| Setting up or starting a saltwater aquarium is not | | | | important in setting up your filtration system. |
| complicated, provided you have the necessary | | | | There are many different types available, so |
| equipment and materials in the beginning stages. | | | | consult your pet store experts and let them help |
| Doing things right from the start will ensure a | | | | you determine the brand and type that's best for |
| better chance for a thriving species and an | | | | your specific tank. |
| aesthetically beautiful fish tank. | | | | The next stage involves filling your tank up with |
| Some things that you will need include: | | | | gravel. For every gallon of water, you should have |
| de-chlorinated water, bucket(s), mildewcide or | | | | about a pound of gravel. Once the gravel has |
| bleach, a hydrometer and testing jar, distilled | | | | been distributed to your specifications, |
| water, a heater, a filtration system, plants, | | | | decorations, plastic plants and rocks follow. |
| decorations and a tank. | | | | In filling your tank with water, the key is to use |
| An effective way of cleaning your newly | | | | de-chlorinated water. A hydrometer will measure |
| purchased tank is to prepare a solution of five | | | | the salinity of your bucket water that you are |
| gallons of water for every one teaspoon of | | | | adding salt to. An optimum level is between 1.020 |
| bleach. However, before doing that, fill your tank | | | | and 1.023. When you achieve this salinity level, you |
| with fresh water and let it sit for a while (up to | | | | should start to fill your tanks bucket by bucket |
| 24 hours) to determine if there are any leaks. | | | | until you have reached a level about an inch from |
| Assuming there are no leaks and you've gone | | | | the top. |
| ahead and cleaned it using the above cleaning | | | | At this point, you can start your filtration system |
| solution, rub the tank, decorations, plastic plants | | | | and add a thermometer and heater. A pretty |
| and the rocks dry. By the way, never use soap | | | | good temperature range for most marine fish is |
| or detergent as a cleaning solution, as trace | | | | between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It's a good |
| elements of these may remain even after rinsing | | | | idea to let your heating system run for about 72 |
| and can be very harmful to your fish and other | | | | hours until a consistent and desired temperature is |
| species.. | | | | achieved. |
| Styrofoam under your aquarium is always a good | | | | As a final note, a power head is important in |
| idea, and you should remember to place your | | | | maintaining water motion in your tank. At this |
| tank in an area that has no direct sunlight and an | | | | point, a proper temperature and chemical levels |
| electrical outlet. Once you've decided on a location, | | | | means that you are now ready to introduce fish |
| go ahead and place decorations in your tank, | | | | and other species into your tank. Have fun and |
| taking care to avoid metal, as the salt in your salt | | | | ask for technical help in picking compatible species. |
| water will corrode this material. | | | | Enjoy! |
| Following the manufacturer's instructions is | | | | |