Complete System Equipment Setup & Costs of my Saltwater Coral Reef Aquarium

This video is on the complete equipment setup of my 45 gallon saltwater coral reef tank.

Tank is 36” W x 24” T x 12” D

2 AI Prime Aquaillumination 16HD Reef LED Lights. These lights are 11” off the top of the tank and 11” from each side. That puts a 14” space between the 2 lights. This was done to reduce hot spots within the tank.

Aquaillumination Nero 3 Powerhead / Wavemaker. I run this at variable speed between 25% - 75% with a median speed of 50%.

Eshopps nano skimmer. I run this undersized. Undersizing your skimmer will result in more frequent collection cup emptying. As long as you are willing to empty the collection cup more frequently, Undersizing is not a concern.

Canister filter. Cascade 500. I recommend Oversizing your canister filter. This one is undersized due to the 12” depth of the tank. However, unless you are dealing with tank limitations, I recommend Oversizing.

Heater. I have an ehein jager 200
Watt heater in the tank. This is oversized as well due to personal preference.