As with any hobby, saltwater aquarium keeping can seem a little intimidating for those who are just beginning.

Beginners can have a great deal of questions regarding the the aquarium hobby and about sea life . This aquarium faq page includes answers to a number of the very frequently asked questions struck in the saltwater and reef aquarium hobbies, which range from aquarium setup and maintenance to decorating the tank, picking livestock, and controlling pests and algae. We’ll add aquarium questions and replies as time goes by.

Setting Up

What’s the kind of aquarium?

Any size tank can be used to get a saltwater aquarium, Tanks require filtration systems that are smaller, but larger tanks will provide water that is more stable and permit for fish and invertebrates. It’s usually recommended to not use anything bigger. The best advice is to have the biggest tank. Make certain to purchase. The tank should be glass on the sides with no metallic parts anywhere. The salt water may poison the water and will cause the metal. Aquariums are also available in oil, but acrylic aquariums are costly and can be easily scratched.

What’s the best place in a house for a saltwater aquarium?

When considering a location You may wish to find it on a surface away from windows and doors. It should be located away from radiators and ac vents. You want to select a location which has a temperature that is stable. Sunlight entering through windows and doors cause algae issues and can interfere with the aquarium. Water is extremely heavy, so make certain to find a stable place where the aquarium can rest on a flat surface.

What sorts of aquarium stands are best to use?

Since water is heavy, it is important to utilize the Most sturdy aquarium stand you are able to afford. Aquarium manufacturers make. Aquarium specialty shops sell stand and tank combos where stand and the tank fit in style and colour. Ensure you buy.

What’s the best filtration system for a saltwater aquarium?

It’s To get a saltwater aquarium comprising fish that is only Possible to use an assortment of filtration systems. Will depend on the quantity of fish and the size of the aquarium you would like to keep. The filters are sump filters and canister filters. Canister filters consist. The canister includes a pump which pushes back up and the water down to the canister into the aquarium. Canister filters utilize both biological and mechanical filtration. Canister filters’ disadvantage is they may be tricky to clean and they need to be cleaned. They are not a good option for aquariums. Filters are thought of as the best filters. They consist. There are numerous kinds of sump filters use some combination of biological and mechanical filtration, and available. Filters are a fantastic choice for huge and mid-sized aquariums.

What’s the best filtration system for a coral reef aquarium?

The best choice for filtration in a coral reef tank is the Berlin method which utilizes the Jaubert method that utilizes, or stone live sand. Reef aquarium hobbyists will use a mixture of both. The live rock and live sand provide a medium for the nitrifying bacteria to grow. Both approaches are used with a sump placed underneath a protein skimmer and the aquarium. The sump offers extra water into the system and offers a convenient are to do maintenance such as adding nutritional supplements and adding water. The sump provides a place for the protein skimmer, which will help to filter waste. This sort of filtration may be used for all sizes of reef aquariums and can manage tanks.

What’s the suggested salinity for a saltwater aquarium?

We typically measure the salinity of saltwater The gravity. The specific gravity of pure seawater is about 1.025. To get a fish-only saltwater aquarium, try to maintain the water between 1.024 and 1.026. Some aquarium hobbyists like to maintain the salinity of the fish tanks low since this will inhibit the development of parasites which can cause diseases. It’s possible to maintain the water as low as 1.019. This isn’t generally recommended because it may be uncomfortable and stressful for the fish.

What’s the suggested salinity for a coral reef aquarium?

From the aquarium hobby Salinity by measuring the specific gravity of saltwater. For a coral reef tank, it’s strongly recommended that you maintain the SG of the water at between 1.025 and 1.028. The specific gravity of pure seawater is about 1.025, so this should be your goal for providing a natural environment for your fish and corals.

How do I measure the salinity of this water?

The salinity of saltwater can be measured using one of three instruments. The solution is to use a hydrometer. A hydrometer is a plastic container with a index inside. When you add water, the floating indicator will show that the specific gravity onto a scale. You can also gauge the salinity using a salinity screen or a salinity refractometer. These are electronic devices that cost over a hydrometer, but might give more precise results.

How much light do I need to get a saltwater aquarium?

Lighting a saltwater aquarium with no plants and fish Coral can be achieved using lighting that were inexpensive. The rule of thumb is to use 1 to 2 watts per gallon. With aquariums, spectrum and the colour of this light isn’t as crucial as it is for reef aquariums. You can select the sort of light which is most appropriate for your taste and shows off the colours of the fish. You should use. As they can foster the growth of algae Don’t use bulbs that are standard in the hardware store.

How much light do I need to get a coral reef aquarium?

Reef aquariums need a whole lot of light. This is Because the coral comprises a symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae that uses light to generate food. Coral grows in waters that are tropic that are shallow and is subjected to plenty of sunlight. Your goal is to try to recreate the sunlight in the aquarium. The aquarium will be a combination or one of those high intensity LED setups. The rule of thumb is to use 4 to 8 watts. You will want to ensure you don’t choose because the intensity drops off with the thickness of the water, an aquarium that’s too deep. It’s strongly recommended that coral reef aquariums be no deeper.

How long should the lights be left on?

Lighting a saltwater aquarium Depends upon the type of You have. It’s suggested to leave the lights on to simulate the cycle of daylight For those who get a aquarium. Any time interval might lead to diseases that are undesirable and may stress the fish. Use a timer to give a lighting cycle that is consistent . You should leave the lights on In case you have coral in your aquarium. Coral comprises. Use two timers and Lots of people decide to split their lights. This way they could light the other and one place . This is less stressful than having the lights go out and come on.

Cycling the Aquarium

What is the nitrogen cycle?

The nitrogen cycle is a process in which Nitrogen is converted through different chemical forms. In an aquarium, the nitrogen cycle starts with ammonia that’s given off by fish and other creatures through the procedure and waste. The ammonia is converted to nitrite by nitrifying bacteria that were particular. Another sort of bacteria converts the nitrite. By making water changes nitrate is not as harmful to fish and is taken out of the aquarium.

How can I cycle my aquarium?

When establishing, the nitrogen Before fish or other animals can be inserted into the tank, cycle has to be established. This process is referred to as biking the aquarium. When the tank is installed and the filtration system has begun, ammonia can be added to the water with the addition of fish or fish food sometimes. You’ll have to monitor the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. It takes to cycle a new aquarium. This procedure rushs. Wait and It’s much better to err on the side of caution. Rushing the process is only going to lead to fish. When ammonia and nitrite levels drop to zero, the tank is cycled.

Is there some way to accelerate the cycling process?

There are a number of ways. Nitrifying bacteria added to kick start the procedure and can be bought at aquarium shops. This can accelerate the process. Another way is to use sand or love stone. Live rock and may reduce the cycling time and sand contain established colonies of bacteria.

How soon after biking can I add fish to the aquarium?

It’s important to add When the aquarium has cycled Livestock into the tank slowly and slowly. Start with one or two wait for and fish a couple weeks. Examine the water and observe the nitrite and ammonia levels. Since the filtration system adjusts to the bio load, They’ll go up. You can add one or two fish When the ammonia and nitrite levels return to zero. Continue to check the water and wait before adding any more creatures if you observe a spike in ammonia levels.

Live Substrate & Rock

What is rock?

Rock consists the ocean floor. It’s called”live” stone since it’s coated with living organisms. Additionally, it contains bacteria which is vital for filtering the water. Fantastic quality live rock can result in a setting in a saltwater aquarium and can contain algae, crustaceans, starfish, sponges, and other organisms. The pound at local aquarium retailers sells rock.

How does live stone advantage a saltwater aquarium?

A saltwater aquarium can be benefited by rock . It offers a look for the aquarium. The stone can be piled to replicate the appearance of a coral reef. It contains nitrifying bacteria which can help to filter the water. Rock is good at filtering the water it is possible to set up an aquarium with no filtration system, using nothing but live rock and a pump to circulate the water.

What’s the best kind of live rock to purchase?

Undoubtedly the best type of rock is what is called pre-cured. When stone placed into and is brought up from the sea A few of the organisms on the rock, an aquarium will perish. This can raise ammonia levels and foul the water in an aquarium. It takes several Weeks for the stone called curing. Once the Rock has cured, it’s safe to put into your aquarium. Cured Rock will cost rock if you’re on a Fix it and budget you might want to buy rock yourself.

How do I cure live rock to Be Used in the aquarium?

Stone that was uncured must be treated It is safe to put into an aquarium. After being eliminated from the sea A few of the organisms on the rock will die off, and this die-off can foul the water in an aquarium. You might want to put it into a glass or plastic container full of salt water that is premixed to cure the stone yourself. Use a pump to supply water flow that is decent and wait. There’ll be a smell in the beginning that will go the stone cures. Examine the water. When zero is read by nitrite and ammonia levels and there isn’t any bad smell, the stone is safe to enhance your aquarium.

How should I choose the bits that are right Of rock for my aquarium?

Since rock is marketed by The pound, you might wish to pick. Search for pieces with a great deal of holes. This provides hiding places and makes the rock lighter. Additionally, it gives more surface area for bacteria to grow. Consider how you would like to stack the stone in your aquarium and choose pieces which will stack. Make certain to choose shelves to be made by a flat pieces and build caves for fish to hide and float through.

How much will I need for my aquarium?

If You’re going to be using Stone are you filtration system on your aquarium, it’s strongly recommended that you use for every gallon of water from the aquarium about one and a half pounds of live rock.

What’s substrate?

Substrate is the material That’s set on the bottom of the aquarium. Two functions are served by substrate. It offers a natural and it helps to filter out the water.

What’s the type of substrate to use in a saltwater aquarium?

The type of substrate for a Aquarium is. Nice sand and coral are both great choices. Coral will provide a look to the system and is more coarse. It comes down to personal choice. Sand is preferred by reef aquarium hobbyists. Sand is cultured in the sea and comprises other creatures that help to filter the water and keep it clean and bacteria.

What is sand?

Sand is Cultured and taken out of the ocean. It comprises microorganisms and many animals which could be useful to a marine aquarium. Sand may be used to filter out the aquarium water to remove waste. This sort of filtration is referred to as the Jaubert system.

How does sand advantage a saltwater aquarium?

Sand is beneficial to an Since it contains aquarium. Keep the water clean and these bacteria help break down waste materials. Sand can be obtained from many aquarium retailers.

What’s the stuff that Covers?

The purple, pink, and crimson colors you See on the rock are brought on by a particular kind of algae called algae. This algae comprises a skeleton. It’s highly desired in a reef aquarium and may be a sign of good water quality once it develops and spreads inside the aquarium.

Is my stone turning white?

Algae turns white when it dies off. This is a indication that something is wrong within the aquarium. Low calcium levels and alkalinity levels that are improper are the cause. Some toxins from the water may lead to algae to turn white. You need to have your water tested to identify the reason if you find this issue on your reef aquarium. Work with you aquarium shop to discover a solution.

Choosing Fish

Can freshwater fish live in a saltwater aquarium?

Freshwater fish won’t survive in salt water. This is due to a process. Osmosis causes water to move to elevated concentrations from low levels of salt. If a freshwater fish is exposed to saltwater, its cells will get rid of water and the fish will die of dehydration. There are a number of exceptions. Salmon, eels and a few trout have accommodated the ability to survive in both salt water and fresh water. Additionally, there are a few species of fish which live in what is called brackish water, which is slightly saltier than fresh water although not quite as salty as salt water. These species may adapt to live in salt water. A good example of them is the molly.

How many fish can I put in my saltwater aquarium?

The number in An aquarium is dependent upon the sort of filtration as well as the size of the aquarium. The rule of thumb is no more than 1 inch of fish for each five gallons of water. You may have the ability to keep that when you’ve got a filtration system that is good and take care of the system.

How long do saltwater fish live?

With a great and proper care Environment species of saltwater sea fish can live for ten years or longer. There have been reports of clownfish. There might be some exceptions, but they ought to reward you if your fish are well cared for. It will depend on how old the fish was when you bought it, but many species are aquacultured nowadays and needs to be rather young. Personally, I have a blue damselfish I have had for a tang that’s been in my aquarium or six decades and ten years.

When the lights are, do sleep off?

Believe it or not, fish do sleep at night. If you shine a light in the aquarium at night, you’ll observe the fish will be moving very slowly and their colors are also less conspicuous. As swim though they’re confused, They’ll act dazed. This is why it’s crucial to set your aquarium lights on a timer to guarantee a lighting program that mimicked night cycle and the day.

Does buying saltwater fish damage the environment?

All though some fish are recorded in The wild many species, for the aquarium trade raised and are bred in captivity. Many corals are now propagated from cuttings known by amateurs as frags (short for fragments). Rock is being aquacultured for the aquarium industry. Talk local fish stores if you’re concerned about the environment and find one that buys.

What is aquaculture?

Aquaculture is the farming of Organisms like fish, molluscs, and crustaceans. Aquaculture is the procedure for invertebrates and fish in captivity. Aquaculture reduces the aquarium hobby on the environment’s effects. Several species of fish such as clownfish raised and are bred in captivity. Corals are being grown. Rock is being grown in the sea for the aquarium trade. Farmers submerge it in the sea for many years and take rock.

What types of fish are easy to keep In a saltwater aquarium?

The most easy fish to keep for Beginners are damselfish clownfish, blennies, gobies, and wrasses. These species are somewhat more tolerant of water quality problems and are easy to acclimate.

What kinds of fish should I avoid?

Tangs and angelfish are Somewhat more Quality and might require experience. Butterflyfish are among the kinds of fish to maintain an aquarium and should be maintained by hobbyists that are experienced. Lionfish can be tricky because they have to be fed live food to keep. Seahorses are sensitive and hard to keep. They need food that is live and don’t do well when kept with other sorts of fish.

When buying a fish, how do I pick A specimen that is healthy?

When Choosing animals Aquarium shop, examine them to be sure they seem healthy. Make sure they don’t have spots or any marks . Make sure their eyes are not white and clean. Ask someone at the shop to provide some food to them so that you can make sure that they will consume. Do not buy. Pick a specimen when purchasing coral. Do not buy any coral. When you get it 22, aquarium stores will give a warranty of one or more times the animal dies.

Should I acclimate the fish Before adding it?

The best way to acclimate new Animals is to put them in a bucket . Add water from the aquarium to the bucket or by using a plastic tubing. Begin a siphon in the tube so the water drips into the bucket, and tie a knot. You’ll want to gradually add around three times the quantity of water in the aquarium which was initially in the bucket over a period of 15 to 30 minutes.After which you could add the critters to the tank by means of a net. Take care not to get gills and fish fins . DO NOT place any of the water which came in your tank from the aquarium shop, In case you have invertebrates on your aquarium. Aquarium shops put copper in their water to help stop dieases. Copper will kill coral, crabs, and shrimps and is toxic to invertebrates.

Can I place sharks?

All though sharks can be kept in They are among the kinds of fish. They require a whole lot of room and require considerable amounts of food. They will become too big to keep in captivity and require a huge aquarium.

Choosing Invertebrates for the Aquarium

What types of invertebrates are easy To maintain a saltwater aquarium?

Invertebrates are difficult to keep than fish. They are more sensitive to fluctuations in water quality. You’ll need to track your calcium and alkalinity levels if you choose to keep invertebrates. You will need to use pure water. Water isn’t feasible with invertebrates. For the newcomer, corals, snails, and hermit crabs are the most easy to keep. They are more tolerant of water issues.

What steps need to be taken when keeping invertebrates in an aquarium?

Invertebrates are sensitive to changes in water quality. They require alkalinity and calcium levels to be maintained at appropriate levels. You’ll have to test your calcium and alkalinity levels if you’re planning to keep invertebrates. You will need to use pure water. It’s strongly recommended to put money into a RO/DI water filtration system. Don’t use tap water. Water contains. As you do your water changes these chemicals will develop over time. You can use water from the grocery store, if you are not able to receive an filter. Aquarium shops sell saltwater that is premixed .

Can I keep an anemone for my clownfish?

Anemones are difficult To keep alive. They need light requirements and water. They need a minimum quantity of water flow. Even in captivity, some anemones do not do well with water and mild. You might want to take into account a coral, if you would like something to your clownfish to nest in. You can try out a torch coral if your water quality is good. When open, torch corals resemble clownfish and anemones will make use of the coral. The clownfish will adapt to this behavior, although torch corals will end up at night.

What invertebrates should I avoid?

Keeping shrimps and crabs will Need you to maintain water quality. Banded coral reefs and shrimp are often hardy as alkalinity and calcium are kept at levels that are optimum. Starfish will need good quality water. Be cautious with serpent stars and brittle stars. They can grow very large. When they get big 11, some may become fish eaters. If you’ve got the patience harlequin shrimp should be kept. They eat nothing and starfish else. Hard corals will demand lighting levels and water quality. Amateurs should only keep them. Clams, anemones, and oysters are also tough to keep alive. They ought to be avoided by all but the most experienced aquarium hobbyists.

Could I have an octopus in my aquarium?

Octopuses can be kept in an aquarium But are difficult to take care of. Since they will eat they shouldn’t be kept with fish. They are talented escape artists and will climb through the tiniest of spaces from the aquarium. Additionally, they are expensive to obtain and have short life spans. Octopus species live for one.

I believed my shrimp/crab was dead, But I saw it. What happened?

No, your crab or shrimp did not come Back to life, it molted. Their exterior shell doesn’t grow as invertebrates such as crabs and shrimp grow. The shell must be occasionally disgarded by them by shedding it. Method is called molting. When catch or a shrimp molts, they’ll hide for a couple of days as the new shell hardens. The shell that was old is left bedind and might resemble a dead animal.

Selecting Corals for the Aquarium

Are corals difficult to maintain an aquarium?

Corals are among the hardest Animals to maintain an aquarium. They need water chemistry and water quality. They require a correct quantity of water and light flow. There are lots of distinct types of corals. Corals are the most easy to keep. They don’t need as much light and are more forgiving of water quality problems. Corals make a fantastic choice for the beginner. Hard corals come in two different types. Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals are somewhat easier to maintain while Brief Polyp Stone (SPS) corals can be extremely tough to keep alive in an aquarium. SPS corals need water motion water quality, and lights. Reef aquarium hobbyists should only keep SPS corals.

What types of corals can be found for a coral reef aquarium?

Both hard and soft corals can be Stored in an aquarium and changed. Corals can be found in polyp colonies like button corals and mushroom corals and polyp colonies like gorgonians and leather corals. Hard corals can be found in two types. Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals have large polyps and are the simplest hard corals to maintain an aquarium. LPS corals include brain corals and torch corals. Short Polyp Stony (SPS) corals have brief polyps and are far more challenging to keep. SPS corals include corals that are branched, cup corals, and acropora.

Does the environment is harmed by purchasing coral?

All though some coral is Harvested from the sea corals are propagated by cutting on fragments to develop specimens. Buy your corals from an aquarium shop that gets their corals from cuttings if you’re concerned about the environment.

What’s”fragging”?

Fragging is a process of replicating By cutting specimens, to develop corals. All though Coral is an animal, it could be grown from cuttings like some plants. Many Fragging available in aquarium shops now propagates corals. Furthermore aquarium hobbyists frag their corals to exchange with others. Fragging is a process of aquaculture. It’s an environmentally friendly Method of getting coral aquariums.