| What to Look For in a Saltwater Fish Tank | | | | - Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass |
| The decision to purchase a saltwater or marine | | | | fish tanks |
| fish tank for your home or office should not be | | | | - Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a |
| taken lightly. Marine fish will have requirements far | | | | shape to suit your home |
| greater than freshwater fish. However, once | | | | - Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break |
| you've decided to purchase a saltwater aquarium | | | | - Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online |
| you'll be rewarded with a stunning range of | | | | Setting Up Your Saltwater Fish Tank |
| tropical and reef fish to choose from. | | | | Bringing your new saltwater fish tank home from |
| But first you'll need to purchase your tank. The | | | | the store is only the first step. Never be tempted |
| selection process can be time consuming and | | | | to purchase fish at the same time that you |
| confusing because the range of tanks available is | | | | acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to |
| large. The best advice is usually to purchase the | | | | complete prior to introducing fish to their new |
| largest tank you can afford and that will fit in the | | | | home. |
| available space. There are numerous stories of | | | | First, you need to install your tank in its desired |
| people starting out their fish tank hobby with a | | | | location. Avoid locating your saltwater fish tank in |
| small fish tank only to find in a short space of | | | | any spot that receives sunlight. Sunlight will cause |
| time that they wish they had purchased a larger | | | | algae to grow in your tank and whilst this will not |
| tank! | | | | usually harm the fish it is unsightly and spoils the |
| A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the | | | | appearance of your aquarium. Also avoid any |
| smallest tank you should consider. A fish tank of | | | | locations close to room heaters or where the |
| this size will provide sufficient surface area to | | | | tank will be exposed to drafts. |
| allow adequate exchange of oxygen into the | | | | Many acrylic fish tanks come with a built-in stand. |
| water and to provide a comfortable swimming | | | | Glass tanks will require a sturdy stand and should |
| environment for your fish. | | | | have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed |
| The oxygen supply in the water together with | | | | between the tank and the stand to absorb any |
| the water temperature will determine the success | | | | unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will |
| or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Tropical | | | | eventually crack. |
| saltwater fish require a water temperature of | | | | Check your new tank for leaks. Fill it with water |
| about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the | | | | and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have |
| saltwater aquarium will tend to deplete the | | | | confirmed that it is water tight you will need to |
| oxygen in the water which means that the | | | | thoroughly clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse |
| surface area becomes important. The addition of | | | | thoroughly. Do not skip the cleaning and rinsing |
| aeration equipment is usually desirable to increase | | | | step just because you've purchased a new tank |
| the oxygen concentration. Aeration can usually be | | | | and it appears sparkling clean. Your fish will die if |
| provided in conjunction with your filtration | | | | there are any contaminants left in the tank! Don't |
| equipment. | | | | forget to wash the gravel before adding it the |
| Saltwater fish tanks are available in both acrylic | | | | tank. Add all your other equipment in accordance |
| and glass. There are advantages and | | | | with the manufacturer's directions. Your pet store |
| disadvantages to both. Some of the advantages | | | | will have provided advice on how to set up your |
| of glass aquariums are | | | | saltwater fish tank. |
| - Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic | | | | After you have added your salt water and |
| tanks | | | | confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are |
| - Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than | | | | correct you'll need to run all your equipment for |
| acrylic tanks | | | | at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water |
| - Glass fish tanks won't discolor with age | | | | and stabilize your tank. Let the aquarium cycle to |
| - Glass fish tanks won't require as much brace | | | | build up the correct biological levels. |
| support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs | | | | The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish |
| to be able to support a great weight | | | | tank is now complete and now you'll be able to go |
| Advantages of acrylic fish tanks | | | | and select your colorful fish! |