Starter Tips for a 55-Gallon Saltwater Aquarium

A saltwater aquarium allows the aquarist to house a selection of stunningly beautiful coral reef fish and invertebrates such as living corals. The vividly colored coral fish are highly territorial, so aquarists can't keep as many marine fish in an aquarium as freshwater fish. Saltwater holds less oxygen than freshwater, and marine aquariums require good filtration and careful management. With diligence and the necessary attention, a saltwater aquarium can be exciting and interesting to set up and maintain.

  1. Water Requirements

    • Although it is possible to use natural sea water, plankton often ends up in the tank when you use natural ocean water. The plankton quickly dies in the confines of an aquarium and pollutes the water. Natural sea water may also contain disease-producing organisms. Use a high-quality synthetic sea salt to negate the problems associated with collecting water from the sea. Mix synthetic sea salt with reverse osmosis (RO) water, as tap water typically contains nitrates and phosphates. Reverse osmosis water is available from your aquatic dealer. You can gauge the specific gravity of sea water with a hydrometer, which should show a reading of 1.025.

    Filtration

    • Aquarists typically install a canister filter containing mechanical, biological and chemical filter materials to clean a 55-gallon marine aquarium. The aquarist should also include a good-quality protein skimmer on this size aquarium. Molecules of organic waste from the feces and urine of fish and invertebrates attach to the microfine bubbles that are injected into the body of the skimmer. The stable foam that develops pushes up into a collection cup and separates from the water.

    Temperature and Lighting

    • Tropical marine creatures require a temperature in the region of 78 to 82 degrees F. Coral reef invertebrates, such as living sponges and sea anemones, require strong light of the correct intensity and spectrum. Metal halide lights provide ideal light but give off heat. If you have a do-it-yourself tank, always suspend this type of lights above the aquarium instead of including it in the canopy, to prevent the water from heating up too much. Very high output (VHO) fluorescents are also available and most suitable for use above saltwater aquariums.

    Feeding

    • Damsel and anemonefish will accept flake food, but most marines will more readily eat fresh and frozen seafood items, such as prawn, calamari and line fish. Live brine shrimps and earthworms are highly nutritious, and a number of companies offer gel-based diets enriched with minerals and vitamins. Herbivorous coral fish, such as tangs, require algae. You can also supplement their diet with pieces of nori and blanched spinach. Place the pieces of either spinach or nori between the teeth of a produce clip attached to the inside aquarium glass to make it accessible to the fish. You can feed marine fish more than once daily, but only the amount they will consume in a five-minute period.