Beginner Equipment Checklist

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This is a list of everything I think beginner to salt water should have, trying to keep it simple as to not overwhelm new hobbyists.

-Refractometer/any salinity reader
- Water test kit
-Backup filter or power head in case the current one dies
-Emergency bin or tank in case of leaks
-Basic medications for things like fungus pests or bacteria
-Fishnet
-Algae scrubber
-5 gallon bucket
- Battery powered bubbler for power outages
-2 or 3 different types of saltwater foods (not every fish likes the same food)
-Long tweezers
-Super Glue
- Auto Top Off System *edited add on rec from Vivid Creative Aquatic

Feel free to add additions below. Happy Reefing!

 

[Desidoop]

This is a list of everything I think beginner to salt water should have, trying to keep it simple as to not overwhelm new hobbyists.

-Refractometer/any salinity reader
- Water test kit
-Backup filter or power head in case the current one dies
-Emergency bin or tank in case of leaks
-Basic medications for things like fungus pests or bacteria
-Fishnet
-Algae scrubber
-5 gallon bucket
- Battery powered bubbler for power outages
-2 or 3 different types of saltwater foods (not every fish likes the same food)
-Long tweezers
-Super Glue

Feel free to add additions below. Happy Reefing!

Thank you for sharing this and I was wondering what I might have been missing from my reef shopping list. This helped me allot.

 

[BryanM]

-Algae scrubber

Hmm. You may need to elaborate here.

I have an algae turf scrubber.

But if I want to get rid of algae in my tank, thats what tangs and bridgette (the fattest lawn mower blenny every seen) is for.

 

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Thank you for sharing this and I was wondering what I might have been missing from my reef shopping list. This helped me allot.

It's no problem, I'm glad you could find it useful!

 

[saltwaterfish.com Verified Sponsor]

Hmm. You may need to elaborate here.

I have an algae turf scrubber.

But if I want to get rid of algae in my tank, thats what tangs and bridgette (the fattest lawn mower blenny every seen) is for.

Lol Bridgette sounds like she does a good job, and for the scrubber I meant the more simple glass cleaning version lol. That or a razor blade (if its glass) works just as good.

 

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I would add an ATO (Auto Top Off) system of some sort. Many beginner reefers are coming for the freshwater side and have never really needed an ATO. But with saltwater, it can be both very important and very convenient

 

[BryanM]

Agreed, I missed that there was not an ATO.

While not really a requirement, its a pretty large life enhancement.

 

[BuffaloLake]

A turkey baster.

 

[saltwaterfish.com Verified Sponsor]

I would add an ATO (Auto Top Off) system of some sort. Many beginner reefers are coming for the freshwater side and have never really needed an ATO. But with saltwater, it can be both very important and very convenient

True! I totally missed that. Added it in as a edit thank you!