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Saltwater Aquarium World: How to Build a Better Reef Tank

A BLOGGING & COMMUNITY SITE FOR FISH AQUARISTS & REEF TANK HOBBYISTS

FAQ's

Every Reefer Has Questions. View all our FAQ’s below. 

Why Keep a Saltwater Aquarium?

Saltwater aquariums are often therapeutic and can benefit owners and others in a number of ways. One key reason to keep a saltwater aquarium is to promote wellbeing, which your tank can facilitate by creating a peaceful and colorful environment. Studies have found that saltwater aquariums come with numerous psychological benefits. In addition, saltwater aquariums can help teach children about biology, provide entertainment, and imbue a sense of wonder among viewers.

How To Start a Saltwater Aquarium?

While it’s not the simplest process to start a saltwater aquarium, you can install one at your home or another location by taking the following general steps:

  1. Prepare the saltwater aquarium with the necessary electrical connections, such as a top-off system, sump, light timer, and power strip.
  2. Install the sump system if you choose to install one.
  3. Install the aquarium equipment, including your filtration system.
  4. Perform a wet test to gauge the aquarium’s performance before adding livestock.
  5. Add your sea salts and substrates, including any live sand.
  6. Add live rock and aquascaping.
  7. Install aquarium lighting with a day and night cycle, if possible.
  8. Introduce initial livestock and begin cycling the aquarium
  9. Gradually and slowly introduce more fish, corals, and invertebrates.

Are Saltwater Tanks Difficult to Maintain?

Generally, saltwater tanks aren’t difficult to maintain with the right setup. While they used to provide more of a challenge for hobbyists, today’s technological developments such as effective filtration systems, sumps, and lighting systems make it easier to maintain these tanks. However, the livestock you choose to keep could come with different difficulties, as some fish and other animals are harder to maintain than others.

What Do I Need To Know About Saltwater Tanks?

If you’re considering keeping a saltwater tank, there are a few main items to consider:

  • Choose the right tank size and salinity level, or salt level.
  • Use the right filtration system for your tank, whether you opt for a biological, chemical, or mechanical system, or a combination of them. The extent of filtration needed will depend on the size of the tank and the livestock it contains.
  • Good circulation is also critical to a healthy aquarium environment. This involves maintaining sufficient water flow to facilitate sufficient dissolved oxygen, the flow of food for stationary invertebrates, and the prevention of harmful algae growth.

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