| A BEGINNER'S SALTWATER AQUARIUM |
I had toyed around for several years with the idea of starting a marine aquarium before I finally got the
courage to take the plunge. I'd had freshwater fish; some with more success than others. I was really
concerned about the amount of testing that marine tanks seemed to require.
I've now had my marine tank up and running for over six months. It's an 18 gallon tank with two fish (a
clownfish and a blue devil) and a marine hermit crab. The animals, with the exception of a green chromis
fish, who recently became ill, have all done well and are beautiful to watch. Sarah loves them, especially
"Mr. Crab."
For those interested in starting a simple marine aquarium, here's what ours required. If you've had
freshwater fish, you may be able to use some of your equipment.
An all-glass aquarium (ours was 18 gallons; the bigger the better) with appropriate stand
A hood with lighting source
A heater
A thermometer
Coral sand (We used "live" sand, and I think it made a world of difference.)
Decorations such as coral, shells, background, etc. You decide if you want fake marine-type plants.
A bio-wheel type filter
A test kit to test for nitrites, ammonia, pH, and nitrate
A hydrometer to measure the salinity of the water
An airpump with tubing and airstones
Salt-water (either pre-prepared from your local pet store OR made at home using packaged marine salt
and bottled water.)
Books on marine aquariums
A water-vac siphon system or "Python" cleaner is GREAT and worth the money.
NOTE: I don't have a protein skimmer. I thought all salt-water tanks had to have a protein skimmer but
was told otherwise at my local fish store. My aquarium has done well without this added expense.
courage to take the plunge. I'd had freshwater fish; some with more success than others. I was really
concerned about the amount of testing that marine tanks seemed to require.
I've now had my marine tank up and running for over six months. It's an 18 gallon tank with two fish (a
clownfish and a blue devil) and a marine hermit crab. The animals, with the exception of a green chromis
fish, who recently became ill, have all done well and are beautiful to watch. Sarah loves them, especially
"Mr. Crab."
For those interested in starting a simple marine aquarium, here's what ours required. If you've had
freshwater fish, you may be able to use some of your equipment.
An all-glass aquarium (ours was 18 gallons; the bigger the better) with appropriate stand
A hood with lighting source
A heater
A thermometer
Coral sand (We used "live" sand, and I think it made a world of difference.)
Decorations such as coral, shells, background, etc. You decide if you want fake marine-type plants.
A bio-wheel type filter
A test kit to test for nitrites, ammonia, pH, and nitrate
A hydrometer to measure the salinity of the water
An airpump with tubing and airstones
Salt-water (either pre-prepared from your local pet store OR made at home using packaged marine salt
and bottled water.)
Books on marine aquariums
A water-vac siphon system or "Python" cleaner is GREAT and worth the money.
NOTE: I don't have a protein skimmer. I thought all salt-water tanks had to have a protein skimmer but
was told otherwise at my local fish store. My aquarium has done well without this added expense.
