Saltwater Fish Aquarium

Saltwater aquarium fish preservation is found to be little tough as compared to the freshwater aquarium fish in some ways. Water in the ocean is more stable and consistent. As there is very less chance of rapid water changes in the ocean, these fish are not able to tolerate the rapid water change in the aquarium above certain extent. Saltwater aquarium fish require more care compared to the freshwater fish in regards to their diet as well. It is advisable to give live food to these saltwater fishes, which would enhance their growth and health. They require a great care, so one should buy these fish only if he/she can take care of it properly. Beginners are recommended to start with larger aquariums.

Equipments required for a Saltwater Aquarium
In order keep a saltwater aquarium; you need the following equipments:

• Aquarium

Aquarium

• Paint the background or Aquarium Photo Background

• Live Rock

Live Rock

• Saltwater Mix
• Aquarium substrate

Aquarium substrate

• Saltwater Hydrometer or even better a refractometer

Saltwater Hydrometer

• Heater
• Aquarium filter
• Multiple Power heads (2 or 3)
• Saltwater test kit in order to check the nitrogen cycle
• Saltwater fish food

Saltwater fish food

• Rubber kitchen gloves
• Aquarium thermometer

Aquarium thermometer

• Aquarium vacuum

Aquarium vacuum

• Fish net
• Brush with plastic bristles for cleaning the live rock
• Power Strip

             Power Strip

• Osmosis or RO/Deionization filters for the make-up water.

Saltwater Aquarium Setup

• First of all after buying the aquarium, check it for leakage
• If there is no leakages clean the tank with 1 teaspoon pure bleach for each 5 gallons of water and then rinse and clean it properly
• Then install the filtration system following the instructions given by the manufacturer
• The substrate such as live sand or crushed coral should be washed properly before putting it in the tank
• After that put the plants in the aquarium
• Use the bucket to fill it with clean dechlorinated water
• Add salt to the aquarium using a hydrometer
• Then fill the tank with saltwater and leave an inch at the top
• Further start the filter system
• Then connect the heater and thermometer
• Wait for about 72 hours so that temperature rises between 75 degrees to 80 degrees and water starts moving
• Then finally add your fish when everything is all right including the chemical level

Responsibility/ Cost/ Time

You need to take care of your saltwater fish properly and have to feed them daily. You also have to check the water parameters such as nitrates and temperature following a strict daily routine. Cost is the main factor because a saltwater aquarium set up may cost more as compared to a freshwater aquarium set up. The setting up a saltwater aquarium takes time up to (4 to 8) weeks in order to fully set up the aquarium.

Beautiful Fish Aquarium

Aquariums for fish should be according to the habitat and behavior of the fish that suits its natural habitat. It has been concluded that larger tanks seem easy to care compared to the smaller tanks. The larger tanks provide better stable environment as it has large volume for waste dispersal. One can choose an aquarium according to the cost, space available and the needs of the sea fish. Smaller the aquarium more easily it will get affected by the temperature. It takes more time to get the water heated if its volume is more and just opposite happens if the volume of the water is less. Therefore, the beginner aquarists have a better choice to choose the large aquarium because it is economical and can accommodate the fish economically.

Fish Aquarium

Choosing the Tank / Aquarium Location

The first requirement is the proper location that can support the weight of the tank. Water weighs about 8 lbs a gallon and thus a 20 gallon tank weighs more than 160 pounds excluding the gravel or rocks. Apart from location, the other requirements should also be checked. The tank should be kept away from direct sunlight. The direct sunlight can support algal growth and this will affect the water temperature. It is also advisable to keep the aquarium away from a window or door as drafts may cool the tank.

Fish Aquarium Tank

Aquarium / Tank Cost

Cost of the aquarium plays a very important role in choosing the aquarium. It plays a crucial role in selecting the type and size of tank. This factor depends on the amount you can afford. The tanks made of glass are found to be less expensive compared to the Plexiglass tanks. Smaller the tank, lesser is its price.

Fish Needs

Before selecting an aquarium, one should be aware of the number and types of fish he/she is going to keep in the aquarium. The tank should be chosen according to the requirement of the species you are going to keep.

Fish in aquarium

Types of Aquarium / Tank

There are two types of most common material used for tanks in the United States, they are as follows

Glass Tanks 
These tanks are popular because they are available at low cost. These glass tanks are found to be reliable generally. It is advisable to buy guaranteed tanks as the cheaper tanks may have leakage or may be of bad quality.

Glass tanks

Plexiglass Tanks
The tanks made of this material are also very famous in the United States. It is costly but has very less chance of leakage.

Aquarium Shape 

Tank / Aquarium Shape 

As far as the shape is considered, aquariums are available in different shapes in the market. Moreover, among all the aquariums, the most popular is the rectangular shaped. They have large surface area and so they are preferred for housing fish. Tanks are also available in other different shapes such as hexagonal. However, these hexagonal shaped aquariums or tanks have a drawback that they do not provide enough space to the fish for swimming freely.