Information on Salt Water Fish

Setting up a saltwater aquarium can be a great hobby, but it is important to understand the needs of these special creatures. Saltwater fish require special care, and it is important for hobbyists to educate themselves about what those fish need to thrive.

  1. Filtration

    • Adequate biological, mechanical and chemical filtration is important for any tank, but it is even more critical for saltwater environments. Saltwater hobbyists will need to look at the various kinds of filters, including in-tank filters, power filters and under-gravel filters, to provide adequate filtration for the tank.

    Sensitivity

    • Saltwater fish tend to be more sensitive to problems with water quality. A spike in ammonia or nitrate levels that most freshwater fish would handle easily can be fatal to many species of saltwater fish.

    Good Beginner Fish

    • Damsels, clownfish and tangs are good choices for first-time saltwater hobbyists. Fish that do well in brackish water such as mollies, blennies and gobies can also be good choices.

    Protein Skimmer

    • A protein skimmer is designed to provide an extra level of filtration by removing uneaten food that would otherwise foul the tank. Since many new hobbyists make the mistake of overfeeding, a good protein skimmer is a must for the first timer's saltwater aquarium.

    Saltwater Fish for the Expert

    • Certain species of saltwater fish such as the poisonous lionfish and the delicate seahorse are best left to expert fish keepers. These species can be notoriously difficult to keep so until you have gained some experience, it is best to enjoy them in someone else's tank.