| Starting a saltwater aquarium can be a very | | | | temperatures like near a drafty door or window. |
| rewarding experience or a dreadful one. The level | | | | Temperature swings are bad for saltwater fish |
| of success and the health of your saltwater fish | | | | and you may need larger heaters or water chillers |
| will greatly depend on the choices you make in | | | | to keep the temperature stable if you put it in |
| the very beginning of the project | | | | the wrong spot. |
| When starting a saltwater aquarium the first | | | | Before setting up a saltwater aquarium setup you |
| decision you need to make is how big of an | | | | need to realize that if you decide you want it in |
| aquarium are you going to setup? If this is your | | | | another spot you will have to drain the tank |
| first tank you may want to keep your choices | | | | completely in order to move it. So before you |
| over 40 gallons. Larger tanks have more chemical | | | | commence starting a saltwater aquarium be |
| and temperature stability and when it comes to | | | | 100% positive that the location is the one you are |
| saltwater aquariums stability is critical! | | | | happy with. |
| The next step when setting up a saltwater | | | | And remember when setting up a saltwater |
| aquarium is choosing between a glass or acrylic | | | | aquarium to leave a minimum of three inches |
| aquarium. Glass aquariums are by far the more | | | | between the tank and the wall for equipment and |
| popular choice, they are more durable but they | | | | to make maintenance easier. |
| also do not insulate as well and the seals | | | | You will then need to plan on how you want your |
| eventually wear out. | | | | marine aquarium decorated. Will you have live |
| Acrylic aquariums are clearer then glass, insulate | | | | rock in the tank or just artificial decorations. |
| better and are much lighter then glass. They do | | | | These are things you need to decide on before |
| however scratch very easily. The scratches can | | | | you add water or fish. One of the best places to |
| be fixed but it does require physical effort to do | | | | see some examples of different decorations is a |
| so. They do however last almost forever so they | | | | good local fish store. |
| never have to be replaced. | | | | The next step is in starting a saltwater aquarium |
| The next step is deciding where you will be | | | | is choosing the type of saltwater fish you want |
| setting up a saltwater aquarium. Location of the | | | | to have in your aquarium. The types of fish that |
| tank is a critical step in determining the success of | | | | you can keep could fill an entire book. It is best to |
| your saltwater aquarium setup. | | | | consult a aquarium guide or marine fish book to |
| If you place it in an area that gets to much direct | | | | help you decide. |
| sunlight you will more then likely be battling algae | | | | But if this is your first set up stick with hardy |
| for the life of the tank. So make sure you place it | | | | easy to keep saltwater fish. You can the |
| an an area that is not over exposed to sunlight. | | | | progress to more exotic species as your skill |
| You also want to make sure you do not place | | | | increases. |
| the aquarium in a location that has inconsistent | | | | |