Reefstead
Expert reviews, honest comparisons, and the best deals on Reef Aquariums — helping you make smarter buying decisions.
Latest Reviews
Can You Use Distilled Water in a Saltwater Tank Instead of RO/DI?
Distilled water is purified water by the FDA's definition and works for salt mixing and top-off; the question is volume. When jugs beat a 75 GPD RO/DI unit, why tap water is the real risk, and how to mix with either.
Fluval Evo 13.5 vs Coralife BioCube 32: Which Should You Buy?
The BioCube 32 is the more forgiving first reef: far more water, a three-channel LED on a built-in timer and a refugium-ready back. The Evo 13.5 wins on price and footprint. Specs from Fluval's listing and Coralife's manual, checked October 2026.
Gifts for Reef Tank Hobbyists in 2026: What They'll Actually Use
Nine reef tank gifts that get used, from coral viewing glasses and a magnetic frag rack to a mail-in ICP test and an auto top-off, each described from its maker's own page, plus the five things not to buy.
Media Reactors Explained: Running GAC and GFO the Right Way
A buyer's guide to media reactors: fluidized vs. fixed-bed, why GFO needs a gentle tumble while carbon should sit still, sizing media to manufacturer guidance, and why testing — not a calendar — should drive your replacement schedule.
Reef Tank Heater Guide: Sizing, Redundancy, and Controllers for Winter
A winter buyer's guide to sizing a reef tank heater correctly, using named manufacturer wattage charts, two-heater redundancy, titanium vs. glass elements, and why a separate controller is the real guardrail.
Saltwaterfish.com Review: Shipping, Guarantee & What to Know Before You Buy
A policy-by-policy look at Saltwaterfish.com's live-arrival guarantee, overnight shipping cadence, and Trustpilot record — plus what to do the moment a livestock box lands.
Feeding Corals: What, When, and How Much
Corals eat more than light. Learn which foods match which corals, how to target and broadcast feed, and a realistic weekly schedule that boosts growth without wrecking your nutrients.
Reef Tank Algae ID Guide: What's Growing and How to Beat It
Identify the eight most common reef tank algae — from diatoms to dinoflagellates — and learn the specific cause and fix for each, so you stop treating the wrong problem.
Reef Tank Stocking Order: What to Add First (and Last)
A month-by-month reef tank stocking plan: clean-up crew first, peaceful fish before aggressive ones, softies before SPS, and tangs and anemones last.
Torch Coral Care: The LPS Everyone Wants (and Overpays For)
Torch coral care without the hype: stable alkalinity, gentle flow and light, feeding, brown jelly response, spacing rules, and why cheap torches come first.
What Size Saltwater Tank Should You Start With?
In saltwater, smaller is harder. Why 20-40 gallons is the beginner sweet spot, what each size class really feels like to own, and how to pick a number.
The Real Cost of a Saltwater Tank: The Full "Tank Tax" Breakdown
The honest first-year cost of a saltwater tank: sticker price, hidden setup costs, monthly burn, and the surprise column nobody itemizes at the store.
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