The Marine Aquarium

Keeping a saltwater aquarium is very different from keeping a freshwater aquarium. Marine tanks require more in terms of equipment and knowledge than freshwater aquariums, so it's best to have had some experience of keeping tropical freshwater fish.

Setting up a saltwater aquarium is more expensive than setting up a basic freshwater aquarium due to the larger tank size and extra equipment needed, but the film Finding Nemo' did cause a saltwater boom, since a lot of people who saw the film want to keep a ‘Nemo' fish.

If you are a comparatively inexperienced aquarist, you can still become a highly successful saltwater aquarist if you are prepared to spend time and energy learning how a saltwater aquarium really works. Investing in suitable equipment and careful selection of livestock will also greatly increase your chance of success. Do not hesitate to contact your local marine fish dealer, saltwater aquarium club or a saltwater aquarium forum online and ask for advice and guidelines. Most saltwater aquarists are happy to share their knowledge with new aspiring saltwater aquarists.

One of the reasons why saltwater aquariums are more difficult to maintain than freshwater aquariums is that marine species tend to be much less tolerant of organic waste products and other forms of pollution. The enormous water mass of the ocean will rapidly dilute organic waste down to very low levels. Marine creatures are therefore not used to high levels of soluble waste and do not know how to cope in a poorly maintained tank. Marine fish also need a very stable environment, so an aquarium which holds 180 litres of water or more is advisable, as large volumes of water are much more stable in terms of temperature and water chemistry.

The overall chemistry and ecology are also different in a saltwater aquarium, since the presence of salt affects chemical as well as biological processes. This is reflected by some of the different types of filtration needed for a saltwater aquarium such as protein skimmers which deal with the different organic waste found in marine tanks.

Disclaimer:  This article is supplied for informative purposes only. Seapets Ltd has done its very best to make sure that the above information is up-to-date and correct, but takes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the following of this advice. As always, it is recommended that you consult with your local vet regarding any concerns that you may have for your pet.

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