There's really nothing basic about saltwater aquariums. They are more complicated than freshwater aquariums, they require greater care and attention to minute environmental details, and they require specialized filtration equipment and substrate, among other things. But if you're one of those brave and persistent souls who can make it work, a thriving saltwater aquarium is a thing of beauty.
|
Getting Started
Saltwater fish need space. The common freshwater tank ratio is about one inch of adult fish per gallon of water, but the saltwater tank ratio is about one inch per three gallons. The minimum tank size for a beginner's saltwater aquarium should be about 50 gallons. Anything smaller will provide less wiggle room not only for your fish, but also for you, as a larger tank is more forgiving of a beginner's mistakes.
To operate a saltwater aquarium you will need a protein skimmer, heavy-duty spectrum lighting, a substrate of live rock and aragonite sand, a good water pump, a heater, salt mix, and a hydrometer and test kits to measure water levels for salinity, calcium, nitrate, alkalinity, and pH.
|
Nitrate Cycle
The most common errors made by first-time aquarists stem from their ignorance of the nitrate cycle. Fish produce ammonia and waste as they go about their lives, and in the confined quarters of an aquarium, these substances can become toxic.
The nitrate cycle is a biological process in which bacteria transform toxic substances into less toxic substances. Only small numbers of specific fish should be introduced into a saltwater aquarium before this cycle has been established, usually over a period of four to six weeks. Damsels are the best choice for cycling saltwater aquariums, with a ratio of one inch of fish per 20 gallons of water.
Salinity
They're called saltwater aquariums for a reason. Saltwater fish live in environments with greater water salinity. Attentive monitoring of tank salinity levels with a hydrometer is critical. Aim for a level of 1.022, allowing for fluctuations between 1.020 and 1.030. As tank water evaporates, you will need to add fresh salt water. Commercial salts must be used for this. Never use household salt.
Reef Tanks
The reef tank is sort of the holy grail of saltwater aquariums. Reef tanks contain live corals and saltwater invertebrates as well as fish and are notoriously difficult to maintain. If you're interested in starting a reef tank, we recommend doing as much research as you can to avoid costly mistakes. Everything specialized with saltwater aquariums becomes even more so with reef tanks.
Ecosystem
The challenge and pleasure of saltwater aquariums is how they resemble microcosmic ecosystems. All elements must be in balance and harmony, and you as the aquarist are in control of all aspects of this little world. Monitoring and maintaining such an ecosystem will test your patience, but you will also gain a great appreciation for the intricate and harmonious existence of the much greater ecosystem in which you live.
Close Letter
