Aquarium Starter Kits make it easy for you to get everything you need to begin building a happy, thriving saltwater fish tank. Instead of trying to put your refugium together piece by piece, these kits are already pre-built to include the live algae and copepods, biological filtration, and bacteria starter you will need to get it up and going.
To start, the concentrated bacterial starter will initiate your cycle by providing multiple strains and species of bacteria, each responsible for a portion of the nitrogen cycle. These bacteria will settle and begin living in your biological media. The ceramic media blocks, Marine Pure, provide a huge amount of surface area for nitrifying bacteria to colonize, which detoxifies ammonia and nitrite. In addition, they will serve as a copepod haven, where pods can live and reproduce without predation. That means you can maintain a stable population to feed finicky fish and keep the tank as consistent as possible. The copepods themselves are a mix of Tigriopus, Apocyclops, and Tisbe species so you can guarantee that you benefit from the strengths of each individual type. After all, a greater biodiversity means a healthier, more self-sufficient tank! Copepods consume detritus and phytoplankton, so each kit contains a bottle of blended phyto. Not only will your pods enjoy this live food, but all filter feeding invertebrates and corals will as well. Finally, to finish off your ultimate refugium, is your choice of macro algae. Choose from a selection of different species to suit your tastes! Macro algae actively removes nutrients and toxins from your system, and allows you to offer the cleanest, healthiest water possible to your livestock.
Our other offering, the Clam Keeper kits, are great for aquarists who want to own a clam and don’t know where to start. Each kit contains your choice of blue or gold Maxima, assorted Derasa, or assorted Squamosa clam. Each will arrive at 5 to 6 centimeters, and is captive bred. Our signature copepod blend is included as well to ensure that your clam will stay clean. Clams will also consume any small pods that they filter out of the water column! Phytoplankton will complement copepods, and will ensure your clam is well fed with the best nutrition possible. The final item included will be a clam rock, something often overlooked but incredibly beneficial to your new addition. Clams enjoy strong current and need flow for survival. But, they are fragile and need to be allowed to attach themselves to the tank bottom or a live rock. It can be hard to find an area in a tank where flow is high enough, but that the clam won’t constantly fall over or off the rocks. Clam Rocks are specifically created from dry reef rock and offer a natural appearance, and a divot in the center to set the clam in. Here, they fit snug and can still fully extend their mantles, and can be placed in higher flow. The protection from the divot will encourage your clam to attach and acclimate quickly. No matter what species you want to keep, this starter kit is incredibly helpful to starting off on the right foot!
[kitscombos]
Sean Beaver says
Awesome read and kits. Will definitely be looking into the clam kit when I decide to add clams.
Donna L Holder says
i will think hard about this. sounds like fun
N L says
Wish these had been around years ago!
Jesus says
I always buy in kits.
Mario says
Good Stuff
owais Noorzad says
cool
David says
We have one clam and it’s doing good. One day when we get a bigger tank I’m planning on getting several
tarheelborn1982 says
Merry Christmas
Nghia Le says
Merry christmas
bu.nghia417 says
Happy new year
amos says
hey guys
Chris Whalen says
I needed this article.
Kyle says
The kits are a great way for people to get started for a new addition to their aquarium!
Kyle says
I’m in the same boat
Austin beach says
I will be starting to look into clams now thanks for the ideas!!
Jerry Pearson says
I SO want to order the large pack, but have to wait until the new year. lol
Ellen Aparicio says
Great starter packs offered by your company.
ocjake06 says
Happy holidays
OwenFreyberg says
Have fun with that!
Asad Khan says
Very well put together
Tray says
Great starter kits for any reef tank needs.
Alex von Hochtritt says
A starter kit like this would be awesome next time I set up a reef tank. Back in ’95, last time I did it, it was…the hard way, over months.
Tray says
Great starter kits
Paul Kachirsky says
I need to get more copepods.
Brian J Vickers says
Great products!!
blas artiles says
Thanks for the great info. Happy Holidays
Paul Kachirsky says
I need to get more copepods for my system
Tizzle Dexter says
Im thinking of setting up a smaller tank for a reef like a 55g. My last reef tank was 150g and put out way to much heat to keep inside. im really curious to try one of the refugium kits and the clam kits.
Ben says
Great post. Happy holidays
Christopher Gilley says
Like
Darren Sung says
great post!
Jayda Patterson says
These kits are an awesome way to jump start a diverse and thriving ecosystem within your tank!
Za Fish Guy says
This could set up a tank for the long haul.
Weboh says
Happy Holidays!
Jennifer Lye says
Ordered some pods the other day
Garrett Wingo says
I got the clam kit, was very helpful!
Kristen Maves says
I love that you offer this and take all the headache and toying around to a minimum!
tragikzmd says
I love ordering your guys’ copepods. My Mandarin is nice and fat.
Gerot Melo says
Happy Holidays!!
DANIEL SCHLAGMAN says
Interesting!
michael p says
When I get myself this Tank under the tree I Will have to order some fuge starter kits
Alexa says
Happy holidays!
Kyle Hagger says
Happy holidays
Josh Stevens says
Very nice starter kits
Sean Simkins says
Nice
Sean Simkins says
Can’t wait to try one
Chris Buswell says
When I am ready to roll the dice on a clam, this is what I plan to use.
Jarred Tachiera says
This is helpful
Paul Cote says
One of the best products for refugiums on the market
Regina Delph says
So perfect for my granddaughter
Michael Hawco says
I want
BRANDON Douglas STICKEL says
Great start
Dallas Tippie says
This is a great idea for the beginning reef keepers.
Joey Gatlin says
Algae barn has great kits
ANTHONY CANDELORA says
?
Gary Passwaters says
I might get this when I start up my 120
ekersd says
Great for people who are short on time – just buy everything with one click and get what you need.
Michael says
Got to love starter kits.
Derek Covatch says
The starter pack is awesome, it’s what I started my sump with. Couldn’t be happier.
Derek Covatch says
The starter pack is awesome, it’s what I started my sump with. Couldn’t be happier.
Paul Kachirsky says
I need to replenish my copepods.
Felix Roeschert says
These are awesome!
Leo Minegishi says
These do come in handy!
Matt Traylor says
This goes hand in hand with the other article. Tailoring a kit, specifically around the desired species the keeper wants to take care of, is brilliant!
Brian Badge says
This perfect. I am moving next month and want to star a pod population for a future dragonet. The Kitsap make it easy.
Jacob T Wright says
Starter Kits really help make everything just work smoothly as long as you fallow the directions
Nicholas Hagstrom says
I think I will try these kits on the next tank!
Josh Gay says
Pretty worthwhile packs and well priced
Josh Gay says
Pretty great packs and well priced too
connorw88 says
You guys make it too easy. Thanks.
Julianne Morgan says
I love the idea of a macro algae tank. I should have started out with this kit first. Oh well. More macro algae to be bought later. ?
Cole says
I want to try one lol
Jarron says
Good to know
Nicholas Nevins says
I also plan in getting a clam kit
jason frames says
Super sad that I can’t get clams here they are beautiful
Blade says
Hear nothing but good things about this product
Josha Mitchell says
Best starter pack hands down!!
Eric Homan says
Starter kits rock!
David Heath says
I would love this
Kyle hagger says
Starter kit make it easy too get everything you need
Shawn Baker says
Awesome
Christopher Burns says
Makes you want a new tank
David DeMarco says
Cant wait to buy my first clam kit from algaebarn!
ceg0002 says
That rock is awesome!
steveszczepanowski says
Great for new tanks
Ashlee Smith says
It would be great to have one of those!
Ashlee Smith says
It would be great to have one of those!
Catherine says
Nice!
maxbears34 says
Happy Holidays!
Cynthia Sedlacek says
Reasonable prices
Joe car says
Love starter kits, makes things easier.
Sheila Beach says
Would love to have a new tank starter kit
Keith McMillan says
??
Hasan Sarsour says
Good post.
David Woolf says
I’m starting my first reef tank and decided to go with a refugium in my sump. The starter kit is great and I just finished adding the copepods and macro algae this week after adding media blocks and bacteria starter last week. The starter kit makes it easy and I like knowing the macro algae has been treated, quarantined and inspected!
Jose Pacheco says
I will try it in my new tank
Chris Tezak says
Fantastic!
Brad ODonnell says
Would recomend to anyone starting a new tank great product and great wuslit6
GODLY MoTiOnZ says
Salt Water is tough for a amateur aquarium
Allen says
I would love to have one of these setups
Jeremy Rice says
Want!
Dalbir Singh says
Good info
John Moyles says
Nice
Rena Walter says
Sounds great!
Ryan Smith says
Love it
jose lozano says
Merry Christmas
Richard Varone says
Love having things bundled together, makes things easy!
Shaun Small says
May have to get this for my daughters new tank. AWSOME, can’t waitr
Donald Carney says
This is really nice
Jay says
nice
Jeremy Carter says
Bigger is better
Kurtis says
Here for the win!
Tray says
Starter kits from Algae Barn have made a easy start to reefing.
Tray says
Great Kits offered at Algae Barn
Tray says
Love the information
Jennifer says
Nice products and information
Tray says
Nice!!!
Joshua Wheat says
I like this info
Frank Fodera says
cant wait to use these products. It makes so much sense to incorporate all the life forms to create healthy coral food and an ecosystem to make all the animals happy.
Bryan Tisdale says
A must for the modern day reef tank.
Jeremy Halliburton says
Just started my first reef tank. Great info!
Matthew Semonish says
!
Neil says
I love this. I boutgh refegium starter kit also and so nice
John says
True
caldea says
Great way to start up a healthy tank
Ricky Dube says
I’ve never heard a single negative thing about these kits. My friends swear by it, and I’m considering picking one up myself
Ansu Abraham says
I love the starter kits. Used one myself.
dcallahan56789 says
I REALLY WANT ONE OF YOUR CLAM KEEPER PACKS!!! BUT I WAS WONDERING IF YOU GUYS HAD SOME BIGGER CLAMS THAN 2″??
Casey Whittington says
Wish I would of seen this yrs ago
My next tank I start I will 100% Use this
Steve says
I will be in need of this to start my own colony
patburns99 says
Interesting
Jordan Sims says
Got a combo pack for my 75, when I win the new tank under a tree I’ll have to buy a new kit ?
Bo Heath Kinsland says
Im so excited to get a larger tank and i will probably buy from you guys. The info is great and now i know what to do! Thanks much
Omar Pardo says
When I win this Tank under the tree I’ll have to get these kits!
art says
awesome
art says
awesome awesome
art says
very nice
art says
very informative
art says
interesting
John Demanko (@jmdreef) says
These products are amazing
Mike Muzzone says
Going with a kit is by far the best way to go
Drew Rollman says
I like the clam rocks. That has always been an issue with any clam i’ve had. Old shells have been my go to on the sandbed.
Ravi says
Happy Holidays!
dakottah7 says
Great way to get a tank going!
Meghan Mulkerin says
I’ll be getting the Mandarin kit soon. I want all of the kits!
Robert Donlon says
Happy Holidays!
Finnian Sheehan says
Merry Christmas!
conner stumpf says
glad you guys offer things like this for newer hobbyists
Jorge says
Very educational read
Corey Graese says
Merry Christmas!
Robert Paniagua says
I got one to set up my first refugium. Less than 2 months later and already have pods on my system
Courtney Hoard says
This is definitely the way to go. I’ve always find it intimidating to start up a marine tank and I guess that is why I still only have freshwater.
Gabriela Monroy says
Love learning about shrimp.
Jean Pattison says
I just have a waterbox 5526 waiting for assembly. I will be upgrading from a 90 gal 15 years old. Once all is moved, I will be getting a refugium starter kit. Love your kits.
Michael says
Thanks!
Felix says
These are awesome!
Gary Passwaters says
Great post
Michael Quinones says
Other than that intense blue, whats the benefit to clams?
tmanrogers95 says
Nice
Neal says
I could defiantly use one of these
ann.wirey1 says
Starter kits are a nice brainer! Take out the guess work! Do it right the first time! ♡
Tony says
Looks like a cool option.
littlemoma1985 says
I need one
Brian Dolphins says
God Bless.
Ashley M says
Would love to do this
Mike Muzzone says
Starter kits are the best value
brandon.costello says
Merry Christmas!
Echo Rodetsky says
I’m hoping to need one of these once I set up a larger tank.
Alejandro Rodriguez says
A complete kit would make it much easier to have success in the saltwater hobby.
Julian says
The TurboBoost is good
Courtney says
Interesting!
Edward Raposo says
The mandarin started kit was perfect! Thanks for offering this!
Stephen siller says
Awesome!!
Brandon Carothers says
Good info
Cody W Pressnell says
Happy Holidays!
Erik Harrison says
Copepods are awesome little bugs
Cory Lakers says
Hopefully I win
Madeline says
Good idea for beginners!
reapersalsa says
Good job
reapersalsa says
Good job
Bobby says
Cool stuff!
Julie Bauknecht says
Healthiest tank- that’s the main idea!
Elcain Chase says
I love aquariums!
Elcain Chase says
Aquarium kits are so cool!
Elcain Chase says
I want the aquarium please
John Jones says
Need to get one!
Elcain Chase says
last comment didnt work.
Cole Froerer says
Just getting into the hobby really so nice to know
Cassia Carvalho says
I can’t wait to get mine!
Doffrey says
Wish I had one of these when I started
Caden says
Aquarium start kits are the best ways to get a new tank off the ground.
Rudy A Garcia says
A) Why didn’t I know about these starter kits a year ago when I started my first reef tank
B) Thank our lord and savior Godzilla I found this now as I am in the middle of setting up my unused 10 gallon as another nano reef.
Ben Cameron says
Best starter pack
Alex Fodor says
Super cool!
Jaime Quintanilla says
Very useful for beginners such as myself
Ashton says
Good information, I’ve been interested in doing a salt water, I currently have 4 freshwater tanks but only one is fully stocked
Anthony Sansone says
My sump is full of pods because of you guys! I love it!
Mahamudul Hasan says
Great tool to get started
Bennie Fitzgerald says
Now am just seeing everything i need to know to be successful in thia hobby for a first time hobbist
Terry Alcott says
Fantastic! Merry CHristmas all!
Patrick Stephens says
I’ve been meaning to try this kit out! Maybe I will on the next tank build ?
gdagod24 says
Happy Holidays!
Carrie Charles says
Definitely going to think about getting some of these!
Steve S says
Have a great new year!
Brent Grandidier says
Great article!
Greg says
Great starter kits
David mueller says
I like the refugium starter kit! Instead of putting everything together separately it takes the guess work out. If I ever start a new tank that’ll be the way to go!
Tristan Smith says
These kits are an awesome way to get started in my opinion.
Sam says
Those kits definitely sound helpful and necessary to getting a healthy tank up and running.
doug perry says
I’ve always like putting together my own kits
OG says
Happy Holidays!
Shawn R Stice says
Nice!
reapersalsa says
I want this XD
aaron says
Great info for a newbie
Erick Blais says
Once again that clam kit is looking really good.
Tian Sorg says
Would love a complete kit!! Total set up!
Eivind Parnas Schage says
Happy holidays
Justin Bishop says
good kit!
James walker says
Wish someone had put together an article like this when i started the hobby 20 plus years ago
Nadia Mohandessi says
Cool
Barry Sylvia says
Merry Christmas!
Jeremy Lombardo says
Happy holidays
Joshua Deaver says
Nice
Joshua Deaver says
Nice article
Kyle kegley says
Happy holidays
Cammey lol says
good read
Krystal Whittington says
Learned few key things, awesome write up
kellymhansen says
Great ideas
Daniel says
That’s nice to know about the starter pack
Bethany Souza says
I’ve started this…hope it turns out well…bc $$
Scott Busche says
Happy Holidays
Matt Blefeld says
Great way to instantly seed a fuge
bad72nova says
Pods and phyto are great but chaeto just does on me.
Salvador says
Found it very intriguing
Jonah Schwarz says
F for wallet
Melanie Tavarez says
Will definitely be looking into the clam kit when I decide to add clams
samuelwalker1996 says
That’s awesome, I will have to look into this when I start up my tank.
Max Humbach says
Makes it a lot simpler in a kit!
Max Humbach says
A lot easier!
liesle_memmott says
The kits have been really a good item to offer. Thank you
Happy Holidays!
Rachael McConnell says
Happy Holidays!
Alice Lewellen says
Would be great to try one!
Marla says
Starter kits get better all the time
Houston says
I so want the clam keeper kit.
t.joudi says
Are these products good to use with Reef Roids?
Tom says
Good to know. I am starting a 180 next year.
Mike Mijarez says
I need to get a kit going! Nice products
Dustin says
When I setup my refug, you guys are the only company i would trust!
Ryan Slade says
These are a great way to understand what you need to start. Will be purchasing a couple different kits
Adam Gilbert says
Great article!
John Louis says
I wish I would had this info when I first started, great tool to have.
Kale says
Will definitely have to look at a clam kit when I’m ready for one.
Caleigh says
Happy Holidays!
Cameron Williams says
Interesting
jennifershea says
Kits make it easier for beginners for sure!
Samantha sander says
What a great read!
Samantha sander says
Awesome!
Karie Mabus says
Buying kits are such a good buy!
Michael Gionta says
kits sound good
paul pomeroy says
Happy Holidays
Mike says
Great idea, will be looking into some clam kits
Kim Eberhart says
Awesome kits. I definitely want to get the clam kit one my tank is more mature!
leyerin31 says
Starting out brand new to this hobby. So glad I found this site and all the amazing information. Can’t wait to get going on my tank!
victoria casella says
I really like the clam rock!
Debbie says
Thank you
Cassie schmick says
Now I want another tank! It’s never end for me wanting more. Guess it’s time to open a store lol
kris_jns123 says
Great post
Timothy Barragan says
I think that clam kit is calling my name. Very cool kit idea.
Luis Cosme says
Great Kits!!!!
Sherry says
Wanna try!
Sherry says
Love the clams!
Reuben gunderson says
Happy holidays
Eric Rosnick says
Great information, just getting started in saltwater
Alisa Tejeda says
Agree. Kits are so helpful
Tami Rose says
Can’t wait to get a kit!
Tina R Rice says
I want the package. Im saving up to get one
Tina R Rice says
I want the package. Im saving up to get one
Michael says
Happy holidays!!!!!
bylerbc says
Awesome read and I love these kits.
Andres Yakuta says
Buying a clam starter kit next ??
Eliane says
I will look for these kits for my new tank
Peyton Howington says
Now I want a clam since the kit makes it so easy!
chereecarter says
Omg, your clam kits look awesome! Love that they come with the clam hammocks and will definitely remember if I decide to try clams!
tiffanymeyer1987 says
If it weren’t for starter kits I would have never been able to get into this hobby
Jonathan Dahl says
On my next build I will spend more time cultivating a large microbiome after the initial cycle and let it mature in the tank before adding livestock. If I knew a year ago what I know now, I think I would not have had the first year battles that all come down to an unbalanced and immature reef.
Eric Dickey says
I need one of these for when I win the contest *wink*
Martin says
Cool!
Lizeth Lara says
Good luck everyone
Edgar Alvarez says
It’s always hard to find a good kit to use.
Victoria Brewer says
Happy New Year
Felix says
Might have to upgrade
Nicholas Steele says
Still a few years away from getting a clam but I will be coming back when I start looking!
chris peters says
Your guys refugium starter kit is the very best. Maybe industry standard should be thrown around.
Waiz says
i hope to get clams soon
CTR says
Happy Holidays
ainarm says
Time to investigate the clam keeper kit.
neill0027 says
Nice kits
Paul Marvin says
I feel like the clam rock is definitely over looked and how important the foot of the clam actually is.
Elizabeth Mack says
So much useful information. I cannot wait to have a tank again and try my hand at saltwater.
Dennis Bresnahan says
You make this hobby a lot easier! Thank you!
Nicole says
We are looking into bringing/breeding aquatic life in our home within the next few months. After looking over and reading the blog posts, I know where to go when we are ready!
Jesse Richardson says
Will Need the aquarium starter kit soon! Happy Holidays!
shackelford.jim says
I’m planning to set up a saltwater predator tank later this year, And I’m hoping to do my first refugium on with that tank. Now seriously considering buying a kit to do it.
Craig Wood says
Very Informative
Brockton Birky says
Love this blog post!
Zack Ford says
Awesome
stylewriter874 says
I should get back into the clams. had to make the choice between Clams and a puffer
Randall Clawson says
Made me think about adding a clam to my tank.
Melanie says
I sooo wish I could buy one!
hwarrenfeltz says
so awesome!!
Gracie Scott says
Awesome like it!!!
Jason Blair says
I miss having a tank. They are so relaxing.
Dan Melton says
Great Read!!
Kaity says
A short read but interesting! This makes me really want to get a clam in the near future! Happy 2020 everyone!!
Anthony says
Sweet article happy holidays
Darrell Wheelis says
Nice info
megan_kim says
Even if I don’t win the giveaway, it looks like Ima going to be purchasing one of these kits VERY soon!
James Fields says
I need tanks ?
Chaz Henrich says
Love the article
Charles Brooks says
This is a great product combo
Charles Brooks says
This is a great product combo
Jonathan Dahl says
This kit is a no brainer for anyone starting a new tank.
pinckark11 says
Kits are great starters! Thank you for the info!
Paul Brown says
My Starter kit is on order
bri.dahlberg says
Good stuff
kathy pease says
These starter kits sound fabulous
josephine bylsma says
I love starter kits for when you’re a beginner!
Chica says
Buffalo Bills
abby baker says
merry christmas
Sharp says
Great setup!
Sharalyn Anderson says
Awesome!!
Chad says
Good info
Kameron H says
The starter kits are honestly an awesome idea, it would be awesome to see these in my work place so I could recommend them to other hobbyists in the trade! It would save so much time and money getting everything sorted out all in one bundle!
Jayson Sisson says
I have had clams before and always lose them I will try this kit when my tank is ready to add clams
bobbyoshi says
Merry christmas and happy new year
Julian Pillans says
Kits are great because you get everything you need in one delivery and it’s pre selected if you’re unsure what you may need!
oscar101802 says
This is what I used to seed my refugium
Amber Kolb says
I love starter kits! They can be really helpful for a newbie.
Christopher Gomez says
Cool kits
Tonya Tipton says
I love the idea of the starter kits.
art says
very cool
Judi A Mitzel says
I wish I had started with this when I first set up my tank!
Judi A Mitzel says
I wish I had started with this when I first set up my tank!
jessemichaelelliott says
when in doubt blog it out!
Bryan Tisdale says
Clams. not quite in my future just yet.
Hunter says
Very Good!
robert says
Amazing!
talonn77 says
Can’t wait till my tank cycles so I can get some great items