Enjoy The Beauty of a Saltwater Aquarium
By Jon Arnold
Should you go fresh or saltwater? When you decide to invest in an for the first time, the decision could
be quite a challenge. Knowing the difference between the two with respect to cost, maintenance, etc., could make
it easier to decide.
Setting up a freshwater is cheaper and maintenance is easier than a saltwater aquarium. However, the
magnificent sight when you look at the wonderful undersea life forms in your tank makes the extra cost of a saltwater
aquarium worth it.
Freshwater fish are overall more adaptable than marine fish. While fresh water fish adjust easily to changes in the
aquarium, marine fish need their environment just right. Temperature, nitrate, salinity, ammonia and pH always have
to be at the appropriate levels.
Freshwater fish are cheaper than marine fish, but on the other hand, the wonderful colors available in marine fish more
than makes up for that. Marine plants are also pricier because harvesting is more difficult.
If you are on a tight budget, you can start your saltwater with fish only and then build on from there adding
live rock, plants, etc. After a while, you will have a beautiful tank, excellent for soothing the senses and relieving
stress.
Although the saltwater requires monitoring of more levels, the price difference between kits is minimal. To
ensure proper salinity in your saltwater aquarium, a hydrometer is necessary, but also inexpensive.
Lighting and filtration systems are also more expensive for saltwater aquariums. Whatever you have, always buy
good quality commercially prepared foods and never overfeed your fish. If any flakes remain after 10 minutes, you are
overfeeding. Pathogenic organisms could be introduced into your tank, so it is advisable to keep away from live foods.
Stocking your saltwater should be done with care. Quite a number of fish are not suitable for captivity. Even
so, many are still for sale in shops. Buy from a reputable dealer, do your homework before you buy and avoid buying
species that will not do well in captivity.
Puffers, pinfish, pigfish, sheepshead and bull minnows are all suitable but great care must be taken to make sure fish
are compatible and do not fight. Some fish also tend to bully others. It is necessary to observe the fish for two or
three days every time you introduce new fish. Should you notice aggressive behavior, you must be prepared to separate fish.
Your retailer should be able to provide this information for you.
As an example of an exotic fish, many people think of the Moorish Idol as an ideal fish. Unfortunately, we do
not have the necessary food to replace their specialized diet and 90% of them die within a few months. It is better to
settle for the nearly identical Banner fish, which will live a long and happy life in captivity if given proper care.
To ensure your marine is always a joy will require you to put in some time. If you establish a routine, you
should be able to relax and admire your at any time.
Daily: Feed in the morning and early evening. Check fish for any signs of problems
Weekly: Check pH and other levels. Top up tank if necessary. Check equipment such as heater, etc.
Once a month: Clean box, filters and glass. Check lighting equipment, etc.
Four to six weeks: Prepare 20-25% water change 24 hrs in advance. Aerate well and check all levels before adding to tank.
Putting together your saltwater is bound to give you hours of fun and offering peace, tranquility and beauty to your home or office for years to come.
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