Posts tagged water
How to Safely Change the Water in Your Saltwater Aquarium
Aug 6th
How to Safely Change the Water in Your Saltwater Aquarium
As with people fish thrive when kept in an environment as close to their own as possible. For this reason aquariums should be carefully structured to imitate the natural environments of the species it is home to as closely as possible. Even if it is not possible to duplicate exactly the living conditions found in the deep blue the fish will benefit from the effort.
Fish are also very adaptable creatures. It is what allows them to live and thrive in captivity when many other marine animals are unable to make the change. The fish will adapt to the environment around them and learn to live in the conditions of their tank. It is important that these conditions remain as constant as possible. As in nature a tip in the balance of the elements in an aquarium can bring with it devastating consequences. It is important that changes in the aquarium environment be few and far between.
This is generally a very simple matter until the time comes for the water in the tank to be changed. In nature the water in the ocean is constantly cycling; therefore, the water never has the opportunity to become stale and overloaded with elements that will have a negative impact on the well being of your aquatic friends. Since this is not the case in an aquarium even with an excellent artificial filtering system and organic filtering methods combined it will still be necessary on occasion to manually clean the tank.
The water with which you replace the dirty water in the aquarium should be as close as possible to the water that was originally filling the tank. What this means is that if you opted to buy a pre-made saltwater mix when you started your tank you should continue to use that same pre-made saltwater mix. If you made your own saltwater you should use the same type of sea salt in the same proportions that you used in the beginning. If you opted to transplant ocean water or purchased filtered ocean water you are going to want to use that same type of water when you make the change.
Water in aquariums should be changed every couple of months, more if you happen to notice that wastes are beginning to build up. This will be evident by the hazy look the previously clear water will take on and the obvious accumulation of waste at the bottom of the tank. Be sure when you change the water you also clean the components of the tank and the inside of the glass itself. Putting clean water into an empty tank is along the same lines as putting clean clothes on a dirty body-there is little point.
By keeping your tank clean and the conditions as constant as possible you are giving your fish the best possible chance to thrive in their artificial environment, guaranteeing that you will be able to enjoy their beauty for a very long time.
A Beginner’s Guide To Saltwater Reef Aquariums at Saltwater Reef Aquariums
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Salt Water Fish Aquarium – 3 Great Fish Care Tips
Jul 31st
Salt Water Fish Aquarium – 3 Great Fish Care Tips
1. Food requirements of fish
No matter what kind of fish you have the main thing that you should know is how to feed them and give them the same food as they would live on when they are in their natural habitat. Such foods are available in any of the fish shops wither as frozen foods or in the form of flakes or tablets. You would have to add some vitamins to the food as some of the nutrients in the food are lost when the food is frozen or processed.
Fish, like humans get fed up of the same food everyday and need a change sometimes. So keep a variety of foods available and give them a change sometimes. Before you buy the fish make sure that you can get the food that they eat or else you will have a constant problem of procuring the right kind of food for your fish. Do not over feed the fish as this will create debris to collect in the tank. Fish should be only fed as much as they can consume in 2 or 3 minutes, not more. Watch and see how much they can eat and do not put more than that every time. New aquarium owners tend to over feed their fish. Once they have eaten remove all the excess food from the tank. This way you can maintain a clean tank.
2. Keep water conditions consistent always
To maintain your fish in a comfortable environment make sure that you keep the water conditions consistent like the temperature the salinity levels and the P. H. also. You should test the water everyday and make sure that you correct any changes that you see. The filter should be cleaned regularly and the water should not get cloudy.
To keep your fish happy in their new environment you should try and make this very like their natural habitat in the ocean. Get corals, plants and sponges that the fish have been surrounded by in the ocean and this will make them more at home in the aquarium. You can reduce the stress level of the fish by making their environment in the aquarium as natural as possible.
3. Do not overcrowd the tank
Never overcrowd an aquarium as this makes the fish quite uncomfortable. The natural habitat rule suggests one small fish for every ten gallons of water, but also bear in mind that what is a small fish now, may not be so small a little later. So before putting too many fish into the aquarium get to know what the grown up fish size will be and shop accordingly for your fish.
Abhishek is an avid Fish Lover and he has got some great Aquarium Care Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 105 Pages Ebook, “Aquarium Care Made Easy!” from his website http://www.Wonder-Homes.com/636/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
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Fifty Five Gallon Fresh Water Aquarium
Jul 30th
Fifty Five Gallon Fresh Water Aquarium
A fifty five gallon freshwater aquarium is a good choice when purchasing a new tank, if nothing else, simply because of its size. These tanks are large enough to accommodative a variety of fish, but still small enough to keep in tight spaces in the home or office. Your local retailer can assist you with specifics in purchasing, but here are some suggestions for the basics. Purchase an acrylic tank, because they are lighter in weight and easier to care for than glass aquariums. Also the visibility is better in an acrylic tank. If you don’t already have a stand or a suitable replacement, keep in mind that you will need to purchase one. You will need a heater for temperature control, and a thermometer for checking the water temperature. It will take approximately five bags of rock or other substrate to line the bottom of the tank. Choose a bright color to add some interest to the aquarium.
In addition, you will need to purchase a filter for the tank. Filters can be complicated. Do a lot a research to find out what type of filter is suggested for the fish that you choose. There are filters that go beneath the substrate in the bottom of the tank, as well as filters that attach to the side of the aquarium. They also vary greatly in price. It is not necessary to buy the most expensive filter when setting up a basic freshwater aquarium.
The aquarium will also need lighting. Again, based on personal preference you can keep it simple or get very technical. Most fish will respond nicely to a basic light that is simply turned on for a few hours each day. An aquarium should contain some form of plants for added interest. The plants serve a place for the fish to seek refuge and feel safe. There are many varieties of freshwater plants that would work nicely in a fifty five gallon aquarium. Just be sure to purchase an aquatic specific species. If you don’t want the hassle of live plants, plastic is always an option. They have come along way with synthetic plants. In most cases the fish may not even notice the difference, unless of course they try to eat them.
Once your tank is established and you are ready to add fish, choose your fish carefully. Start with hardy fish, such as live bearers, gouramis, barbs, and danios. These fish are hardy enough to handle higher nitrate levels in the tank. Allow about thirty days for these fish to become acclimated to the tank, before adding any new fish. It usually takes about thirty days for the symptoms of ich or other fish illnesses to show up. It is important to make sure that all existing fish are healthy before adding any new species. The transportation of new fish itself is stressful enough, without having to add disease to the situation. When purchasing fish, it is important to remember that a fifty five gallon aquarium can handle about fifteen to twenty small fish total. This will allow plenty of growth room for the fish.
Find tips about guppy care and aquarium dimensions at Aquarium Fish Care.
Salt Water Fish Tank Setup For Beginners
Jul 30th
Salt Water Fish Tank Setup For Beginners
Saltwater fish tanks have their own unique qualities and demands. But, for the reef aquarium lover, it’s well worth the effort.
You’ll get many hours of enjoyment without hassle if you get your salt water fish tank setup correctly. If you miss a few steps, you’re sure to have problems. They may not show up right way, but your fish will suffer in the long run. So please, be patient and follow all the steps in order.
Before You Begin
Do your research before starting your salt water fish tank setup. If you haven’t yet purchased your system, you find many choices available. Don’t hesitate to research and ask questions as you’re making your choices. Each set requires different parts and equipment, but most specialized aquarium stores are more than happy to help you get started.
What basic equipment do you need? You’ll need filters, pumps, heaters, lights, test kits, and sea salt mixtures, and substrate material (maybe something like coral). There’s other optional equipment, but these are the basics.
Once you’ve chosen your system, you’re ready to begin the setup. First you’ll need to clean and level the tank. Then you can begin to arrange your background making sure to leave room for the necessary system pieces that must go into the tank.
Starting the Saltwater Fish Tank Setup and Testing
Once your tank is set, level, and the background is installed, you’re ready to test your new system. Follow directions for your specific saltwater tank precisely. This may take some time, but it’s worth it. Test your system before you put it into your tank. Once that’s done, you can go on to the next step of your salt water fish tank setup.
If you have not already put in your saltwater solution now is a good time to do this. Once your solution is in, turn your tank on, and let it run for around 24 hours. During this test run, you can make changes to the water, if necessary. Just make sure everything is working correctly with no leaks.
Saltwater Aquascaping
Turn off any equipment that may be running. Put aside equipment that may get in the way. You have to siphon out half the water in the tank and save it. After removing some water, arrange your rocks and decorations how you want them. Once you like your design, add the water back into your tank to the proper level.
Next, turn on the system and let it run. Let your tank cycle. After the cycling is complete – and never before – you can add your fish. Make sure to do routine tests and add water as needed.
Second Tank
After you have your first salt water fish tank setup, why you should look into another tank? Well, one thing that is important when adding a lot of different saltwater fish is to have a quarantine tank to observe each fish before they are put in with others.
It’s important to keep you new fish alone for a while to make sure they’re not carrying any diseases. The last thing you want to do is put a new fish who’s unhealthy in with your thriving fish. Once introduced to the tank, disease spread quickly. It’s better to be safe than to lose all your saltwater fish.
Cris Stanford is the publisher of www.saltwater-aquarium-secrets.com where you’ll find money saving advice and expert tips on creating a fantastic salt water fish tank setup”>.
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Choosing the Proper Water Filters and Water Purification Systems
Jul 27th
Choosing the Proper Water Filters and Water Purification Systems
Benefit from the clean and pure water we all need by choosing the proper water filters and water purification systems. Water is very important for the human body. With more than half of your body weight being water, you cannot survive more than a few days without it. Water is used in every cell of your body. It is the main component of the fluids within your bodily systems including your blood. Water travels throughout your body carrying nutrients, oxygen and wastes to and from your cells. Many parts of your body such as your heart, eyes, intestines, and even your little finger need water-based fluids to survive.
The water we shower in, cook with, prepare juices, teas or coffee with affects our health as well. Because water dissolves numerous substances in large amounts, pure water rarely occurs in nature. Precipitation absorbs carbon dioxide and other gases, as well as traces of organic and inorganic material from the atmosphere. The surface waters may contain domestic sewage and industrial wastes. Groundwater may contain nitrogen compounds and chlorides. Bottled water can be contaminated as well.
There are many water filters, but most of them do not remove pathogenic bacteria and most will remove the minerals needed by your body. Providing quality information to help you choose the healthiest water solutions, TheWaterKey.com selected the best water filters and water purification systems available.
These filters are used to cleanse water for a variety of purposes including irrigation, drinking water, aquariums and swimming pools. Water filters can also be used for removing harmful substances, or for reasons of aesthetics, to improve the taste, color or odor of drinking water. The filters used by recreational hikers and military are usually portable and light and some filter water by working a mechanical hand pump; although some of them may use a siphon drip system to force water through, while others are built right into water bottles.
SteriPEN is a portable water purification system that uses ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria, viruses and parasitic protozoa, giardia and cryptosporidium. It purifies water very fast, in just a few seconds, no matter your source is. Take this system with you wherever you travel and you will benefit from the clean water it produces. SteriPEN is very efficient; it eliminates 99.99% of bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.
The SteriPEN water purification system is available in different forms, including a pre-filter or a pre-filter and a water bottle.
SteriPEN Adventurer Handheld Water Purifier provides the same treatment as SteriPEN, but it is smaller and has lower weight. It’s very durable and its soft coating makes it feel very comfortable in your hand.
SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier with Solar Charging Case allows you to travel without carrying a bunch of batteries. Similar to SteriPEN Adventurer, this water purification system has a small size and low weight. The case provides secure storage and recharges its CR123 lithium batteries.
Try water purification systems and water filters and you will enjoy cleaner, better tasting water.
The water filters and the water purification systems are needed for your health.
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How to Select the Right Aquarium Water Pump
Jul 23rd
How to Select the Right Aquarium Water Pump
Pets are a welcome addition to many people’s lives; however, not everyone can handle nor want the responsibility of large animals. Perhaps space is an issue, or cost, or time. For those who would enjoy a pet but whose concerns have restricted their purchase in the past, the tranquility of fish could be the answer.
A well maintained aquarium can bring hours of joy and entertainment to a household. But what is necessary to establish a stable environment for fish, simply a bowl and water? For most species of fish, the answer is decidedly “No.” To create and enjoy an aquarium, careful planning should preview any purchase of equipment or fish. Consider the size of tank needed, the type of aquarium water pump, the size of filter, and whether a water heater is necessary.
For aquarium success, proper circulation, along with filtration and lighting, is the foundation. Consider the natural environment of water. It contains air circulation and exchange, plant and microbial life, fish, and constant changes from weather conditions; it is a complete ecosystem, your household aquarium is not. Without proper circulation your tank will fail.
Water movement is necessary because it creates surface movement. This movement allows oxygen into the water and lets waste gas (nitrogen) out. Water circulation is also an important part in stabilizing water conditions like temperature and salinity, where fluctuations might stress or kill your fish. Heaters necessary to produce more natural temperatures for your fish only affect one area in your tank, the rest of the aquarium relies on circulation to evenly distribute it. Equally, without an aquarium water pump, normal algae growth can become extraordinary. With water movement this growth is eliminated at the surface (like in ponds) and it becomes much more difficult for algae to take hold of other surfaces.
So how much water movement is needed? Depending on the size and type of your tank, industry standards state to multiply the number of gallons in your tank by the “turn-over rate” for your species of fish following the chart below.
Tank Type Turnover Rate
Freshwater Tanks (small fish) 3-4 times per hour
Freshwater Tanks with Plants 2 times per hour
Freshwater Tanks (large fish) 5-6 times per hour
Saltwater Tanks 5-7 times per hour
Saltwater Reef 7-10+ times per hour
For example, with a 10 gallon, fresh-water fish tank, and no live plants, I would need a GPH (gallon per hour) movement rate of 40 (10gal X 4tr.)
There are many different types of aquarium filtration to consider. Aquarium water pumps can be internal or external and generally require a “trickle” or wet/dry filtration system. Depending on your space and application needs, you can choose from submersible pumps that sit inside your tank and are relatively quiet and easy to install or external/inline pumps which are considerably louder but stronger powered. Powerheads are also available; these types of submersible pumps attach to the sides of your tank and create underwater currents. You can find these and all other equipment needed for your aquarium online at JuliesPetMarket.com.
JuliesPetMarket.com carries a huge selection of aquarium water pumps. Such brands as GenX, Rio, and Coralife populate this site attesting to the high demand for quality required by the owners. All items carry a full, 30-day, manufacturers’ warranty, and JuliesPetMarket.com offers a 14-day “return for any reason” guarantee as well. Make sure to check out their website in the planning stages of your aquarium to get some great product at affordable prices. If you have questions or need help through this process, their friendly, knowledgeable staff is available to help.
Julie’s Pet Market is your source for all your pet supply needs. We provide a wide selection of pet supplies and equipment making us the Key to your Pet Supply
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Aquarium Test Kits; What They are Used for and the Order of Importance for Water Parameters in Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums
Jul 20th
Aquarium Test Kits; What They are Used for and the Order of Importance for Water Parameters in Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums
It is always best to have as many different test kits as you can afford (as they apply to either freshwater or saltwater
I prefer to purchase my test kits separately as most master test kits duplicate test I do not need (high range and low range ph) and leave out ones I need such as kH and GH, or possibly Phosphate, Calcium, or Redox
Here is a list of FRESHWATER Test Kits, what they are for and in order of importance:
[1] Ammonia Test Kit ; Ammonia is very toxic even at low levels, should be kept at or near 0. Ammonia test kits cannot discern between highly toxic ammonia (NH4) and only slightly toxic ammonium (NH3). Products such as Prime , Ammolock, and Amquel will convert NH4 to NH3, so your toxic ammonia level will not test accurately after using one of these products. Ammonium (NH3) will convert to NH4 at higher pH levels, which why high ammonia levels as per test are much more toxic at higher pH.
[2] kH & GH Test Kit; you will notice I placed this above a pH test Kit, this due to the fact that a poor kH will make keeping a stable pH nearly impossible. Also Calcium (as tested in GH) is more important to fish health than many aquarists give credit (see my article: CALCIUM, KH, AND MAGNESIUM IN AQUARIUMS; How to maintain a Proper KH, why calcium and electrolytes are important).
*You want to maintain a KH & GH of around 60 ppm (around 2-3 dKH & dGH) for Discus, Rams, Cardinals, and other Amazon fish.
*A KH & GH of 80 -100 for most tropical fish including Gouramis, Bettas, Angelfish, ECT.
*A KH & GH of 100-200 for Goldfish, mollies, Platties, Guppies, ECT.
*A KH & GH of over 200 for Rift Lakes African Cichlids and Brackish fish such as Monos and Scats.
[3] pH High Range OR Low Range Test Kit; you should only need one or the other based on the type of aquarium you keep.
Does not stress over being exact about pH, as too of many aquarists go WAY overboard here! For example Discus generally do best around 6.5, however I know breeders of Discus using water with a pH well over 7.0
I recommend a High Range Test Kit for Goldfish and livebearers which should have a targeted pH of about 7.5-7.8. Rift Lake African cichlids should have a pH of over 8.0
I recommend a Low Range Test Kit for general community freshwater fish (6.8- 7.4) or Amazon River fish (under 6.8)
[4] Nitrate Test Kit; this test is important to know when to change your water (along with KH), as well as how well your general long term tank health is going. Nitrates will also show you how well your plants are consuming nitrogenous nutrients, and if you are vacuuming the aquarium properly such as removing all the mulm. Some filters such as Under Gravel in particular, and Wet Dry and Canister filters can become nitrate factories if not taken care of properly.
For most freshwater fish a nitrate level under 40 ppm is correct or above 15 ppm for planted aquariums.
[4] Nitrite Test Kit; you will notice I put it last, not because it is not important, only that if budget is a concern or time for testing is a factor, this parameter mirrors ammonia often within hours or days. Nitrite should be at or near 0.
[5] Phosphate Test Kit; generally only necessary in planted aquariums where large amounts of ‘ferts’ (fertilizer) are added or if you have uncontrollable algae growth. This test kit is often more important for ponds where rain water can wash debris with high phosphate content into the pond.
Your aquarium (or pond) should have phosphate levels as close to 0 as possible.
[6] Redox Meter; generally this water parameter will take of itself provided you perform proper aquarium husbandry including, regular water changes with properly ionized water, you maintain a GH and KH level of at least 50 ppm (I find 80 ppm better). This said, this is a good parameter to check if you are having problems with Cyanobacteria (Blue Green Algae) or if you are having unexplained problems and every other test is correct (providing you do not have an unknown disease). I recommend every aquarist be at least familiar with the Redox Potential, here is an in depth article about aquarium Redox: “The Redox Potential in Aquariums (& Ponds) and how it relates to proper aquatic health” . You can use Methylene Blue according to standard dosage to your aquarium water (remove the water for this test), and it stays a brilliant blue, you probably have a positive Redox. If the color dissipates at all (even the slightest) you probably have a reducing number. This test in no way replaces the accuracy of Redox meter, but it is a simple way to get a handle on your aquariums Redox health.
Your aquarium Redox should be around -300 mV.
SALTWATER;
The list remains similar and I will bypass descriptions that are in common with freshwater test kits.
[1] Ammonia Test Kit; this should be 0 as in FW
[2] KH Test Kit; you do not need a GH Test Kit for saltwater. KH (or alkalinity as is called in marine aquariums) should be over 240 ppm (13 dKH)
[3] PH High Range Test Kit; your pH should be between 8.2 – 8.4
[4] Hydrometer; this instrument tests the specific gravity of aquarium water (in simple terms the amount of salts). There are two types; the floating glass hydrometers which are more fragile, but also more accurate or the simple needle hydrometer that you fill with water. It is important with both types of hydrometers to clean these with white vinegar (then rinse thoroughly) to prevent hard water buildup which will then cause inaccurate readings.
[4] Nitrate Test Kit; Nitrates are best under 40 for marine fish aquariums and under 20 (even less if possible) for reef aquariums
[5] Calcium Test Kit; this takes the place of the GH Test Kit in freshwater.
Calcium is important to ALL marine life (this includes freshwater too as it is often sadly overlooked), however it is absolutely essential for proper coral growth in marine aquariums. Bio-availability is also essential, Sea Chem Reef Calcium Polygluconate is probably one of the best, most bio-available calcium supplements available for marine aquariums.
Your marine Calcium levels should be between 400-450 ppm
[6] Nitrite Test Kit; this should be 0 as in FW
[7] Magnesium Test Kit; Magnesium is an essential part of chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis, plants, including algae and the corals. Maintaining a correct magnesium concentration is very important, and is indirectly responsible for fast coral and calcareous algae growth by virtue of making the maintenance of correct calcium and alkalinity figures possible. Magnesium is depleted by algae and by the use of excessive Kalkwasser. Magnesium is what binds Calcium Carbonate in solution, if levels are low useable calcium levels will also drop. Poor choices of Marine Buffers can further exasperate this problem, this why I STRONGLY recommend Sea Chem Marine Buffer for adjusting alkalinity in marine aquariums (and EVEN freshwater aquariums) as this product has Magnesium, Calcium, and sodium bicarbonate in the proper ratios.
Magnesium levels in marine aquariums should be between 1200 and 1400 ppm.
[8] Redox Meter; as in freshwater, I recommend -300 mV, except Redox is more important in marine aquariums.
[9] Phosphate Test Kit; as in freshwater this should near 0. High phosphate levels in marine aquariums can play havoc with the health and growth of live coral (Phosphates can block the absorption of important minerals)
For the Full Article, icluding pictures and more links, please visit the site in the resource box below.
By Carl Strohmeyer
http://aquarium-answers.blogspot.com/2007/02/aquarium-test-kits.html
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Salt Water Fish Tank Filter Systems
Jul 20th
Salt Water Fish Tank Filter Systems
Choosing the between all the various salt water fish tank filtration systems can be confusing to say the least. But, before you choose your specific system, there are a few points you must know no matter which system you choose. Keep in mind filtration is a very important part of your tank, so don’t rush through this step.
In natural habitats, the fish have an ample areas in which to live. In your tank, they are confined to a relatively small quantity of water. In your tank, waste products can quickly build up and spell disaster. That’s where the filter comes in.
Four factors have a huge impact on the success of your tank, and your filtration system. You must have an adequate biological base, the appropriate choice of animals, not over-populate, and don’t over feed. Get one of these factors wrong, and you most likely will have problems with your saltwater tank.
Biological filtration is the most important sector of salt water fish tank filter systems. The biological filters are living organisms within your tank. They consume oxygen and waste material within your tank. It’s not something you can add. They will occur naturally within your saltwater fish tank.
Mechanical Filtration
The second type of filtration for your tank is mechanical filtration. This is where you choose the type of salt water filter system you will use in your new tank.
Mechanical filtration strains the solid particles from your tank water. It will not remove solids trapped by gravel, or other items within your tank. A good mechanical filter traps enough solids to keep your water clear, without becoming clogged frequently.
Smaller openings catch finer particles and are clogged
faster than a larger opening. Keep this in mind as you choose your mechanical filtration system.
Types of Mechanical Filters
For years, the corner filter has been the least expensive and most used type of salt water fish tank filtration systems. These clear plastic boxes sit inside the tank. An air stone bubbles air through an airlift tube, which forces water through a bed of filter floss mechanically filtering the water.
Today there are better methods,that don’t take up space, look nicer, and perform well.
Power filters are used by many. You’ll find many styles of power filters. The most common hangs on the back of the tank. A siphon tube pulls water from the tank into the filter box and passes the water though a mechanical filter. An internal pump returns the filtered water into the aquarium. Power filters come in many sizes suited for small to large aquariums
Under-gravel filters work by slowly passing water through the gravel on the bottom, which sits on top of a perforated plate. The water pumped with an airlift, with bubbles air lifting the water in a vertical tube attached to the filter plate. One problem is that the gravel clogs up with waste creating a health risk for your fish.
Sponge filters are an efficient,cheap form of biological filtration. Water is forced through porous foam by air bubbling through an airlift tube. Water flowing though the sponge allows the growth of a colony of beneficial bacteria that neutralizes toxic ammonia.
Chemical Filtration
Chemical filtration removes dissolved wastes from aquarium water. The most popular chemical filtration is the carbon filter method. Your water is filtered through gas activated carbon. The best GAC for filtering water is made from coal and is
macro-porous (larger pores).
Cris Stanford is the publisher of http://www.saltwater-aquarium-secrets.com where you’ll find money saving advice and expert tips on how to set up the perfect salt water fish tank filter systems.
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salt water fish guide, saltwater fish guide, saltwater fish care
Jul 19th
salt water fish guide, saltwater fish guide, saltwater fish care
If you are interested in starting your own saltwater fish aquarium, then the first thing you need to do is to set up the aquarium. This might sound easy, but there is a lot more to it than simply buying a tank, sticking in a few plants and adding water. Saltwater fish are obviously used to certain water temperatures, pH levels and need various elements in order for them to survive. Keeping a saltwater aquarium thriving and happy is a difficult task, but just because you are a beginner, doesn’t mean that you cannot learn the ropes! Read this saltwater fish guide for a few helpful tips on how to set up your aquarium.
Before you head off to the pet store to purchase your new aquarium, you should take a list of some of the items you will need to set up your tank and these include: an aquarium, a photo background (optional), live sand or crushed coral, live rock, saltwater mix, hydrometer or a refractometer, aquarium filter, multiple power heads, heater, protein skimmer, saltwater test kit, fish food, fish net, glass scrubber, aquarium thermometer, power strip, brush, rubber gloves. This might seem like a lot of equipment for a fish tank, but a saltwater aquarium is a big responsibility and involves time and cost. This means that you should only consider beginning a saltwater aquarium if you are dedicated, hardworking and know you will be able to put in the time, care and money that a saltwater aquarium requires.
Before setting up your saltwater aquarium you need to know just what it takes to keep a saltwater tank thriving. You need to feed your fish every day, once a week you will have to change the water and test water quality and the cost can be significant. You should also note that the complete set up of a saltwater aquarium can take up to eight weeks to complete before you even think about adding your fish to the tank. But if you are dedicated and are sure that a saltwater aquarium is what you want, and then you are ready to begin the task!
Before starting your saltwater aquarium set up, you should do a bit of research on the saltwater fish, aquariums and guides that are available on the internet and in book form. There are plenty to choose from and each one will give you helpful tips and hints on how to set up and maintain a saltwater aquarium. Investing in one or two saltwater books is a must!
The author has created a quality review site that has the latest saltwater fish guide information available.
Please go to Fishy-Whisperer.com.
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Dos and Don’ts with Your Salt Water Aquarium
Jul 14th
Dos and Don’ts with Your Salt Water Aquarium
Aquariums at home are said to be the best stress reliever. Aquariums can be big or small depending on the maintenance and care possible at home. There are two types of aquariums -fresh atre aquariums and salt water aquariums. The salt water aquariums are difficult to maintain than the fresh water aquariums as the ecology of the salt water aquarium differs and needs to be handled and taken care of with proper knowledge.
Salt water aquarium looks more beautiful, appealing and colorful for the simple reason it can have wide range of fishes and mammals, live corals, anemones, crustaceans or jelly fish. You can also keep some extravagantly colored reef fishes to enhance the beauty of the aquarium and the movement inside the aquarium looks vibrant and colorful. Some popular salt water fishes are Comical blenny, Angelfish, Clown fish, Blue lined triggerfish and Damsels and can be kept in salt water aquariums.
Some skilled and advanced aquarists keep squids and octopuses which creates an exact replica of the marine life at your desired place. The variety of fishes and marine life which can chosen to make the aquarium more vivacious and full of life is the main reason of its popularity
Before going for a salt water aquarium it is always better to study and research the ecosystem of salt water fishes, their food habits, the environment and surroundings conducive for their growth and development and the water temperature required for their survival. The extra time devoted for the study and research and knowing the exact requirement will prove beneficial in the long run as starting a salt water aquarium will definitely prove to be a gratifying experience.
To start with you will require a fish tank, Substrates, Filtration System, Heater or Thermometer, power head, protein skimmer, air pump and water pump. Whereas you can chose any one of the basic forms of salt water aquarium. Either you can go for the fish only, Fish with Live Rock or Reef system.
Salt water Aquarium Dos and Don’t
• The aquarium should be at least of 200litres as smaller one will have a problem of maintaining water quality and balance.
• The material of the aquarium should to be either in glass or acrylic.
• The location should not be in too much or too little sunlight. Excess sunlight will result in the growth of algae and too little sunlight will also be harmful. Always maintain a constant temperature.
• Make sure that the decoration kept, in the aquarium is salt proof otherwise it may poison your aquarium.
• Filter the aquarium whenever required. The filtration processes are mechanical filtration, biological filtration and chemical filtration.
• Don’t use ordinary salt water in your aquarium. Always use aquarium salt water available in fish store and mix in water following the proper instruction.
• The cleaning should never be done with detergent and soap as they pollute the water and harm the ecosystem. A capful of pure bleach added to 10 gallons of water will do the needful. Then clean it with fresh water afterwards.
• To maintain balance between the salts and water levels it is very essential to use a hydrometer. The water from the aquarium keeps evaporating buy the level of salt remains the same. To compensate the level of evaporated water salt water is not required. But to know the exact salinity of water Hydrometer is very helpful and will help you to add water as per requirement.
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