How to Build a Saltwater Aquarium

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Saltwater aquariums are a little more complex than fresh water ones and you need to pay much more attention to things like water temperature and bacteria levels in the water. A lack of care can easily result in an untimely fish cemetery. With a little bit of knowledge and patience you can master the techniques and become a marine fish expert. Here are some tips for the novice on how to set up a saltwater tank with the minimum of fuss.

* Decide on your choice of aquarium - for example a reef tank or fish only tank.

* Factor in your available space for outlets - pipes, cables, plugs.

* Decide on the species of fish you want to include in your aquarium.

* Make sure you are prepared for the fact that a saltwater fish tank must cycle for an average of six weeks. Until then you won't be able to add your fish to the tank. This may seem a little disappointing at first since you are eager to see your fish in action, but there are many things to keep busy with in the meantime, so don't get discouraged.

* Remember that saltwater tanks are much more expensive than freshwater ones. They will cost you about double the normal cost if not more. Make sure your budget is adequate.

Types of Saltwater Aquarium Tanks

* Reef Tanks
These tanks feature beautiful living reefs and corals but are also the most tricky to cultivate. They also require far more equipment than a 'fish only' tank but are well worth the extra effort. Some on the job training is definitely a requirement!

* 'Fish Only' Tanks
These are tanks that contain fish and live rock or ceramic features instead of natural coral or reef. Here the focus will be on your fish species rather than reef invertebrates.

"It is better to start with a fish only tank and once you are comfortable with that, add the coral and reef components"

* Choosing a Tank

No matter which size or style of tank you choose, they will require the same maintenance. Start by determining how much space you want to dedicate to your tank and factor in available space for your outlets since a saltwater aquarium will need a lot of equipment - most of which have cords attached.

Tanks are made of glass or acrylic with the latter being by far more suitable for a saltwater aquarium. This is because the design is far more up to date, with shapes ranging from standard rectangles to cylindrical styles and even round ones. One drawback is that they tend to scratch easily, but marks can be buffed out easily once everything is set up. Interior ones are a different story - to fix these you have to dismantle the tank and have them removed professionally.

* Lighting and Filters

Lighting options are standard but filters range between canister, under-gravel and a special marine filter called a 'wet/dry' filter. This filter is a great choice for the novice aquarist. It is placed outside the tank so cleaning is easier. Before you buy one have an idea of where you are going to place it so that you know how much hose you are going to need. This kind of filter is normally placed at the base of the tank but you can also hide it in nook or cranny. Get extra hose if you think you are going to need it as standard hoses are often too short.

* Water Circulation

Marine tanks are aerated by water turbulence not by the typical aerators found in freshwater tanks. Turbulence is basically used to simulate ocean waves. A good filter will circulate water around your saltwater aquarium via its import and export hoses.

* Protein Skimmers for Your Aquarium

If you have a fish only tank a protein skimmer isn't necessary but it does make your water beautifully clear. Marine aquariums develop a foamy layer on the top as a result of water turbulence. This is the same phenomenon as you see on the beach after the tide rolls out. A protein skimmer will suck this foam off the top of the water.

Other Supplies You May Need

* Hydrometer
* Thermometer
* Heater
* Algae scrubber
* Salt
* Chemicals

Thermometers and heaters are pretty standard but a hydrometer is specially made for use in marine tanks as are several of the chemicals. Hydrometers are not expensive and they measure the water's specific gravity. In other words it tells you if the water is salty enough.

Chemicals that you need include a pH kit, marine test kit, salt and marine buffer. These will measure the levels of ammonia and nitrates in the saltwater aquarium. Keeping these within normal range is probably the most difficult part of managing a marine tank. It needs daily checking to avoid even the slightest variation.

Tank Decorations

Never use metal objects and use sand instead of gravel. Your local dealer should have a special selection for you to choose from.

Setting Up Your Saltwater Aquarium.

1. Set up all your equipment and begin adding the saltwater. Use luke-warm water so your heater won't have to work as hard. Mix the salt with water, following the instructions on the bag and then measure the salt level with your new hydrometer.

2. Fill the tank almost to the top and switch on your filter. As you do so, you will notice a change in water level - add more water accordingly.

3. Check the pH level and adjust this if you need to

4. Check the temperature and adjust the heater setting if you need to.

5. Add the marine buffer.

6. Depending on the fish species you have chosen the temperature will vary but seventy-six degrees is a good starting point.

7. If the water is cloudy from sand movement it will clear in a few days as the filter does its job.

Cycling the Saltwater Aquarium

This is the part where you learn to cultivate patience. When you build a saltwater aquarium you are always eager to add your fish immediately, but this kind of tank needs to cycle before you can do that. This means it needs time to grow the beneficial bacteria that marine fish require for life. Without it your tank will be a disaster so don't be tempted to cheat.

Cycling takes about six weeks but you can speed up the process by adding a biological supplement that aids bacterial growth and while you are waiting add some live rock as this is not a tricky substrate like coral and won't need specific temperatures or lighting. Live rock contains enzymes and bacteria too so it will help to break down fish waste.

Use these two methods to speed up the cycling process but if you want to be absolutely sure wait the whole six weeks.

The Saltwater Fish

Marine fish species are expensive to buy, most costing you upwards of $20 each. Some fish will cost even more, for example, clown fish at upwards of $100. Damsels are a cheaper option - they are good strong fish and help cycle the tank by means of their waste products. Ask your dealer for advice on which species live well together and which ones will lead to the optimal health of your saltwater aquarium.

After Cycling

Now you will need to do a partial water change. This will be the first of may such water changes. Once the bacteria have grown, a waste product of nitrates will have built up. For this reason a third of the water needs to be changed at regular intervals. If you don't, your fish will be affected and die. At this point add more salt and your marine buffer if you need to.

Check the pH and nitrate levels and temperature again and if these are on target you can start adding fish to your new saltwater aquarium! Visit your dealer and pick out some you like, always making sure you are aware of specific requirements and predatory fish that will eat your smaller ones. Either way, now is the time to really start enjoying your saltwater aquarium. Create a thriving ecosystem with marine tank and
then sit back and enjoy it

[kholio619]

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