How to Set Up for Mixed Reef Saltwater Tank Requirements

Fish tanks provide beauty, peace and a sense of nature in any household. They are especially valuable for people who want pets, but don't have time or space. Saltwater, or reef, tanks increase the potential for beauty with a wider range of animal and rock choices. To successfully maintain a saltwater tank, start with the right setup and then buy the creatures you want.

Things You'll Need

20-gallon tank
Pump and filter
Thermometer
Heater
Substrate (rock, gravel, sand)
Rocks, plants
Live sand
Live rock
Saltwater

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a 20-gallon or larger tank. A large tank will give you more space and choice when it comes to marine life and decorations. Purchase saltwater at an aquarium supply shop, to ensure that you get balanced water. Consider purchasing live coral and live sand at the same shop (both contain live bacteria). Live coral and sand increase the biological filtration in a reef tank.
- 2
  Decide on your home setup. Put the fish tank in its permanent location now, before it's full of water. Set up your pump and filter system, heater and thermometer, per the instructions that come with the systems. Don't turn on any of your equipment yet.
- 3
  Decorate your reef tank. Put a 2-inch layer of substrate (sand, gravel, rocks) along the bottom of the tank, and add plants and rocks as desired. If you're planning to use live rock or sand, don't add them yet; being out of the water will kill the organisms.
- 4
  Add saltwater to your tank. Pour it down the inside of one side of the tank to avoid displacing any of your decorations. Once the tank is full, add any live rock and sand.
- 5
  Turn on your equipment and allow the pump and filter to run for at least an hour before adding any fish or other marine life. Monitor the thermometer and heater during this time to ensure that both are working, and adjust the temperature for the specific needs of your marine life.