How do I set up a salt water tank?

Answer 1

There is no single, precise technique to creating a saltwater tank environment, but this type of system does have more distinct needs than that of a freshwater system. Maintaining a saltwater tank will be more complex as well as more costly than a freshwater system for one thing. However, before making the final decision to establish a saltwater tank, take into consideration not only the economical considerations but also the maintenance obligations involved in its upkeep.

Prior to establishing a saltwater tank it is crucial that you consider the following:

Decide the exact location of where you plan to place the tank. This is an important step. If you are short on space, you may not be able to get a tank that is too large.
In addition, you need to make sure that you can access it easily for maintenance purposes and find a spot that does not get direct sunlight otherwise you run the risk of having unsightly algae grow in the tank. necessary.
Another consideration is the cost associated with setting up and keeping a salt-water tank. As with any hobby, a salt-water tank can be an expensive venture.
You will need to shop for various supplies and accessories such as Tank, canopy (hood that fits on top of the tank), and stand (for the tank to sit on)
Live rock (This is optional, but often used in reef tanks and saltwater tanks.)
Sand and accessories (e.g., rocks and plants)
Food and water treatment supplies (e.g., salt mix, other additives)
Lighting system and bulbs
Heater
Filter such as a powerhead, which are probably the most common of aquarium filters. They are easy to install and maintain and provide both mechanical and chemical filtration. Some newer types also provide for biological filtration.
Fish and corals
Refugium
Possibly a hospital tank to quarantine sick fish
Maintenance of your tank system will require adequate time and dedication. Think about how much time it will take weekly to do this. Although this doesn't take a great deal of time, it does require daily and weekly care. Roughly expect to spend about 20 to 30 minutes a day and then about three to four hours a week maintaining the tank. On top of that, expect to spend an additional three to four hours every few months for a full tank cleaning.

Choosing the type of saltwater tank is the next consideration. There are many types of fish tanks available today. They come in all shapes and sizes ranging from the standard rectangle to round with every geometric shape in between. The most common type construction is the all glass type, whose joints are sealed with clear silicon rubber, there are also available the new Euro style tanks where the clear silicon is replaced with black. Acrylic tanks are also becoming more commonplace.

When deciding on the size tank to buy, the basic time tested rule still stands. The bigger the better, with the surface area more important than capacity. Larger tanks are easier to care of. The toxic substances released by the Biological or Nitrogen cycle are more dispersed in the larger volume of water, which allows the water quality stay higher for longer periods of time.

For the beginner hobbyist, I would recommend the standard and inexpensive rectangular 55-gallon all glass aquarium that measures 48 inches long by 12 inches wide and 20 inches tall. A tank this size is easy to care for and yet not too large to be overwhelming. A common misconception of small fish equals small tank is not always true as the smaller fish tend to be more active and need more space to swim in.

Next it's time to choose the types of fish to include in your tank. Don't just run out and buy all types of fish, You need to do your homework here or ask the Pet store owner about compatible types of fish, Not all fish get along together well, so it is important that you know which can live harmoniously together. Do not buy too many fish as well. Depending on the size of your tank, you will want to buy one fish for every gallon of water. As the fish grow, you will need to reconsider this guideline and maybe decrease the number of fish in the tank.

The filtration system is very important to the life of your fish and to maintaining a healthy tank. There are various filtration systems on the market. The key is to choose a filter system that can handle the amount of waste that will be produced by your fish. In essence, the filter should be able to pump six times the tank's capacity (amount of water in the tank) each hour.

Lighting is essential to maintaining a healthy Eco system. Although the tank should never be placed in direct sunlight, it does require some light by way of artificial lighting. As with filter systems, lighting solutions are abundant and come in all types and sizes. You will have many choices, but the fact is that incandescent and fluorescent lighting are the best.

Now that you have considered everything that you will need to set up your tank, it's time to consider the cost of decorating it with accessories. Accessories include such items as heaters, thermostats to maintain water temperature, powerheads to create current and air circulation, coral, plants, rocks etc.

Answer 2

i looked over the other answers and I'm not sure if they were given the correct help when they started but i had kept saltwater fish for years before i moved to a place that the floor wouldn't support the tank. set up is easy go where you can not only buy but trust the dealer very important.don't start with anything under a 55 gallon tank. make sure that the filter system filters at min 5x per hour.use both under gravel filters and drum filters coral crushed rock don't go cheap on the salt either before you even put a fish in the tank depending on the grade of equipment you will be spending about $1000. after it has been set up for a week check the chemical balance and salt content.then put some live rock in and wait another week recheck everything then start with a basic clown fish or two.during this waiting time read allot of books and keep them for reference. salt water fish are expensive and you can not! over load a tank. be ready to spend up to $3000 in the first 6 months. oh don't forget about a good heater and cooler temp and salt content are major factors to keeping a good salt water tank. good luck.

Answer 3

Don't buy anything till you have asked many people and advice from amatuers and experts alike.

I'm starting a saltwater tank also, however I made a lot of mistakes along the way and ended up returning many of my merchandise.

But so far I bought....The Complete Book of the Marine Aquarium by Vincent B. Hargreaves and a Hydrometer.

Absolute minimum would be a 30 gallon tank (its possible), however most people would recommend the bigger the better and so many people will tell you 55 gallon is a minimum. I recommend you buy that book I just listed (Borders book store have), it tells you everything you need to know about equipment.

I was going for 30 gal. but later I learned the water chemistry is easier to balance with a larger volume of water and requires less maintanence.... So Im getting a 55 gallon. Also ask around about which "brand" is good, because a lot of companies sell equipment and say their the best, but not quite true.

Beware of fish shop keepers trying to sell you items and fish. Make sure their fish tank filters are not shared! (one fish gets sick, the others get sick.) Learn about fish diseases and what they look like. Also do not buy useless items like UV sterilizers and ozone reactors.

Later on you will have to change the salt water in your tank, so try look for local places that may have a service where you can get their salt water instead of mixing your own since its cheaper in the long run.

I found two places in my area that offer that service for $5/year.
Good luck!

Answer 4

i have some freshwater & brackish water tanks, and am also fascinated in a marine tank. i'm hoping first of all a seventy 5-100 gal tank, yet previously than i do I even might want to make sure that my flooring can manage the burden(at least 750-1000 lbs) My fantasy is sea horses & pipefish, yet i comprehend they're a lengthy time period comming... i got here upon some truly reliable books "the reef aquarium vol a million-3" by ability of Julian Sprung, J. Charles Delbeek they are about 50 money each and every, although reliable worth it for the volume of ability they contemporary. it really is vitally severe priced startup, and it takes some months, so patience is a might want to. study all that you will be able to, previously you spend any money on tank resources, or employ a professional to attached & guard your attitude, till you assume confidant adequate to administration it your self. pleasant of reliable fortune!

Answer 5

You've gotten a lot of advice so far. I wanted to tell you about a web site that has an amazing wealth of information on tanks, setup, fish care and more. It's called Wet Web Media. I'd highly recommend going and browsing through their information -- you can even email with questions.

Answer 6

you dont cause its to buddy hard. look in to it and you will be amazed at the time and money it takes. it takes weeks just to get the salty water right, let alone putting fish in the tank.

Answer 7

go to a fish or pet store you can look at one and get good advice.