Starting your first reef aquarium is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming with all the equipment and products available. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of must-have products that are perfect for beginner hobbyists. These essentials will help you set up your tank and ensure your reef ecosystem thrives.
The Aqua One MiniReef range is the perfect all-in-one solution for beginners, taking the hassle out of setting up a reef aquarium by including everything you need in one bundle. Here's what makes it so beginner-friendly:
Tank & Sump Filtration System
The Aqua One MiniReef range has built-in sump filtration. The sump houses your essential equipment, such as the skimmer and pump, keeping everything neatly out of sight while maintaining excellent water quality. Available in finishes like black, white, and grey, this compact setup is perfect for smaller spaces and eliminates the need to purchase additional filtration systems.
Protein Skimmer
The bundle includes the Bubble Magus QQ2 Skimmer, an efficient and compact protein skimmer. This essential piece of equipment helps maintain water quality by removing organic waste, ensuring your tank stays free of organic waste that could harm your coral and fish.
Pump
Reliable water flow is critical for a healthy reef system, and the bundle comes with the Eheim CompactON 1000 Pump. This versatile, energy-efficient pump integrates seamlessly into the sump, allowing you to customise the flow rate to suit your tank's needs. Plus, it operates quietly, so your aquarium won’t disturb your space.
Heater
Maintaining a stable temperature is critical for a healthy reef aquarium, and the Aqua One Glass Heater ensures your tank stays within the optimal range for marine life. It has a reliable heating element and easy-to-use settings.
Lighting
Coral tanks need lighting because corals rely on light to survive and grow. Most corals have a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae called zooxanthellae, which live in their tissues. These algae use light to photosynthesise, producing energy that helps corals grow and maintain their vibrant colours. Proper lighting mimics natural sunlight, ensuring the corals receive the right spectrum and intensity for healthy development.
So, lighting is crucial for coral growth and creating a healthy display. The included LED lighting system features a mix of white and blue LEDs, perfect for simulating natural reef lighting conditions. These lights are independently controllable, allowing you to adjust them to suit your aquarium's needs.
Additional Buys
Water Testers
Testing your water parameters regularly is a crucial part of reef keeping. Salifert Test Kits make it easy to get accurate readings. They help you check critical parameters like pH, ammonia, calcium, and nitrate levels, ensuring they are in the optimal range for your coral and fish. Regular testing prevents problems before they arise, supports coral growth, and keeps your marine ecosystem balanced. It can be a bit overwhelming knowing what to measure at first, so feel free to ask for some help and advice on this.
You can also keep your tank topped up with premium pre-mixed salt and RO water available in-store!
Reef Rock
Aquascaping is one of the most exciting parts of setting up your reef aquarium, and Marco Rocks Key Largo Dry Rock is the perfect choice for beginners. This eco-friendly rock is lightweight, porous, and full of crevices that provide hiding spots for fish and a foundation for coral growth. This option is pest-free, easy to stack and arrange, and comes in vibrant colours, which helps your set-up stand out.
Sand
Live sand like Nature’s Ocean Bio-Active Sand helps establish your tank’s biological filtration right away. It’s pre-seeded with beneficial bacteria, which speeds up the cycling process and ensures a stable environment for your marine life.
Coral Food
Corals need proper nutrition to thrive, and Reef-Roids is an excellent choice for beginners. This high-quality coral food is made from marine zooplankton, offering a natural diet for a variety of coral species. This food is great for beginners as it has simple dosing instructions and is suitable for a wide range of coral types.
Nitrifying Bacteria
To start the cycle in your tank and establish a healthy biological filter, adding a bottle of nitrifying bacteria is essential. Options like ATM Colony introduce beneficial bacteria to your aquarium, helping to break down waste and keep water conditions stable from the start.
Setting up your first reef aquarium can feel daunting, but with the right equipment and products, building your first tank setup is a really fun process. Explore these products and more on The Coral Centre’s website, or pop into the store, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for advice along the way.