What Do You Need for a Salt Water Tank?

Many factors come into play when deciding to set up a salt water tank. The size of the tank, location, cost, time, and the type of live animals you will have are the most important. Deciding to bring a saltwater tank into your life is not a hobby; it's a lifestyle.

  1. Location

    • Choose a spot for your future tank. For most people the size of the space that they have to work with will dictate the size of the aquarium that they purchase. Think long term, as this will be a long term investment for you. You want to find a spot that is out of direct sunlight and can be accessed easily.

    Tank and Stand

    • Research the type of tank you want. Tanks come in a wide range of sizes from two gallons to two-thousand gallons. Once your tank is picked out, make sure you either have a flat surface to place your tank on, otherwise purchase a tank stand to go along with it. Most nano tanks have lights, filters, and pumps included, larger tanks do not.

    Live Sand and Salt Water

    • Purchase the right amounts of live sand and salt water for your tank. The fish store where you are buying your tank from should be able to provide you with the correct amounts.

    Salt Water Test Kit and Cleaning Supplies

    • Test your water once your tank is set up. Do this regularly and make out a schedule for yourself.
      Your new tank will require routine maintenance. You'll need to clean the glass of the tank, the filters and sand. Purchase fish nets and clean nonabrasive sponges (with or without the handle).

    Live Rock

    • Select a good mixture of small and large pieces of live rock. Live rock is used to build the reef in your tank, and it acts as a natural water filter. There are many types of live rock ranging from Fiji live rock, to Mexican live rock. Your local fish store will help you determine the type of live rock that will work for you.You will need one and a half pounds of live rock per gallon of water in your tank.

    Fish

    • Select fish that will be compatible in your new tank. A good rule to follow is you want to have four to six gallons of water per fish. If you have a twenty-four-gallon tank, the maximum number of fish you want is four. Your local fish store will be able to help you with your fish selection.