How to build and setup your perfect saltwater Aquarium

How to build and design the perfect saltwater aquarium!



Purchasing a saltwater aquarium or a reef aquarium may not seem like a big deal, but it really is. Picking the perfect tank is not something that you should take lightly, there is lots of things you need to research and consider. The purpose of this article is to teach you the things you need to know before you make your saltwater aquarium investment. Saltwater, or reef fish, Are a lot harder to take care, there is a lot of care and maintaince. After reading this article you should know if you really want to invest in a saltwater aquarium. And if you do, you will be amazed by the beauty it brings into your office or home.

The first thing you need to do is find the perfect tank. Buying the tank is one of the most time consuming parts of your saltwater aquarium investment, because of the broad ranges of different size tanks, or different material tanks, we'll be going over those later. The best thing to do is buy the biggest one that fits in your available space, and that you can afford. When I bought my first Saltwater aquarium I got only a 15 gallon tank and after about two weeks i wished i had gotten a bigger one, so don't go small because you think you should! And remember the bigger the tank, the easier to maintain.


A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the smallest tank you should get. This size aquarium is good for oxygen flow, and has adequate room for your fish to swim and live comfortably. The oxygen supply in the water together with the water temperature will determine the success or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Normal Reef fish require a water temperature of about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the saltwater aquarium will tend to use up all the oxygen in the water which means that the surface area becomes important. The addition of aeration equipment is usually wanted to rise the oxygen level. Aeration can usually be provided with your filtration equipment.
Saltwater aquariums come in both acrylic and glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Some of the advantages of glass aquariums are
* Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic tanks
* Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks
* Glass fish tanks won't discolor with age
* Glass fish tanks won't require as much brace support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs to be able to support a great weight

Advantages of acrylic fish tanks
* Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass fish tanks
* Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a shape to suit your home
* Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break
* Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online

Setting Up Your Saltwater Aquarium
Bringing your new saltwater Aquarium into your home from the store is only the first part. Never Buy fish at the same time that you buy your aquarium. There are many steps to complete before bringing fish to their new home.

First, you need to install your tank in its location. Avoid locating your saltwater Aquarium in any spot that receives a lot of sunlight. Sunlight will cause algae to grow in your tank which will not harm your fish, but its not the most beautiful thing in the world. Also avoid any locations close to room heaters or where the tank will be exposed to drafts.


A lot acrylic aquariums come with a built-in stand. Glass tanks will require a strong stand and should have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed between the aquarium and the stand to absorb any unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will eventually crack.
Check your new aquarium for leaks. Fill it with water and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have confirmed that its not leaking you will need to clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse it good, i cant stress this enough, If you skip the cleaning process, even if its a brand new tank, there may be toxins attached to it, That will kill your fish!. Don't forget to rinse the gravel before you add it to your aquarium.

Add all your other equipment in accordance with the manufactures directions. Your pet store will have provided advice on how to set up your saltwater fish tank. After you have added your salt water and confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are correct you willl need to run all your equipment for at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your aquarium. Let the aquarium cycle to build up the correct biological levels.
The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish tank is now complete and now you'll be able to go and pick out your colorful fish!