| The idea of having a reef tank set-up has grown | | | | salt mix is used to create an environment just like |
| popular like that of caring for freshwater fish. The | | | | that of the ocean. You cannot simply add regular |
| reef tank is the proper artificial habitat for saltwater | | | | table salt as the composition differs greatly. |
| fish. Here are a few basic guidelines you must follow | | | | The next step is adding other underwater |
| if you want to properly set-up a reef tank of your | | | | components like sand, coral, and live rock. Try to |
| own. | | | | make use of an algae scraper as well to ensure that |
| It is an essential component in setting up a reef tank | | | | your reef tank would not be susceptible to murky |
| to do adequate research on the matter. Saltwater | | | | water. This is because it is not as easy to clean and |
| fish are not as easy to care for as the freshwater | | | | refill a reef tank. There is a "curing" period which will |
| variety. The ample knowledge from equipment to | | | | be discussed later on. Other features are rather |
| species can help you care for your fish in the best | | | | simple. You can add filters, oxygen sources, other |
| possible manner. You should be familiar with the | | | | plant life and the like. For your reef type tank, make |
| available tanks, on what type of sand to use, on the | | | | sure that the water temperature is low. A chiller |
| corals, and the natural habitat of the fishes you will | | | | mechanism can be used for this. |
| be purchasing. Basically, you need to mimic their | | | | As what was earlier said, before you can add fish to |
| original environment so they could thrive. | | | | your tank, whether reef type or not, there is a |
| It is best if you use sand which is neither too fine | | | | curing or quarantine period which usually lasts for a |
| and grainy nor sand which is to rock-like. The former | | | | minimum of four days. Here, you give the salt mix |
| can suppress the escape of gases and the latter can | | | | and the live components of the reef tank time to |
| cause the formation of detritus. For your reef tank | | | | adjust and be just perfect when the fishes arrive. |
| coral, do not combine the hard and soft varieties. | | | | There is a quarantine period for a reef tank wherein |
| Next, add live rock to the mix. | | | | you should test the water at regular intervals by |
| There are specific equipments necessary for a reef | | | | using a water test kit. The purpose of this testing |
| kind of tank. The most basic one is the main tank | | | | procedure is to regulate the minerals and |
| itself. You need a large aquarium for this set-up. | | | | contaminants that the water possesses. For example, |
| About eight to ten gallons is just right. Next, you | | | | a reef tank needs an absence of nitrates and |
| should get a light source accompanied by a timer | | | | sources of ammonia. |
| which can mimic the conditions of day and night. A | | | | |