Basic Saltwater Equipment

So you think you're tough enough to join the marines. No, not the Marine Corps. By marines we mean the ranks of saltwater aquarium owners, those with the patience and persistence to cultivate the most difficult ecosystems. You'll need the right equipment if you hope to be one of the few and the proud.

Tanks Yes, these marines have tanks. For first-time saltwater aquarists, we recommend getting a saltwater tank that is long and wide in shape. Saltwater fish need about three times as much room as freshwater fish. A larger tank will give you more stocking options, and will also be somewhat easier to maintain. As for saltwater tank materials, you'll be looking at glass and acrylic. Both have their advantages (glass is scratch-resistant, acrylic longer-lasting). If you buy a tempered glass tank, drilling holes for external filters is difficult and could crack the glass. If you're unsure about drilling, contact a local glass company and ask if they handle such jobs.

Reef
If saltwater aquarium owners are marines, then reef tank owners are in special ops, and special operations require special equipment. Reef tanks should be large (75 gallons at least). Reef tank lights must be larger and brighter, and you'll need a protein skimmer in addition to the regular filters.

Filters
Since we're already on the subject of filters, all saltwater aquariums require biological, chemical, and mechanical filters. Some filters - such as power filters that hang on the back of the tank - can provide all three. But with saltwater aquariums it's best to use a combination of filters and filtration enhancers, such as wet/dry trickle filters, air stones, and active carbon.

Lighting
Saltwater aquariums require the replication of marine lighting conditions. What those are depends on whether your saltwater tank is fish only or contains other life forms.

The two primary types of saltwater aquarium lighting are fluorescent bulbs and metal halides. Metal halides provide more natural light but are very hot. They should be placed about 1 foot above the tank and be used in tandem with an aquarium chiller. Beginners should probably start with a fish-only saltwater aquarium and fluorescent lighting.