The Ultimate HelloReef 15-Gallon Aquarium Build
How far can you take a HelloReef 15-gallon aquarium when the upgrade budget is nearly unlimited? This build starts with the complete HelloReef kit and transforms it into a highly equipped nano aquarium designed specifically for clownfish and bubble tip anemones.
Along the way, Will assembles the stand, creates an anemone-friendly aquascape, and upgrades the lighting, filtration, water flow, top-off system, and aquarium controls. The result is a compact reef system that combines the simplicity of an all-in-one aquarium with some seriously capable equipment.
About Will
Will is a reef aquarium hobbyist and familiar face from BRStv who enjoys experimenting with equipment, aquascaping ideas, and creative ways to build better reef tanks. His practical approach focuses on making aquarium projects easier to understand while sharing useful tips that can help reef keepers avoid common mistakes.
In this series, Will takes a HelloReef 15-gallon aquarium kit and pushes it well beyond the standard setup. He explains the purpose behind each upgrade and shows how thoughtful equipment choices can turn a simple nano aquarium into a specialized system for clownfish and bubble tip anemones.
Episode Guide
Episode 1: Setting Up the HelloReef Kit
The HelloReef 15-gallon aquarium kit already includes the essential equipment needed to start a small saltwater aquarium, but this build takes things several steps further. The goal is to create an upgraded nano aquarium designed around clownfish and bubble tip anemones.
The process begins with assembling the aquarium stand and planning the aquascape. From there, the system receives upgrades to the lighting, mechanical filtration, protein skimming, and water flow, along with the addition of an automatic top off system (ATO) and an Apex aquarium controller.
In This Episode
- How to assemble the HelloReef aquarium stand and avoid common installation mistakes.
- How to design a removable aquascape with caves, crevices, and open areas for bubble tip anemones.
- Why the AI Blade Glow is paired with the included AI Blade Grow for a broader spectrum and stronger color.
- How a roller mat and nano protein skimmer improve filtration in a heavily fed anemone aquarium.
- Why the included powerhead is removed and replaced with an upgraded return pump and random flow nozzles.
- How an automatic top-off system helps maintain a stable water level and salinity.
- How an Apex controller and MXM module bring monitoring and equipment control into one system.
Related to This Episode
Episode 2: Adding Clownfish & Anemones
With the aquarium cycled and a cleanup crew already in place, Will is ready to add the stars of this build: a pair of Platinum Percula clownfish and three Acid Wash Rose Bubble Tip Anemones from ORA. Before introducing them, he explains how to choose livestock that fits the aquarium's size, lighting, water flow, and long-term plan.
Will walks through the care information to review before ordering, then demonstrates how he acclimates and introduces the new arrivals. You'll see how he places the anemones into the aquascape, drip acclimates the clownfish, and checks on everything a few days later.
In This Episode
- How to choose livestock that fits your aquarium's size, equipment, and goals.
- What minimum tank size, adult size, diet, temperament, and reef compatibility tell you about a fish.
- Why bubble tip anemones need suitable lighting, water flow, and room to move without stinging corals.
- Why a PAR meter is useful for checking the light available to your anemones.
- How Will temperature acclimates and places the anemones into cracks and crevices in the aquascape.
- How Will drip acclimates the clownfish and introduces them while keeping shipping water out of the aquarium.
- How the clownfish and anemones are settling in a few days after their introduction.
Related to This Episode
Adam has been keeping reef aquariums since 2010 and has worked in the aquarium industry for much of his career. He began at Bulk Reef Supply in Customer Service, helping hobbyists troubleshoot problems and build more successful tanks. Today, he writes educational content and product descriptions that help reef keepers better understand saltwater aquariums and make confident decisions. He believes the best tanks are built around what you enjoy, not what’s trending.
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