Complete List of Supplies for a Saltwater Aquarium

Choose Your Tank

• Fish aquariums vary widely in size. The amount of space you have available to devote to your saltwater aquarium will determine the size of aquarium you will need. Thirty gallons is the absolute smallest you will want to go, otherwise the bigger the better when it comes to saltwater environments.

Filtration

• This is likely the most important aspect of your saltwater aquarium. Some aquariums come with a filtration system built right in, but if you have selected one that does not you will definitely need one. Choose from biological, chemical, or mechanical filtration systems; the type you choose will depend on your preference. Research all three before making your decision. You might even want to do a combination if necessary.

  For added space and convenience, look into a sump and see if it will suit your needs. Sumps can house a wet/dry trickle filter, heater, protein skimmer, and overflow water.

Protein Skimmer

• Do not omit a protein skimmer when you buy your start-up supplies! According to aquaticcritter.com, "Tropical reefs, the natural domain of most saltwater aquaria species, are virtually devoid of nutrients (organic compounds). The function of the protein skimmer is the removal of dissolved organic substances from the aquarium prior to their being biologically broken down, producing ammonia and nitrite before being converted into less harmful nitrates." Protein skimmers lighten the load on the filtration system and keep the water more evenly balanced.

Test Kits

• In order to keep your fish and invertebrates healthy, the water in your aquarium needs to be monitored in order to assure proper pH, nitrate, ammonia, calcium, phosphate and nitrite levels. A saltwater aquarium can be an expensive hobby, so keeping an eye on the water solute is in your best interest.

Heater and Thermometer

• Fish need to be kept at certain temperatures in order to thrive. Anything above or below the recommended temperature for your specific species and you could have a problem on your hands. There are submersible heaters and under-gravel heaters depending on which you prefer, or which would work best for your setup. The thermometer will help you keep an eye on the temperature so you can make the necessary adjustments. Some aquariums, depending on their size, require two heaters. Putting one at each end of the aquarium will help balance out the temperature.

Lighting

• Not only would you like to see your saltwater habitat, but light is also essential for different species' growth and function. There is a plethora of bulbs to select from, and what you choose will depend upon the size of your tank and the inhabitants in it. Some light fixtures can simulate the shining daytime sun and the lunar light of nighttime, while others operate more simply.

  If you decide you'd like to add a canopy (or hood) to your aquarium, the lighting and cooling fans can easily and discreetly fit inside while adding a finished look to your tank.

Substrate

• This is the stuff on the bottom of your aquarium. What you select will ultimately depend on what visually pleases you and what function you want the substrate to perform. Certain substrates can affect filtration and chemical balance, which in turn can affect your inhabitants. If you plan to put plants in your aquarium, consider a substrate that will allow the roots to take hold. Research all of the types to see which will work best for you and the creatures you plan to pair the substrate with.

Sea Salt

• Marine salt must be added to the water in order for the fish and invertebrates to survive. Adding saltwater fish and marine life to fresh water will only result in death. Some stores sell ready-made seawater, which is all ready to go and merely needs to be added to the aquarium. For those of you who prefer the DIY method, sea-salt mixes can be purchased and added separately. The type of mix you buy should reflect what you have in your tank; certain mixes are better for reef tanks than fish tanks, and vice versa.

Fish and Live Rock

• You will want to make sure your aquarium is in proper working order before you add any live beings into it, including live sand and live rocks. If something isn't working correctly everything in the tank can be killed--which is costly!

  The type of fish you choose should, at first, reflect a hardy species that will be able to acclimate while your aquarium matures and finds the right balance (this could take up to a year). Once you have everything under control and all water tests have come back showing what a good job you're doing, add in some tropical species or some of the more expensive fish you originally wouldn't have taken a chance on losing.

  Live rock helps make a saltwater aquarium look beautiful, provides hiding places for fish, and allows a surface for other species to grow. Coral, sponges, algae, and other invertebrates grow on live rock. Live rock also acts as a biological filter and helps keep the water pH levels balanced.

Extras That Are Good Ideas

• It's going to take a lot to run your saltwater aquarium. Consider using an alternate power source in the event you lose electricity. It does happen from time to time, and a simple outage shouldn't have to result in the death of anything in your aquarium. You have a backup for your computer--make sure you have one for your fish!

  Keep a "hospital" tank on hand for sick fish or ailing marine life. This is a better way to administer medications and help the critter to recover without the added stress of other fish, or chancing the other marine life becoming sick as well.