Setting Up Your Marine Aquarium - How to Do it Like a Pro
A marine aquarium is basically the same thing as a saltwater aquarium.
Some are fish only, and others include invertebrates and plants.
The one common factor between all of them is the fact that lots of planning is necessary in order to set one up properly.
This article will show you what you need to do in order to in order to accomplish this.
Proper planning is probably the key to setting up your tank.
Do not just go out and say, "hey, that fish looks pretty, lets get one.
" The amount, size and type of fish that you can get will be influenced by one factor and one factor only; that is how much room you have in the space where your tank will go.
You must find the proper space first and plan everything around that.
An aquarium tank filled with water weighs hundreds of pounds, therefore moving one because a mistake was made in the beginning is not something that will be possible.
Measure your space and look for things such as electrical outlets and closeness to water sources.
As far as tank material goes, there are advantages and disadvantages to both acrylic and glass.
Acrylic is probably a better choice as it is stronger and can resist blows without damage better than glass can.
This is a distinct advantage when there are children around.
The only problem is that it is more expensive, however, this is offset by the fact that these tanks come in all shapes and sizes, as well as being available in custom shapes.
Once you have a good idea of the size of your aquarium, you can then start to plan out your filter system.
You have three choices for this, a biological system, chemical and mechanical.
You will probably be using a combination of the three at different points, but ultimately your tank size and type of fish you are going to keep will influence your decision on this.
The next step is your lighting system.
It is very important not to overlook this, especially if you are going to keep live aquarium plants.
Just make sure that your lighting is compatible with your fish as well as your plants.
After this, your temperature control system should be decided on.
Keep in mind that your lighting system will generate lots of heat, so you need to decide on that first.
Once this is set, then you can start to buy all of your equipment, including your substrate level.
This is the gravel that is kept on the bottom of the tank.
Once everything is together and set up, then you can start to run the filter systems.
You can not go ahead and put your fish in yet.
Your tank has to go through a process called "cycling".
Basically, this is the process of allowing your biological filter systems to set up and change your water chemistry to that which is optimal for your fish.
Once this is completed, then the process of introducing your fish can take place.
As you can see, the secret of setting up a marine aquarium is in the planning stage, so do not underestimate the importance of this step.
You will ultimately save time and money by doing it right in the beginning.
Some are fish only, and others include invertebrates and plants.
The one common factor between all of them is the fact that lots of planning is necessary in order to set one up properly.
This article will show you what you need to do in order to in order to accomplish this.
Proper planning is probably the key to setting up your tank.
Do not just go out and say, "hey, that fish looks pretty, lets get one.
" The amount, size and type of fish that you can get will be influenced by one factor and one factor only; that is how much room you have in the space where your tank will go.
You must find the proper space first and plan everything around that.
An aquarium tank filled with water weighs hundreds of pounds, therefore moving one because a mistake was made in the beginning is not something that will be possible.
Measure your space and look for things such as electrical outlets and closeness to water sources.
As far as tank material goes, there are advantages and disadvantages to both acrylic and glass.
Acrylic is probably a better choice as it is stronger and can resist blows without damage better than glass can.
This is a distinct advantage when there are children around.
The only problem is that it is more expensive, however, this is offset by the fact that these tanks come in all shapes and sizes, as well as being available in custom shapes.
Once you have a good idea of the size of your aquarium, you can then start to plan out your filter system.
You have three choices for this, a biological system, chemical and mechanical.
You will probably be using a combination of the three at different points, but ultimately your tank size and type of fish you are going to keep will influence your decision on this.
The next step is your lighting system.
It is very important not to overlook this, especially if you are going to keep live aquarium plants.
Just make sure that your lighting is compatible with your fish as well as your plants.
After this, your temperature control system should be decided on.
Keep in mind that your lighting system will generate lots of heat, so you need to decide on that first.
Once this is set, then you can start to buy all of your equipment, including your substrate level.
This is the gravel that is kept on the bottom of the tank.
Once everything is together and set up, then you can start to run the filter systems.
You can not go ahead and put your fish in yet.
Your tank has to go through a process called "cycling".
Basically, this is the process of allowing your biological filter systems to set up and change your water chemistry to that which is optimal for your fish.
Once this is completed, then the process of introducing your fish can take place.
As you can see, the secret of setting up a marine aquarium is in the planning stage, so do not underestimate the importance of this step.
You will ultimately save time and money by doing it right in the beginning.
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