Learn & play
Beginner Saltwater Aquarium Guides
What are you looking for? Search my saltwater aquarium guides, build lists, and gear recommendations, or choose a topic below.
What would you like to do?
Pick the topic you need. Each one takes you to the guides, videos, or recommendations that go with it.
Compare my three recommended tanks
Choose between the DeskMate 4.8, HelloReef 15, and JBJ RF-45. I have built all three, with videos and guides to help you follow along.
Compare the three tanks
Explore seven build options
Want more choices? See how I would put together tanks from a compact nano to a large dream reef. These are build lists, not step-by-step courses.
Explore more builds
Learn about livestock
Find fish, corals, anemones, and cleanup crew animals that fit your aquarium. Learn what they eat, how much space they need, and which animals can live together.
Explore livestock guides
Take care of your tank
Water changes, cleaning, testing, and equipment care. Find the daily, weekly, and monthly jobs that keep your aquarium running well.
Find maintenance guides
Figure out what is wrong
Dealing with algae, unusual water-test results, or an animal that does not look right? Start here to find the guide for the problem in front of you.
Find troubleshooting help
Choose the right gear
Compare my equipment recommendations, from lights and pumps to heaters, test kits, and RO/DI filters. See what I would buy and why.
Browse gear guidesNot sure where to begin? Start here before you buy your first tank.
Time for a reef break?
Help a little clownfish make its way through the reef. Swimmy Fish takes one button to play. How far can you get?
Play Swimmy Fish