Choose Your Tank, Then Follow One Complete Setup Path
These guides organize the work in the order you actually need it: plan the location, assemble the system, mix and fill safely, cycle with evidence, build a routine, and add animals only when the tank is ready.
Three supported paths
Pick the Aquarium You Are Actually Setting Up
The steps are not interchangeable. A 4.8-gallon nano reacts quickly, HelloReef includes unusually deep course support, and a 45-gallon aquarium needs more planning, equipment, water, and maintenance capacity.
DeskMate 4.8
A compact nano path with three complete stages.
Best fit: very limited space and an owner comfortable with frequent observation and small-volume precision.
- Plan, unbox, and prepare
- Aquascape, fill, and tune
- Cycle, stabilize, and choose what comes next
Main tradeoff: evaporation, temperature, feeding, and stocking decisions can change this small volume quickly.
HelloReef 15
A six-week public path backed by the full 50-plus-video course included with the kit.
Best fit: a first-time owner who wants the most detailed step-by-step support and a coherent equipment package.
- Plan and assemble
- Fill, cycle, and build stable habits
- Choose cleanup crew and fish
- Make an evidence-based anemone decision
Main tradeoff: the public guide is a useful overview; the full course depth is reserved for kit owners.
JBJ RF-45
A nine-chapter written path paired with Matthew’s current beginner video series.
Best fit: dedicated floor space, a larger budget, and a stronger need for livestock and aquascaping flexibility.
- Plan the physical system
- Aquascape, fill, and cycle
- Add first livestock carefully
- Establish maintenance before upgrades
Main tradeoff: the largest equipment, setup, water-change, and ongoing supply commitment of these three paths.
Quick orientation
What Changes Between the Three Tracks?
Every path covers planning, physical setup, cycling, early stability, livestock readiness, and ongoing care. The level of detail and the size-specific risks change.
| Decision | DeskMate 4.8 | HelloReef 15 | JBJ RF-45 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guidance shape | Three dense stages | Six weekly guides plus full kit course | Nine written chapters plus current video series |
| Space | Small furniture footprint | Compact support surface or optional stand | Dedicated floor space and matching stand |
| Primary risk | Rapid small-volume changes | Overestimating what “kit” includes | Underplanning weight, equipment, water, and maintenance |
| Livestock flexibility | Most limited | Moderate and intentionally guided | Greatest of the three, still not unlimited |