Reef Start Essentials Kit

Starting a reef tank should feel exciting, not confusing. The Reef Start Essentials Kit brings together eight core products used in our coral farm so you can measure salinity, seed and cycle your biofilter, stabilize key reef chemistry, keep equipment clean, and feed herbivores with confidence.

What’s inside and why it matters

• Salinity Refractometer: Verify your salt mix reaches the correct specific gravity for marine life. Stable salinity is the foundation of every successful reef.
• Palustris Live Bacteria (Bacto Fuel): Seeds your system with beneficial microbes that convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate during the cycle.
• Ammplify: Provides a controlled ammonia source to feed bacteria while the tank cycles. After cycling, it can be used in small amounts as a bioavailable nitrogen source for coral nutrition.
• Hydroshock Calcium Part 1, Hydroshock Alkalinity Part 2, Hydroshock Magnesium Part 3: A balanced three part dosing system that supports coral skeleton development and helps keep key parameters stable once your tank is cycled.
• Citric Acid Pump and Equipment Cleaner: A simple, effective way to remove buildup from pumps and other gear to maintain flow and performance.
• Nori Sheets: A natural seaweed food for herbivorous fish such as tangs and blennies.

How to use the kit

1. Mix your saltwater and confirm specific gravity with the refractometer. Typical reef targets are 1.025 to 1.026 SG.
2. Begin cycling by adding Palustris Live Bacteria. Dose Ammplify to provide a food source for the bacteria. Follow label directions for both products.
3. Track the cycle until ammonia and nitrite read zero and nitrate is detectable. Only then consider adding livestock.
4. Once cycled, begin regular Hydroshock three part dosing to maintain stable calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. Adjust based on test results.
5. Feed herbivorous fish with nori sheets as part of a varied diet.
6. Clean pumps and equipment with citric acid when you notice flow reduction or buildup.

Who this kit is for

• First time reef keepers who want a clear, step by step foundation
• Upgrades from fish only to reef systems
• Anyone who wants proven, farm tested essentials in one bundle

Recommended targets once cycled

• Salinity: 1.025 to 1.026 SG
• Alkalinity: 8 to 10 dKH
• Calcium: 420 to 450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250 to 1350 ppm

Test regularly and adjust dosing as needed. Always follow product labels.

What to expect

• Clear guidance for cycling with a paired bacteria and ammonia source
• A balanced three part dosing framework for stable coral growth after the cycle
• Simple maintenance and feeding steps you can keep up with long term

In the box

• Salinity Refractometer
• Palustris Live Bacteria (Bacto Fuel)
• Ammplify
• Hydroshock Calcium Part 1
• Hydroshock Alkalinity Part 2
• Hydroshock Magnesium Part 3
• Citric Acid Pump and Equipment Cleaner
• Nori Sheets

Notes

• Follow individual product labels for dosing and safety.
• If your aquarium volume is larger than average, you may need additional quantities of some items.
• For best results, pair this kit with reliable test kits for salinity, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.