Saltwater Aquarium Beginner's Guide | Episode 1: Tank & Stand

Meet Matthew, your reefing guide for this beginner series. He has spent more than a decade building, experimenting with, and refining saltwater aquariums of all shapes and sizes. Around here, he’s known as the BRS Beginner Guru because he has a talent for making reefing approachable and fun. Matthew’s goal is to show that anyone can build a beautiful, healthy saltwater tank by following a clear, simple path.

Starting a saltwater aquarium can feel like a big task. There are so many opinions, types of gear, and methods to choose from. The good news is that reefing does not have to be complicated. In fact, keeping things simple is often the best way to build confidence and create a tank that thrives long-term.

After years of trial and error, Matthew has learned that simplicity always wins. The more straightforward the setup, the easier it is to maintain, and the more time you actually spend enjoying your tank instead of tinkering with it.

Matthew's "Keep It Simple" Approach

You don't need to fill your aquarium with high-end gear or automation to have a thriving reef. While technology can be helpful, it can also take away from the hands-on experience that helps you learn. The most successful hobbyists are the ones who interact with their tanks every day. Testing water, feeding, and making small adjustments teach you how your reef behaves and what it needs.

Over the years, you've seen us try out almost everything. Protein skimmers, refugiums, UV sterilizers, ozone reactors, dosing systems, and much more. What we've learned from all of it is that nothing replaces getting your hands in the tank and spending time observing what happens. That time and attention are what lead to success.

Choosing the Right Tank

Before buying any equipment, decide what your end goal is. Do you want a tank full of soft corals and anemones, or are you dreaming of colorful fish and invertebrates? Knowing this will help you make better decisions about things like aquarium size, lighting, and filtration.

For most beginners, a 40-gallon aquarium is the perfect size. It is small enough to fit in almost any room but large enough to stay stable and hold a good mix of livestock.

For this setup, we are using an all-in-one system, often called an AIO tank. The name can be confusing because it does not mean “everything included.” Instead, it refers to the design of the tank itself. An all-in-one aquarium has a rear filtration chamber built directly into the tank rather than relying on a sump or hang-on-back filter.

Why Choose an All-In-One Aquarium?

All-in-one tanks are popular with beginners for a few main reasons:

1. Hidden Equipment: The rear chambers keeps your gear out of sight, giving the tank a clean and uncluttered look.
2. More Filtration Options: The rear chambers also provide more space for sponges, filter media, and heaters compared to a hang-on filter.
3. They're Simple: AIO aquariums don't require any plumbing and no sump below the main display tank means extra space for storing supplies out of sight.

How All-In-One Filtration Works

Each all-in-one aquarium is designed a little differently, but they all use a series of baffles to divide the rear filtration area into separate chambers. Water first flows through one or two overflow grates into the first chamber, where filter socks catch debris and waste.

From there, it moves into the next chamber, which often holds sponges, bio-media, or a heater for mechanical and biological filtration. The final chamber contains the return pump, which sends clean water back into the display through the return nozzles.

This simple setup keeps all equipment hidden, reduces clutter, and provides effective filtration in a single compact design.

Introducing the JBJ RF-45 Rimless Aquarium

For this build, we are using the JBJ RF-45 all-in-one aquarium and matching stand. It holds a total of 45 gallons of water, with part of that volume dedicated to the built-in filtration section. The tank is made from 10 mm thick, low-iron glass for extra clarity and a clean rimless look.

The rear chamber includes dual overflows and dual 4-inch filter sock holders. Inside the box, you will find ceramic media, black sponges, and bags of activated carbon. JBJ also includes two AC return pumps with adjustable flared nozzles, along with a two-panel glass lid and plastic mounting brackets.

The high-gloss stand arrives pre-assembled, which is a nice touch, and measures about three feet tall. It has openings in the back for cables and hoses and a removable shelf inside for storage.

Setting Up the Tank

Before the aquarium arrives, take some time to plan where it will go. Location matters more than most people think.

1. Weight: Water is heavy. One gallon weighs over 8 pounds. Once the JBJ RF-45 is filled, it will weigh around 500 pounds. Make sure your floor can handle that load, especially if you live in an older home or on an upper level.

2. Sunlight: Avoid placing your tank where it will receive direct sunlight for long periods. Too much sun can cause unwanted algae growth and temperature swings.

3. Room Temperature: Reef tanks do best around 77 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. A stable room temperature between 66 and 74 degrees will help keep things steady. Try not to place your aquarium near heaters, stoves, or drafty areas.

4. Utilities: You will need a nearby power outlet and, ideally, a sink for easy water changes. Following a weekly schedule of changing 10 to 20 gallons means you will be moving a lot of water. Keeping the tank close to a water source will make maintenance much easier.

Unboxing and Assembly

The JBJ RF-45 ships by freight, so plan to be home when it arrives. Remove the packaging carefully to avoid scratching the glass or stand. The cabinet includes a foam mat that should be placed between the stand and the tank.

Once the tank is on the stand, make sure everything is centered and level. The foam mat can shift slightly, so take a moment to adjust it before adding water.

A Few Custom Changes (optional)

The included return pumps are workhorses for most setups, but some reefers may prefer quieter DC pumps. The same goes for the output nozzles. Upgrading to a random flow generator can help create more natural water movement.

JBJ also provides glass lids, but a mesh screen top is a better option for most reef tanks. It allows for better gas exchange and helps with evaporative cooling when using a fan. If you live in a warm climate, this small change can make a big difference in maintaining a stable temperature.

Let's stop there before we get too far ahead of ourselves; we'll touch on some changes we're making to the stock setup in a future episode.

Coming Up Next Time

Now that the tank and stand are in place, it is time to make things look alive. Stay tuned for Episode 2: Sand, Rock, and Aquascaping!