i was thinking about getting a saltwater aquarium but need to more more about them. I have a 50 gallon tank with nothing in it right now. how do you set it up for saltwater? is it hard to keep?
Keeping a marine tank was much more difficult than freshwater 20 years ago, but that is absolutely not the case today. The quality of the salt mixes, tap water filtration, aquarium filtration and marine fish foods has made keeping a marine aquarium relatively easy.
The keys to success are:
1. Use quality salt – I use Instant Ocean
2. Filter your tap water well
3. Develop a good tank maintenance routine
4. Don’t over-populate – remember, saltwater doesn’t hold as much oxygen as freshwater, so you can’t pack as many fish into a marine aquarium as you can a freshwater system
In terms of setup, it’s not a lot different than a freshwater tank. You’ll need the tank, lights, heater and a good filter. Remember, water movement is critical in a marine aquarium, especially at the surface of the water since that’s where oxygenation occurs, so be sure you plan for sufficient water movement. It also helps keep the fish waste and uneaten food (detritus) from settling to the bottom, making it easier to filter out before it causes problems.
Take it from me, as I started keeping fish more than 20 years ago and have had both fresh and marine tanks over the years, if you get the basics down, keeping a marine aquarium is no more difficult than keeping a freshwater tank.
If you’re really interested, I suggest you check out Reef Central. It’s geared mainly toward marine reef tanks, but there is a forum for Fish-Only tanks and also a New To The Hobby forum. These would be excellent places for you to pick up the information you need and to ask questions so you can make an informed decision.
www.reefcentral.com
Good luck!!
Oh yes!! They are very very very very hard to keep unfortunately. I’ve been doing fish for like 6 or 7 years and my cousin who has a saltwater tank still doesn’t think I’m ready to start one yet!! He told me he killed SO MANY fish trying to figure it out. You need to get the EXACT amount of salt then have the filter on with nothing in it for at least 3 months then the fish are very expensive and the upkeep and cleaning of the tank is very hard. Then there’s the water changes…. everything about it is hard. I would suggest doing tropical. It’s MUCH easier. All you need is some water (with some drops to make the tap water safe for the fish – you can buy that at the pet store), a filter, and a heater. The fish are very inexpensive also. If you need any help feel free to email me!! good luck
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once you setup your tank you just need to add water to it and change the overhead filters(most common in saltwater aquarium)…actually its much easier to keep saltwater fish than freshwater ones….but they have a short lifespan….and its almost impossible to breed them.. in a tank
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Having a marine tank does require a certain level of conscientiousness, patience, and attentiveness, but it isn’t as bad as people make it out to be.
The best I can recommend is to do your research before purchasing anything. I’ve found "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Bob Fenner to be the best resource out there, hands-down. I suggest giving it a read, along with other material you can get your hands on.
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Keeping a marine tank was much more difficult than freshwater 20 years ago, but that is absolutely not the case today. The quality of the salt mixes, tap water filtration, aquarium filtration and marine fish foods has made keeping a marine aquarium relatively easy.
The keys to success are:
1. Use quality salt – I use Instant Ocean
2. Filter your tap water well
3. Develop a good tank maintenance routine
4. Don’t over-populate – remember, saltwater doesn’t hold as much oxygen as freshwater, so you can’t pack as many fish into a marine aquarium as you can a freshwater system
In terms of setup, it’s not a lot different than a freshwater tank. You’ll need the tank, lights, heater and a good filter. Remember, water movement is critical in a marine aquarium, especially at the surface of the water since that’s where oxygenation occurs, so be sure you plan for sufficient water movement. It also helps keep the fish waste and uneaten food (detritus) from settling to the bottom, making it easier to filter out before it causes problems.
Take it from me, as I started keeping fish more than 20 years ago and have had both fresh and marine tanks over the years, if you get the basics down, keeping a marine aquarium is no more difficult than keeping a freshwater tank.
If you’re really interested, I suggest you check out Reef Central. It’s geared mainly toward marine reef tanks, but there is a forum for Fish-Only tanks and also a New To The Hobby forum. These would be excellent places for you to pick up the information you need and to ask questions so you can make an informed decision.
http://www.reefcentral.com
Good luck!!
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It’s easy if you have a lot of money and a lot of time to spend on it.
I’ve been thinking I might do it when I retire and can afford to spend all day working on my aquarium.
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If you are new to keeping fish, I strongly suggest you stay with freshwater. SAlt water is much more expensive & much more messy. Salt evaporates into the air & leaves a white film on things. Saltwater fish are also alot more money & harder to find. it is more of an exact science & not near as tolerant of beginner mistakes. it’s just awful to buy a $30 fish & it dies on you.
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its as easy as a tropical don’t listen to rachel next she will be saying you need a protein skimmer for the fish lol. first get saltwater from fish shop which is about £4 per 10 litres which would be about £160 just for saltwater :s or you can make it yourself with marine salt. after youve put the water in add the filter, heater and air pump after that add the sand and decorations wait 1 week then add whatever fish you want i would have a fish only tank meaning no corals or anemones if i were you. You dnt wana buy an expensive light and protein skimmer unless your rich. ive had mine running about 3 months its really easy. i don’t know why people say its hard coz its as easy as tropical. just do what i said add heater, air pump, filter, decorations and water wait a week and add fish. theres alot more pretty fish and its really fun. good luck with your saltwater fish tank
And im 15 and thin its easy but have had fish tanks since i was quite young.
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Not if you know what you are doing.
if you dont have any experience in freshwater or rather havent mastered it, then i owuldnt try it.
FO tanks arent that bad once you learn the saltwater chemsitry.
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its more work and more expensive than a freshwater tank, but its not impossible like some people are making it seem.
the tank you have is a pretty good starters tank, again, you dont need EXACT measurements of salt. since your tank is big, it allows you to make small mistakes.
search saltwater fish on google and just read around different websites. its really helpful if you read before you even start.
if you need any more help, you can always email. good luck!
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55 & 10 gallon salt water tanks