Aquarium types, parts, and testing. Keeping an Aquarium 101 Aquarium types, parts, and testing.

Aquariums come in four main types: Freshwater – salinities less than 0.5 ppt. Saltwater – contains water and organisms found in the ocean at salinities of 30-35 ppt. Brackish water – organisms from estuaries were freshwater from rivers or streams mix with saltwater. Most are maintained at 24-28 ppt. Brine – Brine shrimp (sea monkeys) kept at salinities above 50 ppt.

Freshwater Tanks - Community Most commonly kept aquarium at 10 gallons or above. Fish are non-aggressive towards other species or their own species Examples include: Mollies Platys Guppies Tetras Most fish at the pet store!

Freshwater Tanks – Semi-Aggressive Fish that can be aggressive towards other species or their own species. Require larger tanks with smaller numbers and more places to hide. Examples Oscars Freshwater puffers Goldfish

Freshwater Tanks – Specialty Tanks Betta : Highly aggressive; single fish in small tank with little or no filtration. Cichlid: Aggressive toward non-cichlid species. Highly colorful From only 3 Lakes in Africa Slider: Freshwater green turtles Need something to come out of water onto Koi: Usually kept in indoor or outdoor ponds Fast growers

Saltwater Tanks – Coral Reef Organisms that are common to the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea, Indonesia, or the Great Barrier Reef. Corals (real or fake) are needed for structure and shelter. Organisms include Angelfish Anemones Clownfish Damsels Tangs Wrasse

Saltwater Tanks – Live Rock Organisms found around rocky features. Rocks contain organisms that help maintain water quality. Examples include Anemones Eels Cleaner Shrimp Tube worms Lionfish

Saltwater Tanks – Sand and Round Organisms found in areas with sandy bottoms Often contain aquatic plants Calcium based sand such as crushed coral Round Tanks Needed for sensitive or high energy animals Corners lead to injury Fish can swim continuously without injury Examples include Jellyfish Sharks Rays

Brackish Tanks – Estuary Animals Crab Tank Sensitive tank Aggressive Smaller fish that require hiding places Eat almost anything Examples: Escape Pipefish Nursery Tank Seahorses Juveniles and small fish that hatch and live in estuary. Lookdowns Blennies Usually shrimp eaters. Predator tank Few medium sized or single large fish Eat shrimp or live fish