How to Build a Large Marine Aquarium

Marine aquariums are challenging to build but rewarding to have.

Marine aquariums, also known as salt-water aquariums, are slightly more challenging to build and maintain than freshwater aquariums. They house a unique ecosystem that must incorporate the proper elements in order to create an environment in which their future inhabitants will thrive. When built properly, marine aquariums can be perfect homes for attractive and colorful tropical fish, crustaceans and invertebrates such as coral and jellyfish.

Things You'll Need

• Glass tank with canopy lid and lighting
• Stand
• Filtration system
• Aquarium heater
• Live rock
• Live sand
• Coral
• Decorations
• Aquarium salt
• Distilled water
• Large plastic container

Instructions

1. Place the glass tank on top of the stand.

2. Spread the live sand along the bottom of the tank until the sand is between 4 and 6 inches deep

3. Place the live rock and decorations in the tank.

4. Install the filter and heater without plugging them in or turning them on. Once installed, fill the filter up with fresh water.

5. Mix the distilled water and salt in a container. Once the water is properly mixed it can be added to the tank. Repeat this step to completely fill the tank.

6. Place the canopy with the light on top of the tank. Plug in the filter and heater; turn them on. Allow the tank to establish itself for one or two days before adding fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Glass tanks range in size from 10 gallons to hundreds of gallons; a large marine tank will need a sturdy stand underneath it.

• Research the fish you want to put in the marine tank before buying them. Some fish aren't compatible, while others do well in a community setting.

• This sand is called "live sand" because it contains millions of beneficial bacteria that help process the waste accumulated in the tank.

• The "live rock" is porous and holds beneficial bacteria and organisms while providing a place for coral to establish itself and fish to hide.

• Filter and heating systems have various installation procedures. Consult the accompanying instructions.

• The aquarium salt should be specifically designed for marine aquariums, and will have directions on the package stating how much to use.

References

• Rate My Fish Tank: Setting Up A Saltwater Tank
• Aquatics Unlimited: Saltwater Aquarium Guide
• Fishlore: Saltwater Aquarium Setup

Resources

• Badman's Tropical Fish: Introduction to Salt Water