The requirements are different than those for a freshwater aquarium, with perhaps a smaller margin for error, but they can be mastered with information and practical skills in setting up the tank and caring for it. If you’ve wanted to wade into the briny waters of a marine aquarium, there’s no good reason that you should hesitate to give it a try.

The main issue to keep in mind when beginning a saltwater aquarium is that marine fish are more sensitive to changes in their environment, so consistent monitoring and precision adjustments are the key to maintaining a healthy tank and happy fish. PH, nitrate, and temperature concerns are carry-overs from the world of freshwater aquariums. Add to those the specific gravity level of the water, a factor closely related to salinity (saltiness), and you’ve got the major criteria that must be understood and mastered.

So what is the perfect environment based on these parameter? Starting with the crucial pH level, salt water fish and marine invertebrates require pH levels between 8.0 and 8.4, so shooting for 8.2 is perfect. Levels below 8.0 can cause problems pretty quickly, while numbers above 8.4 are less damaging, but need to be brought back into balance. When it comes to nitrates, less is better. Invertebrates thrive at levels below 5ppm, but will tolerate up to 20ppm, the upper level for saltwater fish. The temperature for most marine tanks should remain as steady as possible, with acceptable range from 75F to 80F (24C – 27C). Finally, the specific gravity of the tank should be between 1.02 and 1.03. Since saltwater varies by location, fish are somewhat adaptable and will adjust if the levels are kept in this range.

Now that you have the baseline environmental factors in mind, here are some additional tips for keeping your saltwater aquarium healthy for the long-haul.

First, choose quality components for your tank. For example, saving a few dollars on a cheap filtering system won’t seem like a value if it fails and you have to replace expensive fish.

Secondly, monitor daily with the appropriate test kits on hand. Be overly cautious in the first 4-6 weeks until your tank has gone through the standard cycling process. Once equilibrium is established you may find that less frequent testing is needed. But err on the side of caution until you have a good handle on your tank’s conditions.

The use of new LED aquarium lighting can bring out vibrant colors from coral and fish. While it is a slightly more expensive option as opposed to traditional lighting, the beauty as well as the added benefits (such as lower heat production and energy costs) should not be overlooked. You can find LED lighting at http://ledplantgrowlights.net/

Finally, develop a regular routine covering important practices like water changing on a monthly basis, scraping and cleaning off algae on a weekly basis, and feeding your saltwater aquarium’s inhabitants about twice a week. This will help maintain the kind of consistency necessary for the tank and your fish to thrive.

Salt water Aquarium..240pounds live rock

Other Salt Water Aquarium Blogs

• How can I start my saltwater aquarium? | ShinerScoop.net Home – Fish Collecting Nets
• vici blog » Blog Archive » Saltwater Aquarium (William R. Nabaza of http://www.Nabaza.com/pets.htm)
• My Oceanic Biocube 29 Saltwater Aquarium | Aquarium Blog

www.exclusivefishfilms.com

Other Salt Water Aquarium Blogs

The second update on my new 235g tank including how my Russian Roulette luck is holding out ***Comments and more videos can be found @ www.mrsaltwatertank.com ***

Hey guys, here is my update vid on my 120 gallon saltwater fish tank! Also an unboxing from liveaquaria of a bunch of fish. If you have any questions or feedback please let me know!! Thanks! Fish I got from LiveAquaria: *2 Purple Firefish *2 Ignitus Anthias *1 Regal Tang *1 Longfin Fairy Wrasse *1 Blood Red Fire Shrimp *1 Orange Sea Star *1 Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber

Hi Here is a new lighting system i have put in my fish tank, the light is LED and can be set to any color you want. Its a wicked piece of kit.

DIY saltwater aquarium sump tank and overflow

Dont forget to look at my new reef music video Corals in Paris youtu.be UPDATE: I remastered this video, it has minor changes but feels livelier! You can find it here: www.youtube.com This is my reef aquarium, had it for 6 years. Film: used a DXG-569V HD 5.1 Megapixel camcorder Soundtrack: Strip Club remix (instrumental) – DJ Nelson Aquarium set up: 55 gal glass tank 25 gal Mud Sump Octopus Overflow Quite one* Water pump 600gph VorTech MP40W Nova extreme pro T5 light fixture Tank setup:

We finished the water change system for the future larger dream reef tank upstairs and we are using it now, here is the video on it.

This is the 120W light that is going around eBay right now. I am very happy with it over a 40 gallon cube mixed reef.