| As compared to a freshwater fish tank a salt | | | | - Monitor and check the ammonia and nitrate |
| water fish tank is much more difficult to care for, | | | | levels of your fish tank at least every 6 weeks. |
| there is no denying that. But, that doesn't mean it | | | | After about 6 weeks the water will have cycled |
| has to be an uphill battle. If you have wanted a | | | | enough that it will start showing signs of excess |
| saltwater aquarium but were hesitating about the | | | | ammonia and nitrate, this means it is time to |
| additional work or maintenance it may require you | | | | change the water. |
| will want to read this article. Specifically, in this | | | | - Monitor the pH level in your tank on a weekly |
| article we will discuss the basic steps involved in | | | | basis. In addition to monitoring the ammonia and |
| the set up, maintenance and choosing of | | | | nitrate levels, you will need to make sure the pH |
| saltwater fish and livestock for your aquarium. | | | | is at the proper level as well. Even minor |
| First, you will need to decide which of the two | | | | differences in pH levels can be detrimental to your |
| basic salt water fish tank setups you want. The | | | | fish and other marine life. |
| two main types are the fish only set up and the | | | | - Monitor the water in your salt water fish tank. |
| reef set up. The fish only set up can also house | | | | You should check water levels in your tank every |
| other species such as coral and clam but will not | | | | couple of days as it is normal for water to |
| include any plant life. If you are worried about the | | | | evaporate from the tank over time. |
| cost or care of your fish tank than the fish only | | | | - Clean the take of any algae. Over time algae will |
| tank is probably the way to go. If on the other | | | | naturally build up in your tank, if you do not clean |
| hand you are up for a challenge and have a little | | | | the algae from the tank it will quickly take over |
| more money and time on your hands than the | | | | the tank and start suffocating the livestock. It's a |
| reef tank is a wonderful choice but you need to | | | | good idea to clean your fish tank at least every |
| be prepared for the extra time and expense it will | | | | two weeks. |
| cost with this set up. | | | | As you can see although there are a lot of steps |
| After you have chosen your salt water fish tank | | | | involved with caring for and setting up a salt |
| set up and the species of fish you will need to | | | | water fish tank if you keep the above tips in |
| know how to maintain your new tank. Listed | | | | mind you can easily have a healthy aquarium for |
| below are some tips that will help you to have a | | | | all your friends to admire. |
| successful and healthy aquarium. | | | | |