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Tanks
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There are essentially three types of salt water fish aquariums: fish-only aquariums, fish and live rock aquariums and reef aquariums. Various tanks can range in size from one-gallon mini reef tanks to 300-gallon aquariums. When considering tank sizes and fish health, bigger is always better; the more surface area your tank has, the better the gas exchange and the happier your fish will be. Every fish tank should have a salinity reader and a biological filter of some sort. You will also likely require a fish stand and an aquarium hood equipped with fluorescent lights.
Fish
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Clown fish are a popular choice for salt water aquariums. A wide variety of salt water fish are available for purchase for salt water aquariums. Beginners, however, are advised to start with smaller, hardy fish that are relatively inexpensive. Fish that match this description include damsels, mollies, blennies, gobies and clownfish. Once you grow accustomed to caring for these types of fish you can begin to experiment with more fragile species such as angelfish and butterfly fish. Later, you might want to consider purchasing some of the more expensive and exotic fish such as lionfish, puffer fish, sting rays and eels.
Food
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Aquarium fish are carnivores, omnivores or herbivores, and each type of fish will have particular food requirements. Many predatory fish can be fed snails, blood worms, shrimp and/or pieces of squid or crab; live food will stimulate their predatory instincts and keep them active. Herbivores may be fed a variety of foods including small pieces of lettuce, broccoli and carrot. A wide variety of fish food pellets and flakes are available in fish stores, and these types of food are usually the main staple of your fish's diet.
Coral
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One of the benefits of having a large salt water tank is the ability to house vibrant coral. To keep coral healthy, though, you need to have a quality fluorescent lighting system and high-quality water. Some types of coral are easier to manage than others. Colt coral, flat brain coral, mushroom and leather coral and star polyps are recommended for beginners.
Tips
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You can help protect fish from diseases by boosting their food with liquid vitamins. Feed your fish small amounts of food at first, and be sure to remove excess food from the tank one hour after you have distributed it; the accumulation of food in your tank will adversely affect the water environment and fish health. To encourage fish to eat, distribute their food in places they would naturally feed; for example, push food between rocks or gravel for bottom-feeding fish or reef nibblers. Think carefully about where you put your tank before you build your environment as the aquarium will be difficult to move once you fill it; avoid direct sunlight.
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Information on Owning Salt Water Fish
Maintaining a salt water aquarium and caring for salt water fish is more complicated than maintaining fresh water tanks and fish, however added benefits of salt water tanks can include live coral, crustaceans and a greater diversity of exotic fish. You will require a relatively large tank to house a live salt water environment, and background research about the needs and tendencies of the fish and plants you plan to purchase will reduce mistakes and protect your investments of time and money.