Everything You Need To Know About
Almost!
"Fish Only" and "Fish Only with Live Rock"
Saltwater Aquariums
The only difference is ...
ADDING LIVE ROCK!
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What are "Fish Only" Saltwater Aquariums?
Fish Only saltwater aquariums have no live rock, no corals, and no invertebrates. This is a good beginner aquarium setup that requires a filter, heater, and light. This aquarium can be 10+ gallons and will need to cycle for at least 2 weeks before adding fish. Plastic decor such as fake coral and rocks can be added to this aquarium. Weekly water changes should be performed.
What are "Fish Only with Live Rock" Saltwater Aquariums?
Fish Only with Live Rock saltwater aquariums have fish and live rock without corals or invertebrates. This is another good beginner aquarium setup that requires a filter, heater, and light. This aquarium can be 10+ gallons and will need to cycle for at least 2 weeks with the live rock before adding fish. Weekly water changes should be performed.
What You Need:
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1. Fish Tank
2. Heater
3. Water Conditioner
4. Sand+ Decor
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5. Plants
6. Salt
7. Fish Food
8. 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" is recommended ​
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Evaporation is unwanted so a lid is recommended
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
Sand and Decor
5-10 gallon tank = 50 watt heater
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20-30 gallon tank=
100-200 watts
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40-50 gallon tank=
100-400 watts
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75+ gallon tank=
200-600 watts
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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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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
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For "Fish Only with Live Rock" you will add pieces of live rock to the aquarium
Plants
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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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Make sure you only add healthy plants to your aquarium
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
Salt
Learn about testing your water parameters!
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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
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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Feed twice a day
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Always thaw your frozen food before feeding
The Fish
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You will need to wait at least 2 weeks before adding fish
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It is very important to research before adding any new fish into your aquarium
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"Fish Only" and "Fish Only with Live Rock" tanks are great for fish that are aggressive to invertebrates/coral/anemones (AKA fish that are not reef safe)
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For "Fish Only with Live Rock" the live rock will have to be cycled in the tank for at least 2 weeks before adding fish
Learn about the nitrogen cycle before adding fish!
Learn about fish compatibility!