Authored by Content Cookie in Pets
Published on 01-15-2009

Having a fish tank in your home can add beauty and elegance to the décor. One of the most favored types of tanks is the saltwater type. Even though this is a dream tank for most, knowing how to take care of it can be a little tricky. It is important to do a lot of research to set up your tank.

When it comes to selecting the equipment for your tank, you don’t want to skip on quality. If you buy cheap supplies, you are going to get cheap quality. Many may tell you that it is necessary to have a undergravel filter in your tank. This can be an option for you but it is not a necessity in order for your tank to run properly. You can use the same basic equipment for your saltwater tank that is used in a freshwater tank. The one main difference is the gravel. Your saltwater tank will need to have a special mix for the gravel. These are crushed coral, a sea salt mix and of course a hydrometer.

It is also important to be careful with the water in the tank. The consistency of the salt needs to be monitored at all times. You want to try and keep evaporation to a minimum. When new and fresh water needs to be added to the tank, it should be prepared at least 24 hours in advance. Stress is another issue for your tank since it can make your fish sick and even kill them. It is imperative to make sure that the types of fish you have in your tank are compatible. Not only will they attempt to kill each other but the stress in the tank can cause illness in the other fish that they reside with.

The amount of oxygen in the tank is important as well. No matter what the size of your tank, you don’t want it to be over crowded. Saltwater fish come from the open sea with a lot of room to move around in. When you dump them in an enclosed space, they will need time to get acclimated to their new surroundings. They are also territorial so your will want to keep the amount of fish in your tank to a minimum and ensure that the varieties you have can co-exist with ease.

You also need to read up on the different diets of your fish. Just like us, their dietary needs are different from species to species. What might be good for one is not good for another. Knowing what they eat and what their needs are will make it easier for you to take care of them. There are several different types of saltwater tanks that you can create. Each one may have its own individual needs based on its inhabitants. Be sure to do plenty of research on the types of fish that you want to add in your tank. This will ensure healthy happy fish and a beautiful tank in your home.