How to Start with Saltwater Fish

Fish and sea life are both decorative and rewarding when they're kept as pets. Salt water aquariums are especially beautiful, as they offer more color and variety than fresh water setups. Salt water aquariums can offer additional challenges, though. If you're starting with salt water life, make sure you have the right setup and get started.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank (20 gallon)
  • Substrate
  • Rocks/Coral
  • Plants
  • Heater
  • Thermometer
  • Pump
  • Filter
  • UV lights
  • Light fixture
  • Salt water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put your tank in its permanent position before you start any setup. Once the tank is full of water and equipment, it's hard to move. Use a 20-gallon tank or larger, as large salt water setups are easier to maintain in regard to salinity and pH.

    • 2

      Set up the tank. Spread a substrate like gravel or sand along the bottom, and put rocks and plants around the tank. Consider using live sand and rock, or coral, to increase the biological filters in your tank. Set up a pump and filter system per the instructions on the packaging, and make sure the system is adequate for the tank size. Do not turn it on yet. Put a heater and thermometer in the tank for temperature maintenance, and equip the tank with a light fixture and UV bulbs.

    • 3

      Purchase balanced salt water at an aquarium supply shop, to ensure easy start up. Fill your tank with salt water and turn on the pump and filter. Monitor the tank for leaks and allow the filter to run for 24 hours before you put your fish into the tank.

    • 4

      Purchase fish at an aquarium supply or pet shop. Talk to an employee, and get fish that are compatible with each other and easy for beginners. Start with 2 to 3 fish to get a feel for how to care for them. Keep in mind that fish should get one gallon of water per inch of fish, so a 20-gallon tank can potentially support 20 one-inch fish.

    • 5

      Research and maintain your fish in regard to temperature, food, lighting and filtration needs. Most fish require a personal level of care, and should be kept with fish that have like needs. Many fish also require specific foods, which are available at pet shops.

    • 6

      Clean your tank once a week, rather than depending on the pump and filter to do all the cleaning. Most tanks do well with a 10 percent water change once a week, where 10 percent of the water is filtered out and replaced with new water. Small water changes equate to small changes in pH and salinity, which is better for sea life. Always purchase new salt water in the same place, to guarantee consistency in the balance.