Is a saltwater tank for me?
Before you even buy your tank, it is a good idea to purchase some books on saltwater and
read as much information as possible in order to get a better understanding of the time
and care needed to maintain a saltwater tank. Only after reading and getting information
can you make an informed decision on whether or not a saltwater tank is for you. There
are many different things to keep in mind when deciding if you are ready to start a
saltwater tank, but here are a few questions you should be asking yourself.
Do I have the space to set up a tank for saltwater? (minimum 30 gal for beginners)
Am I willing to purchase ALL the equipment needed in order to start a saltwater
tank?
Do I have the time to feed and check on my animals daily?
Do I have time to check the salinity (how much salt is in the water) daily?
Do I have time to “top off” (add fresh water) the tank when needed?
Do I have time to perform water tests weekly, if not more often?
Do I have time to perform water changes at least every two weeks, if not every
week?
If you answered no to any of these questions, you may need to reconsider whether or not
a saltwater tank is the right choice for you.
What you will need:
o Tank/Stand
o Lights (higher intensity lights needed for corals and inverts)
o Filter
o Protein skimmer
o Hydrometer and Test kits
o Salt
o Heater
o Thermometer
o Power head
o Substrate (sand, crushed coral, etc.)
o Liverock/Decorations
After purchasing all the necessary equipment, begin by placing the tank in an area that is
preferably close to a water source, close to outlets, and away from any direct sunlight.
This will help to minimize the amount of algae growth in the tank.
1. Begin by filling up half the tank with water, mixing the salt as you do. *Note that
this will be the one and only time that you can mix salt and water together directly in the
tank.
2. Place your live rock and/or large decorations into the tank so that they foot
securely against the base of the tank. This will help to ensure that there are no “cave ins”
caused by sand sifting animals. Also make sure that you do not have any rock or
decorations leaning against the tank as this will compromise the structure of the glass.
3. Add your substrate, sand, crushed coral, etc., into the tank around your live rock
and decorations. You may rinse off your substrate before putting it into the tank to get rid
of any debris that may come in packaging, UNLESS you use live sand. If using live sand
DO NOT rinse it out, but put it directly into the tank.
4. Place your heater, power heads, and any other equipment into the tank at this
time. At this point you can fill up the rest of the tank with salt water. Check your salinity
and make any necessary adjustments (add more salt if salinity is low, add fresh water if
salinity is too high)
5. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to set up your filter and protein
skimmer. When properly set up, turn on your filter and protein skimmer.
6. Finish by placing the lid (if you have one) and lights on the tank.
7. Now that your tank is up and running, wait at least one week before placing any
animals into the tank. Make sure that you take your time and slowly add animals into the
tank over the next few weeks and months. Over time your tank will cycle itself with proper
care and maintenance. Remember that in order to have a healthy tank, you must be
patient and take your time.
Regular Maintenance:
o A 10-20% water change is needed every two weeks. A weekly water change is even
better. When changing your water, be sure to use a gravel vacuum to remove debris from
the substrate. When filling up your tank, make sure you premix your saltwater in a bucket,
making sure that salinity and ph are the same as in the tank. Your filter may be cleaned
at this time as well.
o The protein skimmer collection cup should be rinsed out as needed. Usually this is
done at least once a week, sometimes more.
o When water evaporates, salt stays in the tank which causes salinity to rise.
Therefore, salinity should be checked regularly and fresh water should be added to the
tank when needed.
o Water tests should be performed at least weekly if not more often.
Good fish to start with:
o Damsels
o Clownfish
o Chromis
o Royal gramma
o Dottybacks
o Blennies
o Gobies
Before you even buy your tank, it is a good idea to purchase some books on saltwater and
read as much information as possible in order to get a better understanding of the time
and care needed to maintain a saltwater tank. Only after reading and getting information
can you make an informed decision on whether or not a saltwater tank is for you. There
are many different things to keep in mind when deciding if you are ready to start a
saltwater tank, but here are a few questions you should be asking yourself.
Do I have the space to set up a tank for saltwater? (minimum 30 gal for beginners)
Am I willing to purchase ALL the equipment needed in order to start a saltwater
tank?
Do I have the time to feed and check on my animals daily?
Do I have time to check the salinity (how much salt is in the water) daily?
Do I have time to “top off” (add fresh water) the tank when needed?
Do I have time to perform water tests weekly, if not more often?
Do I have time to perform water changes at least every two weeks, if not every
week?
If you answered no to any of these questions, you may need to reconsider whether or not
a saltwater tank is the right choice for you.
What you will need:
o Tank/Stand
o Lights (higher intensity lights needed for corals and inverts)
o Filter
o Protein skimmer
o Hydrometer and Test kits
o Salt
o Heater
o Thermometer
o Power head
o Substrate (sand, crushed coral, etc.)
o Liverock/Decorations
After purchasing all the necessary equipment, begin by placing the tank in an area that is
preferably close to a water source, close to outlets, and away from any direct sunlight.
This will help to minimize the amount of algae growth in the tank.
1. Begin by filling up half the tank with water, mixing the salt as you do. *Note that
this will be the one and only time that you can mix salt and water together directly in the
tank.
2. Place your live rock and/or large decorations into the tank so that they foot
securely against the base of the tank. This will help to ensure that there are no “cave ins”
caused by sand sifting animals. Also make sure that you do not have any rock or
decorations leaning against the tank as this will compromise the structure of the glass.
3. Add your substrate, sand, crushed coral, etc., into the tank around your live rock
and decorations. You may rinse off your substrate before putting it into the tank to get rid
of any debris that may come in packaging, UNLESS you use live sand. If using live sand
DO NOT rinse it out, but put it directly into the tank.
4. Place your heater, power heads, and any other equipment into the tank at this
time. At this point you can fill up the rest of the tank with salt water. Check your salinity
and make any necessary adjustments (add more salt if salinity is low, add fresh water if
salinity is too high)
5. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to set up your filter and protein
skimmer. When properly set up, turn on your filter and protein skimmer.
6. Finish by placing the lid (if you have one) and lights on the tank.
7. Now that your tank is up and running, wait at least one week before placing any
animals into the tank. Make sure that you take your time and slowly add animals into the
tank over the next few weeks and months. Over time your tank will cycle itself with proper
care and maintenance. Remember that in order to have a healthy tank, you must be
patient and take your time.
Regular Maintenance:
o A 10-20% water change is needed every two weeks. A weekly water change is even
better. When changing your water, be sure to use a gravel vacuum to remove debris from
the substrate. When filling up your tank, make sure you premix your saltwater in a bucket,
making sure that salinity and ph are the same as in the tank. Your filter may be cleaned
at this time as well.
o The protein skimmer collection cup should be rinsed out as needed. Usually this is
done at least once a week, sometimes more.
o When water evaporates, salt stays in the tank which causes salinity to rise.
Therefore, salinity should be checked regularly and fresh water should be added to the
tank when needed.
o Water tests should be performed at least weekly if not more often.
Good fish to start with:
o Damsels
o Clownfish
o Chromis
o Royal gramma
o Dottybacks
o Blennies
o Gobies
Setting up a Saltater Tank
The Aquarium Depot