Things You'll Need:
- Fish tank with stand
- Water Heater
- Marine salt
- Light fixture
- Filter
- Sand
- Hydrometer
- Thermometer
- Conditioner
- PH Controller
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Step 1
Before setting up one please consider:
1. How much space do you have and where are you going to put it.
You can convert an existing fresh water fish tank into salt but not the other way around.
2. What type of fish are you going to have? Not all marine fish are compatible and with that said make sure when you are ready to buy to ask if fish will do ok with other fish. -
Step 2
Setting up the fish tank
Make sure the tank fits nicely on the stand and is level correctly. Add water, sand, salt (keep hydrometer inside water to measure salt level.) At this point the water will look like milk. Every other day mix the water. Make sure the filter is plugged in and running. The water will clear in about 2 months. Yes 2 months!! -
Step 3
Once the water is ready, add the heater, lighting (this plays one of the major factors especially if having corals.) Ask a sales associate before purchasing light fixture. Leave for a least 3 days more running, you need to have the water temperature between 78 and 82 degrees. Decide if you are going to have live rock and add to fish tank.
When adding life rock to a fish tank you should consider 1 pound per gallon. -
Step 4
Condition the water, test the salt level, ph and make sure temperature is ok.
Ok now you are ready to buy your fish.
If you are an apprentice consider buying 1 or 2 non expensive creatures, acclimate the fish before putting into the tank.
In order for your fish to acclimate you need you place the bags on the fish tank with out letting the fish out, this will bring the water in the bags to the same temperature as the one in the tank. Acclamation should be at least 2 hours.
Congratulations on your new fish tank.
Best, Mily
