS; match the fixture to your coral plans.
• Control: Dimmable, programmable lights make it easier to acclimate new corals and create smooth sunrise/sunset effects.

If you’re unsure how much light your tank needs, check out our article on reef lighting basics for PAR targets by coral type.

Test Kits, Dosing, and Top-Off

Stable water chemistry is just as important as good equipment. At a minimum, keep test kits for:

• Salinity (refractometer recommended)
• Alkalinity
• Calcium and magnesium
• Nitrate and phosphate

As your corals grow, they’ll consume alkalinity and calcium faster. Many reefers add:

• Dosing pumps for two-part or other supplements
• Auto top-off (ATO) system to keep salinity stable as water evaporates

Pro tip: Mix your saltwater in a dedicated container with a small pump and heater. This makes water changes faster and more consistent.

Putting It All Together

You don’t need every gadget on day one, but starting with solid core equipment—filtration, flow, heating, and lighting—sets the stage for long-term success. Add testing, dosing, and automation as your reef matures and your livestock demands grow.

Before you buy, sketch a simple equipment plan that fits your budget and upgrade path. A little planning now can save you from replacing undersized gear later. For help choosing your first system, read our beginner-friendly beginner reef tank setup guide and build from there.

With the right equipment and a patient approach, your reef tank can become a thriving, colorful centerpiece you’ll be proud of for years.