More ways to build your first reef
Explore All Saltwater Tanks & Builds
All of my tank recommendations and build options, together in one place. Compare the guides below, or browse the aquariums to find a size, layout, and level of guidance that fits you—from a simple budget build to a dream reef.
Need help comparing?
Three ways to narrow it down.
Compare My Three Guided Builds
Want videos and guides to follow? Compare the DeskMate, HelloReef, and JBJ setup paths.
Compare the Three BuildsMy Seven Beginner Tank Recommendations
Still choosing the aquarium? Compare the shapes, sizes, advantages, and trade-offs of my beginner picks.
Compare Beginner TanksBudget-Friendly Aquarium Builds
Trying to keep costs down? Compare three budget approaches and see what the tank price leaves out.
Compare Budget ApproachesBrowse every build
More tanks, more budgets, more ways to do it.
Some options have full build lists, some have setup videos, and others link to my tank recommendations. Each tile tells you what you’ll find. Browse all 14 options below—each aquarium appears just once.
Listed from compact and budget-conscious to large and aspirational.
Smallest footprintCompact nano
DeskMate Budget Build
A tiny all-in-one build for someone who truly needs a desktop footprint and is comfortable with the closer attention a small volume demands.
Open the DeskMate Build GuideView the DeskMate bundle at BRS
Budget-consciousStandard glass + simple gear
10-Gallon Budget Build
Start with a standard 10-gallon aquarium and keep the equipment and livestock plan modest. My under-$500 build article explains the approach. The pictured equipment kit does not include the tank.
Open the 10-Gallon Build GuideView the 10-gallon equipment kit at BRS
Most guided startBeginner kit + course
HelloReef 15-Gallon Kit
My first choice if you want the most guidance. The kit includes 50+ official course videos, and my free six-week overview helps you see the setup process. I helped create HelloReef and its course.
Open the HelloReef Setup GuideView the HelloReef kit at BRS
Long and shallowChoose your own gear
IM 20 NUVO Fusion Long
A low, long all-in-one for someone who values horizontal swimming space and wants to choose the light and remaining equipment. Read my recommendation before building your shopping list.
Read My IM 20 Long RecommendationView the IM 20 Long at BRS
Premium compact20-gallon peninsula
IM 20 NUVO Fusion Peninsula PRO 2
A slender all-in-one peninsula with an APS pedestal, controllable return pump, mesh lid, and practical filtration accessories for a polished compact reef.
Open the 20-Gallon Build GuideView the IM 20 at BRS
Low, wide reefRoom for an aquascape
IM 25 NUVO Fusion Lagoon
A lagoon-style all-in-one with a broad footprint for rockwork and coral placement. A good option if you prefer width over height and are comfortable selecting the remaining gear.
Read My IM 25 Lagoon RecommendationView the IM 25 Lagoon at BRS
Room to grow33-gallon all-in-one
Red Sea MAX NANO G2 XL
A fully equipped all-in-one with ReefLED lighting, a protein skimmer, return pump, and rear filtration for someone who wants more room without moving to a sump.
Open the 33-Gallon Build GuideView the MAX NANO G2 XL at BRS
Two-sided viewingLarger all-in-one peninsula
Fiji Cube 38 Peninsula Pro
Two long viewing panels and a rear filtration chamber make this an appealing peninsula option. Plan a suitable stand and the remaining equipment; I have owned Fiji Cube tanks, but not this exact model.
Read My Fiji Cube RecommendationView the Fiji Cube 38 at BRS
Budget room to growStandard tank + hang-on filtration
40-Gallon Breeder Budget Build
A standard breeder tank offers a wide footprint without a premium aquarium package. My budget comparison explains the approach. The pictured kit supplies equipment—not the aquarium or light.
Read the 40-Gallon Budget ApproachView the 40-gallon equipment kit at BRS
First sump system42-gallon complete system
Red Sea REEFER MAX 200 G3
A compact sump-based MAX package with coordinated lighting, flow, skimming, return, automatic filtration, and top-off equipment already selected.
Open the MAX 200 G3 Build GuideView the MAX 200 G3 at BRS
Follow my video seriesLarger beginner path
JBJ RF-45 with Stand
A larger all-in-one with a dedicated cabinet and my 12-part setup series to follow. You will need more equipment and a bigger budget, but you get more room for your long-term livestock plan.
Open the JBJ RF-45 Setup GuideView the JBJ RF-45 at BRS
Premium package73-gallon peninsula
Red Sea REEFER MAX Peninsula 350 G3
A two-sided peninsula system that can divide a room, paired with a sump and a coordinated ReefBeat-controlled package of lights, pumps, filtration, and top-off gear.
Open the Peninsula 350 Build GuideView the Peninsula 350 G3 at BRS
Large plug-and-play91-gallon reef system
Red Sea REEFER MAX 425 G3
A larger front-view reef with a sump and a complete Red Sea equipment package for someone who wants substantial livestock room without choosing every major component separately.
Open the MAX 425 G3 Build GuideView the MAX 425 G3 at BRS
Inspiration, not a starter list200-gallon peninsula
Red Sea REEFER MAX Peninsula S-950 G3
An aspirational room-divider reef with extra depth, a structural aluminum cabinet, four ReefLED fixtures, and a complete high-capacity equipment package.
Open the S-950 G3 Build GuideView the Peninsula S-950 G3 at BRSHaving a hard time deciding?
Check out my three recommended tanks with accompanying guides.
If you’re just starting out and are looking for the most guidance possible, just go with the HelloReef tank. But I have built all three tanks in this list with accompanying videos and blogs. So you’ll get much more guidance from these three than from any other gear guide on this website.