Independent gear research
Clear aquarium gear picks for real tanks.
Specific recommendations for tank size, livestock and maintenance needs, with the tradeoffs stated plainly.
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Best aquarium chiller for a reef tank
Keep a reef tank cool through summer heat. Compare seven aquarium chillers by capacity, plumbing, pump needs, ventilation, control and service.
Best wavemaker for SPS corals
A research-based comparison of controllable wavemakers for SPS coral reefs, covering flow patterns, placement, guards, and service.
Best wavemaker for a nano reef tank
Add varied flow to a nano reef without blasting the corals. Compare seven compact wavemakers by low-speed control, mounting, guards and noise.
Best wavemaker for soft corals
Seven reef pumps for broad, adjustable circulation that moves water around soft corals without holding them in a hard jet.
Best protein skimmer for a 75-gallon reef
A shortlist of in-sump and hang-on protein skimmers for a 75-gallon reef, compared by cabinet footprint, water depth, cup clearance, tuning, and bioload.
Best protein skimmer for an all-in-one tank
Compact protein skimmers for all-in-one aquariums, compared by rear-chamber fit, mounting, cup removal, microbubbles, noise, and service access.