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Marine Aquarium Maintenance

During the first few months the ecosystem of the tank is establishing itself and reaching a balance between the waste being produced and what the filter can cope with.

Monitoring the Ammonia and Nitrates in the tank

Over the course of the first 6 weeks your aquarium will be maturing or ‘cycling'. During this critical time, you should monitor the ammonia and nitrite levels in the water. If the fish look stressed (darting around the tank, flocking against surfaces, gasping for air, or not moving at all), you should test the water to see if bad water conditions are the cause of the symptoms. If the fish look really bad, they may have to be moved to another aquarium or storage location until the fish or the problem in the aquarium is sorted out. You should always keep some spare marine salt on hand for emergency water changes.

Monitoring the PH

As well as monitoring ammonia and nitrites, you should keep a careful eye on the pH. The pH will tend to fall over time as a result of waste products and the biological processes of everything living in the tank. The pH needs be to kept at about 8.4. A pH buffer will stop the pH level from dropping too low, and regular water changes with water of the correct pH will help to keep water conditions good.

Water Evaporation: adding new water to tank

As time marches on, water will evaporate from the tank and need to be replenished. The water that evaporates is just freshwater - no salt will be lost - and needs to be replaced with freshwater. If you use salt in the top-up water you will raise the salt level, which could stress your livestock.

Cleaning up of Algae

As the tank matures, algae will start to grow (usually around week 2 or 3). Typically brown algae, otherwise known as diatoms, will be the first algae that grows in the tank. Brown algae will grow on everything in the tank if left and should be cleaned up as often as needed. With time green algae should overtake the brown algae but will be in smaller amounts that are more easy to control.

Regular Maintenance Schedule

After the aquarium completes cycling, water changes should be carried out every fortnight to prevent water conditions deteriorating as waste builds up. 10%-25%, depending on the stock in your aquarium, is a good routine.  When changing the water, the substrate should also be cleaned using a gravel / substrate cleaner.

The water that you use to refill the aquarium after a water change should be mixed to the same salt level, and if needed, be adjusted for pH, hardness etc if RO water is used.

If you keep up with the regular chores of water changes, removing algae and monitoring water conditions in your aquarium you'll find it very easy to keep a marine tank successfully.

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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