| The care required for an invertebrate only tank is | | | | removing them from their home. It is equally |
| very similar to that of any other saltwater tank; | | | | important to do research in order to verify that |
| however, the invertebrates are far less hardy | | | | you are able to properly feed them and care for |
| than fish. It is recommended that you become | | | | their very specific needs. Sea Anemones, prawns, |
| skilled with a fish only tank before attempting an | | | | shrimp, and starfishes are a few varieties that |
| Invertebrate aquarium. Most Invertebrates require | | | | have been successfully maintained in an aquarium. |
| a specialized diet. Check with the supplier before | | | | They require a water temperature between fifty |
| purchasing and be sure that you are willing to | | | | four and fifty nine degrees Fahrenheit, a P.H. |
| make the commitment to have food delivered if | | | | between 8-8.4 and a salinity content of |
| necessary. There are two different types of | | | | 1.024-1.025. Luckily they do eat the same food. |
| invertebrates, tropical and cold water. Make sure | | | | They feed off of a diet of small pieces of raw |
| that the type you are buy is compatible with its | | | | fish, shrimp, squid and mussels. |
| other tank mates. | | | | When keeping cold water invertebrates such as |
| A few examples of tropical invertebrates are | | | | the species mention above, it is a good idea to |
| tubeworms, red hermit crabs, cleaner shrimp and | | | | keep a separate tank full of shrimp, mussels, and |
| the sea apple. All of this marine life is compatible in | | | | scallops to be used as a food source, if you wish |
| terms of water conditions. They require a water | | | | to use fresh rather than frozen foods. Be careful |
| temperature between seventy five and seventy | | | | when keeping shrimp, as all of the invertebrates |
| nine degrees Fahrenheit, a P.H. between 8.2 and | | | | listed above feed on shrimp, including shrimp |
| 8.4 and a salinity content of 1.020-1.024. As you | | | | themselves. It is unlikely, however that a healthy |
| can see, there is very little wiggle room | | | | live shrimp will be eaten whole by another shrimp |
| associated with these measurements. It is | | | | or starfish. Invertebrates should be fed more |
| extremely important to check the levels daily, or | | | | frequently in smaller amounts than fish. Try to |
| the results could be costly. These invertebrates | | | | feed only an amount that can be consumed in the |
| are not compatible, however, with their food | | | | first thirty to sixty seconds. |
| source needs. Check with the supplier for | | | | When setting up an invertebrate tank remember |
| compatibility before combining tropical | | | | to include live rock, because some invertebrates |
| invertebrates. | | | | feed on the parasites that grow on the live rock. |
| Unlike their tropical counter parts, cold water | | | | A substrate should also be included in this type of |
| invertebrates are usually not sold in stores. They | | | | aquarium. It will provide a place for the crabs and |
| have to be collected from tide pools. It is | | | | shrimp to dig and bury themselves. A light should |
| important to make sure that these species are | | | | be included as well, if you intend to keep |
| not on the endangered species list before | | | | anemones. |