Saltwater fish aquariums are not as easy to look after as you would first imagine. In fact it is best before you go out and buy a saltwater fish aquarium, that you spend time learning about all the aspects of having one.
Unfortunately when it comes to keeping a saltwater fish aquarium, it is not a simple case of your bringing the tank home, filling it with water and putting the fish into it. You need to learn about how to set it up correctly, as well as learning about how to maintain your aquarium once it is set up.
Heating And Lighting For Your Saltwater Fish Aquarium
The most popular type of heater used in aquariums that contain tropical fish, is the submersible ones which contain a thermostat. These particular types of heating systems that are available for your tank help to keep the water within, at a temperature which the live fish find comfortable.
All species of marine life like to be kept in water that is at a constant temperature of around 75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions are ideal for the saltwater fish in your tank, as this is the temperature at which they were kept in the tanks at the tropical fish store where you purchased them.
If you have a large sized aquarium, then it is crucial that, rather than purchasing one heating system for it, you purchase two. These should then be placed at either end of the tank to ensure that the water within is heated to the correct temperature at all times. Plus it is advisable to have a thermometer (some of which stick to the outside of the aquarium) to help you monitor the temperature within.
Lighting is crucial in any tank as not only does it make it look good, but also you will find that it is important to the health and well being of the fish kept within. Through the use of the right lighting, then the correct 8 to 10 hour light cycle can be produced, which will then simulate the conditions of life in the wild for the species that you have in your saltwater fish aquarium.
You have a choice between either installing fluorescent lights in your tank, or the much newer form of lighting known as metal halide. Certainly the metal halide lights are the right ones to have in a reef tank where corals live. This is because it helps to promote the growth of algae which the coral requires in order to thrive.
Other Important Equipment For Your Salt Water Fish Aquarium
Another important piece of equipment that you will need for your aquarium is something to cover the base of the tank. When it comes to keeping tropical aquarium fish, then you have the choice of two different ways of covering the base of the tanks to start with.
Generally most people who have a saltwater fish aquarium in their home choose to have both marine sand and live rocks in theirs. Not only do the rocks look great but they have a function to help maintain the tank and ensure it remains safe for the fish that are kept in the aquarium.
As well as being suitable for use in a saltwater fish aquarium, the marine sand and live rocks are suitable for use in reef and coral tanks as well. The rocks actually have their own bacteria living on them which helps to filter the water within the tank, and reduces the levels of ammonia and nitrate which can build up in a saltwater fish aquarium.
For more saltwater aquarium tips [http://www.theaquariumlady.com/aquarium-articles/Saltwater-Aquariums] and saltwater aquarium supplies visit The Aquarium Lady [http://www.theaquariumlady.com].
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