| The water quality in a saltwater aquarium is critical. | | | | Biological filtration utilizes the nitrogen cycle to get rid |
| This is because their bodies are more dilute than the | | | | of the ammonia that is excreted by fish. Beneficial |
| seawater they swim in. To prevent dehydration they | | | | microbes turn ammonia into nitrite and then into |
| need to continuously intake seawater and thus they | | | | nitrate, which is relatively harmless. These bacteria |
| are more vulnerable to harmful elements. It is very | | | | colonies need surface area to grow in. The old type |
| important to get a good grasp on the fine details on | | | | of biological filtration that is considered outdated |
| how to maintain a saltwater aquarium that is properly | | | | today is the underground filter. Overtime detritus |
| filtered. | | | | accumulates and it needs to be cleaned constantly or |
| There are two types of filtration available to the | | | | it will lose effectiveness. The new favored system is |
| saltwater aquarists: mechanical and biological. | | | | "live rock". Live rock is rock that is harvested from |
| The two most common types of mechanical filtration | | | | the ocean that has living organisms. Although more |
| in marine aquariums are power filters and protein | | | | expensive, it is more powerful and much more |
| skimmers. Both add to the total water circulation of | | | | natural. It will also have small organisms and algae |
| the tank. Filters intake aquarium water and screen | | | | that fish will be able to feed on. |
| out detritus and suspended wastes. Often there is | | | | A properly filtered aquarium needs to contain both |
| activated carbon as well. The filter's cartridge must | | | | types of filtration. A marine aquarium represents both |
| be regularly cleaned otherwise the decaying wastes | | | | a significant monetary and time investment. Be sure |
| will start polluting the water. Protein skimmers | | | | to become knowledgeable about the various options |
| remove dissolved wastes. They are a fairly recent | | | | before attempting to raise a marine community. |
| invention in the hobby and are very effective. | | | | |