Saltwater Aquarium Setup

To be able to communicate with one of nature's most beautiful underwater creations, the colorful fish, and the coral reef creatures, setting up a saltwater aquarium is the perfect answer. Not only will it liven up any classroom, home or office, it can also become a great hobby for those who love to engage in this wonderful creation. A saltwater aquarium setup is exciting, but also slightly challenging. However, this guide on saltwater aquarium setup will help you go about the process easily.

How to Set Up a Saltwater Aquarium

This saltwater aquarium setup guide will tell you how to set up a saltwater fish tank in the right manner.

Tank Size
The larger a saltwater aquarium is, the more stable it will be. Investing in a small saltwater aquarium will not be worthy and may result in you incurring huge losses in your endeavor, as the time and care involved is more challenging in case of a small tank. The minimum size is a 40 - 55 gallon saltwater tank. Of course, if you can afford a larger one, and have the space to accommodate it, there will be nothing like it. Also, the stand, and the floor below on which the aquarium will be kept should be able to take the weight. A 55 gallon tank when filled with water will weigh 550 pounds. Thus, the right manner to weigh it is 10 pounds of weight per gallon of water. You also have to account for the accessories you may incorporate in the tank such as live rock, sand and other filtering equipment.

Saltwater Aquarium Location
The location of the saltwater aquarium is very important. It has to be kept away from external doors, window, air conditioners and heat vents. Keep it away from direct sunlight, and ensure it is in a place where you can easily keep a watch on it. Changes in temperature are not suitable for saltwater or any other kinds of fish. There should be enough space behind the tank to allow for easy maintenance, and the presence of at least four electrical outlets close to the tank to connect the necessary equipment.

Necessary Equipment
Apart from the tank and its stand, the following equipment will be required for your saltwater aquarium setup:

• Protein Skimmer: A good protein skimmer will remove all the organic compounds present in the saltwater, before they are converted into nitrates, that may be harmful for the fish. It also reduces the stress on the biological filter.
• Biological Filter: Though many people use under-gravel filters as the prime form of biological filters, placing one live rock per gallon of water in the aquarium, serves the purpose. A biological filter houses healthy bacteria that regulate the levels of ammonia in the tank, created by fish in the breathing and excretion process.
• Heater and Thermometer: You will need a heater that will take care of the heating requirements as per the size of your aquarium. A thermometer is necessary to check and maintain the suitable water temperature.
• Sand: You will require about 1 pound of sand per gallon of water. Use only live sand or crushed coral, as playground sand may prove harmful to your fish.
• 20 gallon Sump Pump: In addition to being a water cycling filtration system, a sump serves other purposes too. It can house the protein skimmer, helps you add additives to the tank, and increases the water volume that is beneficial to the tank.
• Power heads: These are required to create a flow of charge in the water. Use two to create opposing currents, which are beneficial for the fish.
• Hydrometer: A hydrometer is important in order to check the salt levels, and the gravity of the water, which is important for the health of the fish.
• Decorations: You can add decorations such as plastic plants to enhance the appearance of the tank. Do not use any metal decorations as these will rust due to the saltwater.

Equipment Setup

• Rinse the tank to clear it of any dust. Do not use detergent to clean as any residue may be harmful for the fish.
• Set up the stand and place the tank on it. Ensure the floor below is even in order to avoid any imbalances, cracks and leaks in the tank.
• You may fix a background to the tank, such as an image of the sea, or a deep blue shade that provides depth to the tank.
• Fill a small amount of water in the tank and check for any water beading or leaks below the tank. If there are no leaks you can drain the water.
• Now rinse and place the substrate and decorations in the tank. Also place in the live rock.
• Set up the sump pump, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not plug it in yet.
• Now fix up the protein skimmer and power heads, as per the given directions.
• Pour dechlorinated water in the tank. Put in the marine salt, little at a time, and measure the levels with the hydrometer. It should be between 1.020 and 1.026. Since it takes time for the salinity in the water to stabilize, leave the water in the tank for about 24 hours.
• Place the heater and thermometer in the tank. The necessary temperature for the tank is between 75 and 80 degrees F. However, don't plug it in yet. Also, the thermometer should be installed at the opposite end of the water heater, in a place where it can be easily monitored.
• Plug in the pump and the lighting. The water level may slightly reduce when the pump is switched on. Add the necessary amount to bring it to the right level.
• After 20 minutes, switch on the heater, power heads and protein skimmer. Turn off the air mixing feature of the power heads if applicable.
• Wait for a period of 72 hours for the water content to stabilize. This includes the salinity levels, getting rid of atmospheric gases, and also attaining the right temperature for the water. The water might become cloudy but will disappear over this waiting period.
• After the water has stabilized, begin the cycling process of the tank. To do this, add a few saltwater fish such as mollies in the tank. Feed them the appropriate amount for them to remove wastes. The cycling process with the live rock and the protein skimmer will take about 4 - 5 days. Check the nitrate levels in the water using a kit for the same. When the levels are appropriate you may purchase and add the saltwater fish.

Though saltwater aquarium setup costs may be slightly high, and it seems like a tedious and time-consuming task, setting it up is completely worth it. Just ensure that you maintain the fish and the tank well after following this guide on saltwater aquarium setup, and you can enjoy nature's beauty daily in your own room.