How to Prepare a Salt Water Fish Tank

Keeping an aquarium full of fish and other wildlife is a simple and relatively easy way to bring animals into your life. Keeping a saltwater tank opens up a realm of new possibilities. Saltwater fish are more colorful than freshwater fish, and there is a greater variety of marine life that can live in saltwater. But saltwater tanks also come with greater challenges, like maintaining the water alkalinity and salinity balances, finding saltwater fish that can coexist, and decorating and maintaining the tank.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fish tank
• Soft cloth
• Sump-based filtration system (including protein skimmer, submersible heater, filter sock and return pump)
• Thermometer
• Commercial salt mix (available at fish stores)
• Plastic trash can (at least 20 gallons)
• Powerhead (submersible pump)
• Submersible heater
• RO/DI (reverse osmosis/deionization machine)
• Substrate (coral, gravel, etc.)

1. Decide on the size of your tank and where you're going to keep it. Put the aquarium in a place that maintains a fairly consistent temperature, where it won't experience much direct sunlight. Place your aquarium in a place that is convenient--you won't want to move it once it's filled with water.

2. Clean your tank with fresh water. Use the cloth to make sure the glass is clean. Cover or paint the back, if desired.

3. Prepare your equipment, including filtration system and thermometer. Install this equipment in the tank before you put the water in, but do not turn it on.

4. Prepare your water using salt mix (available at fish or pet stores). Place the submersible pump and heater in the bottom of the trash can to circulate the water. Use the RO/DI to prepare enough water to fill the trash can. Add the salt per the manufacturer's directions.

5. Add the substrate (sand, coral, etc.) to your tank as your base. Always research the pros and cons of each substrate. Add rocks, coral, etc. as desired.

6. Allow the saltwater to age for 48 hours in the trash can, then add it to your aquarium. Turn on the filtration system and allow it to run for a day as a test. Check for leaks, adjust the temperature, add plants, and balance the nitrates and alkalinity at this time. Most saltwater wildlife needs a pH between 8.2 and 8.4. Never let it drop below 8.0. The nitrate reading should be between 5 and 20 parts per million. Take a sample of your water to your local fish store for help in testing it. Your aquarium is now ready for your fish and wildlife.

Tips & Warnings

• Beginners should start large tanks--more water means more chemical stability. Water changes should include 10 percent to 20 percent of your aquarium's capacity--keep a supply of saltwater available by maintaining it in your trash can.
• Some fish will be damaged by the alkalinity of coral. Always research a fish species' tolerances before introducing it into your aquarium. Ordinary tap water will damage a marine environment. Always use water from the RO/DI.

References

• Fish Fair: Starting With Saltwater
• Beginning Saltwater: Before Buying Your Fish