How to Raise Salt Water Fish

Aquariums are beautiful, natural additions to any household and give people a way to have animals without dedicating the time or space required for traditional pets like cats and dogs. Saltwater tanks are specialized to house saltwater creatures, and can offer even more color and variety than freshwater tanks. If you're going to keep saltwater fish, though, make sure you follow some general guidelines.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank
  • Pump and filter
  • Heater
  • Thermometer
  • Gravel
  • Rocks and decorations
  • Plants
  • Salt water
  • Fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plan your setup and put it together before you purchase any fish. Large saltwater tanks are more successful than small ones, so use a 30- to 40-gallon fish tank. Put a 1- to 2-inch layer of gravel along the bottom of the tank, and put decorations like rocks, plants and logs into the tank. Set up your pump and filter, but don't turn them on yet. Include a thermometer to monitor the temperature and a heater to control it, because saltwater fish often require warmer temperatures. Fill the tank with saltwater, available at aquarium supply shops, and turn on your pump, filter and heater. Allow them to run for at least an hour before you add your fish.

    • 2

      Purchase saltwater fish that have similar water and temperature needs, and are compatible. Many saltwater fish are combative and will attack other fish in their community. If you're just starting out, choose one type of communal fish, and get one male and several females for breeding.

    • 3

      Put the fish in your tank and adjust the heater to achieve the required temperature for that specific sort of fish. Feed the fish with tropical fish food once a day, according to the directions on the label. A good general guideline is to spread a pinch of food over the surface of the water and monitor the fish. If they leave food at the top of the tank, restrict your feedings. If they finish quickly, and there are some fish who aren't getting enough food, increase your feedings. Keep the tank clean by changing 10 percent of the water once a month and replacing it with clean saltwater from the same retailer.