Saltwater Aquariums?

Question

I hear small saltwater aquariums are hard to keep. What's different about this one or is it false advertisement?

http://www.petco.com/product/13544/Marineland-Instant-Ocean-Saltwater-Aquarium-Kit.aspx

Answer 1

The biggest problems with going small in saltwater is too much fluctuation in water temperature (small water volumes doesn't hold heat as well), ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate build up quickly (again, less water volume to dilute wastes), and the aggressive/territorial nature of most of the fish.

The only benefit the Marineland tanks give is that these are typically equipped with a biowheel for filtration. That doesn't solve the other problems mentioned above, other than it will do a better job of converting ammonia and nitrite, so you can put off the water change a few more days (maybe) than another type of filtration. IMO, that tank would not much different than any other tank of a similar size.

PS - I think the tank shown in the link is just their Eclipse 12 kit, but with Instant Ocean salt mix and hydrometer added (I don't know if the Eclipse comes with a heater). If you decide to get this type of tank, I'd compare the price of this one, plus the Eclipse with other items separately.

Answer 2

It really won't cost that much. Maybe $200 - $250 USD. You can buy a nano cube 12 gallon tank which pretty much has everything you need to get started. Just buy your salt water pre-made from your local fish store (LFS). Be sure to change about a gallon per week. Many people use nano cubes as micro reef tanks, I strongly recommend that you do not do this. Nanos have proven to be ineffective at keeping healty corals over time. I would recommend you just pick out 1-4 small salt water fish for your tank. (Start with a green chromis or two when cycling the tank for the first 6 weeks, then add 1 clown, 1 mini blue tang, 1 royal gramma). Also maybe add a cleaner shrimp, they are useful at keeping away ich. Be sure to change 1 gallon of water per week, and change out the carbon maybe once a month. This will help keep the yellow cast out of the water. You can do it, but be prepared to spend between $200-$400 when all is said and done.

Answer 3

Small tanks are harder to keep for the fact that salinity and temperature changes can be frequent and severe and effect the creatures kept in the small enclosure. Generally, the larger the tank, the temperature and salinity fluctuation won't be as detrimental to the health of your tank and its inhabitants.

Small tanks should be kept by experts only. That small tank comes with most of the accessories needed for keeping a marine aquarium. It's easy because you don't have to mess with deciding what lighting or filtration is needed for that size tank.
GL

Answer 4

I would NEVER buy an acrylic tank for a home saltwater setup.
WHEN the coraline algae starts to grow you WILL start to scratch the acrylic everytime you scrape the front of the tank.
Coraline algae is HARD and can only be removed with a METAL scraper.

Answer 5

I agree with the others above me, but the biggest thing is deciding what you want to keep in your tank. That size tank will limit you to what you can maintain in it. I would try hardy fish that can tolerate some stress. The most important thing of marine tanks is to keep your water parameters stable. If you understand the basics of freshwater tanks then you will be fine.

Answer 6

it is for the more advanced aquarists.

Answer 7

everybody tells me so.