Fish Tank Setup Checklist (Marine & Tropical)

Tank with lid (60L minimum for community fish).

Sturdy stand rated for the filled weight (1L water ≈ 1kg, plus glass and substrate).

External or internal filter rated for 4× tank volume per hour.

Heater rated 1W per litre with built-in thermostat.

LED light on a timer (6–8 hours daily).

Substrate: gravel for community fish, aquasoil for planted.

Dechlorinator (Seachem Prime is the standard).

Liquid test kit (API Freshwater Master Test Kit).

Net, siphon and a 20L bucket reserved for tank use only.

Reef-ready tank with sump (or all-in-one such as Red Sea Max).

Return pump and at least one powerhead for flow.

Heater + temperature controller.

Protein skimmer rated for your tank size.

Reef LED light (AI Prime, Kessil A80 or Radion XR15).

Live or dry rock (1 kg per 4 litres is typical).

Aragonite sand.

RO/DI unit — never use tap water for reefs.

Refractometer (not hydrometer).

Salt mix (Red Sea Coral Pro or Tropic Marin Pro Reef).

Saltwater + reef test kit (Salifert or Red Sea).

1. Place the stand on level flooring. Use a spirit level.

2. Rinse substrate, add to tank, scape rock and decor.

3. Fill with treated water (or pre-mixed saltwater at 1.025 SG).

4. Install filter, heater and lights. Run everything for 24 hours to check for leaks.

5. Start the cycle — see our cycling guides for marine and tropical.

6. Stock slowly, log every test, and check trends in TankBase Tank Log.

Tropical 60L community tank: £250–£400 all in.

Tropical 120L planted: £500–£800.

Marine fish-only 100L: £600–£900.

Marine reef 200L+: £1,500–£3,000+.