The following information is a guideline for a shopping list for your new reef tank. The information below is based on a 40-gallon reef aquarium.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY
One 40-gallon aquarium & Stand (recommended no smaller)

High watt reef lighting and hood

Reef grade Salt (Reef Crystals)

Protein Skimmer

Coral Supplements (Calcium, Fodine, etc)

Filter with Bio-Meda

Heater of 150 Watts

2 lbs per gallon of Reef Sand

1 ½ lbs per gallon of live rock

Hydrometer

pH test kit

Air pump with tubing (optional)

Aquarium thermometer

Be sure when setting up your reef tank you place it where it will remain permanently as it will weigh over ~260 pounds. Place it where it will allow you side access for maintenance and near by a grounded outlet. You should never use extension cords. Also be sure you place it where it will not get too much light (direct or indirect).

Once you have purchased all of the above items and set everything up you will need to wait for the water temperature to get to the desired temperature, be sure the ammonia, pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, and salt levels are where they need to be. Once all these level are where they need to be for about 3 weeks you may introduce 2 inches of fish to your tank. Wait about one week before adding any more fish. Be sure not to over populate your fish tank.