How to Setup a Marine Aquarium

A marine, or saltwater, aquarium requires more equipment expertise than a simple freshwater aquarium. Most marine aquariums include live rock -- living rock formations that not only make the aquarium look pretty, but that keep the ecosystem balanced and filter out nitrates. Setting up an aquarium, especially one that includes live rock, takes days to accomplish because the water needs to stabilize. And once the aquarium is set up, it will require a lot of upkeep and monitoring to keep the fish and other animals healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Aquarium stand
  • Sand, crushed coral or gravel
  • Rock or live rock
  • Aquarium filter
  • Protein skimmer
  • Aquarium heater
  • Saltwater mix
  • 2 five-gallon buckets
  • Aquarium hood
  • Siphon
  • Toothbrush
  • Rubber gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the aquarium on a stand able to support its weight. Remember that a gallon of water weighs about 8.5 pounds, so keep that in mind when choosing a supportive stand.

    • 2

      Install the heater, filter and protein skimmer, but do not plug them in.

    • 3

      In a clean five-gallon bucket, mix the saltwater mix according to package instructions. Repeat this process until you've filled the tank. Cover the aquarium with the hood. Turn on all of the equipment and allow the water to circulate for a day or two.

    • 4

      Drain some water to allow space for the live rock. Set it up in and around the center of the tank. FishLore.com suggests using 1-2 pounds of live rock for each gallon in the aquarium. Allow the live rock to sit for a week or so, during which time you should -- every few days -- scrub off dead or dying debris using a toothbrush; siphon it up; and replace removed water. The live rock is cured when you get a reading of zero ammonia and nitrates.

    • 5

      Add one or two new fish to the aquarium every few days to give the filter system time to adjust to the new inhabitants.