Equipment for a Marine Aquarium

The components needed to run a successful saltwater aquarium depend on what's to be kept in the aquarium.

The basic components of a saltwater tank are:

• Aquarium
• heating
• filtration and circulation
• lighting
• salt and other additives
• test kits

Size of Tank

One of the most important decisions in starting a saltwater aquarium will be its size. The basic rule of thumb is the bigger the better. A larger aquarium will be easier to maintain. In general, fish like long, wide aquarium. The more surface area an aquarium has, the better the environment will be and the happier the fish as they'll have more space to establish their own territory.

Fish Densities

When choosing an aquarium make sure it will be large enough for your fish when they are full sized. Ask your dealer for guidance on aquarium requirements for the fish you want to keep.

Positioning the aquarium

Once you have decided on an aquarium, make sure you have a place to put it. It should not be in direct sunlight or in an area which is very drafty. Also, make very certain the stand will be capable of holding the weight of the aquarium, plus substrate, plus rocks, plus the water. A good sized marine aquarium can weigh hundreds of kilos.

Heating

Most  marine keepers will have 2 heaters in an aquarium, partly to heat the larger volume of water in a marine aquarium but also as a back-up if one of the heaters fails.  Any good quality aquarium heater will do for a marine aquarium, but it's recommended that the heater has a protective ‘heater guard' around it to protect it from damage by rocks and some of the more destructive marine fish.

Filtration and Circulation System

It's always best to go for the best filter system you can afford as saltwater is denser, and therefore more difficult to filter than freshwater.  A protein skimmer is definitely advisable, and a wave machine will enhance the growth of corals and encourage many fish to feed. Marine aquariums usually circulate the entire water volume between 4 and 6 times every hour.

Lighting

The lighting will vary depending on what fish or animals are to be kept, but strong lighting such as T5 or Metal Halide lights are usually best for a reef aquarium with corals and anemones, whereas normal fluorescent lights are fine for fish and less demanding marine animals. A combination of white and blue lights are normally used to make sure the animals in the aquarium get the best, most natural balance of light.

Salt and Additives

The best marine salts contain no Nitrate or Phosphate, which will encourage algae growth, but contain all the essential elements to imitate seawater and make your fish feel at home. Additives for Calcium, Alkalinity and various other elements and compounds can be added as needed to get the best growth from fish and invertebrates.

Test kits

Any marine fishkeeper should have tests for;

• Ammonia (make sure it's a saltwater test-not all are suitable)
• Nitrite
• Nitrate
• pH (make sure it's a saltwater test-not all are suitable)
• Phospate
• And reef-keepers will benefit from measuring for:
• Alkalinity
• Calcium
• KH  / Carbonate Hardness

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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