Saltwater Aquarium Maintenance and Care

Saltwater aquariums are different than freshwater aquariums in several ways. Of course, the kind of fish you can have is the most obvious distinction, but the cleaning and maintenance required by a saltwater aquarium is more complex as well. If you are considering starting a saltwater aquarium, make sure you are well-informed about all of the care and necessities involved in keeping a healthy saltwater tank.

Another major difference with a saltwater aquarium is that you have to use filtered water when filling the tank. If you do not want to use filtered water, you can purchase a reverse osmosis kit that will prepare the water. You also have to make sure the water is properly balanced and all chlorine and other chemicals are removed before adding any fish.

One of the hardest parts about starting a new saltwater aquarium is the waiting. You have to wait at least 30 days after filling the tank before adding any fish to make sure the water is properly balanced and ready to house saltwater fish. Remember, these fish are not cheap. So if you don't want to flush $50 down the toilet, it is wise to give your saltwater aquarium the time it needs to become stable. Get some testing strips, and check the water frequently. Once the water levels reach the correct balance, they will stay that way as long as you maintain the tank properly, and you can begin adding fish.

Saltwater aquariums require cleaning on a regular basis - as often as every two weeks. It is important that you don't clean the tank too much, however, because good bacteria residing in the aquarium are important to the health and well-being of your saltwater fish. If you clean the tank too frequently, you may remove these beneficial bacteria and cause damage to the tank's fragile ecosystem. Also be sure to stir up the gravel when you clean the tank to make sure debris resting on the bottom of the tank is removed.

Then there is the problem of algae. Phosphate drops are the best tool when trying to avoid issues with algae. Another great way to conquer algae is by adding hermit crabs and snails to your saltwater aquarium. These little creatures are known as the clean-up crew, and they are very good at addressing algae buildup around the tank. You can also remove algae with a scrub brush or scraper designed for cleaning aquarium glass.

A healthy saltwater aquarium needs strong filtration and sufficient lighting. When placing the filter, be sure that the filter head is pointing down into the water to prevent salt from building up on the aquarium lid. Lighting in your saltwater tank must be monitored, and should only be on for approximately 6 hours per day. You can get a timer from the fish store that will help keep your aquarium on an appropriate lighting schedule. Controlling the lighting in your tank will prevent out-of-control algae growth, as will placing the aquarium in a location that does not receive direct sunlight.

All you need for a healthy saltwater aquarium, is care and maintenance, and now you have all of the information you need to proceed properly.

Visit Aquarium Fish Care to learn about coral care and salt water aquarium fish.