| The Saltwater Aquarium Do's and Don'ts List (Part 1) | | | | your new tropical fish appropriately - this can be |
| Having a saltwater aquarium can be a lot of fun. | | | | anywhere from a few minutes to a few days if you |
| Watching your tropical saltwater fish can be a very | | | | want to quarantine them first.oUse a protein skimmer |
| relaxing hobby. Not to mention if set up properly | | | | if possible. It will work nicely with your mechanical and |
| your aquarium can be a great addition to any room. | | | | biological filtration. In some cases it is a must have if |
| If you want to keep it in tip top shape you do have | | | | you are keeping certain invertebrates.o Always keep |
| to pay attention to it. I have put together a list of | | | | some saltwater supplies on hand for an unexpected |
| some do's and don'ts when it comes to managing a | | | | problem.o Make sure you understand the nitrogen |
| saltwater aquarium. In this week's edition you can | | | | cycle. This is the process for how wastes in the |
| read about the Do's. | | | | saltwater get converted from toxic chemicals to less |
| The Do'so Buy a good saltwater aquarium book. This | | | | toxic chemicals by bacteria that live in your saltwater |
| will be a great resource as there are lots of issues | | | | aquarium.oIf possible use natural sea water in your |
| that can arise with a saltwater set up. If you haven't | | | | tank - there is nothing like the real thing.o If you use |
| purchased it already it should be the next item you | | | | real sea water make sure you know where it is |
| purchase. will probably have a better variety than you | | | | coming from. You don't want sea water that was |
| can find at your local book store and they usually | | | | collected in your local marina or just offshore as it will |
| have very good prices.o React quickly when you | | | | not be suitable. Sea water taken from these areas |
| believe that something is wrong. Test your water | | | | can contain all sorts of man made pollutants.o Select |
| quality. Look for signs of disease. Consult your | | | | your new fish very carefully. Study ahead of time to |
| aquarium book(s); check out some fish (saltwater | | | | make sure you know what signs to look for in a |
| tropical) forums on the internet.o Keep a | | | | damaged or diseased fish. It is always a good idea to |
| maintenance schedule to help remind you to regularly | | | | quarantine new tropical fish in a separate salt water |
| check things like your water quality, toping off with | | | | tank before adding them to your display tank.o |
| water, replace saltwater, etc.o Feed small amounts | | | | Always wash your hands before putting them in the |
| of food regularly.o Look at your tank every day to | | | | tank or working with any equipment that will come |
| look for changes in your saltwater fish's health. Are | | | | into contact with your tanks water. Oils and anything |
| they acting behaving any differently than normal, do | | | | else on your skin (lotion, soap, etc.) can pollute your |
| they show any damage or signs of sickness.o Be | | | | saltwater setup.o Feed a varied diet that |
| sure you have sufficient circulation in your tank. Look | | | | accommodates all your saltwater tanks needs.o |
| into a power head.o Use a timer if possible on your | | | | Create passages and caves for you saltwater reef |
| tanks lights as your saltwater tropical fish like | | | | fish to enjoy. |
| structure with respect to their daytime and | | | | There are probably some other Do's that we could |
| nighttime.oBe sure to use good quality activated | | | | add to the list. However, this is a good start. Keeping |
| carbon in your tanks so that unwanted toxins are | | | | a saltwater set up going properly takes some work |
| removed and water stays clear.o Regularly replace | | | | but the benefits are well worth it. |
| your activated carbon.o Keep your tank as close as | | | | In the next article we will cover the Don'ts list for |
| possible to Natural Sea Water conditions.oAcclimate | | | | your saltwater aquarium. |