You may be deciding whether to have a freshwater or a saltwater aquarium. If you opt for the latter, you should know that the characteristics are not the same. A saltwater aquarium requires different care than freshwater. In addition, you will need another type of aquatic plants and fish that are suitable for salty waters.
You want to know everything you need to have your saltwater aquarium ready? Keep reading, because this is your post 😉
Saltwater Aquarium Installation
The installation of this type of aquarium requires that each part that composes it be detailed. Therefore, we are going to divide the composition of the aquarium into each important element and describe the needs.
The fund
The bottom of the marine aquarium must allow sufficient space for colonies of aerobic bacteria to establish themselves. These bacteria must share the territory with those anaerobes that will be found within the seabed.
The most suitable material for the seabed is coarse-grained coral sand. This material allows us to have a high content of lime, which helps us stabilize the pH. In addition, it gives us a good decorative and natural style.
Depending on what type de peces you have, you will need one fund or another. For example, for those fish belonging to the order of perciformes, sandy soil is needed. These species cover themselves with sand during their night rest. Therefore, it is important that, before acquiring a type of fish, we know its basic needs.
Salt water filtration
To clean the dirt that accumulates in aquariums are needed special filters for salt water. These filters will be able to retain particles larger than those of fresh water. The filters must be cleaned regularly to avoid contamination of the aquarium water at all times. Only with a clean filter, we can make it last longer and keep the water clean.
On the other hand, we should not excessively clean the filter since we will hinder the establishment of bacteria colonies.
Aquarium heaters and pumps
Each type of fish requires a specific temperature. For example, if we want to have a saltwater aquarium of tropical species we will need a thermo-heater. This is used to raise the temperature of the water to what the fish need. In this way they will be able to live correctly and not suffer any type of disorder or disease.
Water pumps They are the most important part of the marine aquarium. It is the one that provides the water currents necessary to recreate the marine habitat. Fish require these currents to "feel at home." The pumps must be placed in such a way that there are no places with still water. You have to try to have a uniform current throughout the entire aquarium.
Sea salt
Since using natural seawater is very complicated, you need sea salt. Sea water for the aquarium has to be prepared using reverse osmosis water and sea salt. This makes the conditions within the aquarium more stable and does not produce large variations. SERA sea salt has excellent homogeneity and dissolves quickly and without residue, producing crystal clear sea water.
Plants for saltwater aquariums
The plants that we will place in the saltwater aquarium require some more specific care. Not just any type of natural plant will do. Each type of plant needs a suitable fish tank size. We must calculate the volume of the aquarium necessary to have both plants and fish without being "disturbed".
Here is a small list of some of the best plants for saltwater aquariums.
Shaving brush
These plants have one that resembles a barber's brush. They are green in color and their leaves are feathery. Grows best on sandy bottoms and it does between 3 and 4 inches per year. They are a good idea to combine with fish of the perciform order that need sandy bottoms. These plants require a lot of light and an intermediate water flow.
Bubble algae
These algae are sometimes considered a nuisance since, if the aquarium is not kept well regulated, it invades them. However, if you have good vigilance, they can be one of the best plants for saltwater aquariums.
sea lettuce
It is a green algae that serves as food for some herbivorous and omnivorous fish. They are large, have rounded leaves and a rough texture. They also act as a biological filter since it helps in the elimination of nitrates and phosphates that are harmful. Sea lettuce can be planted at the bottom of the aquarium or left to float freely.
Weed turtle
This plant is also known by the name of maiden hair. It is a green algae with a feathery texture and tube-shaped filaments. Its growth touches 6 inches per year. It can be planted on the seabed and grows in tufts. It releases a toxin that, while non-toxic, is strong enough that it deters fish from eating the plant.
Fish for marine aquarium
Like plants, saltwater fish do not require the same care as freshwater fish. Here you have a list of some species of salt water.
Damsels
This species It is highly recommended for newbies to saltwater aquariums. They are 7 cm wide and are solitary. They adapt easily to the environments, so they do not need much care. They are somewhat territorial with other fish, but they do not give problems.
Clownfish
El clownfish It is a very famous fish for its name and its colorful body. It is advisable that for these fish, the bottom of the aquarium is coral. They are more strict with the temperature of the water. They can also be somewhat aggressive towards other species.
Surgeon fish
El surgeon fish It is blue in color and can reach 40 cm in length. They are very popular although their care is very complex. If it is the first time that you are going to have a saltwater aquarium, this fish is not recommended. It lives on reefs and requires great lighting and a stable temperature.
Angel fish
El Angel fish it is for experienced owners. They can reach 30 cm long and are solitary. They adapt well to aquariums and need large sizes. If they are cared for well, they can last up to 10 years.
A basic saltwater aquarium kit It costs around 80 euros. If you are thinking of setting up your aquarium for the first time, it is better to opt for the starter kits.
With this information you can have your marine aquarium ready with the species de peces and most recommended plants.