Tips for Setting Up a Saltwater Aquarium

When you walk through a pet store, do you admire the tanks of butterflyfish, tangs, chalk bass and other saltwater fish? If you’re thinking about starting a saltwater aquarium, there are some things to consider before choosing its saltwater occupants.

The Size of the Aquarium

The size of the aquarium you select depends upon the type of fish you want to put into it. For instance, some types of butterfly fish need an aquarium holding at least 75 gallons of water. If you get more than one butterfly fish, then you would need to get a larger aquarium, so they have enough space to get away from one another. Read up on the type of saltwater fish you want to get to determine what size aquarium you need.

Compatibility of Your Fish

Some fish have aggressive personalities while others are passive. It makes sense to research the temperament of the fish you want to buy before going to the store. For instance, it wouldn’t be advisable to pair an angelfish with a few yellow striped cardinalfish. Why? Because yellow striped cardinalfish are non-aggressive. Angelfish are aggressive and will likely bother these peaceful fish throughout the day. The bottom line is to take the time to research your fish options to make sure you’re not mixing aggressive fish with peaceful ones.

Aquarium Décor

Deciding on your aquarium’s décor is one of the most creative parts of starting an aquarium of saltwater fish. Sometimes it’s a good idea to choose décor that will highlight colors in your fish. For instance, if you decide to get a yellow tang for your aquarium, you may want to get rocks in a dark color such as purple or gray. The rocks will serve as an excellent backdrop for your brightly colored fish! Other items of aquarium décor to consider include an ocean scene to stick on the back of your tank, lighting that highlights the colors of your fish, decorative rocks, possibly live rock and real plants.

Food

Of course, it’s best to have food ready for your saltwater fish before you bring them home. Once again, some fish need a certain diet to keep their fins and scales in good, healthy condition. When you shop for fish food online it’s best to take the time to read labels to see if the food contains the nutrients your fish need to maintain their health.

Temperature

The water in a saltwater aquarium must be monitored for the health and well-being of your fish. The ideal temperature for the water in a saltwater fish tank falls within the range of 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to keep the water in this temperature range, you can purchase a water heater with a thermometer that lets you know if the water is warm enough for your fish.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember is to make a plan for your saltwater aquarium and make a list of the items you need. Purchasing the fish should be the last step in the process. Your saltwater fish are more likely to survive the stress of coming home with you if everything is ready for them when they arrive.