DIY Saltwater Tanks

Fish tanks are bright, soothing additions to a room, and can provide a way for you to increase your experience with marine life through careful cultivation. Saltwater aquariums offer additional options, with marine creatures that range from colorful fish to echinoderms like starfish to crustaceans like lobsters, crabs and shrimp. To be successful with your saltwater tank, though, it's important that you set it up correctly and responsibly.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank
  • Pump or filter
  • Heater
  • Thermometer
  • Saltwater
  • Gravel or sand
  • Rock or coral
  • Decorations
  • Plants
  • Light fixture
  • Fluorescent light bulb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a permanent location for the tank before you set it up so you don't have to worry about moving it after it's full of equipment and water. Put the tank against a wall, for security, in a spot where it's out of direct sunlight, which could lead to algae growth in the water.

    • 2

      Set up your decorations and equipment while the tank is empty, for safety and convenience. Put a 2-inch layer of gravel or sand along the bottom. If you're putting crabs or shrimp in your tank, give them rocks and gravel in which to dig. Place rocks, plants and other decorations around the tank for fish and animals to hide in. Do not add any live plants, rock or sand at this time.

    • 3

      Attach your heater to the inside of the tank per the directions on the package and follow up with your thermometer, to monitor the action of the heater. Set up your pump and filter, per the directions, but don't turn them on yet. Make sure your pump and filter are large enough to handle your tank's water capacity. This measurement will appear on the label of the equipment.

    • 4

      Pour 4 to 5 inches of saltwater (available at aquarium supply shops) into the tank. Add any live rock, sand, reef or plants. These items contain live organisms, and must stay in water at all times. Add saltwater until your tank is full.

    • 5

      Turn on your equipment and allow at least an hour of filtration before you add any animals.