Basics for your Tropical Aquarium & Tropical Fish
A home marine aquarium or sea aquarium is a little more difficult in terms of maintenance and setup than a freshwater aquarium. You will be more successful if you take the time to learn a bit about the hobby. Here are a few basics. The tanks used in saltwater and freshwater systems are basically the same. Choose a tank that you like and a suitable stand. Some packages include both of those things. Take the time to decide where you want to put the tank. Moving it is not an easy thing to do. Consider the lighting and heat in the area. If there is too much of either it can be difficult to control the water temperature
Home Aquarium & Tropical Aquarium Systems
Once you have decided what size tropical aquarium is suitable for you, it is time to decide what kind of “system” you want. For saltwater species, the systems include the:
• Reef tank—includes fish, live rock and coral, requires higher water quality and specialized lighting
• Fish only—the best choice for someone just getting started
• Fish with live rock
The term live rock is often misunderstood. Unlike coral, which is truly alive, live rock is composed of dead corals. There are algae and other inhabitants living on the dead coral.
They have been removed from the ocean, specifically for use in a saltwater aquarium.
To set up aquarium reefs, you will need to install a fluorescent lighting system with an output higher than 10K. The appropriate lighting is available in most well-stocked pet shops.
Unfiltered tap water cannot be used in reef tanks for many reasons. It is very important to get the water quality right before adding live rock, coral or fish. The easiest solution is to buy a filter specifically designed for making tap water a friendly environment for saltwater life. Once the water quality is right you can add living rock and coral. Some filters are designed to go under the gravel which lies beneath the living rock and coral. If you have that type of filter, then the gravel bottom will already be in place.
The final step to set up aquarium reefs is to add the fish. Choose species that get along well with each other. Snails and crustaceans add interest at the bottom of the tank and help to maintain the ecosystem. A home aquarium can be a big investment, for most, it is a labor of love.
