4 Beginner Tips for Keeping a Saltwater Aquarium

The aquarium-keeping hobby seems to be highly growing, but many questions arise when it comes to keeping a saltwater aquarium. Some phases of this hobby can be absolutely confusing, causing many new hobbyists to either give up or have a hard time keeping their aquarium life alive. While having top-notch fish tank supplies is necessary, there are a few things you must understand for keeping a saltwater aquarium.

 1. Don’t Expect Instant Gratification

The important thing you need to understand is that a saltwater aquarium takes weeks to complete the initial cycle to set a suitable environment for fish. It can be easy to expect to visit the store for saltwater aquarium supplies and have the tank ready by the next day. However, setting up a tank requires a lot of time and effort. Though fish-keeping is quite a rewarding hobby, it is not for those expecting instant fulfillment.

2. Invest in Quality Equipment

Unlike freshwater fish, saltwater fish are much more sensitive to variations in water quality and temperature, meaning they need to live in a high-quality setup designed for them particularly. A saltwater fish aquarium includes a protein skimmer, filtration system, UV sterilize (for tanks with only fish), light source, and aquarium temperature controller. Trying to cut corners and saving on a few dollars on your tank will make your fish suffer and won't be worth it ultimately. The size of your aquarium also matters because a bigger tank allows the environment to be more stable. Therefore, choose the biggest size tank your budget can accommodate.

3. Avoid Corals

Corals are certainly beautiful, but they add complexity due to their special lighting needs and it may be difficult for the beginners to manage. If you are buying your first tank and planning to care for it on your own, you should probably consider getting a fish-only tank.

4. Keep in Maintained

Saltwater aquariums require a notable amount of maintenance. Regular testing of alkalinity, nitrate, etc, must be done to keep the water quality suitable for the fish. Moreover, you will also have to monitor your fish on a regular basis for changes in behavior and appearance in order to keep them healthy.

These tips may somehow feel discouraging, but it is important to care for your fish and its home for keeping a healthy aquarium. Before purchasing an aquarium out of your fondness, be ready to do the hard work, and it will ultimately reward you.