Things for New Saltwater Aquariums

Saltwater aquariums add interest and serve as a dynamic focal point in any room. These aquariums are home to various types of marine organisms. Establishing a new saltwater aquarium requires that care be taken to create conditions that mimic the natural surroundings of a saltwater habitat. Supplies including carefully selected fish, invertebrates, an appropriate tank, filter and decorations insure a healthy saltwater aquarium.

  1. Tank and Cover

    • No saltwater aquarium is complete without a tank, which is the aquarium reservoir. Choose a tank that fits your budget and your home. It needs to be large enough to accommodate the fish, water and any decorative items you want to place into the aquarium. Make sure the tank allows the fish ample room to freely move and swim. Tank material choices include lighter but more scratch-resistant acrylic or the traditional, heavier glass. Make sure the aquarium features a tank cover. This keeps fish in, covers the tank and prevents debris from floating in the aquarium water.

    Stand

    • Aquariums need a stand to support them. Aquarium stands support the weight of the aquarium and all of its contents. Aquariums can be quite heavy, as a gallon of water weighs 8 lb. Therefore, a filled aquarium can be quite substantial, depending on its volume. Select a stand that is constructed of solid material, either wood or metal.

    Filter

    • Fish waste and uneaten food needs to be removed often from the tank. Including an undergravel filter removes these particles from the aquarium water. Filtering the water keeps it healthy for the fish. Other filters include protein skimmers. These devices, mounted on the interior or exterior of the aquarium, feature a container through which air is fed. Air bubbles in the container react with waste and uneaten food, then float to the water's surface. The bubbles result in a foam that is collected in another container and emptied.

    Saltwater

    • A saltwater aquarium needs water containing salt. You can't use just any kind of salt. Avoid table salt, rock salt and salt with nitrates or phosphates. Instead, use a seawater solution mix to create the proper water environment for your pets. Use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity level to make sure the salinity of the water is in proper ratio to the size of the aquarium tank.

    Fish

    • Select healthy fish for a new saltwater aquarium. Choose fish that are active and not swimming lethargically, as this could be a sign of ill health. Some suitable species of saltwater fish include mollies, damsels, clownfish and lionfish. Choose fish such as these that are hardy, requiring less stringent care when setting up and maintaining a saltwater aquarium. Make sure to also pick up food to feed the fish.

    Air Pumps and Aerators

    • Air pumps provide electricity to filters, such as undergravel filters. Healthy fish require properly aerated water. This process infuses additional oxygen into the water while circulates the water. They also move waste gases like carbon dioxide to the water's surface.

    Additional Tools

    • Additional tools to have on hand when setting up a new saltwater aquarium include a heater, thermometer and pH testing kit. Heaters maintain a constant temperature for the aquarium. Purchase a heater that is adequate for the size of tank on hand, assuming wattage range of between 2 and 4 watts for each gallon of water in the aquarium. A thermometer measures the aquarium temperature, allowing owners to adjust the thermostat to accommodate their fish. An aquarium that is too hot reduces available oxygen and could prove harmful for the fish. Use a pH kit to monitor the acidity levels in the aquarium. This should be done on the initial tank setup and as a weekly maintenance. The pH should register in the range of 7.8 to 8.3.