Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Tank
Plan Your Aquarium Theme First Before Start
Planning is the first and most important step before starting your saltwater aquarium but sadly many hobbyists overlooked this when setting up their first aquarium. Most hobbyist start their first saltwater aquarium on impulse after seeing the beauty of the undersea world without even thinking of all the hard work, time and money involved.
Start creating at the very least, a simple plan by writing down your ideas and the information that you have gained and learned as your plan develops. You need to know what kind of reef tank you want as this will determine the equipment. You also need to plan carefully on the aquarium community and the kind of fishes and other inhabitants that you want to keep. In general, your planning should consider the following points:
Choosing The Type of Fish For Your Tank
Always keep in mind that many saltwater fish species are not compatible with each other and also with the invertebrates and corals. As a beginner who is setting up a tank with fishes and invertebrates, you must choose your fish species carefully. Creatures that are used to live in the vast ocean are now 'cramp' into a small tank. Invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans are food to many kind of fishes, so you must be careful not to keep predators and prey together.
Choose Fish That Suit Your Tank Size
Marine fishes are living creatures that will grow. Some species can grow up to about 12 inches (30 cm) and is only suitable for a 100 gallons tank, which is normally about 6 feet long. Depending on your aquarium size, it is better to choose fish species that grow no larger than 6 inches especially if your tank is about 4 feet long (about 50 gallons). Start your research and make a list of potential inhabitants that you would like to have in your beginners tank that will not outgrow your tank.
Creating A Theme For Your Aquarium
Create a theme for your aquarium and then design and stock it according to your plan. Make a list of all the fishes and invertebrates that is appealing to you and check its compatibility with each others. Take note of the fish adult size, type of food require, and so on before finally choosing your tank inhabitants. This will also effect you design. This is important to the beginners to prevent from future trouble as many species of colorful and beautiful baby fish can turn into an aggressive adult. Also certain corals and anemones need specific tank condition to thrive.
Having A Long Term Plan For Your Aquarium
Having a plan will also help you decide on the equipment that needs to be purchased. This will ensure that what you spend will be within your budget and prevent you from buying on impulse. There are so many equipment and gadgets out there which claim to improve and enhance your tank, making it hard for you to resist it. However, before buying on impulse always remembers that as a beginner's who is setting up your first saltwater aquarium, if you feel the need for buying something only after seeing it or after talking with the sales person, then it might not be the thing you really need.
Saltwater Fish
We feature marine life from around the world. With our direct line of import we offer some of the best prices in the industry. In addition, we can have our collectors bring in those hard to find show pieces. We are sure to have just about anything a saltwater hobbyist might be looking for.
Saltwater Corals
Our store takes great pride in offering high quality corals from top quality aquaculture facilities and premium collectors. Many times, we hand select some of the best pieces available. With the ability to hold over 1000 1" frags we certainly have plenty to choose from.
Used Aquarium's
It's our belief that your hobby should be affordable as well as enjoyable. We work hard to negotiate the best prices we can get on all our used tanks and pass the savings down to you. Our inventory changes daily so come on in or tell us what your looking for and we'll find it.
Freshwater Fish
We have the most diverse collection of freshwater fish in Southwest Florida. We even house over a dozen species that are endangered or extinct in the wild. We breed some of our own fish right in the shop, and deal only with top quality breeders right here in our State.