Saltwater Fish Tank Installation
You Can Trust in Salt Lake City, Utah

Expert Saltwater Aquarium Setup in Salt Lake City, Utah

At OCD Reefs, we help reef enthusiasts in Salt Lake City and across Utah bring thriving saltwater aquariums to life. With over 25 years of combined experience, our certified reef specialists handle everything from system design and installation to long-term maintenance and livestock care. Whether you’re new to saltwater aquariums or ready to upgrade to a professional reef setup, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Our shop is stocked with premium equipment, Red Sea aquariums, and hand-selected livestock so your tank starts out strong and stays healthy for the long run.

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Authorized Red Sea Dealer | Certified Reef Specialists | 5-Star Local Reviews

Ready to build your dream saltwater fish tank today?

What Our Customers Say

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Rachelle Sidwell
Rachelle Sidwell
September 20, 2025
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Politically Pink
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Kara C
July 19, 2025
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Andy Blackburn
May 9, 2025
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House Full Of Boys
March 29, 2025
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Brandon Garrett
February 26, 2025
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James James
February 23, 2025
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Brock Jones
January 26, 2025
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Joshua Schultz
January 17, 2025
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thomas
October 20, 2024
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Mach42
October 10, 2024
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Janine Jorgensen
August 25, 2024
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Trisha Torres
August 12, 2024
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Fresh._. Boba
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Jamie Birch
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Ben Fuqua
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John Judkins
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Aaron Olson
Aaron Olson
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Aaron desatoff
Aaron desatoff
September 29, 2023
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S Lars
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Ashley Varoz
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Hiro Hacebe
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matthew williams
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Nancy Sorcia
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Magna Auto And Tire Center
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Bridget Toone
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Dany Kristensen
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courtney trujillo
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Austin Stephensen
Austin Stephensen
March 30, 2023
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Tim
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Corey Tenney
Corey Tenney
January 28, 2023
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Jeremy Gibson
Jeremy Gibson
January 27, 2023
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Hues of Blues Frenchies
Hues of Blues Frenchies
November 17, 2022
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Austin Clark
Austin Clark
October 27, 2022
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Chelsea Christensen
Chelsea Christensen
August 2, 2022
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Orlando Landa
Orlando Landa
June 18, 2022
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William Jordan
William Jordan
May 7, 2022
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Natalia Lankford
Natalia Lankford
April 18, 2022
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Devin Olsen
Devin Olsen
March 19, 2022
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Braydon Platt
Braydon Platt
March 10, 2022
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Kara Clark
Kara Clark
February 16, 2022
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Saxton Pentico
Saxton Pentico
February 8, 2022
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Justin Jenkins
Justin Jenkins
January 8, 2022

Why Ignoring Tank Setup Costs You More Than You Think

Saltwater aquariums are complex systems. Skipping proper setup or trying to do it alone can lead to algae outbreaks, equipment failures, livestock loss, and hundreds of dollars in wasted time and supplies. A poorly balanced system doesn’t just look bad; it can collapse entirely. Investing in professional installation protects your investment, saves you ongoing frustration, and ensures your tank thrives from the start.

Unmaintained aquarium with algae growth and cloudy water

Why Choose a Saltwater Aquarium?

When you commit to a saltwater aquarium, you’re not just purchasing equipment – you’re investing in a living, breathing experience.

  1. Dynamic Ecosystems: Witness coral reefs and marine life in your own living room.
  2. Aesthetic Impact: Saltwater aquariums are stunning design pieces that enhance any space.
  3. Stress Relief: The natural movement of fish and flowing water is proven to calm the mind.
  4. Educational Value: Learn about marine biology and ecological balance while caring for your reef.

Planning Your Saltwater Aquarium Setup

A successful aquarium begins with thoughtful planning. Our team works with you to define your vision, match it to the right system, and set you up for long-term success.

1. Saltwater Aquariums & Fish Tanks Overview

  1. Purpose & Vision: Is your goal relaxation, education, or a vibrant display? Your vision guides every decision.
  2. Customization: Every aquarium is unique. We design reef tanks to reflect your lifestyle, not a standard template.
  3. Quality & Expertise: With 25+ years of combined experience, we know how to balance ecosystems for lasting health.

2. Tank Size: The Foundation of Your Aquarium

  1. Minimum Recommendations: Starter systems typically range from 10 to 20 gallons. Larger ecosystems offer more stability and flexibility.
  2. Space Availability: Ensure your tank fits comfortably and allows for easy access for maintenance.
  3. Long-Term Growth: A larger tank supports future additions without compromising the health of the fish.

Why Tank Size Matters:

  1. Larger tanks are more stable in water chemistry.
  2. Bigger displays create more dramatic aquascapes.
  3. Small tanks require frequent attention and leave less room for error.

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Building the Perfect Marine Habitat

A saltwater aquarium is more than water and glass – it’s a balanced ecosystem. Every choice, from substrate to coral, plays a role in success.

1. Substrate: The Living Foundation

  1. Biological Filtration: Live sand or aragonite gravel provides bacteria essential for breaking down waste.
  2. Aesthetic Value: A natural base highlights coral and fish colors.
  3. Habitat Simulation: Substrates mimic the ocean floor, supporting natural behaviors.

2. Selecting Marine Life

  1. Fish Selection: Choose compatible, healthy species that thrive in your water conditions.
  2. Corals & Invertebrates: Add texture, color, and ecological balance. Match lighting and flow to species’ needs.
  3. Aquascaping: Create hiding spaces and natural decor to mimic real reef environments.

Saltwater Aquarium Maintenance: Keeping Your Reef Thriving

Even the best installation needs regular care. Our team offers ongoing maintenance plans, allowing you to enjoy your aquarium without the stress.

  1. Routine Water Changes: Replace water every 2-4 weeks with pre-treated saltwater.
  2. Debris Removal: Skim the surface and keep filters clean.
  3. Equipment Checks: Monitor lighting, skimmers, and pumps.
  4. Advanced Tools: Digital water testing, microbial additives, and automated feeders help maintain a balanced environment.

Our Installation Solutions and Benefits

✔️ Certified Experts

Our reef specialists have decades of experience setting up and maintaining aquariums, so your system is dialed in from day one.

✔️ Premium Equipment

We carry Red Sea aquariums and high-performance pumps, skimmers, and lighting that deliver reliability and beauty.

✔️ Turnkey Setup

From plumbing and cycling to aquascaping and stocking, we handle every detail so you don’t have to stress.

✔️ Guaranteed Support

We back our work with ongoing support, consultations, and honest guidance tailored to your reef.

Trusted Across Salt Lake City and Utah

  1. 25+ years of combined experience
  2. Authorized Red Sea Dealer
  3. Service and product warranties
  4. Recognized in the local reefing community
  5. Dozens of 5-star customer reviews
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Our Core Services

  1. Saltwater Fish Tank Installation – From design to full setup
  2. Red Sea Aquarium Sales – Complete systems, stands, and accessories
  3. Aquarium Maintenance Plans – Weekly, biweekly, or monthly care
  4. Livestock Selection and Care – Healthy fish, exotic species, and cleanup crews
  5. Water Testing and Troubleshooting – Fast, accurate results and solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of installation depends on several key factors: the size of the aquarium, the type of system you choose (standard vs. reef-ready), and any custom features, such as advanced lighting, sump filtration, or aquascaping. Small starter systems may begin at a few hundred dollars, while larger reef displays with premium equipment can cost thousands. At OCD Reefs, we don’t believe in surprises-we’ll give you a free, detailed estimate upfront so you know exactly what to expect. Our goal is to help you match your vision to your budget without compromising the health of your reef. Learn more in our guide on the cost of setting up and running a tank.

Yes. While our storefront and headquarters are in Salt Lake City, we provide professional aquarium installation services throughout the Wasatch Front and beyond. This includes Sandy, Draper, West Jordan, South Jordan, Herriman, and surrounding Utah communities. If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, give us a call-we’re flexible and regularly travel for both residential and commercial saltwater aquariums.

We’re proud to be an Authorized Red Sea Dealer, which means we carry the full line of Red Sea aquariums, stands, filtration, and supplements. These are among the most respected systems in the industry, renowned for their clean design and reliability. Beyond Red Sea, we also stock hand-selected equipment from trusted brands like Ecotech Marine, Neptune Systems, and AquaIllumination. Our store is designed to be a one-stop shop for everything you need: tanks, pumps, skimmers, lighting, test kits, additives, live rock, and livestock.

Yes. When you purchase equipment or a Red Sea aquarium through OCD Reefs, you receive the full manufacturer’s warranty plus the peace of mind that we stand behind our installation work. If there’s ever an issue with the setup, our team will promptly troubleshoot and resolve it. For ongoing support, our maintenance plans serve as a safety net, covering water testing, algae control, equipment checks, and livestock monitoring, so problems are identified early.

Absolutely. Many of our maintenance clients initially set up their tanks themselves or purchased systems from other shops. We welcome anyone who needs help maintaining a stable and healthy saltwater aquarium. Our maintenance packages include water changes, nutrient testing, livestock health checks, algae management, and equipment calibration. Whether you need weekly service or just occasional deep cleaning, we’ll tailor a plan that suits you and your reef.

Proudly Serving Salt Lake City and Utah

We’re proud to serve aquarium enthusiasts in Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, West Jordan, and across Utah. Whether you’re building your first saltwater setup or upgrading to a reef-ready system, our team is here to help. Check out our blog for reefing tips, guides, and inspiration.

Ready to Get Reliable Saltwater Fish Tank Installation?

Proudly serving Salt Lake City and surrounding Utah communities, OCD Reefs is your trusted partner for saltwater aquarium installation and support. Let’s build the reef you’ve always wanted.