Saltwater Aquarium Fish

Creating and maintaining a saltwater aquarium is a fascinating, absorbing, and involved hobby. Sometimes, starting a saltwater aquarium can seem like an impossible task. There's equipment to buy, fish to pick out, and coral to corral. On top of that, you must create your saltwater aquarium environment with the right pH level, the proper degree of saline, and the right mix of fish, invertebrates, and coral.

Creating the right mixture of wildlife, water quality, light, current, and chemistry is the secret of a successful saltwater aquarium. Do your homework. Learn as much as you can about your inhabitants and about a saltwater ecosystem before you begin. Commit your time, energy, and resources to your tank. Some species of fish and marine life can live over ten years. Make sure you are prepared to care for them throughout their entire lifespan.

Be patient. Starting a saltwater tank requires months of work before your first fish moves in. After that, each inhabitant must be added slowly as not to disrupt the delicate balance of the aquarium. A successful saltwater aquarium evolves and changes over time. This is a long-term hobby.

Saltwater Fish and Other Creatures

Finding the right combination of marine wildlife, fish, invertebrates, and corals, is tricky business. Some tropical fish are peaceful and calm. Others, notably the angelfish, are aggressive and their tank mates must be chosen carefully. Tropical fish sometimes have a preference in partners, as with the clownfish and the anemone. These two thrive best when placed together.

Invertebrates add interest to a saltwater tank. Colorful anemones, interestingly shaped starfish, and useful snails and slugs add a depth and complexity to a tank. Snails and slugs are also helpful in keeping the tank clear of algae and other organic waste. Some invertebrates are toxic to marine life and even humans, such as the sea cucumber and sea urchin. Be cautious in handling them.

Corals are essential to a reef tank. The variety of shapes, sizes, and colors of corals is almost endless. Corals can be somewhat difficult to keep. They require lots of light, a moderate water current, and a high calcium level in order to thrive. Corals can be fast growing and often expensive. They reward their diligent caretakers, however, with a long life and fascinating viewing.

Your Aquarium Partner

Choosing the right tropical fish store is essential to your aquarium's success. No matter how much you read, nothing can compare to an experienced and enthusiastic fish retailer. He's seen mistakes and can give you advice to avoid making the same ones. He knows his marine life and can tell you which fish and other creatures will lively together harmoniously.

An online reef store can be a good resource. Not only is the store open when you are ready to buy, whether that's 11:00 am or 3:00 am, an online store usually eliminates the middleman. This is less stressful to the marine creatures and thus gives you healthier fish. E-mail and user forums can provide that personal touch even when you aren't face-to-face.