Starting a Saltwater Aquarium

Types

A saltwater aquarium may contain fish only; fish and live rock; or fish, live rock and coral (these are called "reef tanks"). Reef tanks are the most complicated aquariums to keep, as they require a more intricate lighting system as well as better water quality and movement. The inhabitants and coral must be compatible, so reef tanks require a lot of experience and knowledge. Most beginners start with fish only or fish with live rock aquariums.

A fish only aquarium might contain fish, invertebrates, snails, and algae and detritus-eating crustaceans. For decoration, it may also contain synthetic rocks, natural dried or synthetic coral, seashells, or artificial plants.

A fish only with live rock tank contains fish and live rock, but no coral. Live rock acts as a natural filter, but when selecting fish and rock for this kind of aquarium, make sure that they are compatible.

Location

The first thing to think about is where you will place the aquarium. Saltwater weighs about 8.5 lbs. per gallon, so you want to make sure the floor can support the tank. The tank should be away from excess sunlight or temperature change, because this may affect the inhabitants' health or algae control.

Make sure that you are allowing for the actual size of the tank and its stand as well as all the accessories you will need. Keep in mind that the saltwater evaporation may start to soften drywall and any paint finish after about six months.

Finally, you want to make sure that wherever you set the tank, you will have access to drainage and a cold water source. This makes it much easier to clean and maintain the tank.

Basics

Choose the size of your tank. It may be tempting to start with something very small, but a larger tank will be more chemically stable. Most beginners go with a 55-gallon tank. Many people choose to get a tank that is pre plumbed and "reef ready" even if they do not plan to start with a reef tank because they may choose to upgrade in the future.

The two basic tank materials available are glass and acrylic. Glass aquariums are cheaper and stay cleaner, but acrylic aquariums insulate better. Most beginners go with glass and check the temperature often. Once you select the tank, you should clean it thoroughly before filling it with saltwater.

Next, you should choose a stand for your tank. Real wood is usually best because the usual alternatives--pressed and particle board--are prone to warp and collapse when around water. A good wood stand should have a coat of polyurethane to protect against water spills.

Now choose the hood. If you have a wood stand, you might choose a wood hood to match. Just as with the stand, make sure that the hood has a solid coat of polyurethane so that it won't warp as the water in the tank evaporates.

Sumps

A sump is a box that usually goes underneath the aquarium. It can hold filters, skimmers, heaters, and other accessories that are essential to your aquarium but might not be so attractive hanging all over it. Sumps aren't absolutely necessary, but they save space, provide additional aeration, contribute to good water quality, and act as a backup water overflow system if the power supply fails. You can even put supplements for the tank inhabitants in a sump in order to distribute them evenly throughout the water. Sumps are strongly recommended for beginners and experts alike because they take a lot of the guesswork out of maintaining an aquarium.

Filters

There are three important filter types: chemical, mechanical and biological. Chemical filters remove chemicals from the tank that may harm the inhabitants and discolor the water. Mechanical filters remove uneaten food, fish waste and other debris that may be harmful if left in the water. Mechanical filters allow you to go longer without cleaning the tank thoroughly by hand. Biological filters are the most important. In fact, a biological filter is the most important part of a healthy saltwater aquarium. A biological filter uses bacteria naturally found in the ocean to process toxic waste produced by the tank occupants and converts that waste into harmless elements and compounds. A working biological filter is the key to aquarium success.

Lighting

For a fish only or fish only with live rock aquarium, the lighting that comes with the hood is usually adequate. These are usually fluorescent tubes and they are fine for most aquariums. Reef tank lighting needs to be tailored to the specific types of coral in the tank. Some corals require constant, direct lighting while others need specific spectrums and intensities of light. If you are considering a reef tank, you should learn as much as possible about the corals you plan to keep and make sure that they are compatible.

Other Accessories

You may want to invest in a skimmer. Along with mechanical filters, a skimmer helps remove waste from the tank. This reduces the load on the filter.You may also want to think about top submersible heaters, which are the most efficient kind; thermometers for checking temperatures; salinity testers; an air pump for aeration; and a power strip with a timer for the lighting system. These accessories will not ensure success, but they will make tank maintenance much easier.

Before the Fish

Before you add water to the tank or introduce any fish, you will want to think about how to make the tank a habitat that fish will be comfortable in. The first element should be substrate. Substrate is decorative but can help filter and houses small sand dwelling creatures. You will want to choose a fairly heavy substrate that won't fly around the tank in water currents.

The pH of the water is essential. It is important to think about this when you are adding salt to the water. Sea salts vary according to what kind of tank you are keeping. Ask the clerk questions, and read the salt package for pH information and important instructions for adding it to water. Check the pH before adding any fish to make sure that it will be safe.

Selecting Fish

Like coral, fish need to be compatible with each other (non-aggressive toward each other). Learn about the fish you would like to have, and ask questions before you buy. In addition to fish, you may want to select invertebrates that act like "janitors" because they eat algae and clean the substrate.

If you are thinking about a reef tank, know that there are some types of coral that are easier to keep than others. If you are a beginner, you'll naturally want to start with coral that will be easy to take care of.

Also, you can't put new arrivals straight into the tank because they may be infected with parasites and you don't want to compromise the health of occupants already inhabiting the tank. You should quarantine a new arrival. Put the new fish, rock or coral in a clear container lined with a plastic bag. Use fresh saltwater (not from the tank). Add an aerator and heater if needed. Ask how long you should quarantine the new addition when you buy.

Maintenance

Once you have successfully added inhabitants, the only thing left to learn about is tank maintenance. Generally speaking, tank maintenance includes weekly water quality tests, thorough cleanings when needed, and observing the tank to make sure everything is going well. Maintenance also includes regular full tank water changes, but these can be reduced by regularly checking the pH of the water and adding nitrate absorbents and phosphate removers as needed.

Every tank will battle algae. There are several kinds that you may observe, including brown algae, which is generally not harmful; red algae, which isn't really algae but more like a cross between bacteria and algae and requires you to adjust lighting and nutrients; the most prominent kind of algae is green algae, which requires prompt attention because it can quickly take over the tank. If you notice too much green algae in your tank, cut off its sources of light, nitrates and phosphates to get rid of it. Proper filter function is very important in preventing algae growth.

Perhaps the most fun part of maintenance is feeding the fish. You may choose to hand feed the fish, or you can invest in an automatic fish feeder that fits into the sump.

If you properly set up and maintain your saltwater aquarium, you should have a beautiful and functional habitat for years to come.