How to Stock a Saltwater Fish Tank

The breathtaking colors, bizarre shapes and interesting behavior of coral fishes and invertebrates, such as starfish, draw progressively more people to the hobby of marine aquarium keeping. Not all reef creatures are equally suited to aquarium life, though. Many grow too large for the average seawater aquarium, while others have highly specialized diets or are too aggressive. The majority of coral reef fish are territorial, and, as they are capable of inflicting serious wounds on each other, you need to choose your fish carefully. Many reef fish will also prey on invertebrates, so extreme care must be taken when combining animals such as anemones and corals with fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Marine fish and invertebrate reference book
  • An understanding of reef fish behavior
  • Lighting for invertebrate animals (optional)
  • Filtration for invertebrate animals (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide if you want to keep a reef aquarium or a fish-only aquarium. Reef aquariums typically contain many different types of invertebrates and a few peaceful fish that are compatible with them.

    • 2

      Establish your invertebrate animals first if you decide on a reef aquarium.

    • 3

      Ensure that your lighting is optimal if you are planning on keeping anemones and living corals, particularly the hard coral species, as these animals derive nutrients in part from using light to photosynthesize.

    • 4

      Ensure that your filtration is optimal if you are keeping anemones and living coral species, as these animals deteriorate very quickly in seawater that is even slightly polluted.

    • 5

      Add fish and invertebrate animals gradually. Adding them all at once will overtax the filtration system.

    • 6

      Choose fish that are dissimilar both in shape and color. Reef fish instinctively attack others that resemble themselves, and by combining fish with very different markings and body shapes, you will be more successful.

    • 7

      Select peaceful species such as butterflyfish, filefish and batfish for your aquarium. Combine predator fish such as the devil firefish only with fish of the same size, such as surgeonfish, to prevent it from hunting and eating other fish.

    • 8

      Select large angelfish and grunts as companions for moray eels, as these species will not easily be intimidated by the moray.

    • 9

      Opt for slow swimmers, such as anemonefish and cowfish in a small aquarium of under 60-gallon capacity. Avoid strong swimmers such as tangs, as these fish require space in which to swim.

    • 10

      Select robust fish, such as large wrasse and groupers to house with triggerfish, as the latter, despite being extremely attractive, can be belligerent.