Marine Equipment
Equipment for reef aquariums: wave pumps, lighting, skimmer, reactors, filter socks and overflows.
Advice and care
How to choose marine aquarium equipment
Flow, filtration and light work together in a reef – a weak link affects the whole system.
Flow
Pick a wave pump by tank volume and aim the flow past the corals.
Skimmer
A protein skimmer removes organics before they break down into nitrate.
Reactor
Adsorbers work better in a reactor, where water flows through them evenly.
Popular brands
All brandsFrequently asked questions
Does a marine tank need a protein skimmer?
In most reef tanks the skimmer is the main filtration device. A very small, lightly stocked tank can manage with more frequent water changes.
What is a bypass for?
A bypass lets you fit an extra filter, such as a reactor, without rebuilding the main system.
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Marine aquarium equipment replaces what a natural reef gets from the ocean: constant movement, clean water and bright light. This category includes wave and circulation pumps, a marine LED light, a protein skimmer, reactors for filter media, a CO2 scrubber for the skimmer's air intake, filter socks and media bags, plus overflow boxes and reactor accessories.
If you are building a system from scratch, start with flow and the skimmer, as they affect water quality most. A reactor and overflow can be added later when you need a phosphate or carbon absorber. Size the skimmer by the tank's actual stocking, not just its litres: a heavily stocked aquarium needs more capacity.
A new skimmer needs a couple of weeks to break in before the foam rises evenly. Wash or replace filter socks every few days, because trapped debris rots and a full sock becomes a source of nutrients itself.