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Caring For Your New Saltwater Aquarium

Pet Rating System:  1= Lowest   5 = Highest

Saltwater Fish	1	2	3	4	5
Ease Of Care
Temperament
Intelligence
Cost of Care
Lifespan

Overall Rating:  1/2

Saltwater fish are not the easiest of aquarium dwellers.  They can require frequent water changes and specific water qualities for different types of fish.  They rate high on our temperament scale because they provide hours or relaxation and enjoyment.  Saltwater fish can be trained to eat out of your hand and show some recognition.  The cost of a saltwater fish and aquarium can be cost prohibitive because the fish are more expensive than freshwater fish and can require lots of upkeep on water quality and health of the saltwater fish.  The lifespan of saltwater fish can range from a couple of years to 10 years+.

Essential Care Items:

• Aquarium

• Salt Mix

• Filter

• Live Sand

• Live Rock

• Hydrometer

• Heater

• Decorations

• Lights

• Food

• Scrubber, Hoses, Buckets

• Water Testing Kit

• Dechlorinator

An aquarium can provide many hours of relaxation and enjoyment and can be your own personal "stress reliever".   There are so many types, sizes, and kinds of fish that your variation is endless.   A well-placed and decorated tank is equivalent to a living piece of visual art in your home.  Welcome to the world of aquariums!

Aquarium - The size of the aquarium you select depends largely on your budget and space limitations.  Saltwater aquariums should be no smaller that 50 gallons and can range up to 200 gallons or more.  However, a new trend in aquariums is a "Nano" tank which are under 24 gallons.  Different fish have different requirements depending on their future size and their interactions with other inhabitants of the aquarium.   A good rule of thumb for a saltwater aquarium is 1 fish for each 10 gallons of water.

Set-Up - Saltwater systems operate in the same general manner as a freshwater system.  You will have a filtration system, decorations and water.  The major difference besides the type of water, is the type of filtration to be used.  To get started there is a general rule of thumb that your filtration system should turn over your water about 10 times per hour (10 X 100 gallons = 1000gph).   When making your decision about filtration, your budget can determine what you choose.  The least expensive is the undergravel filter with an outside or hang-on the back filter combined.  An undergravel filter could be combined with a canister filter.  There are also bed filters that can be used alone or in conjunction with another filter type.  A wet/dry filter is preferred but does cost more than those mentioned above.  This type of filter is more advanced and can be used in combination with a protein skimmer.  With this filter system, you must have some type of overflow box.  If you are using live sand and live rock, you will not need an undergravel filter as the live sand provides filtration.

Saltwater - Prepackaged salt mixes  are easy to use and are completely sterile so as not introduce bacteria into your tank.  When you first setup, you can mix the water right in the aquarium making sure to use the correct amount of salt to the number of gallons of water.  Don't forget the dechlorinator.  Once the tank is setup you will mix replacement water in buckets.  Remember that your decorations are going to displace some of the water.  A 55 gallon aquarium will not actually have 55 gallons of water.  Let your filtration system mix the water for about 12 hours.   You will need a Hydrometer to make sure you have the correct salinity.  Don't forget that water evaporates leaving the salt behind.  If you keep adding salt water as make-up water, your tank will get saltier and saltier.  Always use dechlorinated freshwater as your make-up water and use your Hydrometer to check salinity. 

Decoration - Saltwater fish require lots of places to hide and dart in and out of to get away from more aggressive fish.  Darting in and out of coral is a natural behavior in the wild.  There are two kinds of decorations;  those that are dead corals that have been treated and those that are called living reefs.  Again, your budget will decide what's best.  Although the living reefs look more natural, they are more costly and require special lighting. 

Fish - It is important to set-up your aquarium and let the filter system run for at least a week before adding fish.  You will have fewer losses if you go slowly when introducing new inhabitants.  For the first two weeks,   start with the little damsel fish or cleaner fish.  They will help get the "good" bacteria started and also are less expensive if problems should arise.   Introduce new fish two at a time to allow the filter and ecosystem to adjust.     Be aware of the types of fish that are compatible with each other.  For instance, you don't want aggressive Trigger fish with slower non-aggressive fish like sea horses and cow fish.  If you choose to add invertebrates, make sure they are also compatible with your fish.  An octopus can be fascinating but may eat your fish and definitely will eat your crab or shrimp.  Tubeworms and anemone make beautiful additions, but make sure you understand how they feed.  They are filter feeders and can easily starve to death without the proper diet.  Be sure to pick healthy fish.   Look for those that are brightly colored and swim with erect fins; avoid small, thin or stunted fish.  Avoid fish where the majority of the other inhabitants look sick or dying.  The bag you bring you fish home in should be floated in your aquarium for about 15 minutes to equalize the temperature.  The fish may be shocked by any sudden temperature change. When purchasing your fish, be sure they are brightly colored, show interest, have not white spots or other diseases, and have clear eyes.  Ask the store to put the bag into a dark paper bag for the ride home...this reduces their stress level.  When acclimating to the aquarium, place the clear bag into a darkened aquarium, turning off the lights.  Leave for 15 minutes, add a little tank water to the bag making sure not add store water to your tank....wait 15 minutes.  Do this procedure about 2 more times.  Net your fish so as to keep store water out of your tank.  Add to tank and enjoy! 

 Feeding - There is a wide variety of food available and each fish may have a different requirement.  Some fish will eat flake food made specifically for marine fish.  Others may require only live or frozen delicacies.  Some favorites are mysis, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and plankton.  Keep in mind that some fish eat only meat and others only eat vegetable matter.  The popular Yellow Tang must be fed algae or vegetable matter, whereas, the Lion Fish eats only meat.

Temperature - Saltwater fish from  the tropics are most comfortable at 80-84 degrees.  You may need to incorporate a heater in your system.  There are submersible heaters available that can be hidden behind the decorations.

A properly set-up aquarium should be regularly maintained with the following:

    Weekly cleaning of the glass with an aquarium scrubber to remove algae.

    Weekly checking your filter to see if it needs to be cleaned.

    Weekly top off water due to evaporation.

    Monthly change 25% of water and refill with new non-chlorinated saltwater.

http://www.garf.org

Enjoy your new aquarium and some of the most diverse and colorful animals on the Planet!

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DISCLAIMER:  The information contained in this website is not intended to be a substitute for Veterinary Care.  If you have any questions or problems, always consult with your Veterinarian.