Vivid Aquariums Tropical Fish Store in Los Angeles - Saltwater Tank Set-Up Checklist
 
 
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Saltwater Tank Set-Up Equipment Checklist

Use our checklist to guide you through what you need to set-up a saltwater aquarium. Be sure to click submit at the bottom to save so you may come back and view or edit your list at anytime. (This is not an order form. This checklist is for your use only. To order products, you must add them to your shopping cart.) To print, click File then Print on your browser.

Click here to view Dave's Quick Do's and Don'ts
Call us for help with your order at 1-800-993-0979

  Check or Fill in the Blank Vivid Recommendation

Aquarium Type

 Fish-Only
Reef		 We love reefs!
Tank Specs (We do not ship tanks) - Click here to view our Beginner's section

Size

 Get the biggest tank you can afford. Bigger tanks are more stable and easier to maintain. Plus, most people always wish they had gotten a bigger tank.

Background

 Solid black or blue

Overflow

 Built-in
Hang-on
None		 We recommend getting a tank with built-in overflow for proper surface skimming.

Glass or Acrylic

 Glass
Acrylic		 Acrylic is stronger than glass but scratches easier. Acrylic is also  clearer and easier to drill than glass.
Lighting - Click here to view Lighting Section

Type

 Metal Halide
Power Compact
T5
VHO		 We use MH on everything because it creates a beautiful shimmering affect that mimics the ocean. However, it is more expensive. MH is also hotter which may require a chiller. We use metal halide DIY lighting.

Wattage

 The more wattage, the brighter the light. Wattage will depend on what type of livestock you want to keep.

Color

 10K
14K
20K		 10K for best coral growth but 14K for best color. 20K for bluest light. The higher K, the more blue. We use 14K.

Brand/Model
Filtration - Click here to view Filtration Section

Sump

 We prefer Euro-Fil Sumps

Live Rock

 1-1.5 lbs of live rock per gallons of water for proper filtration

Protein Skimmer

 We love ASM skimmers!

UV Sterilizer

 We use Current UV Sterilizers.

Pump(s)

 We recommend two smaller pumps instead of one. You should pump 10-15 times the volume of water per hour.
Other

Sand

 We recommend Arag Alive Aragonite Fine Reef Sand

RO Water Filter

 Do not use tap water!

Calcium Reactor

 We use Reef Creations.

Refugium

  

Phosphate Sponge

 We recommend ROWA Phos

Heater

  

Chiller

 We use JBJ and Current Chillers.

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Saltwater Fish : Live Corals & Invertebrates : Live Rock/Sand : Drygoods & Aquarium Supplies

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