How to Set Up for Mixed Reef Salt Water Tank Requirements

Fish tanks are bright, sparkling jewels in any house. Aquariums bring the peace and serenity of the ocean into a living space, and add color and life to a room. Choose a reef or saltwater tank to give yourself additional choices with marine life. If you set up your tank the correct way, your fish will thrive.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon tank
  • Pump and filter
  • Heater
  • Thermometer
  • Substrate (gravel, sand, live sand)
  • Decorations (live and plastic plants, rock, live rock, coral)
  • Saltwater
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a tank that is 20 gallons or more. Larger saltwater tanks are easier to work with because they allow for more dilution of waste in the higher water capacity. Purchase the tank, saltwater, dry sand, live rock and sand, coral and other decorations.

    • 2

      Set up your equipment. Put the pump and filter together according to the system's instructions. Double-check whether the system is strong enough to handle your water capacity. Install the pump and filter, but don't turn it on. Put the heater and thermometer in the tank and hook them up per the directions.

    • 3

      Put all your decorations in the tank. Put dry sand, rocks and plastic plants in their chosen locations. Arrange at least two inches of sand on the bottom, and place rocks in secure positions. Fill the tank with several inches of saltwater, and add any live rock material. Live sand, live rock and coral contain organisms that will die if they're taken out of the water. All elements should be placed securely before you progress.

    • 4

      Add the rest of the saltwater. Pour it down the inside of one of the walls of the tank to avoid displacing your decorations or sand. Add saltwater until the tank is nearly full.

    • 5

      Turn on your equipment. Test all elements individually to ensure there are no leaks or malfunctions. Allow the equipment to run for at least an hour before you add any sea life. Adjust the thermometer to get the temperature you need for your fish or sea life, which will require particular levels of temperature and lighting.