Have Fun Starting a Saltwater Aquarium
Setting up or starting a saltwater aquarium is not complicated, provided you have the necessary equipment and materials in the beginning stages.
Doing things right from the start will ensure a better chance for a thriving species and an aesthetically beautiful fish tank.
Some things that you will need include: de-chlorinated water, bucket(s), mildewcide or bleach, a hydrometer and testing jar, distilled water, a heater, a filtration system, plants, decorations and a tank.
An effective way of cleaning your newly purchased tank is to prepare a solution of five gallons of water for every one teaspoon of bleach.
However, before doing that, fill your tank with fresh water and let it sit for a while (up to 24 hours) to determine if there are any leaks.
Assuming there are no leaks and you've gone ahead and cleaned it using the above cleaning solution, rub the tank, decorations, plastic plants and the rocks dry.
By the way, never use soap or detergent as a cleaning solution, as trace elements of these may remain even after rinsing and can be very harmful to your fish and other species..
Styrofoam under your aquarium is always a good idea, and you should remember to place your tank in an area that has no direct sunlight and an electrical outlet.
Once you've decided on a location, go ahead and place decorations in your tank, taking care to avoid metal, as the salt in your salt water will corrode this material.
Following the manufacturer's instructions is important in setting up your filtration system.
There are many different types available, so consult your pet store experts and let them help you determine the brand and type that's best for your specific tank.
The next stage involves filling your tank up with gravel.
For every gallon of water, you should have about a pound of gravel.
Once the gravel has been distributed to your specifications, decorations, plastic plants and rocks follow.
In filling your tank with water, the key is to use de-chlorinated water.
A hydrometer will measure the salinity of your bucket water that you are adding salt to.
An optimum level is between 1.
020 and 1.
023.
When you achieve this salinity level, you should start to fill your tanks bucket by bucket until you have reached a level about an inch from the top.
At this point, you can start your filtration system and add a thermometer and heater.
A pretty good temperature range for most marine fish is between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
It's a good idea to let your heating system run for about 72 hours until a consistent and desired temperature is achieved.
As a final note, a power head is important in maintaining water motion in your tank.
At this point, a proper temperature and chemical levels means that you are now ready to introduce fish and other species into your tank.
Have fun and ask for technical help in picking compatible species.
Enjoy!
Doing things right from the start will ensure a better chance for a thriving species and an aesthetically beautiful fish tank.
Some things that you will need include: de-chlorinated water, bucket(s), mildewcide or bleach, a hydrometer and testing jar, distilled water, a heater, a filtration system, plants, decorations and a tank.
An effective way of cleaning your newly purchased tank is to prepare a solution of five gallons of water for every one teaspoon of bleach.
However, before doing that, fill your tank with fresh water and let it sit for a while (up to 24 hours) to determine if there are any leaks.
Assuming there are no leaks and you've gone ahead and cleaned it using the above cleaning solution, rub the tank, decorations, plastic plants and the rocks dry.
By the way, never use soap or detergent as a cleaning solution, as trace elements of these may remain even after rinsing and can be very harmful to your fish and other species..
Styrofoam under your aquarium is always a good idea, and you should remember to place your tank in an area that has no direct sunlight and an electrical outlet.
Once you've decided on a location, go ahead and place decorations in your tank, taking care to avoid metal, as the salt in your salt water will corrode this material.
Following the manufacturer's instructions is important in setting up your filtration system.
There are many different types available, so consult your pet store experts and let them help you determine the brand and type that's best for your specific tank.
The next stage involves filling your tank up with gravel.
For every gallon of water, you should have about a pound of gravel.
Once the gravel has been distributed to your specifications, decorations, plastic plants and rocks follow.
In filling your tank with water, the key is to use de-chlorinated water.
A hydrometer will measure the salinity of your bucket water that you are adding salt to.
An optimum level is between 1.
020 and 1.
023.
When you achieve this salinity level, you should start to fill your tanks bucket by bucket until you have reached a level about an inch from the top.
At this point, you can start your filtration system and add a thermometer and heater.
A pretty good temperature range for most marine fish is between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
It's a good idea to let your heating system run for about 72 hours until a consistent and desired temperature is achieved.
As a final note, a power head is important in maintaining water motion in your tank.
At this point, a proper temperature and chemical levels means that you are now ready to introduce fish and other species into your tank.
Have fun and ask for technical help in picking compatible species.
Enjoy!
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