How to Have Salt Fish in Saltwater Fish Tanks

Saltwater fish are among the most beautiful in the world, and setting up your own saltwater aquarium is an excellent way to bring that beauty into your home. While it is true that saltwater aquariums are a bit more difficult to set up and maintain, saltwater tanks can also be more enjoyable and engaging. Setting up a saltwater aquarium is also the perfect way to teach your family about nature and the importance of proper pet care.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Filter
  • Sand
  • Water
  • Sea salt
  • Fish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find an appropriately sized aquarium. Saltwater fish are more sensitive to changes in water quality, so choose the largest tank you can afford. A large tank will be less prone to swings in water quality and chemical composition than a smaller one.

    • 2

      Choose a suitable filtration system for the tank. A quality power filter designed for saltwater use is a good choice. When choosing a power filter, always buy one that is designed for a larger tank than the one you actually have. For instance, if your saltwater tank is 30 gallons, choose a power filter sized for a 40- or 50-gallon tank.

    • 3

      Lay down a layer of sand to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Use only sterilized sand--impurities in other sand could harm your saltwater fish.

    • 4

      Add water to the tank slowly to avoid disturbing the sand and tank decorations. Fill the tank half-full and begin adding aquarium salt at the ratio listed on the package. Only use salt that is designed for use in aquariums--this sea salt also contains trace minerals and other elements needed to maintain a good balance in your tank.

    • 5

      Choose beginner-friendly salt fish for your first tank. Blue damsels, blennies, gobies and tomato clowns are all good choices. Avoid delicate or demanding species until you have gained some experience.

    • 6

      Feed your fish according to the needs of each species. Feeding live foods like brine shrimp is one way to keep your salt fish healthy. That diet can be supplemented with a quality commercial frozen diet designed for marine fish.