| Saltwater aquariums are certainly more difficult to | | | | Saltwater Aquarium Do's & Don't's |
| maintain than fresh water aquariums. The ecology of | | | | You should ideally choose an aquarium that is 55 |
| saltwater aquariums is different and needs careful as | | | | gallons (200 liters) or larger. It will be harder to |
| well as knowledgeable handling. | | | | maintain suitable water quality and balance in a smaller |
| Saltwater aquariums can house a wide range of | | | | tank. |
| fishes and mammals in comparison to fresh water | | | | After deciding on size you must decide on the |
| aquariums. In a salt water aquarium it is possible for | | | | material of the aquarium. There are 2 choices glass |
| you to keep some of the flamboyantly colored reef | | | | and acrylic. Both these materials are commonly used |
| fishes. A saltwater aquarium can also house live coral, | | | | for saltwater aquariums and have their pros and cons. |
| anemones, crustaceans or jellyfish. Some advanced | | | | Location is a very important aspect of saltwater |
| aquarists even keep octopuses and squids. This | | | | aquariums. Too much sunlight causes algae problems |
| variety of sea life gives the aquarium an exotic feel. | | | | and too little is equally harmful. The temperature |
| Perhaps this is the reason why saltwater aquariums | | | | should be as constant as possible. |
| are so popular. | | | | Never place anything in the aquarium that is not |
| Starting a Saltwater Aquarium | | | | saltwater proof. Make sure that decorations are |
| Before starting a saltwater aquarium it would be a | | | | saltwater proof or they may poison your aquarium. |
| good idea if you researched the ecosystem of | | | | Filtration is an important part of any aquarium, salt or |
| saltwater fishes, their habitat, food, water | | | | otherwise. There are three basic types of filterations- |
| temperature etc. A saltwater aquarium can be highly | | | | mechanical filtration, chemical filtration and biological |
| gratifying and the extra time used to research the | | | | filtration. |
| exact requirements for a saltwater tank is worth its | | | | Cleaning your aquarium with detergent or soap will |
| weight in gold. | | | | pollute the water and destroy the fragile ecosystem |
| To start a saltwater aquarium you will require a Fish | | | | of your saltwater aquarium. It's best if you use |
| tank, Filtration System, Substrates, Heater or | | | | bleach instead. Add one capful of pure bleach to 10 |
| Thermometer, power head, protein skimmer, water | | | | gallons of water and wipe the aquarium with, clean |
| pump, and air pump. | | | | carefully with fresh water afterwards. |
| The Basic Types | | | | You should never use ordinary salt in your aquarium. |
| There are three basic forms of saltwater aquariums: | | | | Its best to buy aquarium salt from a fish store and |
| Fish Only, Fish with Live Rock and Reef System. | | | | mix it with water according to instruction. |
| Fish only - This is a good choice for beginners. This | | | | A hydrometer is very crucial for the saltwater |
| type of tank is for keeping fish only as the name | | | | aquarium. It is of utmost importance for you to |
| suggests and is the least expensive type. | | | | maintain a balance between the salt and water levels. |
| Fish with Live Rock- This is basically the same as fish | | | | Water keeps evaporating, whereas the salt level |
| only, but has live rocks. It is called "live rock" because | | | | remains the same. Evaporated water should never be |
| of the creatures and organisms living on the inside | | | | replaced by salt water. A hydrometer will make it |
| and on the surface of the rock. Buying good rock, | | | | possible for you to check the exact salinity of the |
| can be expensive though. | | | | water. |
| Reef System- Reef tanks are usually set up by very | | | | Popular Saltwater Fishes |
| experienced hobbyists because these tanks require | | | | Clown fish, Angelfish, Blue lined triggerfish, Comical |
| excellent water conditions, extremely high lighting | | | | blenny, Flame fish and Damsels are a few examples |
| levels, water supplements, reverse osmosis and | | | | of popular saltwater fishes that can be kept in |
| deionized water, and excellent filtration. In short it | | | | aquariums. |
| costs the earth and then some. | | | | |