Saltwater Fish Tanks
Written by Saltwater Fish Hobbyist on October 1st, 2008Here’s your guide in setting up the perfect saltwater fish tanks for your adorable fishes.
Q: What are the best types and styles of saltwater fish tanks?
A: The best type and style of saltwater fish tanks depends on the type of saltwater fish you plan to have. Some of the more common saltwater fish tanks are the All-Glass Aquariums Bow Front, Tenecor Acrylic Flat Back Hexagonal and the Eclipse Series by the Marineland. In buying a tank you must also consider these three factors: the tank size, tank material and tank style.
Q: How to select a saltwater fish tank?
A: In selecting the saltwater fish tank you primarily need to decide the number and the classification of the fishes you wish to buy for your fish tank. The main rule in selecting the fish tank is to allow for every four gallons of water an inch of fish but make sure you are going by the size the fish will be in a year. That way you are not having to buy a new tank
in a year because the have out grown your tank.
Q: What are the steps to follow in setting-up your saltwater fish tanks?
A: The first step that you need to do is to get yourself a guide book about saltwater fish tanks. You can find one at bookstores your local fish store or you can download one online. Asking for help in your local pet store can also aid you in building one. But not every fish store is the same so if you can go to a couple of different ones and see for yourself if the advice is true or are they just trying to sell you some stuff they need to get rid of. Once you have your guide book and the advice from people who are already in the hobby you will see everything will be just that much easier for you.
Step number two is to purchase the things and accessories needed for your tank. For lightning, it really depends on whether you are going to have any corals or just fish in the tank. If it is fish only the regular fluorescent lights that comes with most tanks will be your best bet. The filter will depend on the number of fish and or corals you will be putting in your tank. The gravel or sand will be the base of your tank. This will also depend on the type of fish you are going to have on the tank. Some fish burrow in the sand so you would need sand and not gravel. You also need to buy a heater, thermometer, salinity tester and cleaning supplies. A water treatment kit should also be in your list. Another important factor is setting up saltwater fish tanks are their stand. You need to find a stand that is sturdy because it will hold at least 20 pounds of water. This is for one that is very small. If you get some of the bigger tanks you need to make sure the spot you want to put it in your home can hold the weight. Weight of 1 US Gallon of water = approx. 8.35 lbs so make sure you have a good stand and flooring to hold up to the wieght. Also you have to allow for the rocks and other things you will put in the tank.You also need to check if the stand wobbles to avoid accidents like a crack in the tank because it is not level. Think of a sturdy stand as an investment so if the one you choose is a little bit pricey just shrugged it off.
Step number three is to keep your cleaning routine simple. Basic water, sponge and scrapers are the only cleaning
necessity you should need. Never use cleaning liquid bottles that has ammonia in it or the anti-bacterial in them. Also make sure that the stuff and accessories you put on the tank are clean and are installed properly.
Last step is to ask for help. Ask the personnel at your local pet shop advice on the kind of fish that is suitable for your tank. Make sure that you start small. you will have to allow your tank to cycle before you put fish in the tank. If you do not wait tell the cycle ends you can kill your fish by over stressing them while the tank is doing its cycle. Ultimately, researching everything and anything to do with saltwater fish tanks can make all the tasks easier for you. Do your assignment well and you’ll be rewarded with the colors of the sea.
Tags: Fish, Saltwater, Saltwater Fish Tank, Tank