MARINE AQUARIUM TANK BASICS

Selecting Basic Equipment Aquarium Tank Filtration System Aquarium gravel Synthetic Sea Salts Hydrometer/Sea Test Meter/Thermometer Water Testing Kits

Aquarium Tank Choose an aquarium that is suitable for a marine environment. A tank with any metal, such as in light fixtures, hoods, and trim will corrode if allowed to come in contact with salt water.

Aquarium Tank Size Brackish water fish require more room than freshwater species. Tank size should be a minimum of 29 gallons.

Aquarium Tank Size cont. The larger the tank…the larger the volume of water…which means: More stable environment. Easier to detect changes before harm is done to organisms. Depending on the filtration system, it is easier to maintain good water quality

Aquarium Glass Top/Light Hood Reduces evaporation rate. Keeps materials from falling into the tank. Saves over-active fish from escaping.

Filtration System There are many different types of filtering systems. Some of use chemicals to remove the build up of toxins in the water. Others use mechanical methods incorporating filtering materials such as charcoal, which absorbs impurities. Still others may use UV light, Protein Skimmers and combinations of the above.

We Use the BIOWHEEL Filter

Biowheel Filter One of the most popular, and easy to use Hangs over the back of the aquarium Takes advantage of the naturally occurring bacteria by ingesting waste products that are in the water. These bacteria convert the harmful wastes into useful chemicals that plants can use for food. The bio-wheel never needs to be replaced or rinsed BUT the filter bag needs to be rinsed out (by you) weekly and replaced every 4-5 weeks.

Aquarium Gravel The gravel used in brackish water aquariums performs several important functions. It is a place where beneficial bacteria can grow. These bacteria are called “nitrifiers” which convert ammonia and nitrogenous waste products produced by the animals into less toxic forms of nitrogen. The gravel acts as a buffer which prevents the water from becoming too acidic or alkaline over time. The gravel traps suspended particles in the water.  

Aquarium Gravel Requirements Gravel should be made of some type of calcareous material (containing calcium carbonate CaCO3) to provide the necessary buffering action in the aquarium water. Avoid the use of colored gravels which are unnatural and unsuitable for brackish water aquariums. The gravel should be around 2 to 3 inches deep (20 to 40 pounds is sufficient for a 29 gallon tank).

Salinity and Temperature are two components of the marine environment that are critical to the survival of organisms in a tropical salt water aquarium. Salinity is defined as the amount of dissolved minerals in a sample of marine water. In the brackish water aquarium the salinity must be maintained and adjusted to the type of organism you expect to keep healthy.

Synthetic Sea Salts With the proper equipment and knowledge, naturally collected seawater can be used, but the most convenient way to obtain salt water is to mix your own using synthetic sea salts (man-made) .

Benefits of Synthetic Sea Salts Synthetic sea salts are sold under a variety of brand names. They are specially formulated to provide a simulated seawater environment, which is healthy for marine organisms. They contain many of the trace elements necessary for normal, healthy growth. They protect your organisms from disease. Natural seawater is loaded with many disease causing organisms (bacteria, viruses, and other agents).  

Measuring Salinity Salinity can be easily measured by use of: hydrometer (density) salinometer refractometer chemical titration test

Measuring Salinity S is the accepted way to represent the amount of dissolved materials. S means parts per thousand and can also be indicated by ppt. The salinity of the water in our aquarium will be maintained at a level that best fits the organisms we want to keep.

Water Temperature Organisms that we collect adapt quite well to our room temperature and therefore, no heater is required. Local organisms can adapt because they’re accustomed to the changes that occur as the seasons change. However, they can still be hurt by sudden changes in temperature.

Keeping a Healthy Environment Maintaining a healthy environment for the organisms that will live in the aquarium is our primary goal. The first step in assuring that this will occur is to properly set-up the aquarium. Many possible future problems can be eliminated when this is done. After the aquarium is up and running and has gone through the proper break-in period (about 2 weeks), there is very little that can go wrong unless disease or something is introduced into the aquarium.

You will be taking turns monitoring and measuring the following levels in our aquariums on a daily basis: Salinity Temperature Turbidity (cloudiness) Oxygen (O2) PH