Setup a saltwater aquarium: Choosing your tank

Saltwater Aquarium setup: Choosing the right tank

There are some factors involved when choosing the type of saltwater aquarium setup. Some major factors include what type of species do you want to stock, how much space do you have available, what is your spending power? Buying the largest saltwater aquarium setup you can afford which will fit within the environment you have chosen to use should be your first goal.

The first priority is to the comfort of your saltwater fish and any other species as they grow in your aquarium. The invertebrates and fish which will be in your tank require room to swim and grow but also need an environment where there is plenty of oxygen in order to survive. This is determined from the size of your tank. You can give your fish a great chance with the right saltwater aquarium setup.

One important aspect of your saltwater aquarium setup is oxygen. The surface area of your tank is the major contributing factor to the amount of oxygen it holds. This equates to the area of water exposed to the atmosphere at the top of the tank. As oxygen transfers to your saltwater aquarium from the surface of the tank the greater that area is means there is more chance of oxygen transferring from the air into the water.

The surface area of your saltwater aquarium is not only for the intake of oxygen but also to let harmful substances like carbon dioxide t leave. The aquarium will be much healthier the more this process is allowed to develop. Water temperature is one more factor that determines the amount of oxygen it holds. The cooler the water the higher the oxygen content will be in general.

With warmer water tropical fish with temperatures above 75 degrees less oxygen is available. This is why it is most important to have a larger surface area for your saltwater aquarium or else you may have to stock smaller or less marine animals. The bigger the tank you can acquire makes it much better for your marine life.

Determining your requirements needs thought as saltwater aquariums come in all shapes and sizes? It is the shape that determines the surface area not the size or volume. A tank could have a much larger volume but less surface area than a smaller tank because of its shape. Tall and narrow aquariums will not have the ideal area for the gas cycle. The exchange of gas will be much better in a short wide tank.

With this in mind and your aquarium tank chosen, its time to move on to the inhabitants. Like we mentioned depending on the size of the tank will determine the amount of inhabitants you can keep in comfort. One of the worst problems with a saltwater aquarium setup for beginners is overcrowding the tank. Your aquarium relies on an efficient filtration system and too many inhabitants will overload it. One of the major causes of fish death and disease is cramped conditions that stress the fish.

Do not rush and stock up you fish slowly. Introduce only a small amount at a time. First calculate how many gallons of water your aquarium holds. In the beginning and up to six months for every four gallon of water introduce one inch of fish. A sixty gallon saltwater aquarium setup would therefore have 15 fish. After the six months you can increase the amount of fish and have one inch of fish for every two gallons.

A 60 gallon tank example would be:-

Two 1-inch clownfish
One 1-inch Beau Gregory’s
Two 3-inch queen angel
Two 1- inch gobies
Two 1-inch blennies
One 2-inch Tang (surgeonfish)

You can mix and match as long as you get the basic sizes right. After the six month period you can increase you fish to 30.

You may have to adjust the amount of fish you keep in you tank because when they grow they will require more space. Not only is the fish size an issue but also the shape. For heavier fish you should have a lower amount of fish in the aquarium.

{The development of your saltwater aquarium takes time}. They are not cheap to buy and maintain so do not cut corners. Problems will occur even when you have spent lots of time developing your tank. with a bit of thought getting the right aquarium from the start is better than having to change it because you choose wrongly. It is best not to dive in and get a small tank. Before investing in you saltwater aquarium wait until you can invest in at least a 30 gallon tank.

You can choose from the vast array of saltwater aquariums in either acrylic or glass? Depending on choice it could be a reef tank already adapted for all your accessories? It’s up to you to get advice and choose correctly. Common popular tanks like glass sealed with silicon are a good start. They come in all types of shape whether they are a standard rectangle, hexagonal or octagonal. Glass tanks are less prone to scratching than an acrylic tank although the acrylic aquarium is becoming more and more popular.

Acrylic tanks are much lighter than there glass equivalent. Glass aquariums are heavier and difficult to manoeuvre if moving. The glass is quite thick. A good option is a glass tank with a plastic frame. Tempered glass is stronger but plated glass is shatter proof.

The popular option is an acrylic saltwater aquarium setup with moulded seems which are more transparent. One fault is that your view at the corners is distorted. Because of the material acrylic tanks can have even more shapes and outdo the glass variety with many more models. They cost more money and scratch easier which is a downside. Certain ornaments and decorations can easily scratch the inside of the tank and the same applies when trying to remove algae. However you can buy kits that will help remove the scratches.

Whichever type of aquarium you purchase the priority is the health of your fish. It needs to be kept in good order and cash is needed to maintain it properly. Total relaxation can be found when watching your new marine friends playing in your aquarium. You will obtain much pleasure and enjoyment out of your saltwater aquarium

Types Of Small Aquarium Sharks - Two Of The Most Popular

When setting up an aquarium people quickly find out that there are many tropical fish to select from. There are school fish such as Guarmis and Tetras and there are aggressive fish such as Oscars and Cichlids. But a fish that has recently become more popular for the small home aquarium is the small aquarium sharks. If you want to take care of your new shark here is some information on how to maintain them in your home aquarium.

The Epaulette Shark

The Eqaulette shark is one of the more ideal small sharks for a small aquarium as they like to live in small confined areas. They are usually white with brown spots all over their body. Unlike most sharks they do not swim around the tank but prefer to swim on the tank floor all day looking for food. At times they look like eels with their slender bodies, their bodies allow them to slip around the rocks and other aquarium decorations.

Although they are not the smallest of the aquarium sharks, they are also not the largest. Eqaulette sharks can grow quite large, an adult can grow up to eleven inches long. So when selecting one ensure that your tank is large enough for them to move around when they grow.

The Epaulette shark eats mainly on small crabs and worms. They may even eat shrimp and other small fishes. They have very small teeth, so larger pieces of food should be avoided. They can bite and chew, but their teeth are not designed to cut the food. So, keep their food pieces small at all times.

The Red Tail Shark

One of the most popular small aquarium sharks is the red tail shark. This small shark is semi-aggressive fish its unique beauty is a definite plus in any aquarium. They have a solid black body with red tip tail which is easy to identify. These sharks are not very social so it is recommended that you only keep one per tank.

Red tails love hiding as it provides them with a sense of safely and security, so provide them with nice little hiding places. As they are an aggressive fish and will pick on other fish you need a tank that is large enough to accommodate all the fish

Like the Eqaulette Shark Red tails like to search the bottom of the tank for food. They will eat most fish flakes, live food or other food that ends up at the bottom of the tank. They like to eat at least once per day.

There is a large variety of sharks at the pet shop to choose from but two of the most popular are the Epaulette shark and the Red Tail shark for small aquariums. Do some research if looking to buy one for your own tank as they are not like other fish, they do require specialized attention. Even so they are a wonderful addition to any aquarium.

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Tank Décor And Aquarium Driftwood

Decorating your fish tank is simply as important as any other aspect of aquarium life. To find the right things to decorate your tank with, take into consideration the décor of your room as well as the types of fish you will be housing. A piece of aquarium driftwood will make you tank shine and add depth to the whole setting.

Choosing Driftwood

Aquarium driftwood is not for all tanks. Aquarium driftwood is mainly for freshwater tanks. Some types of freshwater fish even like to have a snack on aquarium driftwood once in awhile. Aquarium driftwood isn't for saltwater tanks or for reptiles. If you try to use it in a reptile tank, it could harm your pet.

You can easily find aquarium driftwood at your local pet store. As long as they sell aquarium supplies, they will usually sell aquarium driftwood. The next thing you will have to think about is the shape of aquarium driftwood that you require to buy. Driftwood comes in all shapes and sizes. What you need to consider when choosing driftwood is the size of the tank and the size of your fish. If you have smaller fish, you can purchase a piece of driftwood with holes in it so they can swim through or stow if they feel like it. You can also get aquarium driftwood without holes for larger fish to swim around.

Other shapes that driftwood can come in are as skinny as branches to as thick as petite logs. It all depends on how you want to decorate your tank. Make sure that if you choose a big piece that you will limit other plants and decorations. Overcrowding a tank with a lot of decorations won't make for cheerful fish. Make sure you fish will have enough room to swim, stow and be joyful.

Warning

If you require to get aquarium driftwood, make sure you buy it from a store that sells if specifically for fish tanks and aquariums. These pieces are treated with chemicals that will make it withstand your tank. Do not ever use real driftwood that you find outdoors for your fish tank. This kind of driftwood will rot in your tank and could be harmful for your fish.

If you think that your tank will benefit from a great piece of aquarium driftwood, check out your local pet dealer to find great pieces of the driftwood that are not only functional, but charming as well.

Why Choose An Acrylic Aquarium For Your Fish

Having an aquarium in your home is a nice addition. It brings aquatic cuteness to any room in your house. From the smallest number of fish bowls to the most elaborate saltwater fish aquariums, aquariums are one of the unsurpassed attention getters when you have visitors over for any occasion. Fish help you to relax and they teach us many things about the underwater world. One of the unsurpassed types of aquariums to have in the home is the acrylic aquarium. Here are some reasons why you should consider an acrylic aquarium for your home.

The Difference Is Noticeable

There are many diverse types of aquariums on the market. However, the acrylic aquarium is one of the best because it is the clearest, lightest and strongest aquariums available. The acrylic aquariums have nicely rounded corners and they do not have silicone holding them together like a regular fish aquarium does. You and your guest will have a better view of your underwater beauties with an acrylic aquarium.

Acrylic Aquariums Are Ideal For Saltwater Fish

If you're considering a saltwater aquarium, then you should tangibly consider an acrylic aquarium. Saltwater fish and their accessories are very vivid and bright. So you will require to display their colorful beauty. Their colors will stand out more in an acrylic aquarium because the view is much clearer than glass tanks. These aquariums are also stronger and will stand up to the wear and tear of the saltwater. Therefore, if you're considering a saltwater aquarium, then an acrylic aquarium is a necessity.

Versatility And Shape

Most regular fish tanks only come in typical square forms. This is because their corners are bound by silicone and it is very hard to shape glass. However, acrylic aquariums can come in all shapes and size. This makes them very versatile in any home. Acrylic is very bendable and can be formed into any shape or size. Therefore, if you want a very unique fish aquarium, then you should consider an acrylic aquarium.

Strength And Insulation

Acrylic aquariums are greatest known for their strength and insulation. A glass fish tank is made with silicone in its corners. However, the acrylic tank is a molecular weld and this will make for a greater insulation. They are very strong and are fewer likely to break or leak water. They are at least ten times stronger than a regular fish tank. Therefore, if you are looking for a strong fish aquarium, then acrylic is the unsurpassed option.

What The Heck Is An Aquarium Overflow Box?

Also known as siphon boxes or prefilters, an aquarium overflow box helps keep your air pump and filters working by making sure they won't be damaged by any power outages.  If you have a goldfish aquarium of fewer than 40 gallons or if your tank has been thriving for years AND you have working spare filters and air pumps, then you don’t have to worry about adding on an aquarium overflow box. 

Mainly For Salt Water Wet Pets

Aquarium overflow boxes are used mostly by professional aquariums and hard-core aquarium hobbyists as insurance for their expensive and vital equipment.  If the power goes out, then water can back up to short circuit the air pump or the filtration unit.  Some people make their own aquarium overflow boxes but there are also ready made ones.

Power outages can also lead to your tank suddenly overflowing.  If your tank isn't on the ground floor level of your home and it is more than ten gallons, then you should really consider some gentle of aquarium overflow box.  A filled tank with gravel or sand and ornaments weights hundreds of pounds.

How To Tell If You Really Need One

Most salt water tanks will have some gentle of sump pump that are far stronger than for a freshwater tank.  When it's on, the water is kept level because it's moving around all of the time.  But when the power goes out, the water has nowhere to go except into the tank and onto your floor unless you have an aquarium overflow box.

Get a lot of aged towels and newspapers around the floor of your tank, because things might get wet.  Get a bucket and a coffee can to bail if need be.  If you can, arrange for a friend to turn the power on and off while you're there at the tank.  Turn off the power.  If the water level suddenly rises more than one inch -- or if you have a suddenly saturated floor -- then you know you need an aquarium overflow box.

Going Shopping

Aquarium overflow boxes are available at many pet stores and aquarium specialty stores and their online equivalents.  There are ones specially made for large freshwater aquariums, so be sure you have one for fresh or salt water for whatever tank you have.  They vary in prices (like everything else) from under $50 (US) to $200 (US).  Most work with a gravity flow system so you don’t need to break out a drill.

Clearing Up Cloudy Aquarium Water

Having an aquarium full of tropical fish is a great hobby and it is a great addition to any home. However, once in a while you will have murky aquarium water. There are several reasons why one would have murky aquarium water in their tank. One of the greatest ways to clear up this cloudy water is to understand why it is murky. Knowing the reason will help one clear up the murky aquarium water.

The Forecast Calls For Cloudy Aquarium Water

There are several reasons why an aquarium would get cloudy water. When this happens, one has to look closely at the cloudy water to determine the cause of it. If the water is a green cloud, this means that there is too much algae in the tank. This usually occurs because of overfeed and overuse of the light. To eliminate the green cloud, one should clean the gravel and filter more again and again, then lower the amount of food the fish is given on a day by day basis and turn off the light for awhile.

White tinted cloudy aquarium water indicates the growth of bacteria in the tank. This can occur when you first set up the tank, or when you add new fish or decorations. The greatest way to clean this type of cloud is to filter the gravel frequently, rinse the decorations and change the filter. The white murky aquarium water should clear up shortly.

Adding The Additives

If none of the above suggestions work, then you can go to the local pet store and purchase a special additive that you can add to the water to clear up the cloudy aquarium water. Sometimes these chemicals work, and other times they don’t. It all depends on what is making your water cloudy. If you don't removed the source of the cloudiness from the water the murky aquarium water will simply return over and over again. Therefore, make sure you know what is causing your murky aquarium water before deciding to add the additives.

Understand what is making your aquarium water cloudy is the first step in understanding how to clean it up. If you try these steps and the cloudiness still does not clear up, you may want to seek advice from a fish expert at your local pet store. Cloudiness may not be reckless to your fish in the beginning. However, if it is left untreated it could possible grow into a lethal problem.