Well i got a tank but i want salt water fish but its way to hard i just want sal water fish because they look so much better then freshwater fish. How Can i take care of a salt water tank or should i get??????
2007-09-20 17:07:15 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
The best thing you can do is research.
Look up salt water (marine) aquariums on the internet and talk to people who have them.
You're right, it's difficult, but not impossible.
All you have to do is educate yourself, and trust me, the subject is far to big to type here.
Google it for yourself.
Better yet, go to the library. There are HUNDREDS of books on this subject.
2007-09-20 17:11:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
SALTWATER FISH ARE A LITTLE HARDER TO TAKE CARE OF THAN FRESHWATER!
Saltwater tanks have to be alrger I would start with a 55 gallon tank, you will need o buy a good filter, heater system.
Fill the bottom with coral you can buy it at any pet store.
You need to cover the entire bottom of the tank and about two inches high all the way across.
Next buy some larger coral pieces or rocks for places for your fish to hide in the tank. If your going to have live coral you can do that also but you need to filter the tank first.
Next after you fill the tank put your heater in and hook up your filter system and let is run for a couple of days. This gets all the clorine out of the water.
After that you will need to buy some salt(sea salt)mix at pet store and add it in.
Also you will need a kit to mesuare out ph balances, and amonia levels and salt ratios.
I would advise to run your tank for up to 30 days with nothing in it checking it every day on amonia, ph and salt levels.
After 30 days take a small sample to a pet store and have them double check your tank has been filtered!
Start with a Damsiels or Clown fish in your tank, these are good starter fish for salt water tanks and are very colorful.
You should still check your levels everyday, if the fish last 15 days you tank is cycled and you can add more fish I would try a tang fish, yellow flat fish very cool!
Depending on the size of your fish you can go up to around 10 to 12 fish in a 55 gallon tank, the larger the fish the less you want in your tank.
read this:
http://www.fishtankshop.com/saltwaterfishtanks.html
2007-09-20 17:22:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a salt water tank and let me tell you it's hard work not to mention a much bigger investment than freshwater fish. Yes the fish look much nicer but it takes several months of having the tank set up and water in it before you can really put the pretty fish in. A lot of your fish will die and they are super expensive. I would say if you are willing to deal with the time investment and money investment then go for it but definitely read up on caring for the tank and setting it up and go to a local store and ask the sales people about what works. You have to be really careful about the fish getting "ick" which is a sickness that almost always will wipe out the fish in your tank. If you do decide to go with salt water fish then adding a garlic supplement to their diet (ask your fish store about it) helps.
2007-09-20 17:17:53 · answer #3 · answered by Beccawho 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you really do want a saltwater tank buy a book on how to set them up and keep them running and healthy. With all the chemicals you have to add and all the things you need to buy to get it started it is very hard.
You also need A LOT of patience when you are first cycling it. It will take closer to a month for a saltwater tank to be ready for fish.
If you don't know much about fish tanks and how to cycle them then I would stick with freshwater for a while until you get used to the routine, then get a saltwater.
2007-09-20 17:14:47 · answer #4 · answered by tigerfire2002 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do research on how to properly set up and maintain a saltwater aquarium. Copy down the information for referral purposes, as well. Just make sure you know what is required, before purchasing the fish.
Keep in mind, a saltwater aquarium is more expensive to upkeep, as well. The fish are more expensive, also.
Once you get a handle of the maintainance, it's not that hard, but you do have to make sure the salt level is at the right amount, and everything.
2007-09-20 17:13:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
umm its kind of easy if your willing to spend money but harder than freshwater you need live sand thats about 10 for 10 pounds and you will need a heater which goes for 10-40 a filter they go for 20-300 power heads go for 10-90 live rock goes for 10 per pound coral goes from 10-100 depending what kind fish and invertebrates cost from 10-900 its costly but its rewarding do lots more research to because you dont want to mess up if you do fish and invertebrates will die and you will have to buy more my first saltwater was a 10 gal it cost 400 for everything make sure you have every thing or else you will be sorry
p.s the tank is the cheapest thing
2007-09-20 17:37:48 · answer #6 · answered by aaron p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should get it. i went through the same as you r going. every1 told me is hard . its not if your responsible!!! i have my saltwater tank!!!im doing my cycling process i bought i marine tank kit which it includes the light,the 3- way filter which is 1 of the best 1s, heater, food, conditioner, 300 live bacteria. for $150.then i bought saltwater test kit , salt, crust coral, thermometer and hydrometer.for $150 then waiting 2 weeks because water was cloudy cuz crust coral,keep filter on it helps.then i bought 3 ,3-stripe damsels . it been a week and everything its good
2007-09-21 14:24:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get all your info and study, study , study!
I sold my two saltwater tanks due to high maintenance considerations!
Whatever you decide...Good Luck!
2007-09-20 17:14:36 · answer #8 · answered by Me 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Study,study, study! Knowledge is power.
2007-09-20 17:54:48 · answer #9 · answered by PeeTee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋