What Do You Need for a Saltwater Fish Tank?

Saltwater aquariums require more maintenance and supplies than a freshwater aquarium. Unlike freshwater fishes and animals, organisms that rely on salt for growth typically have very specific requirements. Any change in this critical salt concentration could effect growth and survival of the fish and other organisms in your saltwater aquarium.

  1. Filtration System

    • Installing a filtration system is one of the most important steps you will take in creating a successful saltwater fish tank. The relatively confined environment of your tank requires a filtration system to remove waste created by the organisms. Filtration systems come in three main types: chemical, biological and mechanical. No matter the mode of action for the filtration system, the desired result is achieved with the reduction of waste in the water.

    The Aquarium

    • According to Seaworld.org, a marine aquarium should hold a minimum of 76 liters. When building a saltwater aquarium, you should use quality materials, as salt tends to degrade glass and equipment within the aquarium.

    Heater/Chiller

    • For a tropical environment, purchase a saltwater aquarium heater with the capability to keep the water at a constant temperature of 73 to 82 degrees Celsius. The maintenance of a constant temperature is going to give you better results and improve the viability of your marine life over a heater that only keeps variable temperature.

      If instead you want to maintain a coldwater aquarium and those types of fishes, you need a chilling system. Floating bags of ice or other non-static chilling devices should not be used. You can not expect to maintain a constant temperature using this method. A chiller coil, while expensive, will allow you to keep tight temperature regulation and allow the cold marine life in your system to thrive in accurate temperatures.

    Lighting

    • Maintaining a saltwater fish tank system that mimics its marine counterpart is also important for the viability of species. Some bacterial species and fungi critical to a marine environment require light at specific wavelengths. Cyanobacteria, which help set the nitrogen cycling in a marine system, require light for photosynthesis.

    Other Equipment

    • Maintaining a constant concentration of hydrogen (pH) requires monitoring with a pH meter or pH strips. Saltwater fish tanks should have a slightly basic pH of approximately 7.5 to 8.5.

      Using gravel to line the bottom of your tank makes a nice base for holding a mechanical filtration system in place.

      Water cycling in a saltwater fish tank is very important and requires an air or bubbling system. The bubbling of water provides a way to cycle the water and also dissolves oxygen so your fish and organisms can breathe.

      Don't forget the decorations! Some of the best saltwater fish tanks include cool decorations or personalized touches that allow the fish tank to not only be functional but stylish.