filters adds oxygen to the tank through aera- should have a specific gravity of 1.020 to Starting a Saltwater tion. The larger the filter, the less often you 1.025. Proper salt levels are necessary to will need to perform maintenance. Select a maintain body chemistry of marine fish, help- Fish Aquarium pump with a flow rate to match your tank vol- ing to prevent disease. Synthetic sea salts are ume. readily available and easy to mix. Hood. A hood reduces evaporation and mini- pH Test Kit. Tap water may not have the right mizes the risk that fish will jump out of the pH for tropical fish. Most saltwater fish thrive Your first decision is whether you want a fish aquarium. Adding a light fixture to the hood at a pH of 8.1—8.4. In addition to a pH test kit, aquarium or reef aquarium. A reef aquarium will enhance your viewing experience. Make make sure to purchase products to adjust the is primarily for invertebrates (corals, anemo- sure to use the light no more than 12 hours pH level. nes and crustaceans). While each aquarium per day to minimize algae growth. type is beautiful, the equipment and setup for Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate Test Kits. These a reef tank is different. If you decide to create Protein Skimmer. A protein skimmer im- kits are essential to measure the level of these a reef aquarium, please request a copy of proves water quality by removing organic com- harmful compounds when starting a saltwater aquarium. (see below) Starting a Saltwater Reef Aquarium. pounds. Make sure to purchase the correct size skimmer for your aquarium. Establishing Biological Selecting Your Aquarium Filtration What Else Do I Need? Your next decision is selecting an aquarium. Biological filtration is the action of bacteria in Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, a Decorations. Adding decorations to your the aquarium consuming fish waste. These larger aquarium allows you to have more fish, aquarium provides a hiding place for your fish waste products can lead to a build-up of am- as well as greater diversity. The greater water during times of stress. Decorations (such as monia, which is very toxic. Fortunately, benefi- volume helps stabilize water chemistry in the sand, ornaments, and rocks) should be de- cial bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite and tank, which is much better for the health of signed for use with saltwater fish aquariums. your animals. then to relatively harmless nitrate. However, Water Conditioner. Tap water may be treat- bacteria take several weeks to develop and you The Equipment ed with chemicals that can harm your fish, should test your water before adding fish. such as chlorine and chloramines. A water There are two ways to start your biological Heater. Tropical fish require a steady water conditioner will neutralize chemicals in tap o filter. You can buy beneficial bacteria at your temperature of 72-78 F. Fluctuating water water, making the water safe for your fish. pet store to “jump start” their growth. Anoth- temperature stresses fish, making them more Some conditioners also neutralize metals such er option is to add a few hardy fish every few vulnerable to disease. High quality aquarium as copper, lead and zinc; your pet shop can weeks until the filter is established; the waste heaters minimize water temperature fluctua- provide advice on the correct conditioner. tions. The heater wattage required will vary from these fish will encourage the growth of depending on the size of your aquarium. Aquarium Cleaner. Purchase a product for beneficial bacteria. scrubbing aquariums; avoid household clean- Filter. Suspended debris is trapped by pump- ing products which can be harmful to fish. ing water through mesh filters (mechanical This information is designed as a basic guide. filters), while harmful dissolved pollution is Hydrometer. A hydrometer measures specific There are several books and online resources removed via chemical (activated carbon) or gravity, an indicator of the salt level of the available which provide in-depth information on saltwater aquariums and their care. biological processes. Pumping water through water in the aquarium. Saltwater aquariums www.PIJAC.org With either method of starting your bio- until the natural balance of the tank has been Change about 20% of the water. Partial water logical filter, ammonia, nitrite and ni- established. Add fish in order of least aggressive changes remove excess pollutants and algae- trate levels should be tested twice a to most aggressive. promoting nutrients while adding alkalinity and week. Ammonia and nitrite levels will When fish are netted and handled, their protec- replenishing important fish micro-nutrients rise and later fall as the biological filter tive slime coat may be rubbed off. Add water (that are removed by protein skimmers). The develops. At first, the water may turn conditioner to help relieve stress when introduc- easiest way to make a partial water change is cloudy. This is normal and happens to ing new fish. The best method to add new fish is with a gravel siphon, which removes debris most new aquariums. In a few days, the to float the unopened bag of fish in the aquarium from the substrate. When adding new water, cloud will disappear as the filter be- until the water temperature in the bag matches be sure it is the same temperature as the comes established. the tank’s (about 15-20 minutes). Then, open the aquarium’s. Also use a water conditioner and add salt to re-establish the proper salt level. Once the biological filter is established, bag and gently release the fish into their new Test the pH level before adding new fish to the ammonia and nitrite should remain at 0, home. The bag water may contain fish waste aquarium. Clean the inside of the aquarium and nitrate levels should be less than 40 (ammonia); avoid adding the bag water to the aquarium. with an algae scraper. mg/l (ppm) in a fish-only tank. It usually takes about four to six weeks for the Feeding Your Fish Avoiding Human Illness biological filter to become established. Be careful not to overfeed your fish; all the food Although rare, aquatic life may infect humans After the biological filter is established, should be eaten within 5 minutes. If food re- with bacterial diseases, such as mycobacterio- you can begin to add your fish of choice. mains on the bottom of the aquarium, the fish sis or salmonellosis. Fortunately, taking a few Avoid introducing too many fish at one have been overfed, which promotes fish waste simple precautions will protect you from time because the beneficial bacteria that may cause ammonia to build up to a harmful getting sick from your aquatic pets. Make need time to multiply to consume the level and is one of the major causes of fish loss. sure that everyone handling aquatic life, additional ammonia. including children, follows these precautions: Maintaining Your Aquarium Adding Your Fish Always wash your hands thoroughly with Dirty aquariums not only look bad, they are also soap and water after handling aquatic life or After ammonia and nitrite levels consist- unhealthy for fish. By following a few simple material (including aquarium water) that had ently stay at zero levels, nitrate is less maintenance steps your aquarium will always look contact with aquatic life. than 40 mg/l, aquarium pH is within the beautiful. To help keep algae under control, se- correct range, and the temperature has Avoid contact with the water and tank if there lect some fish or snails that prefer algae as their are wounds on your hands or arms. stabilized, you are ready to add your primary food source. Never start a siphon by mouth. fish. Weekly Never use food-preparation areas to clean When choosing fish for your tank, inves- Test the pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and salt aquatic life habitats or anything in their habi- tigate how long they will live and how levels. The pH level may shift over time and re- tats. If you clean the habitat in the bathroom, disinfect the area completely afterwards. large they will grow; make sure your quire an adjustment. The ammonia and nitrite tank is large enough. Some aggressive or levels should always be zero; nitrate should not territorial fishes are not compatible with exceed 40 mg/l (ppm). Add non-chlorinated fresh all tank mates . Check with your store or water to make up for evaporation. online about the compatibility of the fish you have in mind. Only add a few fish Monthly Clean the filter and add new activated carbon. www.PIJAC.org .