Building a stable reef tank takes the right information in the right order. This page organizes every guide on The Reef Authority by topic so you can find exactly what you need, whether you’re just getting started or troubleshooting a problem you’re dealing with right now.
New here? Start with the Beginner Reef Tank Roadmap, it walks you through the full process in the right sequence.
🐠 Start Here
If you’re new to reef keeping, these are the first guides to read. They cover the big picture before you spend a dollar or fill a tank.
- Start Here, How to Begin Your Reef Tank Journey
- Beginner Reef Tank Roadmap
- How to Start a Reef Tank (Step-by-Step for Beginners)
- Reef Tank Setup Checklist
- Common Reef Tank Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
📐 Planning Your System
Before you buy anything, understand what you’re building. These guides cover sizing, cost, and what a stable reef actually looks like.
- What Size Reef Tank Should a Beginner Start With?
- How Much Does a Reef Tank Cost? (Full Beginner Breakdown)
- The Key to Reef Tank Stability
- How Long Do Reef Tanks Last?
🔬 Cycling & Water Chemistry
The nitrogen cycle is the foundation of every reef tank. Get this right before adding any livestock.
- How to Cycle a Reef Tank (Step-by-Step for Beginners)
- Can You Skip Cycling a Reef Tank?
- Reef Tank Water Testing Guide
- Can You Use Tap Water in a Reef Tank?
- Reef Tank Temperature and Stability
🔧 Equipment Guides
Everything you need to know about choosing and setting up the right gear.
- Reef Tank Equipment Guide, Beginner Setup Essentials
- Reef Tank Lighting Guide for Beginners
- Water Flow in Reef Aquariums, How It Works & Why It Matters
- How Much Flow Does a Reef Tank Need?
- Reef Tank Filtration Explained
- Do Reef Tanks Need a Filter?
- Do You Need a Sump for a Reef Tank?
- Can You Keep a Reef Tank Without a Sump?
- Do You Need a Heater for a Reef Tank?
- Live Rock in Reef Aquariums
- Reef Tank Sand Guide
- Can You Use Sand from the Beach in a Reef Tank?
🛒 Equipment Reviews & Top Picks
Reviewed and ranked equipment for every category. All picks chosen for reliability and beginner suitability.
- Best Reef Tank Kits Under $500 for Beginners
- Best Reef Tank Lights for Beginners
- Best Reef Tank Heaters for Beginners
- Best Reef Tank Pumps for Beginners
- Best Water Flow Pumps for Reef Tanks
- Best Protein Skimmers for Reef Tanks
- Best Reef Tank Test Kits for Beginners
- Best Auto Top Off Systems
- Best Reef Tank Fish Food for Beginners
- Recommended Reef Tank Equipment, Complete Beginner Setup Under $500
🐡 Fish & Livestock
Choosing the right fish, adding them in the right order, and keeping them healthy.
- Best Fish for a Beginner Reef Tank
- What Fish Can Live Together in a Reef Tank?
- Reef Tank Clean Up Crew for Beginners
- How to Feed Reef Tank Fish and Corals
🪸 Corals
Getting started with corals, what to keep first, and why they do what they do.
🧹 Maintenance
What to do regularly to keep your reef tank stable and healthy long-term.
- Reef Tank Maintenance Guide
- How Often Should You Clean a Reef Tank?
- How to Do Water Changes in a Reef Tank
🚨 Troubleshooting
Something wrong with your tank? Start here.
- Common Reef Tank Algae Problems, Causes & Fixes
- Why Is My Reef Tank Cloudy?
- Why Is My Reef Tank Green?
- Why Are My Reef Tank Fish Hiding?
- Why Are My Corals Not Opening?
- Do Reef Tanks Smell?
📓 Reef Tank Journal
Follow along with a real reef tank, documented observations, lessons learned, and honest notes from an active system.
New guides are added regularly. Bookmark this page and check back as your tank grows.
