Everything You Need To Know About
Almost!
"Coral Reef"
Saltwater Aquariums
What are "Coral Reef" Saltwater Aquariums?
"Coral Reef" saltwater aquariums have fish, live rock, invertebrates, and coral. This is an advanced saltwater setup because corals need very specific and precise conditions. A saltwater refugium is highly recommended with a coral reef setup. There are two types of coral: soft coral and hard coral. There are two types of hard coral: Large Polyp Stony (LPS) and Small Polyp Stony (SPS). Each coral has different light and water movement requirements. Certain fish and invertebrates can prey on coral so it's important to check for compatibility before adding new coral/fish/invertebrates. You will need a filter, protein skimmer, heater, and light. This aquarium can be 30+ gallons and will need to cycle for at least 2 weeks before adding invertebrates. Wait another 2 weeks to add fish. Wait another 2-4 weeks to add coral. Weekly water changes should be performed.
What You Need:
1. Fish Tank
2. Heater
3. Filter
4. Protein Skimmer
7. Plants
8. Salt
9. Fish Food
10. The FISH!
30+ Gallon Tank
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A larger tank is easier to maintain, I recommend at least 30+ gallons to start
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Saltwater fish should have a source of lighting on a consistent day/night cycle
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LED lights specifically for "Marine/Coral/Reef" is recommended
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Evaporation is unwanted so a lid is recommended
5. Sand + Decor
6. Water
Conditioner
Heater
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You will need a consistent water temperature of 72-78°F
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I recommend fully submersible heaters
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Attach heater next to filter outflow
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Get a thermometer so you know the temperature
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Make sure to unplug the heater when you are doing large water changes
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Do NOT plug in the heater unless it is submerged
Filter
5-10 gallon tank = 50 watt heater
20-30 gallon tank=
100-200 watts
40-50 gallon tank=
100-400 watts
75+ gallon tank=
200-600 watts
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With a larger tank containing fish and invertebrates I recommend getting a canister filter
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This is a more powerful filtration system
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They can be placed inside or underneath the tank
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I also recommend a powerhead for increased water movement
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Make sure to change your canister filter media either weekly or month depending on the media
Protein Skimmer
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With fish, invertebrates, and coral, I highly recommend a protein skimmer
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Protein skimmers remove protein buildup which reduces nitrate, improves water quality, and prevents an oil layer from building on the surface of the water
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Even with a lot of "cleaning" invertebrates, a protein skimmer is necessary
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Make sure to frequently/daily check the protein skimmer for overflow
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Make sure to clean the protein skimmer weekly
Refugium
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With fish, invertebrates, and coral, I highly recommend a refugium
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A refugium is an additional saltwater tank that contains aragonite live rock, macroalgae (like mangroves), and a deep sand or mud bed that filters into the main tank
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A refugium also provides an additional natural food source for the main tank
Sand and Decor
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Sand is preferable in a saltwater aquarium
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"Live Sand" is ideal for starting a new saltwater aquarium
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"Live Rock" should be added to the tank during the cycling period
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You will need 1 lb of sand for every 1 gallon in a standard tank
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You can add any aquarium safe decor - however most objects will become covered in algae
Water Conditioner
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It's important to get marine water conditioner to make your water safe
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You can use tap/sink water in your tank WITH conditioner to neutralize chlorine or any metals that might be present - testing your water parameters is very important
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You can also purchase pre-treated, pre-mixed saltwater
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Collecting and using natural ocean water can be beneficial for your aquarium, make sure it is a clean source with no pollutants near by
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Your pH should be between 7.6 and 8.4, you can add pH adjuster if needed
Plants
Learn about testing your water parameters!
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Marine plants/algae produce oxygen and help naturally filter the tank
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Some saltwater fish/invertebrates will eat certain plants but not others
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Most marine plants need rock to anchor to
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Mangrove is a popular choice that won't be eaten - but keep the leaves above the water!
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They also work great in a saltwater refugium
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Make sure you only add healthy plants to your aquarium
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You need water with a salinity between 1.020-1.025 sg (specific gravity)
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You can read the specific gravity with a hydrometer
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You can purchase pre-mixed saltwater or salt mix to use with treated tap water
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It takes 24 hours for the specific gravity to settle after mixing water and salt
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Wait 24 hours for a proper specific gravity measurement
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Check the salinity every day - note: evaporation will increase salinity
Salt
Fish Food
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There are 5 types of food - flakes, pellets, freeze-dried, live, and frozen
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Saltwater fish need a varied diet to be healthy
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I recommend a combination of flakes, pellets, and frozen brine/mysis shrimp
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For invertebrates you can feed liquid invertebrate food
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For coral you can feed liquid coral food as well as macro food
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Larger coral (LPS) can consume a variety of diced small fish, thawed frozen plankton, phytoplankton, krill, pieces of shrimp, squid, or clams
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Direct feed your coral up to 3 times a week
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Feed fish & invertebrates twice a day
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Only liquid feed as directed on the bottle
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Always thaw your frozen food before feeding
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Do not overfeed
Fish, Invertebrates, & Coral
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Wait about 2 weeks before adding snails, hermit crabs, crabs, or starfish
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Wait an additional 2 weeks to add beginner fish
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Recommendations: clownfish pair, green chromis, and/or cardinals
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Wait an additional 2-4 weeks to add coral
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Start with soft coral, then LPS, then SPS
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Do not add fish/invertebrates until tank is fully cycled
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Always do research before adding anything into the tank
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Check your water parameters twice a week
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Complete water changes once a week
Learn about the nitrogen cycle before adding fish!
Learn about fish compatibility!