| For budding aquarists rushing to get their first | | | | Output (VHO) lighting against the default fluorescent |
| aquariums, it is always tempting to buy an aquarium | | | | tubes. If you have plants in your tank, low light will |
| set whole. Aquarium sets are especially convenient as | | | | definitely not do. |
| well as limited. This article discusses the pros and | | | | Saltwater aquarium sets also tend to overlook |
| cons of a set aquarium so as to help you pick the | | | | filtration systems which are very important indeed |
| best sets as well as the things not included in the set. | | | | both to animal and plant life forms in your tank. This |
| Buying aquariums in sets usually saves you money. | | | | is quite understandable however since filtrations |
| This is because, manufacturers can be sure of selling | | | | systems prices can be very steep for manufacturers |
| a product as another product gets sold, say, tanks | | | | to include. If you are therefore looking for a |
| and light fixtures. Most of the time, fish only (FO) | | | | saltwater set, look for those with filters already |
| aquariums include a tank, a lighting system, an air | | | | installed. |
| stone, and structural support. Having this set will be | | | | Most sellers offer saltwater aquarium sets with |
| enough to display your fish. But that is not the only | | | | heaters and thermometers already installed. Be a |
| thing an aquarists want, is it? Sadly, there is rarely a | | | | wiser shopper. As much as possible, look for the |
| fish only with live rock (FOWLR) aquarium set | | | | whole shebang! Find saltwater sets that include a |
| available. Therefore, to have a FOWLR tank, you will | | | | sump setup. A sump is like an extension of your tank. |
| need to buy the live rock separately. | | | | This is where biological, mechanical and chemical filters |
| An advantage of a set FO tank is that you will not | | | | are placed. Heaters, protein skimmers, chillers, |
| have to roam around looking for appliances to fit | | | | thermometers and other appliances will also be most |
| your tank. Most FO aquariums have fittings for | | | | appreciated. |
| add-ons (from the same brands, of course) that you | | | | Now a saltwater aquarium set with sump setup may |
| will need. | | | | cost you a trifle but when you do the math, you can |
| Saltwater aquariums on the other hand are a bit | | | | actually save a lot more than if you buy each |
| more complicated. Most sets will offer a tank, an air | | | | appliance separately! |
| stone, substrates, rocks, and a saltwater kit that | | | | The best part of all, the bigger the set, the more |
| includes pH measuring strips, a thermometer and | | | | likely you will have technical support. Most sets come |
| maybe a filter. That saves you a lot of shopping as | | | | with two years of warranty with all parts included. |
| well as mix and matching appliances to fixtures. That | | | | This will save you a lot of effort figuring out what is |
| will also mean a lot of spending in one go. | | | | wrong with your tank and how to fix it. In a lot of |
| Most saltwater aquariums lack proper lighting. This | | | | instances, they will just replace the parts anyway. |
| area should therefore be checked before buying a | | | | The key to picking a quality set therefore should be |
| saltwater aquarium set. For reef aquariums as deep | | | | quantity as well as quality. The best offers you will |
| as 24 inches, you may already need Very High | | | | find is that which has care that comes with it. |