How to Add Water to a Saltwater Aquarium

Regular water care will keep your marine life healthy.

Reducing nitrate levels in water is a good way to provide a stable environment for aquatic life in your saltwater aquarium. Dedicated water maintenance is critical to marine life care. Water changes are a bit more challenging in a saltwater tank versus a freshwater tank. However, thanks to modern technology, one-step salt mixes are widely available, making the task easy and inexpensive.

Things You'll Need

• Commercial salt mix
• Siphon
• 5-gallon bucket
• Aquarium thermometer
• Saltwater test kit

Instructions

1. Disconnect all power from your tank.

2. Remove the top glass and clean it, along with any other glass that may need attention.

3. Siphon out at least 10 percent of the aquarium water into a 5-gallon bucket.

4. Rinse filter media in the bucket. Clean all pumps, hoses and other attachments using siphoned aquarium water.

5. Wipe excess salt from the top lips of the aquarium.

6. Mix a new batch of saltwater using a commercial salt mix and water according to package directions. Be sure to use dechlorinated water.

7. Use a saltwater test kit to test the salinity of the new water mix. Also use a thermometer to test the temperature of the new water to be sure it's the same as the existing tank water.

8. Replace the cleaned filter, pumps and accessories.

9. Pour the new water into the aquarium slowly to avoid disturbing the fish and plant life.

10. Plug in the power, and start up the pumps, lights and heater.

References

• Pet University: Saltwater Aquarium Maintenance
• Fins.actwin: Beginning Saltwater--Long-term Success
• Fishlore: How To Setup a Saltwater Fish Aquarium