5 Tips for People Who Are New to Saltwater Aquariums

There’s nothing more beautiful than a saltwater aquarium filled with colorful exotic fish. However, you have some important decisions to make when adding a saltwater aquarium to your home. Here are six tips every beginner to the world of saltwater aquariums should know.

1. Place the Aquarium in the Ideal Location

The proper location of a saltwater aquarium can reduce the maintenance time. Your tank needs to be away from direct sunlight because it encourages algae growth, which means it will need to be cleaned more often. An algae-ridden tank can affect the health of your fish and obscure your view. Choose an area of the home that is well ventilated and has a cool temperature. Once set up, you won’t want the inconvenience of moving the tank. Make sure there are electrical outlets close to the location of your tank.

2. Choose the Right Tank Size

You may need to make a decision regarding the size of the tank once you determine the type and number of fish you want. It takes a while to get a tank established, so you should also ask yourself if you want to add more fish in the future. Having more room in the tank is better than having too little. It may be better to choose a larger tank and add fish once the tank is ready.

3. Purchase a Good Stand

Research the weight of your aquarium when filled with water and choose a stand accordingly. Remember, your tank will weigh roughly 10 pounds per gallon. Make sure the stand is large and sturdy enough to hold the weight.

The experts at Aquatic Warehouse can advise you on the type of stand you might need, and they can also recommend the most important supplies for your tank, such as a filter or dosing pump.

4. Clean the Tank Before You Fill It

All it takes is a clean cloth and warm water to clean the tank before adding the water and its contents. Don’t use any chemical-based cleaners because they could contaminate the water and kill the fish.

5. Rinse the Gravel Before Adding It

Using a sieve, rinse your gravel (unless the bag is marked live sand) at least once before placing it in the tank. Gravel is often dusty, and you should get rid of as much of the dust as possible. Plan for at least an inch-thick substrate in the tank for fish tanks and two inches for freshwater planted aquariums.

Also, make sure you never use table salt in your water, and avoid using water straight from the tap due to chemicals that must be neutralized.

Aquatic Warehouse has all the saltwater aquarium supplies you need to keep your fish happy and healthy. Browse our website to see what we have to offer, or give us a call at 858-467-9297 if you have any questions.