Guide to Saltwater Aquariums

Aquarium ownership is a hobby that's not only educational, but therapeutic as well. Freshwater aquariums contain animal and plant life that are found in fresh water sources, and saltwater aquariums contain aquatic life that can be found in oceanic waters. Although owning a freshwater aquarium is easy, saltwater aquariums require time, patience and general knowledge on how to maintain a marine ecosystem.

  1. Setup

    • Setting up a saltwater aquarium requires more care than a freshwater tank. In addition to substrate, decor and aeration, many different items are needed. A protein skimmer is an external filtration system that is needed with saltwater aquariums because it uses air bubbles to remove waste particles from the water. A hydrometer is also necessary in setting up and maintaining a saltwater aquarium. A hydrometer is a device that is used to determine the gravity of the aquarium's water. It helps to determine the proper temperature of the tank. Special water treatment is also important to maintain a marine tank. Aquarium salt can be purchased at most pet stores, and it often comes with directions on how to add the right amount to your tank. Treat your aquarium with ich treatment and water conditioner as well as stress coat.

    Decorating A Reef Tank

    • You can decorate a saltwater aquarium in the same way you would decorate a freshwater tank. However, many people like to keep a natural look and feel by incorporating live coral and rock with commercial decor. For substrate, live marine sand can be used and comes in colors like natural beige, white and black. Marine sand is rich in nutrients needed to provide a healthy environment for your fish. Add color and flair to the aquarium by placing quartz crystals and colored gems into the substrate.

    Livestock

    • There are numerous types of creatures you can stock your saltwater tank with. Whether your tank is small or a massive 200 gallons, there are plenty of fish, crustaceans and plants available. The Prawn Goby is an interesting marine fish that does well in smaller tanks as it only grows to about four inches in length. It gets along well with other members of the Goby family of fish, as well as marine snails and shrimp. The Emperor Red Snaper is a member of the Sebae family and it grows to about forty inches in length. It does great in large community tanks, and its beautiful pearl white and brown body blends well with a natural decor scheme.