| Many freshwater hobbyists are excited over the | | | | A basic saltwater aquarium requires just a few more |
| amazing variety and colors of saltwater fish and are | | | | pieces of equipment and supplies than your |
| making the switch or are adding saltwater tanks to | | | | freshwater aquarium needed. Purchase an |
| their hobby. So many of you are asking, "Can I | | | | aragonite-based gravel, a good marine salt mix and a |
| convert my freshwater aquarium to saltwater?" | | | | hydrometer (to measure how much salt is in the |
| The answer is yes; you can convert your freshwater | | | | water). There is no need to purchase a new filter as |
| aquarium to saltwater. Your level of success, though, | | | | long as it is the correct size for your aquarium and |
| may depend somewhat on the size of your aquarium. | | | | performs all three types of filtration: mechanical, |
| For new hobbyists it is best to start with a larger | | | | chemical and biological. |
| aquarium of at least 29 gallons. The larger the | | | | Finally, make sure your heater is working properly. If |
| aquarium the more room for learning curves such as | | | | you have a hang-on heater you may want to |
| if the fish are overcrowded or overfed. Larger tanks | | | | purchase a submersible one, which is easy-to-set and |
| are more forgiving, the temperature fluctuates less | | | | is recommended for saltwater. As long as you |
| and it takes longer for critical levels to change. | | | | choose fish and invertebrates that do not require any |
| If your aquarium has freshwater fish in it most pet | | | | special lighting your old light will do just fine. If the |
| stores will take your fish as trade-ins or you may | | | | light bulb is several years old you may want to |
| want to give them to a friend. Once your fish are | | | | consider replacing it as a new bulb will brighten your |
| gone, disassemble the entire aquarium and clean all | | | | aquarium. |
| the equipment. Wash the aquarium and equipment | | | | While these are just basics to get you started you |
| with warm water. Never use soap or commercial | | | | can now just add saltwater decorations and start |
| glass cleaner to clean aquarium or their supplies. | | | | setting up your saltwater aquarium. |
| Discard the gravel or wash and store it for later use. | | | | |