Bring Your Own Aquarium Saltwater Starter Kits: A Simpler Start to Saltwater Fishkeeping

A New Way to Begin Your Reefing Journey

There is something magical about bringing a piece of the ocean into your home. The vibrant colors, the peaceful movement, and the quiet energy of a thriving saltwater fish tank can turn any room into a living, breathing space. But getting started can feel overwhelming. That is why we created the Bring Your Own Aquarium Saltwater Starter Kits.

These bundles are one of the most affordable ways to enter the saltwater aquarium hobby. Simply pick up a standard black-trim aquarium from your local pet store, then choose the kit size that matches your tank. You will get nearly everything you need to build a strong and healthy foundation, without the higher cost of buying all the included components individually.

Whether you are starting small with a 10-gallon tank or aiming for a show-stopping 75-gallon display, each kit is built to fit your space and your confidence level.

Why Choose a Bring Your Own Aquarium Kit?

These kits are designed to take the guesswork out of your first saltwater setup. Some of our most experienced aquarists teamed up to choose equipment that is reliable, budget-friendly, and proven to work. The goal is simple: help new saltwater aquarists get started with quality gear while keeping startup costs from getting out of hand.

This means you can focus on enjoying your new aquarium instead of worrying if you bought the right filter or heater and you'll have the budget left over for the fun stuff like fish, shrimp, snails, crabs, and if you choose, coral.

There are four kits available that cover the most popular standard aquarium sizes from 10 gallons up to 75 gallons.

What’s Included with Each Kit?

• A versatile hang-on-back filter with mechanical, chemical, and biological stages
• Pre-calibrated heater, ideal for maintaining stable temperatures with no setup required
• Clean, eco-friendly foundation rock with excellent surface area for beneficial bacteria
• Natural reef sand containing live bacteria for faster cycling and improved filtration
• Biological additive that introduces a diverse blend of beneficial bacteria
• In-tank powerheads designed to eliminate dead spots and support gas exchange
• A stick-on thermometer for simple, battery-free temperature monitoring
• Pellet fish food providing a daily diet for common marine fish species

Choose the Kit That Matches Your Vision

10 Gallon Starter Kit	20/29 Gallon Starter Kit	40 Gallon Breeder Starter Kit	55/75 Gallon Starter Kit
10 Gallon 20.25" x 10.5" x 12.6" Will Also Fit 15 Gallon 24.5" x 12.5" x 12.75"	20 Gallon Long 30.25" x 12.5" x 12.75" 20 Gallon Standard 24.25" x 12.5" x 16.75" 29 Gallon 30.25" x 12.5" x 18.75"	40 Gallon Breeder 36.25" x 18.25" x 17"	55 Gallon 48.25" x 12.75" x 21" 75 Gallon 48.5" x 18.5" x 21.25" Will Also Fit 60 Gallon Breeder 48.5" x 18.5" x 16"

Questions You're Probably Asking Yourself Right Now

What About Lighting?

Lighting is one of the most personal and impactful choices in any saltwater aquarium setup. That’s why we’ve left it up to you. Whether you’re planning a fish-only tank or aiming to grow corals, your lighting needs will vary significantly. From basic LED fixtures to advanced reef lighting systems with full-spectrum control, the best choice depends on your livestock plans and aesthetic preferences. By leaving the light out of this starter kit, you have the flexibility to choose the fixture that fits your goals without paying for something you might not use.

Confused about lighting? Check out: Tips to Simplify Aquarium Lighting

Where do I get saltwater?

You’ve got a couple of easy options:

1. Buy pre-mixed saltwater from a local fish store. It’s convenient and ready to use right away.
2. Mix your own saltwater at home using a reef salt mix and purified RO/DI water. This option gives you more control over water quality and can save money over time.

If you’re mixing at home, you’ll need a container (a 5-gallon bucket or Brute trash can works great), a small pump to keep the water moving, and a refractometer to check salinity. It also helps to use an extra heater to warm the new saltwater so it matches your aquarium’s temperature.

Tip: If you don't have a local pre-mixed saltwater option and don't want to mix your own, Aquaforest Perfect Water can be a convenient option for smaller tanks.

Can I keep coral with this kit?

Yes, but you’ll need to choose the right lighting. This kit gives you the flexibility to pick a light based on your livestock plans. Some soft corals and beginner-friendly LPS corals can thrive with affordable LED options.

Do I need a sump for this setup?

No sump needed. This kit is designed around a hang-on-back filter, so you can get started without any plumbing or custom tank modifications.

What are some other helpful tools to have?

In addition to the bring your own tank kit and aquarium itself, you'll probably want to pick up a basic test kit.

Salinity Testing: Refractometer for Reading Salinity with Calibration Fluid

Basic Test Kit: Marine Lab Multi-Test Kit

How to Set Up the Kit

Before you start

• Rinse the empty glass tank with fresh water. No soap.
• Have your rock, sand, equipment, and saltwater ready. You can mix your own with RO/DI water or pick up premixed saltwater from a local fish store.
• Optional: Apply a background or paint the back of the tank (outside) to hide cords and equipment. We like to use oil-based paint applied in a couple coats using a foam roller.

Step 1: Find a Good Spot for the Tank

• Set the aquarium on a level, stable surface away from direct sunlight.
• Make sure there is an outlet nearby.
• Tip: Larger aquariums are safer on a purpose-built aquarium stand.

Step 2: Place the Rock

• Add rock first. Think about swimming space for the fish, and how water will flow through the structure.
• If you're planning to add corals down the line, also think about where you'll be placing them.
• Use negative space and varied shapes so the tank feels larger.

Step 3: Add Sand

• The sand included in this kit has live bacteria in it, so do not rinse the sand.
• Remove the clarification packet from the sand bag and set it aside for later.

Step 4: Install the Heater

• Place the heater where there is good water movement.
• Important: Never plug a heater in until it is submerged under water.

Step 5: Hang the Filter

• Mount the Tidal hang-on-back filter on the back glass.
• Use the leveling foot on the bottom of the filter so it sits flat.
• Tip: We suggest installing the filter on one side of the tank to help keep it out of view as much as possible.

Step 6: Install the Powerhead

• Attach the powerhead to the side of the aquarium using the included magnet mounts.
• Tip: Place the powerhead on the opposite side of the Tidal power filter. If your kit includes two powerheads, place them on opposite ends of the tank.

Step 7: Apply the thermometer

• Place the thermometer on the outside of the glass in an area it's easy to read

Step 8: Fill with saltwater

• Mix your salt with clean RO/DI water to 35 ppt salinity or 1.025 specific gravity, then fill the tank.
• Alternatively, use premixed saltwater from a local fish store.
• Tip: Pour the water over the rocks to avoid disturbing the sand

Step 9: Clarify and Seed Bacteria

• Add the clarifying solution from the packet we set aside in step 3
• Add MicroBacter7 as directed to seed beneficial bacteria

Step 10: Plug Everything In

• Ensure your power filter, powerhead(s), and heater are all working as expected.
• Tip: We usually suggest waiting to plug in your lighting until the tank is more established. This helps reduce the chance for nuisance algae.

Step 11: Let the Tank Cycle

• In the most basic terms, "Cycling" refers to letting the bacteria population build up in the aquarium so that it can process ammonia from the fish into less harmful nitrates.
• Learn More: Cycle Your Saltwater Aquarium: A New Reefer's Guide to Ammonia and the Nitrogen Cycle

Step 12: Adding Your First Fish

• Once the cycle is complete, add your first fish. A pair of small clownfish is always a favorite pick.

Step 13: Install the Light

• Run the aquarium with no lighting during the initial cycling phase. This helps reduce the chance for nuisance algae.
• For this example, we are using the AquaIllumination Blade Coral Grow LED Light Fixture (sold separately)
• Tip: If you notice algae starting to pop up, reduce your lighting or turn it off temporarily. If you have coral in the tank, turning off the light will not be an option as the corals rely on the light to survive. For that reason, waiting to add coral is ideal.

Congratulations on Your New Saltwater Aquarium!

You have officially joined what we think is the coolest hobby in the world. Watching your tank grow and change over time is one of the most rewarding parts.

Now that your aquarium is up and running, the key to long-term success is consistent, simple maintenance. A little care each week keeps your fish and corals healthy, your water clear, and your setup looking its best.

If you are ready to keep your new reef thriving, check out our 7 Days to Success: A Weekly Saltwater Aquarium Maintenance Checklist for an easy plan you can follow right from the start.