Aquarium Buyers Guide Header

A modern saltwater aquarist is no longer reliant upon custom tank manufacturers to build professional-quality tanks, suitable for a saltwater reef. You can literally choose from hundreds of different aquariums of all shapes and sizes, and have one shipped to your doorstep within just a few days. From all-in-one tanks and nano-cubes to much larger show tanks complete with an overflow box and sump.

Not only has the selection improved drastically in the last 10-20 years, but we have also seen features like low-iron glass, aluminum-framed tank stands, and advanced filtration really elevate the commercial aquariums available to home aquarists. 

The reality is, if you want to achieve long-term success, you need to choose the aquarium that is right for you and your lifestyle. This helpful Buyer's Guide will help match you to the tank that best suits your aquarium goals. You can also shop by tank size or brand when browsing our entire catalog of aquariums. If you really want to make things easy, check out the tank wizard to build a complete bundle. 

The Perfect Desktop Tank
Eshopps DeskMate 3.8 Gallon

Eshopps Deskmate

Eshopps DeskMate Front
Eshopps Deskmate Back
Eshopps Deskmate

A flashy pico tank that is built for saltwater enthusiasts and sure to liven up your workspace. The Eshopps DeskMate looks great and is small enough to fit virtually anywhere.

It features multi-compartment life support filtration, a neon orange acrylic base, and includes both the return pump and reef-capable LED light. 

The small size makes it easy to stock and get that flourishing reef vibe, without having to go overboard with livestock. With just a few fish and a handful of corals, the entire display will look lively and vibrant in no time. Better yet, the neon orange acrylic glows under the near UV and blue LED light for extra flare. You can purchase the tank by itself or choose to go with our bundle which offers the best value and includes everything you need to get started.

Watch Video: Eshopps DeskMate 3.8 Gallon Bundle - A Complete Reef Tank For Any Room

 

 

For the Bedroom or Dorm 
JBJ 10, 15, & 20 Nano Rimless AIO

JBJ Rimless Nano

JBJ Rimless Nano
JBJ Rimless Nano

JBJ Rimless Nano

Affordable, functional, and looks great too! The JBJ Rimless Nano Series aquariums hit all the major points when your just looking for a small aquarium for your bedroom or small living space. The AIO filtration makes it easy to maintain while saving space and the rimless design maintains a sleek profile.

The AIO filtration has three compartments that you can customize to your liking. The filter wall has a built-in overflow and directional return nozzle and it includes a return pump. 

The tanks are available in three sizes, 10, 15, or 20 gallons so you can choose something to fit your particular space. They are small enough to sit atop a sturdy piece of furniture but you can also purchase the matching black cabinet stand. 

 

 

AIO Starter Tank
Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion Pro 2

Innovative Marine Pro 2 Bundle

Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion Pro
Innovative Marine Mighty Jet Return Pump
Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion Pro 2 Screen top

Innovative Marine has been setting the standard for high-quality all-in-one style aquariums since their inception and the NUVO Fusion PRO 2 bundle is their best offering yet. Not only do you get one of the nicest AIO aquariums on the market, but IM has bundled the tanks with a ton of accessories and upgrades so you can build a hot rod aquarium, right out of the box.  

In terms of accessories, each Pro 2 bundle includes the CustomCaddy Media basket with a full set of replacement media, filter sock, foam leveling mat, dual return nozzle, magnet glass cleaner, screen lid, water level risers, and the MightyJet Adjustable DC return pump. 

You can also purchase with confidence because Innovative Marine is the best-selling AIO aquarium brand on our website and they have been a leader in developing AIO tank solutions for over 10 years.

 

 

The Minimalist
AquaMaxx Low Iron Rimless

AquaMaxx 22 Gallon Long

AquaMaxx 17 Gallon Rectangle
AquaMaxx 9.6 Gallon Rectangle
AquaMaxx 9.1 Gallon Rectangle

Simple yet sophisticated, the AquaMaxx low-iron rimless tanks exemplify what it looks like when quality meets value. These tanks feature thick, ultra-clear low iron glass with clean seams and beveled edges.

These tanks can be used for just about anything you desire in the world of small aquatic pets but really look sharp when built into a minimalist reef. All you need is a hang-on or internal filter, a small heater, and a slim profile light of your choosing to create a fully functioning aquarium. These tanks make a great platform for species-specific tanks, biotopes, macroalgae/display refugiums, and dare we say it, even freshwater plants! 

The AquaMaxx Low-Iron aquariums max out at 22 gallons and are available in five rectangular sizes. We especially like the long-style tanks that are great for mounting on a bookshelf but you can also get a more traditional shape.

 

For the Frag Farmer
WaterBox Aquariums FRAG 

Waterbox FRAG Aquarium System
Waterbox FRAG Aquarium System
Waterbox Aquariums FRAG
Waterbox Aquarium SumpView

By the time you are ready to build a frag farm of your own, you're probably pretty serious about this reefing game. If this is you, look no further because WaterBox Aquariums are most certainly built for the serious reefkeeper.

The FRAG series from WaterBox is the perfect shape for growing out tons of frags to trade with friends or sell at frag swaps. The long lowrise shape makes them easier to penetrate with high output lighting and provides plenty of space for frag racks. Being a complete tank package with filtration included, the frag system can stand alone and won't need to be tied into your main display.

If growing frags isn't your goal, don't worry because there are also the Waterbox REEF and INFINIA series aquariums which are available in more traditional rectangular show tank sizes and built using the same standard of quality.

All WaterBox Aquariums include a rimless aquarium with built-in overflow, plywood cabinet stand, glass sump, and easy-to-assemble plumbing. The tanks themselves are packed with premium features including low-iron glass, beveled polished edges, black silicone, and an internal overflow with a glass weir and cover.  The baffled sump is spacious to fit the equipment of your choice and the plumbing can be installed in a matter of minutes, no gluing required. 

 

 

The Ultimate Reef Experience
Red Sea Reefer Deluxe G2

Red Sea Reefer Deluxe

Red Sea Reefer Sump
Red Sea Reefer Sump
AquaIllumination Hydra26 HD

Turn your reef aquarium dreams into a reality with the Red Sea Reefer Deluxe G2 series aquariums. These tanks have everything: low iron glass, super easy plumbing, a laminated cabinet stand, a glass sump, gravity ATO with freshwater reservoir, and even top-notch LED lighting from AquaIllumination.

The Deluxe G2 series from Red Sea is the second generation of the Red Sea Reefer aquariums and are built upon the already wildly successful Reef-Spec infrastructure. The new features include thicker glass, improved plumbing connections and valves, an extra-fortified wood stand, and a ReefMat-ready glass sump.

There are 10 different tank sizes to choose from starting with the smallest Reefer 170 at just 33 gallons all the way up through the Reefer-S 1000 at 210 gallons.

While the Reefer tanks are an all-inclusive package that has been configured specifically for a successful reef aquarium, you still have flexibility. The spacious sump is ready for the life support equipment of your choice and you can even customize the plumbing using metric or US standard PVC.

 

 

Design Your Aquarium

SAVE over $125 with a complete kit

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Aquarium Kit Contents

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Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Bundle

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Prime 16 LED Fuge...
Bulk Reef Supply

Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Bundle

The IM Nuvo 20 Tank Wizard Bundle has everything you need to start a successful 20 gallon reef tank:

  • 1x Innovative Marine 20 Gallon NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium Bundle
  • 1x MightyJet 326 GPH Return Pump w/ Controller
  • 1x Removable 200 Micron Filter Sock
  • 1x Desktop CustomCaddy Media Basket w/ PurityPack Filter Media Including:
  • 1x Mechanical Fiber Ball
  • 1x Premium 0.8 ROX Carbon Pack
  • 1x High Capacity Coarse GFO Pack
  • 1x Preinstalled Rubber Leveling Mat
  • 1x Pre-Assembled SafeScreen Mesh Screen Lid
  • 1x MicroMag Glass Cleaner
  • 2x Nuvo Return Nozzles
  • 2x High Tide Water Risers
  • 1x Black IM Nuvo Fusin 20 APS Cabinet Aquarium Stand
  • 1x 100W AquaEL Ultra Heater
  • 1x Refractometer with Calibration Fluid
  • 55 Gallons RedSea Aquarium Salt Mix
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$907.48
JBJ RF-25 Tank Wizard Bundle

JBJ RF-25 Bundle

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JBJ RF-25 Tank Wizard Bundle
Bulk Reef Supply

JBJ RF-25 Tank Wizard Bundle

The JBJ RF-25 Tank Wizard Bundle provides the perfect foundation for a simple & elegant reef system:

  • JBJ RF-25 Flat Panel 25 Gallon AIO Aquarium
  • 1x Return 198 GPH Pump
  • 1x 4" Micron Filter Sock w/ Removable Cradle
  • 1x Flare Return Nozzle
  • 1x Black JBJ RF-25 Aquarium Stand
  • 1x 100W AquaEL Ultra Heater
  • 1x Refractometer with Calibration Fluid
  • 55 Gallons RedSea Aquarium Salt Mix
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$1070.48
Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Peninsula Bundle

Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Peninsula Bundle

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Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Peninsula Bundle
Bulk Reef Supply

Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Peninsula Bundle

The IM Nuvo 20 Peninsula Tank Wizard Bundle has everything you need to start a successful 20 gallon reef tank:

  • 1x Innovative Marine 20 Gallon Peninusula NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium Bundle
  • 1x MightyJet 326 GPH Return Pump w/ Controller
  • 1x Removable 200 Micron Filter Sock
  • 1x Desktop CustomCaddy Media Basket w/ PurityPack Filter Media Including:
  • 1x Mechanical Fiber Ball
  • 1x Premium 0.8 ROX Carbon Pack
  • 1x High Capacity Coarse GFO Pack
  • 1x Preinstalled Rubber Leveling Mat
  • 1x Pre-Assembled SafeScreen Mesh Screen Lid
  • 1x MicroMag Glass Cleaner
  • 2x Nuvo Return Nozzles
  • 2x High Tide Water Risers
  • 1x Black IM Nuvo Fusin 20 Peninsula APS Cabinet Aquarium Stand
  • 1x 100W AquaEL Ultra Heater
  • 1x Refractometer with Calibration Fluid
  • 55 Gallons RedSea Aquarium Salt Mix
View all product details
$907.48

Lights

AI Prime w/ Gooseneck Bundle

AI Prime w/ Gooseneck Bundle

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AI Prime w/ Gooseneck Bundle
Bulk Reef Supply

AI Prime w/ Gooseneck Tank Wizard Bundle

The World’s Most Popular Reef LED

The newest innovation in the Prime line from AquaIllumination, the Prime 16 HD Series brings more power and color where you want it, plus the freedom to use your smartphone as a controller. No longer are you limited to using a fixed amount of power per channel, the Prime 16HD dynamically adjusts power available to each color, borrowing power from the colors you’re not utilizing. Giving you the most vivid spectrum your tank has ever seen. The Prime 16 HD Series is capable of producing a limitless number of spectral combinations to fit your tank’s exacting needs.

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$290.42
Prism II LED Light Fixture 12-20 Inch - Marine

Prism II LED Light Fixture 12-20 Inch - Marine

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Prism II LED Light Fixture 12-20 Inch - Marine
AquaMaxx

Prism II LED Light Fixture 12-20 Inch - Marine

Thinner. Lighter. Smarter.

The new thinner and lighter AquaMaxx Prism II controllable full HD spectrum LED fixture is created from 100% recycled aluminum. Its brushed silver, ultra-slim profile design gives it an aesthetic edge over the competition, and its updated external smart controller includes 6 customizable set points of light intensity and can be used to control additional devices such as pumps, skimmers, cooling fans, and more!

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$119.99
Kessil A160 w/ Gooseneck

Kessil A160 w/ Gooseneck

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Kessil A160 w/ Gooseneck
Bulk Reef Supply

Kessil A160 w/ Gooseneck Bundle

The Kessil A160WE Tuna Blue is perfect for nano and pico saltwater aquariums. Emitting a spectrum range of 10,000K to 20,000K, it's the perfect light for fast growth and coloration of corals. Pair the A160WE up with a Kessil A-series gooseneck for an easy and quick mounting solution.

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$338.00

Rocks

Reef Saver Aquarium Dry Live Rock

Reef Saver Aquarium Dry Live Rock

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Reef Saver Aquarium Dry Live Rock
MarcoRocks

Reef Saver Aquarium Dry Live Rock

MarcoRocks Reef Saver Live Rock is one of the most unique rocks that are available on the market today. Reef Saver is a sustainable product since it is not taken directly from the ocean and does not impact living coral reef structures in any form. Combined with their chemical-free cleaning process MarcoRocks is always 100% free of nuisance algae or any type of pests.

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$44.85
LifeRock Nano Reef Kit

LifeRock Nano Reef Kit

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LifeRock Nano Reef Kit
CaribSea

LifeRock Nano Reef Kit

CaribSea's Nano Reef Kit includes 2 LifeRock Nano Arches plus 1 small Original LifeRock dry rock piece.

LifeRock is infused with spored bacteria to aid in biological performance, along with millions of micro and macro passage ways CaribSea's LifeRock Dry Rock is perfect for the environmentally friendly aquarist.

  • Creates a mature looking reef instantly
  • 100% safe for all marine animals
  • Unique pieces
  • Environmentally friendly
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$79.00
Nano LifeRock Dry Live Rock - 10 lbs

Nano LifeRock Dry Live Rock - 10 lbs

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Nano LifeRock Dry Live Rock - 10 lbs
CaribSea

Nano LifeRock Dry Live Rock - 10 lbs

LifeRock is infused with spored bacteria to aid in biological performance, along with millions of micro and macro passage ways CaribSea's LifeRock Dry Rock is perfect for the environmentally friendly aquarist.

  • Creates a mature looking reef instantly
  • 100% safe for all marine animals
  • Unique pieces
  • Environmentally friendly
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$65.00

Sand

20 lb. Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Reef Sand

20 lb. Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Reef Sand

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20 lb. Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Reef Sand
CaribSea

Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand

Caribsea's Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand is a great choice for new aquarists and new reef tank setups. Arag-Alive sands clear quickly and contain millions of live bacteria, speeding up your tanks cycle and leading to less nuisance algae.

Features

  • Contains live bacteria to assist with a faster cycle
  • Grain size: 0.25 - 3.5mm
  • High Surface Area for Bacteria

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$38.99
20 lb. Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Reef Sand

20 lb. Special Grade Arag-Alive! Reef Sand

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20 lb. Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Reef Sand
CaribSea

20 lb. Special Grade Arag-Alive! Reef Sand

Why does BRS recommend this?

When we at Bulk Reef Supply set up a tank that we know will have large amounts of flow our instant choice for sand is the Arag-Alive Special Grade Sand from CaribSea. With its larger particle size, it does not get pushed around like most other smaller grain sand sizes available and is great for all tanks especially those with a lot of water movement.

Special Grage Arag-Alive! Live Aragonite Reef Sand contains millions of live bacteria to create a natural biological balance in your reef tank.

  • Contains live bacteria to assist with a faster cycle
  • Grain size: 1-2mm
  • High Surface Area for Bacteria
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$38.99
20 lb. Fiji Pink Arag-Alive! Reef Sand

Fiji Pink Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand

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20 lb. Fiji Pink Arag-Alive! Reef Sand
CaribSea

Fiji Pink Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand

Why does BRS recommend this?

If we had to choose a single type of sand for any tank, it would be the Arag-Alive Fiji Pink sand. It is by far the most popular sand for its medium to large grain size, high amount of total available surface area, as well as just its overall beauty.

Caribsea's Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand is a great choice for new aquarists and new reef tank setups. Arag-Alive sands clear quickly and contain millions of live bacteria, speeding up your tanks cycle and leading to less nuisance algae.

Features

  • live bacteria to assist with a faster cycle
  • Grain size: 0.5-1.5mm
  • Most popular size for reef sand
  • High Surface Area for Bacteria
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$38.99

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