Tank templates
Curated builds you can use as a starting point. Pick one, customize, and check out at any vendor.
Every template is checked against the live rule engine — see how findings are computed. Templates run hardware checks; livestock-specific checks fire in the planner once you customize.
A 20-gallon cube AIO is the kindest first tank: small enough to be cheap to fill, big enough that water chemistry is forgiving. Soft corals are the right starting livestock — they tolerate the parameter swings beginners cause.
The classic budget mixed-reef AIO. Comes with stock lighting and pump. Add a heater, an ATO, and you're running. Best for softies, LPS, and easy SPS along the top of the rock.
A 36g sumped reef sized for LPS dominance: lower PAR targets, gentler flow, room for big-polyp showpieces like euphyllia, scoly, and acan. Sumped form factor lets the gear stay out of sight.
A mid-size sumped Reefer is the real bridge from beginner to intermediate. You learn plumbing, you learn skimming, and you have room for fish without crowding. The 42g volume is forgiving.
A 60g SPS-dominant cube needs higher PAR, stronger flow, and tighter parameters than most tanks. CADE's build quality and integrated overflow set the right foundation. Premium gear all around.
The most-recommended sumped reef on Reef2Reef for a reason. 72 gallons is the sweet spot for a mixed reef with a healthy fish list and room to grow into SPS along the top of the aquascape.
Peninsula format means the tank is viewable from three sides — great for room dividers and showpieces. Lighting and flow need a little extra thought; this template handles both.
A premium 145g SPS-dominant build for the reefer who's been doing this for years. Designed for full Acropora gardens with strong flow zones, redundant heating on independent controllers, and dosing automation.