How to Build an Ocean Habitat Aquarium

Fish can make great pets. Not only are they beautiful but they are easy to care for and peaceful to watch. A research study published in "Anthrozoos" in 1990 measured the effects of aquarium watching on senior citizens. It showed a trend for aquarium observers to experience a decrease in pulse rate, an increase in skin temperature and a decrease in muscle tension. Although the tank setup is a long process, building an ocean habitat aquarium will offer peace and pleasure for years.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Aquarium stand
  • Air pump
  • Filter
  • Water heater
  • Fluorescent lights and bulbs
  • Sand
  • Hydrometer
  • Thermometer
  • Marine salt
  • Aquatic plants
  • Live rocks and coral
  • Tank decorations
  • Tropical fish
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Instructions

    • 1
      The size of your aquarium will determine the number of fish you can keep.

      Choose an aquarium and an aquarium stand. The aquarium itself is often the least affordable item required when setting up a new fish habitat. Glass or acrylic models are suitable for marine fish, but glass will tend to be cheaper. Keep in mind the number of fish you'd like to keep in your aquarium: the general rule of thumb for marine fish is only one inch of fish for every three or more gallons of water.

    • 2

      Follow the manufacturer's instructions to put the air pump, heater, filter and fluorescent lights together. Make sure they are installed and placed inside the tank properly. Add sand and any nonliving decorations in the tank at this time.

    • 3

      Fill the tank with water and add salt. The goal is to keep the specific gravity reading at 1.021 to 1.026. Add salt a little at a time and continue checking the specific gravity reading with your hydrometer until the reading is at 1.020. It will take at least 24 hours for the salinity levels to stabilize, so adjust the salinity levels at that time.

    • 4

      Add the heater and thermometer. Allow the tank to run for at least 48 hours and then start the nitrogen cycling process according to the pet store's instructions. This needs to be done accurately before any ocean plants and animals can be added to the tank.

    • 5

      Add plants and animals. The best ocean habitat aquariums will closely resemble a real coral reef and live rocks will accomplish this. Sea anemones, sea urchins, turtle grass and manatee grass are all plants and animals that can be found on a natural reef and their bright colors will make your habitat glow under the fluorescent lights.

    • 6

      Stock the aquarium with invertebrates. Although fish get much of the attention in a tank, invertebrates play a critical role in the coral reef ecosystem. Common invertebrates include starfish, sponges, shrimp, lobsters and crabs.