How to Start a Salt Water Aquarium

Setting up a salt water aquarium can add a piece of ocean life to your home or office. Known to reduce stress, saltwater aquariums are filled with brightly colored tropical fish and gently swaying marine plant life, accompanied by the soothing buzz of the filter. Saltwater aquariums require more patience and attention to detail than freshwater aquariums.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Cover
  • Stand
  • Lighting
  • Filtration system
  • Heating system
  • Thermometer
  • Gravel vacuum or siphon
  • Saltwater mix
  • Large bucket
  • Hydrometer
  • Substrate
  • Fish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a tank from an aquatic supply shop or pet store. Choose the largest tank you can care for and afford. Make sure the tank has a cover and stand. Purchase a thermometer and lighting, filtering and heating equipment for your tank. Purchase saltwater mix.

    • 2

      Set up your aquarium near electrical outlets. Check that the stand is level and balanced before placing the tank on top.

    • 3

      Install the lighting, filter, heater and thermometer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for each piece of equipment.

    • 4

      Test the equipment. Fill the tank with fresh water. Plug in each piece of equipment. Monitor the tank for 48 hours. Check for leaks. Make sure the lighting and filtering equipment is working. Ensure the temperature in the tank is maintained between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Mark the water level on the outside of the aquarium to use as a reference; you know the equipment works well with water at that level.

    • 5

      Turn off the equipment. Empty the tank with a gravel vacuum or siphon.

    • 6

      Prepare the saltwater. Combine the saltwater mix with tap water in a large bucket, following the directions on the mix. Stir until all particles are dissolved. Add the saltwater to the tank.

    • 7

      Use a hydrometer to test the salt content of the water. Hydrometers test the gravity of a liquid compared to the gravity of plain water. Ideally, the specific gravity reading will be between 1.020 and 1.023.

    • 8

      Add substrate to the aquarium. Use rocks, sand, peat, coral sand or crushed limestone. Spread the substrate along the bottom of the aquarium.

    • 9

      Add plants and decorative elements to create an aquascape. Include shelter or hiding spots for the fish.

    • 10

      Run the aquarium for at least two days, monitoring the water temperature and salt content to make sure they maintain adequate levels.

    • 11

      Add tropical fish to the aquarium. Start with a few fish and continue monitoring the water temperature and salt content. Add more fish as you like.