The list of saltwater fish tank supplies goes on and on. Pumps alone come in a variety of makes, sizes, flow rates and many are designed to serve different purposes. To help simplify the process when shopping for equipment for your aquarium, we have compiled a list of must-haves.

Must-haves saltwater fish tank supplies:

• Lighting:

  Nowadays, most have moved over to LED lighting such as ReefLED lights. However, T5 lights are still used and work very well. If you are using T5 lights, make sure you have a good mixture of white light, blue light, and violet light for good coral growth.

• Powerhead:

  If your aquarium has built-in circulation pumps, you may not need the extra powerheads. However, water flow is essential to feeding your corals, filtering the water, and keeping your fish healthy. A decent powerhead to consider is Hydor Koralia Evolution Aquarium Circulation Pump.

• Heater & Thermometer:

  If you are housing tropical fish or corals, you’ll need a good heater and thermometer to maintain water temperatures. The ideal temperature for saltwater fish is 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, many corals thrive in 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, 78 degrees is a good number to maintain.

• Saltwater Mixes:

  While most saltwater fish stores sell both RO water and premixed saltwater, it is always a good idea to have some salt mix on hand. Use a salinity tester to make sure you maintain salinity levels close to 1.024 – 1.025. Red Seas Coral Pro-Mix is a good option and will help you replenish lost magnesium, calcium, and alkalinity.

• Test Kits & Additives:

  Weekly and often daily water testing is a must for any saltwater aquarists. API Marine’s Saltwater Aquarium Test Kits are a good option that you can find at your local saltwater fish store. If your test reveals you need to dose calcium, alkalinity, or magnesium, Kent’s Marine or Brightwell Aquatics are both good brands to try.

• Maintenance Tools:

  Essential tools for maintaining your saltwater fish tank include a siphon tube/hose, an algae scraper or magnet, and bucket for soaking pumps and powerheads. You’ll want to remove your pumps and soak them in a cleaning solution every 1-2 months to remove any build up. This will increase the lifespan of your equipment by preventing them from burning out.

By adding these accessories to your aquarium or having them on hand, you should be prepared for cleaning and maintaining your aquarium. There are many other supplies available to you that you can learn more about over time. Our saltwater fish store in Clearfield, UT has many supplies with knowledgeable staff to answer any of your questions.