How to Set Up a New Marine Aquarium

Choose an area in your house to place your new aquarium. This area should be away from drafts, areas that experience rapid temperature change and not in direct sunlight.

Research the types of fish you wish to purchase for your marine aquarium. Knowing the expected size and growth of the fish you desire will help determine the size of aquarium needed.

Purchase the largest fish tank that will fit in your chosen area and budget, as a larger tank sustains a better environment and requires less maintenance. Many aquarists suggest starting with a 40-gallon tank, although smaller tanks may be used with more frequent testing and maintenance.

Purchase a fish tank stand. You can substitute a large table or dresser for a stand, saving money and setup time.

Select hood lighting for your tank. If you intend to buy live aquarium plants and coral, speak with your local aquarist about light recommendations for the species of plants and coral you choose.

Select a filtration system for your tank. The most popular saltwater filter is live rock and sand, which acts as a biological filtration system. Live rock is old coral or other hard, porous material filled with microscopic organisms. A light filter system must accompany live rock, along with a protein skimmer for proper filtration.

Purchase your live rock, sand and a power strip. Many aquarists suggest that you buy one to two pounds of rock per gallon of saltwater. Purchase sand in the ratio of one-half to one pound of sand per every gallon of saltwater. Do not use sandbox sand. Purchase living sand, aragonite based sand or crushed coral.

Wash your tank out with water. Do not use soap or cleaners.

Fill your tank with freshwater to check for leaks. If no leaks are detected, completely drain the freshwater and dry the outside of the glass.

Attach or paint your background for the aquarium. If using a vinyl or plastic background, seal the background with tape from top to bottom, side to side. This keeps salt creep from forming between the glass and the background. If you are painting your background, deep blue or black are excellent hues. Each color adds depth to your tank and enhances the bright colors of your fish.

Install your tank, stand, heater, thermometer, filtration system and protein skimmer. Make sure your power cord is covered with a drip protector, but don't plug anything in at this time.

Combine water, salt mix and water conditioner in a five-gallon bucket. Once the saltwater has reached a specific gravity reading between 1.021 and 1.024 on your hydrometer, you can add the water to your tank.

Repeat the previous step as need to fill your tank with saltwater, and allow it to circulate for one to three days.

Position your live rock in the center of the aquarium by draining some of the saltwater, and gently setting the rock on the aquarium bottom.

Cure your live rock for one week to two months, depending upon the amount of living rock your tank contains. Perform rock curing by turning the tank power off every few days and scrubbing the rock with a plastic bristled brush (toothbrush). The rock will smell during curing. When your living rock is finished curing, your tank will smell like the ocean, without obnoxious odor. Siphon any debris that falls from your curing living rock.

Drain more saltwater from your tank and add the sand. Using a ladle or plastic cup will allow for precise placement. If sand settles on any living rock, remove it using a blower.

Monitor your aquarium readings for the next few days. Your tank is ready for fish when the following readings are achieved: temperature of 75 to 80 F, specific gravity of 1.021 to 1.024, pH level of 8.0 to 8.4, ammonia level of 0, nitrite level of 0, nitrate level of 20 ppm or less, and a carbonate hardness of 7 to 10 dKH.

Add new fish to you tank by first acclimating them to your tank's saltwater in a five-gallon bucket. After an hour, place your fish in your tank.

Perform monthly maintenance on your tank. Replace twenty percent of your tank's water every month and check the above-mentioned tank readings.