Aquarium Care Archives

What temperature should saltwater fish aquariums be kept at? This is often a question many new saltwater fish tank keepers are unsure about and there is actually more then one right answer.

If you are only keeping a saltwater fish aquarium and no other invertebrates other then crabs and snails you can generally get away with keeping your tank around 75-76 degrees Fahrenheit.

This lower tank temperature will keep the oxygen levels high in your tank and keep your fishes metabolisms at a normal rate.

If you are keeping live corals or delicate invertebrates like shrimps and live corals that come from shallower reef areas you need to keep your saltwater aquarium around 77-79 degrees. This temperature will also keep your corals metabolisms in the normal range

Anything less then 77 degrees and you may start to see reduced activity or corals that do not open fully due to the lower temperatures.

The highest you ever want your tank to go is about 81-82 degrees. If it goes higher then that you may need to invest in a chiller to control the temperature in your tank.

However many experts argue that captive corals grow faster at higher temperatures but it is a fine balance and a risky one at that. At higher temperatures oxygen levels can fall and animals metabolisms can increase to the point where they need more food.

Problem algae also seems to be more common in systems that have higher  tank temperatures, this is thought to be because the lower oxygen levels provide a better environment for the algae to grow in.

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Caring for saltwater tanks is not a hard or complicated process like so many people think. All it really takes is a good maintenance plan and the ability to follow through with it. Below you will find a very simple marine aquarium maintenance plan that if you follow will help you keep a healthy saltwater aquarium for many years.

Good Saltwater Tank Care

Before you dive into taking care of your saltwater tank you need to separate the things that need to be done into daily, weekly and monthly tasks. By doing this you will be more efficient in your aquarium care as opposed to trying to get it all done one day a month.

Marine Aquarium Care Broken Down

Daily Requirements

  • The fish must be fed but not overfeed
  • Look over your fish for any signs of disease,injury or stress
  • Make sure all fish are accounted for and remove any that may have died
  • Look at the tanks temperature and make sure its in the safe range
  • Give all filters and pumps a quick check to make sure they are working properly

Weekly Requirements

  • Add freshwater to replace any water that has evaporated
  • Using aquarium safe cleaners wipe off the stand and the outside of the aquarium
  • Clean the front glass using aquarium safe cleaner
  • Using a magnetic cleaner clean the glass on the inside of the aquarium

Monthly Requirements

  • Perform a 20-25% water change, this can actually be done in two smaller changes if you have a large tank.
  • Clean the tanks gravel by vacuuming it when changing the water
  • Clean your filters and pumps and replace all filter pad material and filter media like activated carbon
  • Complete water tests to monitor nitrate and phosphate levels
  • Sit back and enjoy your saltwater tank. This is something that not to many people actually do this and instead get caught up in caring for saltwater tanks.Watching your tank is one of the best parts to owning a marine aquarium so enjoy it.

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Many people who are thinking of setting up a marine aquarium wonder how long saltwater aquarium maintenance will take. Using a 40 gallon tank as an example you will be able to see how easy taking care of your saltwater aquarium is and how little you really have to do to keep it in top shape.

Monthly Cleaning Tasks For Your Tank

The list below should take you no more then 45 minutes to one hour to complete every month.

  • Pre mix new saltwater to add the tank during a water change
  • Vacuum the gravel bed to remove excess debris, remove about 20% of the tanks water during the gravel cleaning.
  • Add the pre mixed new saltwater to the tank
  • Remove and clean any artificial decorations that are in the tank.
  • Clean your filters to make sure they are running properly
  • Replace any filter media and or filter pads with fresh one
  • Wipe the aquarium stand and outside glass down with an aquarium safe cleaner

This saltwater aquarium maintenance program will be adequate for most marine aquariums. If your tank is slightly bigger or smaller the time may vary slightly.

Daily Tasks For Saltwater Tanks

For daily maintenance of your marine aquarium all you really need to do is clean the inside of your tanks glass and feed your fish. The nice thing is that you can do this without having to put your hands in the tank. Just pick up a magnetic cleaner at your local fish shop.

These cleaners have two pieces, one goes in the tank the other outside the tank and the magnetic force make them stick together through the glass. Slide it down the tank it it will remove and settled dust from the inside glass panel. These tasks should take you about 1 minute or less per day.

To create a stunning and easy-to-maintain saltwater aquarium grab a copy of our Saltwater Aquarium Guide. This illustrated guide will show you step by step how to properly set up your aquarium. It’s crammed with tips and secrets that the pros use to create stunning displays! Learn more at http://www.saltwatermethods.com

Many new aquarium keepers are scared off by saltwater aquariums for fear that they are difficult to care for. The truth is caring for saltwater tank setups is not rocket science or does not involve any complicated methods. It does however involve consistency and dedication to keeping your marine fish aquarium in top shape.

Proper Saltwater Tank Care

The first thing you should do is to break your maintenance schedules up into daily, weekly and monthly tasks. This will allow you to take care of things in a more efficient manner.

It will also allow you to actually spend less time on your system then if you would do all the tank care in one day.

Breakdown Of Marine Aquarium Care Tasks

Daily Tasks

  • Feed Your Fish taking care to not overfeed
  • Examine all fish for signs of injury, stress or disease.
  • Make note if any fish are missing or have died
  • Check the aquarium temperature to make sure it is within an acceptable range
  • Check all filters and pumps to make sure thy are operating properly

Weekly Tasks

  • Top off any water that has evaporated from the tank
  • Clean the tank stand off with aquarium safe cleaner
  • Clean the front glass with aquarium safe cleaner.
  • Clean the inside of the glass with a magnetic aquarium cleaner

Monthly Tasks

  • Change 25% of the tanks water,this can be done bi weekly as well and is actually better for your fish to be done this way
  • Vacuum the gravel well when changing the water
  • Clean all pumps and filters and change any filter material and filter media you maybe using
  • Test your water parameters for nitrates,phosphates and ammonia and make sure they are at proper levels
  • Take some time and enjoy your marine aquarium. Many people forget to do this and concentrate on just caring for saltwater tanks they own. It is after all a hobby so enjoy it!

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Keeping your water clean and fresh is a great way to ensure that your saltwater fish stay healthy and colorful. But it must be done correctly or else it can actually stress the fish out and possibly cause disease to set in. The article below will go over how to change water in a saltwater aquarium the right way.

How To Change Water In A Saltwater Aquarium

The first thing you need to do is have a container that will only hold saltwater and nothing else. This will eliminate the possibility of using a container that had potentially toxic chemicals in it that could kill or sicken your fish.

In this container you should mix your saltwater up and let it mix with a small aquarium power head for at least 24 hours. Letting it mix 24 hours will ensure that all the chemicals dissolve and the properties of the water equalize. It will also allow any ammonia that can occur when mixing new salt to dissipate.

You should also have a heater in the water and have it set so it is within two degrees of your main tank. Also make sure that you mix the replacement water so that it is exactly the same salinity as your display tank.

After your water is mixed and ready to go you should shut off all equipment in your tank. Make double sure to unplug your heater because a unsubmerged heater may turn on and get hot. When the colder aquarium water touches it it could shatter!

You must then siphon the old tank water out making sure to vacuum the gravel bed to remove settled debris or if you have live rock try and remove any settled debris from it.

A good way to do this is take a small power head and blow the rock off just before you drain the water from your aquarium.

After the water has been drained pour the new water in slowly making sure to not disturb the tanks decorations or gravel to much. At this time you may also want to change any filter pads or material so the tank get s a fresh clean start.

Try and change at least 25% of your tanks water every month and split it up into two or three smaller changes rather then one large one. This will lessen the stress on your saltwater fish.

For more Saltwater Aquarium Tips that will help you have a trouble free tank check out or marine aquarium guide? It will show you how to set up and care for your tank the right way. Learn more at http://www.saltwatermethods.com

Having a saltwater tank setup in your home or office is a great way to add natural beauty and color. Keeping this tank looking good however is another story, unlike their freshwater counterparts saltwater fish tanks need good maintenance habits in order for them to flourish and remain beautiful

Proper Saltwater Aquarium Care For Long term Success

To start with you must realize that taking care of a saltwater tank setup is similar to caring for a freshwater tank their are a few key differences.

The main difference is the water. Saltwater aquariums require at least 25% of the water be changed on a monthly basis, it is better to do this in two or three smaller water changes so the fish are not chocked t much by changes in PH or temperature.

You must also make sure to replace any evaporated water from the tank between water changes and right before the water change. Failure to do this can result in aquarium salt levels reaching to high a level and possibly killing the fish.

Also make sure that the replacement water that is going into the tank is very close the the same temperature and salinity as the water you are taking out. this will make the process less stressful on your fish.

Basic Routine Care

After the water changes saltwater aquarium care is very straight forward like that of a freshwater tank. Just make sure to clean and replace all filter materials and pads twice a month.

Feed your fish twice a day and monitor your tanks inhabitants during the feedings for signs of stress or disease.

Keep and eye on tank temperature on a daily basis and never let it get over 80 degrees or the dissolved oxygen in the water will start to be reduced leading to laboring fish and possible death.

Remember to check out or saltwater aquarium guide at www.saltwatermethods.com

Quick Guide on How To Maintain a Saltwater Aquarium

Marine aquariums are becoming more and more popular as advances in the hobby have made it easier for the average person to maintain. However even with the best equipment you must still need to know how to maintain a saltwater aquarium once it is set up and running.

How To Take Proper Care Of Your Marine Aquarium

The first thing you need to do is just give your tank and the animals in it a quick inspection every few days. This will help you notice any problems with equipment or fish and let you address them before they become major problems. The best time to do this is actually when you feed your fish.

You will also need to do periodic water changes on your fish tank these water changes will help to remove pollutants in the water and also replace trace elements that fish need to be healthy Most saltwater systems will require about 20-25% of the tanks volume be changed every month.

Because saltwater fish are sensitive to changes in PH, water temperature and salt levels in the water it is recommended that you split that 25% up into two or three separate water changes. Don’t forget to unplug the heater when you change the water, un submerged heater could get hot and crack when the cold aquarium water hits it.

When you are changing the water you should also be cleaning your filters and replacing any pads that are fouled or dirty. Also replace any activated carbon or other filter media you could be running. If your tank gets dusty you can also wipe it down with special aquarium cleaners or a water vinegar mix, never use Windex or other harsh chemicals because these can kill fish fast.

Really knowing how to maintain a saltwater aquarium is not that hard. It just boils down to doing a few simple things and doing them on a schedule. If you can do that then your marine aquarium will flourish.

Want a beautiful saltwater aquarium full of colorful healthy fish? Our Saltwater Aquarium Guide will show you step by step how to set up your system and avoid the common mistakes that lead to fish death, algae and an ugly tank. To get the secrets to creating a stunning saltwater aquarium visit http://www.saltwatermethods.com

Many people are drawn to the beauty and color of saltwater fish. This attraction is the main reason many people want to set up a new marine aquarium saltwater fish tank in their home or office.

Many of these people are met with disappointment when there tank fails because they did not follow a good plan or approached their system like it was a freshwater tank.

Buying The Right Sized Tank

First you must start with the biggest tank that you can afford, although there is a limit to how big you should actually go. In order to have the best chance at success and have a wide variety of fish stick with a four foot long tank in the 75-120 gallon range.

A saltwater aquarium in this range will give you a nice stable tank that will not suffer chemical or temperature swings as severe as a smaller tanks. These swings can stress out fish and lead to disease or death.

Choosing The Right Equipment

Choosing the right support equipment for your beginner aquarium saltwater fish tank will be the next critical step. The aquarium world is full of hundreds of products, many are good but some are very poor.

If you are just starting out the best thing you can do is to get a good guide to help you understand marine aquariums and combine that with the advice from a good fish store in your area.

A good fish store will have healthy marine fish displays and be able to help you select the right equipment for your goals.

Picking The Right The Saltwater Fish

Picking marine aquarium fish is much different then choosing freshwater fish. To start with many marine animals are territorial and if mixed with the wrong species or similar fish may fight to the death. This will turn your tank into a constant battle dome with dead fish as a result.

You must also keep in mind that even some of the more timid fish need their space so as a rule of thumb try and keep one fish for every ten gallons of water volume. This is not a hard set rule but should give you a good starting point.

Want a crystal clear successful Saltwater Aquarium full of vibrant healthy fish?  Our Marine Aquarium Guide will show you step by step how to set up your tank and avoid the common mistakes that lead to fish death, algae and an ugly tank. To get the secrets to creating a stunning saltwater aquarium visit http://www.SaltwaterMethods.com

Having a saltwater tank setup in your home or office is a great way to add natural beauty and color. Keeping this tank looking good however is another story, unlike their freshwater counterparts saltwater fish tanks need good maintenance habits in order for them to flourish and remain beautiful

Proper Saltwater Aquarium Care For Long term Success

To start with you must realize that taking care of a saltwater tank setup is similar to caring for a freshwater tank their are a few key differences.

The main difference is the water. Saltwater aquariums require at least 25% of the water be changed on a monthly basis, it is better to do this in two or three smaller water changes so the fish are not shocked to much by changes in PH or temperature.

You must also make sure to replace any evaporated water from the tank between water changes and right before the water change. Failure to do this can result in aquarium salt levels reaching to high a level and possibly killing the fish.

Also make sure that the replacement water that is going into the tank is very close the the same temperature and salinity as the water you are taking out. this will make the process less stressful on your fish.

Basic Routine Care

After the water changes saltwater aquarium care is very straight forward like that of a freshwater tank. Just make sure to clean and replace all filter materials and pads twice a month.

Feed your fish twice a day and monitor your tanks inhabitants during the feedings for signs of stress or disease.

Keep and eye on tank temperature on a daily basis and never let it get over 80 degrees or the dissolved oxygen in the water will start to be reduced leading to laboring fish and possible death.

Want a stunning Saltwater Aquarium with healthy thriving fish? Our marine aquarium guide will show step by step you how to set up your tank and avoid the common mistakes that lead to fish death, algae and an ugly tank. To get the secrets to creating a stunning saltwater aquarium visit http://www.saltwatermethods.com

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They are always adding new products to the database and have a cool function where you can vote on products you want added.

It is very easy to use all you have to do is pick the category you need to shop in and then enter the product name in the search box and the comparison tool does the rest.

So if you are thinking of upgrading your skimmer, lighting or any other piece of reef tank equipment you must head over to the www.thereeftank.com and check out there new reef aquarium equipment shopping tool.

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