Helloreef

[panda0310]

I have a HelloReef kit a few things Im trying to figure out and need some help/suggestions

1- with my included pump and wave maker, my clowns and BTA seems to act like its way to much flow. I have the wave waker attached to the side of the tank pushing water towards the out of the pump & at the back of the tank the outlet pushed water towards the front of the tank. How should I set my wave maker and outlet for pump. Currently have the wave maker out of the system.

2- for such a small tank is a RO/DI system cost effective vs just getting distilled water

3- should I keep my filter sock, switch to a media cup with filter floss or get a roller system

4, what ATO is good for this system?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I would suggest that sources of flow should be aimed at each other, the flows will meet and bounce creating random flow patterns, this is ideal IMO.

Distilled is fine, I bought distilled from the grocery store the first few years in the hobby, at some point it gets tiring and then you will want a rodi.

I like and use Kamoer ATO's, I have 2 of them one is just going into its fifth year and the other is 2 years old, both have been perfect for me.

The mechanical filtration type is your choice, I think you should go for whatever is most convenient for you to clean because cleaning is a pita. I personally don't use mechanical filtration on any of my tanks for this reason.

Good luck

 

[JumboShrimp]

This is my go-to. A roll this big will probably outlast most fish. lol!

(Nice looking tank, by the way.)

 

[Tahoe61]

ROBuddie is an affordable option. Pays for itself in a couple months.

I use the socks after a water change to polish the water, then I remove them.

Rollers in my opinion really distract from the look of smaller tanks.

My sure you get a decent refractometer.

 

[nickynels]

For ATO I use a cheaper Amazon one: https://a.co/d/iTBx9Os

It has not let me down once and I have used it for almost 2 years

 

[TheNanoReefer1015]

I have a HelloReef kit a few things Im trying to figure out and need some help/suggestions

1- with my included pump and wave maker, my clowns and BTA seems to act like its way to much flow. I have the wave waker attached to the side of the tank pushing water towards the out of the pump & at the back of the tank the outlet pushed water towards the front of the tank. How should I set my wave maker and outlet for pump. Currently have the wave maker out of the system.

2- for such a small tank is a RO/DI system cost effective vs just getting distilled water

3- should I keep my filter sock, switch to a media cup with filter floss or get a roller system

4, what ATO is good for this system?

I acquired my hello reef kit on 1/24/2026 I'm using the Amazon Useek AT-200 no complaints so far simple setup Amazon product I've also 3D printed a cover for the rear of mine and a light holder to get the light slightly higher I do need to double check with a par meter though to make sure the light is outputting enough above the tank. I have 2 snowflake clownfish seem to be paring up (Possible breeding pair)? Mine has completed the nitrogen cycle as of 2/20/2026 I'm experiencing the "ugly phase" with the diatom and bacteria blooms so cleanup crew for me. I'll use the included $20 they give you after you've completed the course up to a certain point they'll send you an email with it. I've invested in a 150GPD RO/DI 4 stage system with TDS meter IN/OUT from Bulk reef supply just because imo in the long term is going to save you time, gas etc. it's super simple to hook one up under a sink or in a utility room. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/4-stage-150gpd-plus-water-saver-ro-di-system-bulk-reef-supply.html I paid $237.59 a few weeks ago it's currently back to $292.99 you can get away with the 75 GPD I just know for me I'm going to wind up getting more tanks etc so I just went for more GPD while it was on sale. Also my wave maker is on the opposite side of the return pump nozzle midway down angle to the front right.

I just ordered a Reef Can 40 for my ATO reservoir I'd use a 5 gallon bucket but it's on our nightstand and the wife isn't haven't on the floor lol. $110 I paid $110.57 after free shipping & a coupon https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef...=18319&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products

I'm also sticking with the Ocean Forest Salt 4.4lb bags you can get them from a local fish store if there carry it or at chewy.com https://www.chewy.com/aquaforest-reef-salt-mix-aquariums/dp/1994918

Also I will be using the Tropic Marine All in one additives I haven't decided on a doser pump yet. Amazon product

I bought this also just have another temp sensor & glass scraper.
Amazon product

Here's a video of my tank & many others on my TIKTOK page! Hope this input was helpful!

 

[JumboShrimp]

I have the 4.8 gallon Reefcan for a 20-gallon AIO... yes, very expensive 'for what it is,' but I love it. So easy to slide it in between my tanks stand and the wall. And built like a bank vault. Good choice. Also excellent choice on your BRS 150-gallon per day water system.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I have a HelloReef kit a few things Im trying to figure out and need some help/suggestions

1- with my included pump and wave maker, my clowns and BTA seems to act like its way to much flow. I have the wave waker attached to the side of the tank pushing water towards the out of the pump & at the back of the tank the outlet pushed water towards the front of the tank. How should I set my wave maker and outlet for pump. Currently have the wave maker out of the system.

2- for such a small tank is a RO/DI system cost effective vs just getting distilled water

3- should I keep my filter sock, switch to a media cup with filter floss or get a roller system

4, what ATO is good for this system?

You could also look into reef diapers if you want a sock alternative.
I'm always going to be a fan of a RO unit over distilled, but it's up to you what you think you should do.

 

[PowChickaPowPow]

1 - I have the HelloReef tank and use the included pump and wave maker. My tank was started in June 2025 and my clowns seem to love it. My anemones are also happy. It has grown large and split a few times. I have the wave maker on the left side of the tank aimed across the aquascape. See my tank thread for pics.

2 - I used distilled for over 6 months without any issues but recently purchased and setup a RODI system. Stick with distilled if that makes sense for your budget and you don't mind picking up water regularaly.

3 - I'm still using filter socks but might look to change that eventually.

4 - I use ReefBreeders ATO and it hasn't given me any issues. I have a two gallon reservoir in the stand.

I purchased a lid from TopLids that works well with the tank if you're interested in a lid.

 

[TheNanoReefer1015]

You could also look into reef diapers if you want a sock alternative.
I'm always going to be a fan of a RO unit over distilled, but it's up to you what you think you should do.

Yes, For me it was non negotiable this go around!

 

[TheNanoReefer1015]

1 - I have the HelloReef tank and use the included pump and wave maker. My tank was started in June 2025 and my clowns seem to love it. My anemones are also happy. It has grown large and split a few times. I have the wave maker on the left side of the tank aimed across the aquascape. See my tank thread for pics.

2 - I used distilled for over 6 months without any issues but recently purchased and setup a RODI system. Stick with distilled if that makes sense for your budget and you don't mind picking up water regularaly.

3 - I'm still using filter socks but might look to change that eventually.

4 - I use ReefBreeders ATO and it hasn't given me any issues. I have a two gallon reservoir in the stand.

I purchased a lid from TopLids that works well with the tank if you're interested in a lid.

So I have 2 now lol. I’m hoping for an interesting side by side as “no two tanks are alike” but pretty must the same setup slight differences I’ll get into that in more detail in the upcoming updates . I’ve been trying to update each weekend but life, so I think I may do monthly updates then move to couple moths type thing hopefully as it matures. Thanks for your input with your experience overall Ive been pleased with the kit!