Whoever told you that it was too hard to start your own saltwater fish tank was wrong! Saltwater fish are in a league of their own in terms of color and beauty. More and more people have realized that having their own saltwater fish tank is not a great mystery that only the experts can manage.
Here are some simple steps to get you started on your own saltwater fish tank.
1.Setting up your tank
Saltwater fish or marine fish are less tolerant to changes or conditions than freshwater fish. Before even thinking of chucking your fish in, you have to let the water build up the natural levels of pH, minerals and bacteria and this can take up to 2 months. First you will need to add crushed coral to the base of the tank, then the best option is to use real saltwater from the ocean which is available in the specialty fish stores. You will also need to add "live rock" or rocks from the ocean to get your microscopic organisms working to balance your water. You will need your filter to be going from the beginning and after a week or so start testing the levels of pH, salts, and more.
2.Getting ready for the fish
Once you think the water levels are right, take a sample of your tank water in to your local aquarium shop for them to test it for you. This will make sure it is perfect for your fish to live happily.
3.Stocking your tank
Stocking your saltwater fish tank takes some careful planning before you begin, or you may find yourself with one or two fish that are incompatible with everything else. Coral can be the most beautiful part of your tank, but not all fish will live peacefully with it. If you want coral then you have to plan which fish will live in and amongst it. There are some fish that are peaceful (like clown fish, damsels and more) but many others that are extremely aggressive and territorial (like lion fish, butterfly fish, etc). Add the fish one by one and start with the hardiest fish to make sure they will all survive.
4.Taking care of your tank
Regular feeding of the food your particular fish and corals like, regular change of half of the water in the tank, and regular testing of the water quality are the only things left to do.
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An aquarium can be a very tranquil decoration in a home or office. There is nothing more relaxing than watching fish swim peacefully in clear, sparkling tropical fish tank. However, there is nothing more unsightly than an aquarium covered over with algae. So here are a few considerations and tips to help you with algae control.
Most all aquariums have algae. A small amount of it is not a bad thing. However, when algae grow rapidly and take over the tank, it can be troublesome. While there are no true ways to completely prevent it, it can be controlled.
Green algae are a common concern for most freshwater tank owners. The two types, hair and green dot, can be time consuming and even difficult to remove from the tank. This alga grows rapidly in tanks that receive and over abundance of light.
The brown form of algae most often grows after the initial set-up of the tank. The algae growth in tanks that have been established for a longer period of time may indicate a nitrate or phosphate problem. The growth of this algae is also encouraged by low light levels. To remove it from the tank, typically you need to clean the tank, increase the light it receives, and ensure that the water condition is at proper levels.
Red-brush and blue-green are two other forms of algae that can grow in a fish tank. The red-brush form tends to feed from aquariums with higher pH levels. Blue-green algae are a slimy type that can be dangerous to both plants and fish in the tank.
One of the easiest ways to control the growth of most algae is to control lighting. For algae control, do not place tanks near windows and minimize the lighting to eight hours each day. Using a lighting timer is a great way to give your tank consistent and adequate amounts of light.
Just like your fish, algae need to eat to survive. Algae grow best from consuming potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. You can greatly enhance algae control in tropical fish tanks by making sure that aquariums are not overcome by fish waste, excess food, and decaying plants. Also, perform water changes regularly and use a properly sized filter. And finally, if the algae are persistent, you can get a special silicate absorbing resin to use in your filter.
Adding algae eating organisms to your tank is also an option. Snails and algae eating fish can help control algae in the tank. It is important to keep in mind that snails can populate very quickly. Adding a snail and a plecostomus to a tank may be a good idea. Remember when all of the algae are consumed, you will need to feed these animals. Your local pet store has the right food for them readily available.
It is not uncommon for algae to begin to re-grow in a clean tank within three weeks. For ongoing algae control and management, be cautious about over feeding your fish, be certain to promptly remove dead fish from the tank, be mindful about the amount of light that the tank receives, and use some type of filtration system. And, remove any visible algae with a magnet or scrubber designed for this type of cleaning. Hopefully these simple tips will make your algae control efforts and aquarium keeping much easier and enjoyable.
Gary is an aquarium enthusiast and enjoys helping others with this amazing hobby. He has owned and maintained freshwater aquariums for over 20 years and teaches others how to set up a beautiful thriving aquarium. For more information and advice on how to keep your aquarium water clean or other useful tips please visit: http://freshwateraquariumbliss.com.
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