Are you in search for beginner salt water fish for your aquarium? There is a long list of choices for you to choose from. These include damselfishes, blennies, clownfish, gobies, dottybacks and the like. Beginners will find it confusing as to which ones from the large number of these species he will select. Fish types like butterfly fish, angel fish, lion fish and others are not ideal for beginners in the hobby. Fish play an important role in this hobby. However, another important thing you need to acquire is a fish tank. This article will give you tips on buying, setting up and managing a saltwater fish tank.
In buying salt water fish tanks, there are important things to consider. There are five types of salt water aquarium you can choose from such as fish only aquarium, invertebrate only aquarium, fish and invertebrate salt water aquarium, coral reef aquarium and the specialty aquarium. Whatever type of salt water fish tank you consider opting for, it is always important that you do extensive research on these five types before you buy one for yourself. Every type of fish tank has its corresponding care requirements. Therefore, you must see to it that you are willing to meet those requirements.
Setting up a salt water fish tank is not actually a difficult task to perform. There is a list of steps to follow in order for you to successfully set it up in your home. The very first thing you need to do is check entirely the tank to make sure that it has no leaks. Clean the tank by using a cleaning solution composed of 1 tsp. pure bleach for every 5 gallons of water. Clean thoroughly not only the tank but also all the additional decorative items or equipment. The next thing to do is the installation of filtration system. You must only follow the instructions specified by the manufacturer. You must bear in mind that the installation process of filtration system varies from one fish tank to another. Make sure that the substrate is washed thoroughly first before placing it into the tank. The substrate is the one that anchors the plastic plants. Dechlorinated water must be the one used. Add salt to this water and use hydrometer to read how much salt is dissolved in the water.
Fill your fish tank with the salt water and put a setback from the mouth of the tank of about one inch. Afterwards, you may start the filter system. Heater and thermometer are then added. Your goal is to achieve a temperature ranging from 75 to 80 degrees. Leave everything as is and after at least 72 hours, you may start setting the right temperature. After getting the recommended temperature and chemical levels, you may place the fish into the tank. Powerhead is required for salt water fish tank to allow moving of water. Only choose the appropriate size to get rid of too much moving of water and that it may produce a whirlpool effect in the water. A protein skimmer is also useful for salt water aquarium. This skimmer also requires an external water pump and air pump.
Good management of salt water fish tank is a must. There are several things you must do on a regular basis as part of the maintenance such as scrubbing algae, checking filters and changing bulbs. These can be helpful in keeping everything healthy. You must set a strict maintenance schedule. This is of vital importance for your fish. Proper and routine cleaning must be done in order for you to succeed in this hobby.