| Once you have all of your saltwater aquarium | | | | Once you have found the ideal spot for your |
| items which you need to begin setting up, and | | | | aquarium, next you need to think about the |
| you have read up on everything that you need to | | | | filtration you will be using when you set up your |
| know about saltwater fish including species, how | | | | aquarium and the type of protein skimmer you |
| to take care of them and the cost factors then | | | | will need. Live rock poses as a biological filter so |
| you are more than ready to begin the process of | | | | because of this you will only really need a modest |
| setting up the aquarium, so read this quick | | | | filter for chemical and mechanical filtration. Never |
| saltwater fish guide for some great advice and | | | | buy a cheap protein skimmer, look for the best |
| tips to get you started on creating your very | | | | and be prepared to pay out extra. Next you |
| own saltwater aquarium. | | | | should wash your new tank. Make sure that you |
| First of all you should decide upon the size of the | | | | only wash it with water because soap can be |
| tank you will be using and the location where you | | | | harmful to your fish. Be sure to smoke test your |
| will be keeping it. It is a good idea to know what | | | | aquarium and fill it with water to check for any |
| species of saltwater fish you are planning to keep | | | | leaks, if it passes then drain the tank. |
| before purchasing your aquarium because | | | | Next you should add the background making sure |
| different species vary in size, anything from a | | | | to tape across the top of the background so that |
| mere two inches right up to 18 inches! | | | | no salt gets between it and the glass, if you |
| A 40 gallon tank is the recommended size to | | | | prefer you can also paint the outside of the tank |
| begin a saltwater aquarium, however you can | | | | but make sure to let it dry for a day before |
| begin with a smaller tank but it will hold more | | | | continuing. Next you should install the heater, hook |
| challenges and you will need to test the water a | | | | up the filter and any other equipment you are |
| lot more often. Place your aquarium in an area of | | | | using, but don't plug anything in just yet! Add pre |
| the house or office where the temperature and | | | | mixed saltwater by using a bucket to mix the |
| light of the tank is not going to be affected by | | | | saltwater, check for chlorine etc and repeat |
| things such as windows and heaters. You also | | | | process until the tank is full, then switch on the |
| need to place your aquarium on a stand that will | | | | aquarium and leave it to circulate for a few days. |
| take the full weight of the tank. | | | | |