What do we need to set up and maintain a salt water tank?
My husband and I moved to the Pacific Northwest Coast and have discovered that there is a beautiful assortment of marine life to enjoy and display. We have obtained a 40 gal aquarium but thats all we have. Any one want to take us step-by-step through the setup process? Thanks
Before you start, read as much as you can on maintaing a tank. The most important thing you will need to decide on is what type of filtration will suit you the best. This will determine how easy or difficult you regular maintenance will be. I would suggest a protien skimmer with mechanical filter. A salt water aquarium is not as difficult as people say but there are a lot more to it than a fresh water tank. Be informed before you start, that will save you money and headaches. Talk to your neighborhood aquarium supplier, read up (FAMA magazine is great), and get many opinions. The best advice is don’t rush.
I’d advise you purchase a good aquarium book. Start with a freshwater tank until you figure out what you’re doing. Freshwater tanks are easier to maintain and cheaper and better to start out with when you’re just beginning to keep fish. Be warned: keeping fish is not as easy as most people think. If conditions aren’t perfect, fish die, even the "hardy" ones!
January 10th, 2010 at 7:48 amReferences :
I agree with the person above me…even with a freshwater tank you need pumps, plant life, bubbles, and chemicals in order to maintain a well balanced living space for your fish. If you want to jump right into a salt water tank, I would read up on it by buying a book from your local pet store.
January 10th, 2010 at 7:55 amReferences :
Before you start, read as much as you can on maintaing a tank. The most important thing you will need to decide on is what type of filtration will suit you the best. This will determine how easy or difficult you regular maintenance will be. I would suggest a protien skimmer with mechanical filter. A salt water aquarium is not as difficult as people say but there are a lot more to it than a fresh water tank. Be informed before you start, that will save you money and headaches. Talk to your neighborhood aquarium supplier, read up (FAMA magazine is great), and get many opinions. The best advice is don’t rush.
January 10th, 2010 at 8:40 amReferences :