Everytime I tell someone I have a saltwater fish aquarium, they always say the same thing....
"Isn't saltwater hard to keep?". I guess it depends on the person taking care of the tank is my answer.
Sure it's gonna take a little time out of your busy schedule, and sure you're gonna have to do a few simple tests, but is it hard? My answer is no. If you don't have time, or a brain...then don't do salt!!!
Picking out your set up.
I suggest if setting up a saltwater aquarium for your first time...set up a 55 gallon or larger.
The smaller the aquarium..the harder it is to keep. If you would like to set up a smaller aquarium, I suggest looking into a 30 gallon long aquarium. Newbies Beware!!! Salt levels need to be maintained on a daily basis due to evaporation. Smaller aquariums can be established after learning the process of maintaing saltwater gravity.
Here is a list of things you need to get started in satwater:
55 Gallon Aquarium, Enough sea salt to mix +55 gallons, 60 lbs Substrate (Live Sand, Crushed Coral, Shells)
Good Filtration Unit that will turn the size tank you have, protien skimmer, uvsterilizer,
200 watt Aquarium Heater, A good set of compact light's...day light's and actinic blue... 2 Power Heads,
Bottle of Stress Coat if you don't have R/O water and are using tap water....(It takes chlorine out of H20) Glass Thermometer, Hydrometer to test the Gravity, or Salinity content of the water, fish nets, tank scrapper, test kit for Nitrates, Nitrites, Ammonia, and PH. More test kits to come later.
"SaltyDog Says"
Alway's make sure that the product's that you buy are suitable for the size tank you own.
This goes for pumps, filters, lights, skimmers, sterilizers, fish etc....
Step 1. Preparing the Aquarium for water.
Make sure that you clean the inside of your aquarium with hot water. DO NOT use soaps or cleaners of any kind when cleaning the inside of the aquarium. Fill the Aquarium with water, and make sure you have no leaks.
Step 2. Getting ready for the substrate.
If using live sand...just simply spread out the sand in the bottom of the aquarium. It's full of biologicals.
If using crushed coral, gravel, or crushed shells...make sure you wash it good. Take small amounts in a bucket (half a bucket or so....) and fill the bucket with water so it overflows. Mix the substrate up with your hand in a churning motion. This causes all the unwanted particles to float to the top of the water and over the sides of the bucket. Do this until no more particles fill the water. You can also use a kitchen strainer to filter out unwanted particles. Churn substrate with hand while running water through strainer.
This requires more time using less amounts...I suggest the bucket method. <"))))>(
Spread the substrate out about 1 1/2 - 2 inches deep. Slope from back to front. This way sediment will collect in the front of the tank....it's easyer to clean, or syphon out during water changes.
Step 3. Clean and Add Filtration, powerheads, uvsterilizer, protien skimmer.
What does Filtration mean?
What are Powerheads, UVSterilizers, Protien Skimmers, and Aquarium Heaters?
Make sure your filtration system is properly hooked up and cleaned out with hot water. Make sure all activated carbons and filters are clean. Make sure anything you put in your filter system is clean.
Wash and run water through power heads, then place them on each end of the Aquarium.
Depending on the system you are setting up...clean and place your skimmer and uvsterilizer in position.
Place your tank heater in the position you want it in. Leave the light's off the aquarium until last, they will just be in the way while filling the aquarium. MAKE SURE you leave everything unpugged until all the water is added to the aquarium. Then plug into a good powerstrip...then plug into the wall.
"SaltyDog Say's"Avoid Electric Shock!!!
Make sure hands, body, and surroundings are dry before plugging in powerstrip.
Step 4. Mixing Sea Salt and H2O
Two ways to mix salt and water. The first way is a 5 gallon bucket, water hose, and mix wand.
Mix the saltwater bucket by bucket. Use the amount of salt intended for the size of bucket you're using.. Directions are on the back of the salt bag, or bucket. Bags of salt come in different sizes, always labled in how many cups v/s gallons of water.You can use half hot water in each bucket to help salitify the salt better if using strait tap water Then fill the rest with room temp water. Mix the salt with your aquarium scraper or mixing wand, in circular motions, as you fill the bucket up.
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