Dial in your nano reef like a tiny, glowing ocean lab.
NanoReefLabs breaks down lighting, filtration, tanks, dosing and automation so your corals thrive — without you guessing in the dark or wasting money on the wrong gear.
Imagine peering into your desk-sized reef: dialed-in PAR, clean flow, happy polyps — no mystery gear.
Turn reef confusion into a clear build plan.
Instead of bouncing between forums, brand hype and random YouTube takes, NanoReefLabs gives you clean comparisons, tank-tested insights, and gear picks that fit real-world nano reef setups.
Gear choices made beginner-safe
We translate specs, PAR charts and flow patterns into plain language, so newer reefers can choose lighting, filters and tanks without drowning in jargon.
Side-by-side, tank-level comparisons
See how lights, AIO tanks, wavemakers and dosing systems stack up by coral type, tank size and budget — not just brand claims.
Coral-first recommendations
Every guide is built around stability and coral health: consistent parameters, sane automation, and gear that keeps your nano reef happy long term.
From scrolling gear to a dialed-in nano reef.
Whether you’re planning your first 10–20 gallon build or upgrading a tired setup, NanoReefLabs gives you a simple flow to go from research to reef glow.
Pick your build path
Start with our core guides for tanks, lighting and filtration. We break down gear by tank size, experience level and whether you’re chasing softies, LPS or SPS.
Compare top reef-safe gear
Use our comparison blocks to see pros, cons and ideal use-cases at a glance. No fluff — just what matters when the gear is actually over live rock and coral.
Buy confidently & tune over time
Click through to trusted retailers, grab the gear you need now, and come back to our dosing, automation and coral-care guides as your nano reef matures.
See the best nano reef gear side-by-side before you buy.
Every major guide includes comparison tables and highlight cards so you can match gear to your tank size, coral mix and budget in a couple of scrolls.
Smart nano reef lights compared by tank size
Compare popular nano reef LEDs on PAR output, mounting flexibility, app control and spectrum so you don’t under- or over-light a small tank.
AIO tanks & filters for clean, low-noise reefs
Get clear on which AIO tanks, rear chambers and filter mods actually keep nano nutrients in check without turning your living room into a waterfall.
Dosing, ATO and smart automation for stability
See which dosing pumps, ATO systems and controllers make sense for nano tanks so you can automate the boring stuff and keep parameters steady.
Curated gear lists for every stage of your nano reef.
Browse our focused guides for tanks, lights, filtration and automation. Each one highlights a few stand-out options instead of burying you in endless product grids.
Best nano reef starter kits & AIO tanks
Simple, proven setups that help first-time reefers avoid common tank & equipment combos that struggle long term.
Top nano reef lights for softies, LPS and SPS
From budget-friendly LEDs to smart fixtures with app control, we highlight options that balance spectrum, PAR, and real tank performance.
Nano-friendly dosing, ATO and controller setups
Gear stacks that keep salinity and key parameters stable, with smart automation that fits on a nano stand or shelf.
Helping small tanks punch way above their size.
From first softies to glowing mixed reefs, NanoReefLabs is built to make your next gear decision feel intentional, not random.
“I was totally overwhelmed picking a light for my first nano tank. NanoReefLabs broke it down by tank size and coral type, and I felt confident clicking buy.”
“The comparison blocks helped me quickly rule out a couple of Instagram-popular products that clearly weren’t a fit for my setup.”
“I love that the guides talk about long-term coral growth and stability, not just ‘pretty lights.’ It feels like advice from a reef friend, not a catalog.”
Questions reefers ask before buying gear.
A few quick answers to common questions from beginner–intermediate nano reef hobbyists before they pull the trigger on tanks, lights and automation.
How big should my first nano reef tank be?
We usually suggest starting in the 10–20 gallon range. It’s still “nano,” but big enough that parameters don’t swing wildly every time you feed or top off. Our tank guides call out ideal starter sizes and AIO options.
Do I need a premium light for softies and LPS?
Not always. Many budget and mid-range fixtures can grow softies and LPS just fine if you match them to the right tank size and mounting height. Our lighting comparisons highlight options by coral type and PAR needs.
When should I add dosing and automation?
Focus first on stable basics: salinity, temperature and solid water change habits. Once your coral load increases and demand outpaces simple water changes, our dosing and automation guides help you choose the right gear.
Are your recommendations brand-sponsored?
NanoReefLabs may earn affiliate commissions when you buy through our links, but brands don’t pay to control our picks. If a product is fussy, over-hyped or poorly supported, we call it out so you can decide with clear eyes.
Ready to glow up your nano reef?
Start with our curated gear picks, match them to your tank size and coral goals, then loop back for dosing, automation and upgrade ideas as your reef matures.