Pet Fish - Setting Up A Saltwater Fish Tank
Saltwater fish tanks are more challenging to set up and maintain than freshwater tanks.
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A saltwater tank filled
with colorful, vibrant fish can be such a peaceful and enjoyable
addition to your home. However, these tanks are more challenging to set
up and maintain than freshwater tanks. You will need specialized
equipment to successfully own a saltwater tank.
Where to Find Discounted Aquarium Supplies
To begin setting up a
saltwater tank, you will need to start by choosing the type of tank you
want. You can choose an acrylic tank or a glass tank.
Many saltwater enthusiasts prefer to use a tank made with
acrylic, since acrylic is a better insulator, allows light to pass
through more easily and is stronger and less prone to leakage than a
glass tank. Of course, acrylic also costs a bit more than a
glass tank, but if your budget allows it, an acrylic saltwater tank
would be best.
You should purchase the
largest aquarium you can afford, as a large aquarium is more stable and
healthier for the fish. To decide how big your aquarium
should be, you will need to know how many fish you intend to place in
the saltwater tank. Make sure that for every inch of fish, you'll have
at least three to four gallons of water available.
Now it is time to add the
equipment.
You will need to purchase biological, mechanical and chemical
filtration systems to ensure your tank will be less toxic, clear and
clean. If you plan to add live rock to the tank, you will
also need to use a protein skimmer. The skimmer will remove
waste products before they break down in the water.
You will also need substrates such as sand, crushed coral and aragonite.
You will need to add a heater, air pump and thermometer to your
saltwater tank. If you want to add decorations, be sure you
do not purchase any plastic ones, as a saltwater fish is likely to eat
them. You will need to purchase a saltwater test kit, which
will be used to determine pH balance, nitrate level, calcium level,
ammonia level, temperature and alkalinity of the saltwater tank.
You'll also need a hydrometer and a saltwater mix to measure
salinity.
Clean the tank, equipment
and decorations thoroughly with water, but do not use any soaps or
detergents, as they may be harmful to the fish. Next, place
the saltwater tank on a stable stand in a well lit room.
Avoid placing the tank close to windows or open vents, as
these could affect the lighting and temperature of the tank.
Put the filter in place and put the substrates into the tank.
Then add water to the tank.
Now, you will need to test the water for chlorine and salinity. Salinity should be
around 1.022 and the pH balance should be around 8.2.
Add the other equipment and decorations to the saltwater tank. Then allow the tank to
run for at least 72 hours. During this time, retest the pH balance, nitrate, calcium and ammonia levels, and temperature at least
once a day. Add the fish only when the levels are at the right place.
Continue to monitor these levels as you add more fish.
It would be a good idea
to start off with inexpensive fish to get a hang of maintaining your
aquarium. You will want to learn how to care for the fish and
saltwater tank without losing a lot of money due to fish deaths that
may occur due to inexperience or problems with your tank.
Caring for Pet Fish
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