Setting Up a Saltwater Aquarium - Preparation"

Having a saltwater aquarium in your home (or office) can be very rewarding. With a little preparation and upkeep it is - at the least - a conversation piece and at the best - an environment that creates a great deal of enjoyment with a lot less stress. But it takes some preparation to get started. You can't just go to the store and buy a 10 gallon tank and a couple of goldfish and you're done. You need to prepare the tank's ecosystem to be ready for the fish. Not properly preparing the tank is one of the main reasons a saltwater tank ends up either failing (or at the very least) an ugly disappointment. The ecosystem that marine life is used to is the ocean. Because of its vast size, most changes to it are very minor. But in even a large aquarium, even the smallest changes are major in comparison. The system needs to be set up properly and then monitored daily to protect your pets.

The first step is to decide where your tank will be placed. It needs to be out of direct sunlight to cut down on the infiltration of algae growth. It also needs to be on a solid foundation that can support its weight. If your floors are poured concrete, you're set. If they are wood beam supported, you need to make sure the floor will be strong enough to hold the tank, the water, and any live rock you're thinking about adding later. Figure 8 pounds per gallon added to the tank and contents.

A great rule of thumb when it comes to marine aquariums is at least a 55 gallon tank. Marine fish need lots of room in addition to places to hide. Also a cabinet will set off your tank nicely. Try to place it in a room that you use on a regular basis. That way you enjoy it and keep an eye on it. So now that's settled, let's go shopping.

Here's a list of things you will need to get your aquarium prepared for cycling. Cycling is the process of getting the water prepared for the fish to inhabit. It needs to be ph balanced and have the ammonia and nitrates reduced to sustain marine life. It also cannot have chlorine from your household water system.

It doesn't matter so much where you buy your tank and supplies. Anywhere is fine. It's a different story when it comes to purchasing fish and other living organisms for your aquarium. But more about that later. For now here are the necessities.

1. Aquarium tank - 55 gallon or larger (with a cabinet for looks if you want one)

2. Lighting system - special bulbs are designed for different elements of a reef aquarium. You may want to try VHO (very high output) florescent or PC (power compact) if you're planning on corals, mushrooms, or anemones. But there is an assortment of basic bulbs of varying output for fish only tanks.

3. A mechanical filter - You can buy one to hang on the back of the tank, a wet dry filter, or an under gravel system. You can add a protein skimmer later on. Some actually pull the water out of the tank, filter it, and then return it. These extra parts can be placed inside the cabinet if you decide to purchase one.

4. A Tank Heater - As with all fish, marine fish and other organisms need constant temperature to survive.

5. Ocean Sand - This usually comes with little pieces of shell and looks great in the tank. It also generally has nutrients to help in preparing the tank.

6. Sea Salt - For the obvious reasons, you must use the real thing.

7. De-chlorinator - To take the chlorine out of tap water.

8. Bacteria Supplement - You can add this to help in preparing (cycling) the new tank or for water changes. Adds needed bacteria to counter ammonia spikes that are detrimental to fish.

9. A Test Kit - Generally includes tests for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate testing, and may even have a ph test included. Also get a test kit for saline level. This is very important.

10. A Few Hardy Fish - Damsels are good for this and are relatively inexpensive. Wait a day or two so that your tank is set up and ready for them. No more than 2" of fish per 10 gallons of water is recommended.

I hope by this time you have found a local pet store that specializes in saltwater to purchase your fish. Because these fish are delicate, having a store that can help answer your questions is a great asset. Also, buying your fish where you know there is added precaution taken regarding disease can go a long way.

Set up the components of your tank and carefully add the de-chlorinated saltwater, sand and supplements. Test the saline content and get the temperature right. Then you're ready to put your starter fish in.

Cycling will take the better part of 30 days. Keep an eye on your ammonia and nitrite levels and your fish as well. There will be times that the ammonia or nitrite levels will stress the fish. And you may lose one or two. Partial water changes can be made as levels begin to change. Check with your local professional on the proper times. Once the ammonia and nitrite levels drop and the nitrates start to rise, the tank is cycled and ready for more fish.