Working calculators
PAR by Coral TypeThe right light intensity for soft, LPS, and SPS corals at depth. Salt Mix Cost per GallonWhat your saltwater actually costs by salt brand and tank size.Plain note about money: Some product links are affiliate (eBay Partner Network). Small commission on purchases. Doesn't change your price. The math comes from real hands-on time, not marketing.
Guides
Gear actually worth buying
Smart eBay searches we'd start with ourselves. We earn a small commission on qualifying sales through these links; the price you pay is the same whether you use them or go direct to eBay. Full disclosure.
Reef LED lightKessil A360 and AI Prime cover coral PAR requirements without chasing reef-specific lux numbers. Both have proven track records with SPS.
Protein skimmerReef Octopus and Bubble Magus are the two brands hobbyists actually recommend. Get one rated for twice your tank volume.
Salifert test kitsSalifert is the brand most reefers use for alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. API is fine for freshwater — not precise enough for reef.
Circulation powerheadKoralia and Hydor are workhorses. Size for 20–40x turnover of your tank volume for SPS; 10–20x for softies.
Live rock (base rock)Dry base rock seeded with bacteria is now the standard — avoids pests and hitchhikers. CaribSea Life Rock is the popular option.