Setup a saltwater aquarium: Choosing your tank

Choosing the right saltwater aquarium tank

There are some factors involved when choosing the type of saltwater aquarium setup. Including how much space and what environment you have other factors include the type of fish you want to keep and how much they cost? A tank that fits your lifestyle and environment is the first goal when setting up your saltwater aquarium.

Your saltwater fish and other creatures are your first priority for your aquarium. The marine life in your aquarium require plenty of oxygen to survive and room to exercise and swim. To determine this we look at the tank size. So when you finally opt for the freshwater aquarium set up you want then remember this and give your fish a chance to grow.

One important aspect of your saltwater aquarium setup is oxygen. The surface area of your tank is the major contributing factor to the amount of oxygen it holds. This equates to the area of water exposed to the atmosphere at the top of the tank. Having a greater surface area for your saltwater aquarium means oxygen has more of a chance of transferring from the air into the water.

As well as taking in oxygen a large surface area for your saltwater aquarium also allows toxic gases like carbon dioxide to escape. The more this process is allowed the healthier your aquarium will be. Water temperature is one more factor that determines the amount of oxygen it holds. The cooler the water the higher the oxygen content will be in general.

Less oxygen will be available for tropical fish as they prefer temperatures above 75 degrees which means less oxygen would be available in the aquariums water. You may have to stock less marine animals if you do not have a large enough surface area for your saltwater aquarium. Therefore the larger aquarium you can keep the better it is for your saltwater fish.

Saltwater aquariums come in all shapes and sizes so how can you determine your requirements? It is the shape that determines the surface area not the size or volume. Because of its shape a tank can have less surface area even though it holds a larger volume. For the gas cycle tall narrow aquariums do mot have the ideal area. The exchange of gas will be much better in a short wide tank.

With this in mind and your aquarium tank chosen, its time to move on to the inhabitants. Like we mentioned depending on the size of the tank will determine the amount of inhabitants you can keep in comfort. One of the worst problems with a saltwater aquarium setup for beginners is overcrowding the tank. Too many inhabitants in your aquarium can overload and effect filtrating efficiency. Stressed fish living in cramped conditions is on of the major causes of fish death, diseases and illness.

You should start slowly when stocking up with fish. Only a small amount should be introduced in one go. Calculate what amount of water your aquarium holds in gallons. For the first six months introduce fish at one inch per fish for every four gallons of water. 15 fish would be the amount of fish in a sixty gallon saltwater aquarium. More fish can be added after six months at an increase of two gallons for every inch of fish.

An example of a 60 gallon aquarium would be:-

Two 1-inch clownfish
One 1-inch Beau Gregory’s
Two 3-inch queen angel
Two 1- inch gobies
Two 1-inch blennies
One 2-inch Tang (surgeonfish)

You can mix and match as long as you get the basic sizes right. Then you can increase your fish to 30 after the six month period.

You may have to adjust the amount of fish you keep in you tank because when they grow they will require more space. Not only is the fish size an issue but also the shape. In an aquarium with heavier fish you should have a fewer number of fish inside.

{It will take time for your saltwater aquarium set up to develop}. They do cost money and cutting corners is not the answer. Problems will occur even when you have spent lots of time developing your tank. Make sure you have the correct aquarium from the start because it can be a little disheartening if you choose wrongly and then have to buy another one. It is best not to dive in and get a small tank. Before investing in you saltwater aquarium wait until you can invest in at least a 30 gallon tank.

The choices of saltwater aquariums are vast starting with do you get a glass or acrylic tank? Depending on choice it could be a reef tank already adapted for all your accessories? Choosing correctly is up to you so get advice. One good starting point is silicon sealed glass tanks. The range is vast from unusual hexagonal and octagonal shapes to the more conventional rectangular types. Although more prone to scratching acrylic tanks are becoming more popular than the glass variety.

There is a difference in the weight of acrylic and glass tanks. Glass aquariums are heavier and difficult to manoeuvre if moving. The glass is quite thick. However a glass tank with a plastic frame is quite stable. Tempered glass is stronger but plated glass is shatter proof.

The popular option is an acrylic saltwater aquarium setup with moulded seems which are more transparent. One fault is that your view at the corners is distorted. The acrylic tanks on the market even outdo the glass variety in the amount of different shapes and sizes you can have. The downsides are they cost more and scratch easily. The things to watch for to avoid scratches is be careful with decorations and when removing algae. However you can buy kits that will help remove the scratches.

The health of your fish is the priority whatever type of saltwater aquarium you go for. You need time to look after it properly and also enough cash to keep it in good order and properly maintained. Total relaxation can be found when watching your new marine friends playing in your aquarium. You will obtain much pleasure and enjoyment out of your saltwater aquarium

Salt Water Fishes

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