Beginners Questions on Saltwater Aquariums

Owning a saltwater aquarium gives fish enthusiasts the chance to simulate an ocean environment in their own home. While putting together a saltwater environment can be fun, it is important to be patient when starting up an aquarium. Without proper preparation, fish can have trouble surviving in a simulated saltwater environment. Make sure to be aware of all of the work that must go into a saltwater aquarium before starting one.

  1. How Do I Set My Tank Up?

    • To replicate a real-life saltwater environment, you need sand or rocks on the bottom. Fill the tank with water mixed with a saltwater component. Get filters for your aquarium and get materials to clean the glass. Try out a background to give the tank even more of an oceanic look. Get live rock or pieces of coral to create a realistic environment. Live rock has helpful living things and bacteria that are necessary.

    What Type of Fish Can I Get?

    • Plenty of saltwater fish are available to choose from. The lionfish lives up to 10 years and needs live organisms as food. Surgeon fish have a sharp spine and a wide range of colors. The clownfish can live up to 10 years and have a unique stripe pattern. Damsel fish have a less strict diet and live four years at the most. Angel fish like to eat vegetables and must be kept in a consistent environment, though if well maintained they can survive 20 years.

    What Other Organisms Should I Get?

    • Snails make a good choice for saltwater tanks because they will help a lot in cleaning algae off the glass and decorations. Crabs also work well in saltwater aquariums because they consume waste. Sea anemones take care of algae and offer a unique look to the aquarium. As they move back and forth in the aquarium, they help give the appearance of a real ocean. Sponges are another versatile option, though lighting must be kept low for them.

    What Maintenance Is Required?

    • With the proper organisms in place to eat algae and waste, maintenance is easier. Make sure that the water in the tank is kept relatively warm and a constant temperature that does not shift and affect the inhabitants. Make sure to add more water when necessary and clean the filters when they begin to get dirty. Use a glass scraper to get rid of debris that builds up.