Starting Aquarium Plan

Saltwater Aquarium

Starting a saltwater aquarium is a task that can be fun and rewarding, or devastating. When setting up a saltwater aquarium you need to make a decision regarding how large aquarium tank you are going to get. Many experienced aquarists suggest 55 gallons / 200L or larger for a beginner when it comes to saltwater aquariums.

You will also have to choice between Glass and Acrylic aquarium tanks when preparing Setting up a saltwater aquarium. Glass aquariums are usually the cheaper choice.

When setting up a saltwater aquarium you want to consider that the tank might not be easy to move once the aquarium is full. Make sure the aquarium tank, aquarium stand, and other above aquarium equipment fit in the space you have chosen. Leave a gap behind for access to clean behind the aquarium and maintain the aquarium equipment. Setting up a saltwater aquarium is after all only the beginning. Fish only might be the easiest alternative if this is your first saltwater aquarium. Setting up a saltwater aquarium offers many options.

Choosing an aquarium filter.

There are more then one type of filtration needed in a saltwater aquarium. Biological filtration removes ammonia, ammonium, nitrite, and nitrates (some) created by fish's biological processes and other activity in the aquarium. Chemical Filtration is another important aspect of Setting up saltwater aquarium. Mixing saltwater

Remember; do not add salt when replacing evaporated water.

Let the filtration system run a week or longer before adding fish and there after introduce a few hardy fish. Introduce new fish to your aquarium very carefully to avoid causing the fish unnecessary stress.

Tropical Aquarium Plants

Most fish species feel safer and less stressed when they have plants to hide among, and many species will never thrive in an unplanted aquarium. If your fish are vigorous plant eaters, artificial plants can be used instead of live plants. If your fish only nibble on the plants, you can choose strong and fast growing live plants that can tolerate some snacking.

Fish and plants coexist in the wild and will complement each other well in the aquarium. Plants are also capable of inhibiting ugly algae growth since plants and algae compete over the same nutrients.

Many fish species will never spawn in an unplanted aquarium. A densely planted aquarium will also increase the fry survival growth if you wish to raise fry in the same aquarium as adult fish, since the fry will hide among the plants. A fish only aquarium requires little light, but if you wish to keep a densely planted aquarium you might be forced to install new lights. Fluorescent light is better than the standard incandescent light in planted aquarium. Unlike many other aquatic plants, Java Fern should not be planted in the substrate in the aquarium. New plants will develop on the old plants, and eventually break off.