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16 Feb
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Posted by martin
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So you’ve finally decided to “take the plunge” and start your own saltwater aquarium, but how do you decide what type of fish tank to create? There are three ways to set up a saltwater aquarium: fish only, fish only with live rock, and reef tank.
Fish Only
A fish only saltwater tank is the most affordable option out of the three because it doesn’t require an expensive lighting setup. This type of aquarium, however, is not the most simple to put together. Setup can take a long time while you wait for the nitrogen cycle to finish, and maintenance is a hassle, as the tank needs more frequent cleanings. With no live rock in the aquarium, less filtration occurs and you’ll have to change the water on a consistent basis to remove excess nitrates from the water.
As you’ve probably already guessed, a fish only tank is only for fish, although it’s possible to add some other critters to the mix, such as snails and hermit crabs, if you want to have more diversity in your saltwater aquarium and more efficiently control the formation of algae.
A fish only aquarium can be a community tank or a semi-aggressive tank. A community tank contains fish that work well together, while a semi-aggressive tank is home to lone fish from a variety of different species. In most cases, however, it’s a good idea to stick to the same species in one tank.
Fish Only With Live Rock
This type of aquarium is exactly the same as the fish only tank except for the live rock and superior lighting. Live rock is making a comeback due to its natural filtration features, which is the best way to keep a saltwater aquarium clean and safe for your fish. The organisms that live in and on the rock contribute to the filtration process and aid in the nitrogen cycle. Less nitrates build up in the tank because the porous nature of the live rock filters them out of the water.
Although live rock is an exceptional biological filtration system, your saltwater aquarium will still require maintenance and frequent water changes. Add iodine, calcium, strontium, magnesium, and other minerals on a regular basis to keep the water healthy.
Fiji rock is the best live rock you can get, but it’s also the most expensive (live rock doesn’t come cheap). Generally, a live rock aquarium requires 1-2 pounds of live rock per aquarium gallon. Prices for live rock vary depending on the region.
Live rock also provides food for your fish.
Reef Tanks
Reef tanks are perfect for invertebrates, corals, and anemones. Most people set up this type of tank for reef keeping – if there are any fish in the tank they aren’t the main attraction.
This is an expensive type of aquarium to maintain, as invertebrates, corals, and anemones cost a lot to keep.
Only the experienced aquarist sets up a reef tank because they can be difficult to maintain. You have to sustain excellent water conditions, make use of expensive lighting, use reverse osmosis or deionized water, add supplements, and purchase live rock for filtration.
About the author: aquarium pumps. fish supplies
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
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7 Dec
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Posted by martin
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Changing the water in your saltwater tank is important for a number of reasons. If you don’t change it, algae will arrive in large quantities and that is harmful to both the plants and livestock in your tank. As the water becomes stagnant, its composition will change and thus your fish may suffer illness-like symptoms as all of the nutrients and chemicals they need become depleted. Therefore, changing the water in your tank no matter its size is a necessary task for the aquarium hobbyist.
First off, the idea that you should change all of the water in your tank is incorrect. All you need to do is change ten to fifteen percent of the water every two weeks, which adds up to a cumulative twenty to thirty percent change over the course of a month. Of course if you are having a major problem with algae or your fish are exhibiting signs of strange behavior and you discover it is because your water levels are off, then you may need to perform a 50% or 30% in one water change. But regular upkeep is different and it is unnecessary to change all of the water, just a portion so that the nitrate levels in the water are reduced which deters algae and helps your livestock. Why not change all the water all the time? Fish become acclimated to their environment, and a full on water change is a shift in the environment. Too many of these may be a shock to your fish, one which they will not survive.
Naturally you will have to brew your own saltwater, but this is no longer as complicated a process as it once was, thanks to one-step salt mixes created specifically for this purpose. Once you have the necessary water prepared, the next phase is to ensure your safety and that of your livestock by disconnecting the electricity from your tank. Attempting to perform a water change-over while live currents are flowing to your tank is extremely dangerous and there is no good reason to attempt it. Remembering safety comes first, do not proceed further until you are certain that all the power is off.
You will then remove ten to fifteen percent of the existing water. This is a great time to make sure that the filters, the inside glass of the tank, and pumps are cleaned of algae or other waste. Now you are ready to put the new water slowly into your tank, but before you do that you should make sure that the water is approximately the same temperature as the water already in the tank, or you may harm your fish by giving them a drastic temperature shock, which most fish do not respond well to.
You can check your power sources while they are off and make sure there isn’t any waste or salt creep that has leaked into them. Essentially, when you replace your water is a very good time to clean every aspect of the aquarium, including changing mechanical filters, as you will then be ensuring the complete upkeep and not just small portions.
Now simply replace the lid, and turn the power back on, and you should see positive effects occur as your fish will be happier and your algae will not!
About the author: SaltySupply.com offers the most premium aquarium supplies on the net. We offer protein skimmers, powerheads, pumps and more for your saltwater aquarium
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
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7 Dec
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Posted by martin
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There are many types of filtration systems available for your saltwater aquarium. But which is the right kind for you? Biological filtration systems are of course going to be a part of your overall filtration system. They can constitute one hundred percent but that is an option, and you may wish to have mechanical filters working in conjunction with your biological ones.
The filter’s purpose is to ensure that waste is removed from your tank, because unlike the ocean, your tank is a finite space where your livestock cannot escape. If you don’t have a good filtration system and make the mistake of over-feeding your livestock, then you will quickly have problems inside your tank. This is because most fish process waste into ammonia, which then becomes toxic to your fish unless destroyed by your filtration system.
Let’s examine what types there are available.
Biological Filters
Biological filters are going to constitute a portion of your tank because the natural foundation of your reef, from the sand, to the rock formations and plant life you choose all form part of the biological filter. What occurs in nature is that is that natural bacteria form on the rocks and in the sand, which is exactly what you want. The first batch of bacteria that will form will be ammonia eaters, but they will convert the ammonia into slightly less harmful nitrate. Fortunately, nitrate-eater bacteria will form next, thus clearing your tank of harmful waste. It takes more than a rock or two to have a one hundred percent biological filter however. There are many techniques, some of which are visually stunning, used to create a sound biological filter that eliminates the need for mechanical filtration. But the right materials all depend on your choice of livestock. Different fish, corral, and other livestock you may choose for your tank will require different biological filtration set-ups. So do your research based on your species.
Mechanical Filters
Mechanical filters used in conjunction with your biological setup puts you in full control, ensuring that if there is a waste problem that it can be dealt with immediately to ensure the survival of your livestock. But it is important to remember that mechanical filters will not be able to eliminate large solids in your tank, and require effort on your part to keep them from getting clogged. What they primarily do is strain solid particles from your tank to keep the water clear. Working in partnership with your biological filter, the mechanical filter is among the most important components of your entire tank.
Chemical Filters
Chemical filters work by gas activated carbon dissolving waste materials, and usually are used in combination with mechanical and/or biological filters. It is useful to use the carbon-based chemical filter when ammonia levels rise to a high enough level to harm the livestock in your tank, while allowing your biological system to do the regular, every day work.
It is useful to know that all three types can be used in combination or separately. It really depends on the size of your tank, the livestock you have chosen, and your particular tastes and design for your underwater habitat.
About the author: SaltySupply.com offers the most premium aquarium supplies on the net. We offer protein skimmers, powerheads, pumps and more for your saltwater aquarium
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
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