Saltwater aquariums offer fish lovers a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the most interesting and exotic species in the world, right in their own home or business. Saltwater, or marine aquariums present a few challenges not faced by keepers of freshwater tanks, but the difficulty has been exaggerated.
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.
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.
