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 saltwater fish tanks

Do you want to experience owning an exotic fish? Then a saltwater fish tank could be the perfect fit for you?

Humans and animals have an interesting relationship that goes beyond feeding and caring. Children learn from animals, especially when it comes to taking responsibilities. 

Furthermore, having pet fish at home can help you relax. Looking at fish can give you that calming and relaxing effect.

But if you want to have some saltwater fish in your home, you need to have a good saltwater fish tank first. But how can you tell if you’re buying a good one? How do you determine if a saltwater fish tank is the best option for you?

Continue reading below as we give you a lowdown on this popular type of aquarium.

Saltwater Tank vs Freshwater Tank

Before we go into the elements that make up a saltwater fish tank, let us first address a common question. How does it differ from a freshwater aquarium?

The main difference is that a saltwater aquarium requires powerful equipment. It also needs individual devices, as well as some expensive consumables for it to work. 

The reason being is that saltwater aquariums are sensitive to environmental changes. This means you need to keep a specific level of salinity and acidity in the water. The same thing goes for the water’s alkalinity, calcium content, hardness, and temperature.

If any of these do not meet the proper standards, the fish inside the aquarium may perish.

It is also important to note that there are different kinds of saltwater tanks; each one catering to a specific group of aquarists. The basic type is the fish tank. This is also the cheapest option, which makes it appealing to beginners.

With it, you don’t need to put any decorative ornaments. All you need is to get the right types of fish. Ideally, the saltwater fish tank is perfect for predatory inhabitants.

Meanwhile, the most popular option is the mixed tank. It offers a perfect haven if you wish to combine fish and other invertebrates. 

There is also the reef tank, which is the most expensive type of saltwater aquarium. And then there is the coral tank, works best if you want to breed corals and coral-friendly fish.

Tank Size matters

If you decide to invest in a saltwater fish tank, one of the most important factors to consider is the size of the case. This is non-negotiable, as you need to get the correct size that will fit your requirements.

Larger tanks will cost you more money. Nevertheless, they offer some benefits. Though larger tanks may cost you more, they are much easier to clean.

This is because larger tanks can take in more water. In turn, having more water volume can help dilute toxins. On the other hand, a smaller tank with far less water volume will have more toxins.

The problem with these toxins is they can reach a high concentration level. When this happens, the toxins can kill your fish.

Keep in mind, however, that not all big tanks work for everyone. But a 20-gallon fish tank is one of the best options for starters. They are still relatively affordable and offer the perfect size to start your beautiful community fish tank.

Other Key Items

Apart from the tank itself, there are other key items you need to buy to place in your saltwater fish tank. Your tank needs to have ample lighting. Thus, invest in some 15 to 500-watt LED lamps.

The good thing about LED lights is that they can illuminate your aquarium to the bottom of the tank. Moreover, the brightness of LED lights does not scatter.

For more versatility, you can find LED lights that come with light night capabilities. 

After finding the right LED lighting, you need good filtration and water regeneration. Hence, you need to install a sump inside your fish tank. The sump is a combination of different equipment that keeps the cycle of filtering and regenerating water going.

It features a return pump, a skimmer, and an auto-water filler. It also comes with a filter, a refugium, and an aquarium fridge.

The skimmer is a cylindrical container where the ozonized bubbles pass through. It helps remove organic waste before they start disintegrating.

Meanwhile, the auto-water filler is what adds water to the aquarium. This is crucial, as water evaporates, leading to an increase in salinity. 

How to Stock Your saltwater Fish Tank

After completing all the key parts of your fish tank, you can start adding marine fish. But what type should you place inside your aquarium? 

If you don’t have that much of a budget, start with some commercially-bred fish and invertebrates. These are the cheapest and most affordable choices for beginners. Some of the excellent saltwater fish choices include dotty backs, gobies, and clownfish.

But don’t limit your options to these three. There are many more great options available.

After picking the fish, place some decorations like corals and live rocks. These things will keep your fish company and make them happy. But if you’re going for some live rock, they may cost you a little bit more.

As for the corals, they are quite a sensitive bunch. They require specific levels of water chemistry and high-intensity lighting to keep them happy.

The Internet Is Your Friend

Setting up an aquarium shouldn’t always be expensive. Thankfully, online sources can help cut the cost of fish and corals. Instead of going to your local fish store, consider ordering online.

Online fish shops tend to offer items that are cheaper than what the brick-and-mortar stores have. However, you need to do your homework when buying online.

Make sure you are buying from a reputable online seller. Some sellers post pictures of beautiful breeds of fish but give you something else after.

Thus, check the customer feedback and avoid those that have negative reviews.

Invest In a Quality Saltwater Fish Tank !

Having a saltwater fish tank at home is one of the best gifts you can give your family. With the many benefits a fish offers, you can reduce your stress levels especially in the middle of a pandemic. And if you’re looking for a high-quality fish tank, then you have come to the right place.

We offer an extensive selection of fish tanks for beginners and veterans alike. Connect with us today and tell us what you’re looking for. Let’s get you that fish tank that will kick-off your new aquatic journey.

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