How to Set Up Salt Water Fish Tank

Salt-water fish come in delightful colors

Also known as a reef tank system, a salt-water fish tank provides the necessary environment for marine life to survive. A bit more complicated than a fresh water tank, setting up a salt-water aquarium is possible when you understand what items you will need and how they are used.

Things You'll Need

• Fish tank with canopy
• Filtration system
• Live rocks
• Salt mix
• Protein skimmer
• Lights
• Saltwater fish

Instructions

1. Choose the largest fish tank you can find that fits your budget and space requirements. The idea is to simulate the natural salt-water environment a fish would experience in nature.

2. Select a stand to hold your aquarium that is at least 24 inches in height. Stands designed to hold aquariums come with cabinets and room to hold the pump and accessories.

3. Find a canopy for your fish tank. Canopies do more than keep debris (and cats) from entering the water; they house the lighting system that allows you to view your fish. A canopy that hinges in the middle, allowing one side to lift, is a good choice.

4. Install an underwater gravel filtration system in the bottom of your tank. Water circulates through the filter, removing bacteria, and pumping the water back into the tank.

5. Use a protein skimmer of adequate size to filter the saltwater. Depending upon the type you choose, it may sit in the tank, or tubing may run into the tank while the protein skimmer remains outside of the tank.

6. Add a layer of live rocks to the bottom of your tank, covering the filtration pump. Live rocks are not alive, but they allow marine creatures to live in their tiny holes and pores. Cure live rocks by placing them in your tank with water for one or two weeks before adding fish. If the rocks smell badly, cure them a couple of days longer. If you purchase pre-cured live rock, it is stable to use immediately.

7. Convert fresh water to salt water or your fish won’t survive. Use a commercially prepared salt mix to condition the water, making it viable for survival. Mix according to package directions.

8. Fill your tank with water and start the filtration system. The pump will re-circulate the water, allowing the live rock organisms to propagate and prepare the correct environment for saltwater fish.

9. Allow three days for your water to adapt before adding your choice of saltwater fish. Purchase healthy fish from a reputable pet store that specializes in aquatic animals. One sick fish can result in the death of all your fish in a very short time.