By: David H.
Submitted: 2009-10-13 20:35:52 | Word Count: 541
Saltwater aquariums are beautiful setups at home. It relieves stress and tension.
An aquarium is a vivarium consisting of at least 1 transparent side, keeping water dwelling animals and plants inside. These aquariums can hold fish, amphibians, invertebrates, aquatic plants, and marine mammals.
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Aquariums have two types, namely; the saltwater aquariums and the fresh water aquariums. A saltwater aquarium is harder to maintain because marine fishes and other saltwater life are more delicate to maintain. It requires studying a bit of environmental science to understand marine life.
A saltwater aquarium is more appealing, colorful, and beautiful. Marine life is composed of a wide variety of fishes and mammals, anemones, live corals, jellyfish and crustaceans inside the tanks. You can also keep several colored reef fishes for a more natural effect. Thus, the movement of the living organisms inside often looks colorful and vibrant. Several popular saltwater aquarium fishes include the angelfish, comical blenny, blue lined triggerfish, damsels, and the clown fish.
It is very important to maintain the level of water and salt of saltwater tanks to keep the aquamarine species in your saltwater aquarium alive and healthy. Water from these saltwater aquariums tend to evaporate and leaves behind only the salt. A hydrometer is a useful device in detecting water salinity, and compensating the level of evaporated water.
There are two types of hydrometers used by aquarists. The first one is the swing needle hydrometer. The other one comes with a tube and a separate needle around 3/8 inches in diameter. The swing needle hydrometer is packed with all its parts together as compared to the other hydrometer with a tube and a separate needle. It is placed inside a narrow plastic container. When filled with seawater, the swing needle hydrometer starts moving in an arc position. This is right onto the graduation marked on the container and stopping at the relevant SG.
When setting up your own saltwater aquarium, first check the tank for leaks. Then, clean your tank with 1 teaspoon of pure bleach for every 5 gallons of water. Scrub the tank, plastic plants, rocks and other decorations. Rinse them with clean water.
Install the filtration system next. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Wash the substrate before you put it in your aquarium. Then, put the plants inside, securing the bottoms in the substrate. Fill a large bucket with clean water.
Using your hydrometer, add some salt. Fill your aquarium with saltwater, leaving about one inch at the top. Start your filter system. Then, add the thermometer and heater. Most of the marine fishes are healthy in 70 and 80 degrees.
Let the system run for 72 hours prior to getting the temperature setting. Then add the fish you bought in the pet shop when the tank temperature is within the limits and the chemical levels are all sanctioned.
Buy a power head to produce constant water movement. it is very necessary to marine fishes. Be careful when you buy one. Make sure you do not buy the big one because it can cause a whirlpool effect.
Buy a protein skimmer. This is also important for your marine tank. The protein skimmer will remove organic debris from the water. You will also need an external air pump and water pump for your skimmer.
