To start a saltwater tank for beginners, you need to choose the right tank size, equipment, water, substrate, live rock, salt mix, and cycling method. You also need to research the compatible fish and invertebrates for your tank and acclimate them properly.
A saltwater tank is a beautiful and rewarding hobby that can provide you with hours of enjoyment and relaxation. However, setting up a saltwater tank is not as easy as filling a glass bowl with water and dropping in some fish. There are many factors to consider and steps to follow to ensure the success and health of your saltwater tank. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of how to start a saltwater tank for beginners.
The first thing you need to decide is how big you want your saltwater tank to be. The size of your tank will determine how many fish and invertebrates you can keep, how much equipment you need, how often you need to perform water changes, and how stable your water parameters will be. Generally speaking, bigger tanks are better for beginners because they offer more room for error and more flexibility in stocking. However, bigger tanks also cost more to buy, set up, and maintain. A good rule of thumb is to start with a tank that is at least 20 gallons in volume, but you can go bigger or smaller depending on your budget, space, and preference.
Choose the right equipment
The next thing you need to choose is the equipment for your saltwater tank. The equipment you need will depend on the type of tank you want to create. There are three main types of saltwater tanks: fish-only, fish-only with live rock (FOWLR), and reef. A fish-only tank is the simplest and cheapest option, but it also offers the least variety and natural beauty. A FOWLR tank is a fish-only tank with the addition of live rock, which is rock that has beneficial bacteria, algae, and microorganisms that help filter the water and provide food and shelter for your fish. A reef tank is the most complex and expensive option, but it also offers the most diversity and stunning visuals. A reef tank is a FOWLR tank with the addition of corals and other invertebrates that require special lighting, water flow, and water quality.
The basic equipment you need for any saltwater tank are:
A tank stand that can support the weight of your tank and provide storage space for your equipment
A heater that can maintain a stable temperature of 76-82°F for your tank
A thermometer that can monitor the temperature of your tank
A filter that can remove solid and dissolved wastes from your tank
A protein skimmer that can remove organic compounds and improve water quality
A powerhead that can provide water circulation and oxygenation for your tank
A light that can provide the appropriate spectrum and intensity for your tank
A hood or canopy that can prevent evaporation and protect your tank from dust and debris
Depending on the type of tank you choose, you may also need:
A sump that can increase the water volume and house your equipment
A return pump that can move water from the sump to the tank
A refugium that can provide a safe haven for beneficial organisms and plants
A quarantine tank that can isolate new or sick fish and invertebrates
A reverse osmosis/deionization (RO/DI) unit that can produce pure water for your tank
A hydrometer or refractometer that can measure the salinity of your water
A test kit that can measure the levels of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in your water
A salt mix that can provide the essential minerals and trace elements for your water
A water conditioner that can remove chlorine and chloramine from your tap water
A power strip that can supply electricity to your equipment and prevent overloading
A surge protector that can protect your equipment from power surges and outages
A timer that can control the lighting cycle for your tank
The next thing you need to choose is the water, substrate, and live rock for your saltwater tank. The water, substrate, and live rock are the foundation of your tank and will affect the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of your tank.
The water you use for your saltwater tank should be as pure as possible. Tap water may contain chlorine, chloramine, metals, pesticides, and other contaminants that can harm your fish and invertebrates. The best way to obtain pure water is to use an RO/DI unit that can filter out 99% of the impurities in your water. You can also buy RO/DI water from your local fish store or online. Once you have pure water, you need to add a salt mix that can replicate the natural seawater conditions for your tank. You can choose from different brands and types of salt mixes depending on your tank type and preference. You should aim for a salinity of 1.023-1.025 specific gravity or 32-35 parts per thousand (ppt) for your tank.
The substrate you use for your saltwater tank should be suitable for your tank type and preference. The substrate is the material that covers the bottom of your tank and provides a surface for beneficial bacteria, algae, and microorganisms to grow. The substrate can also affect the appearance, water flow, and water quality of your tank. The most common types of substrates for saltwater tanks are:
Sand: Sand is the most natural and aesthetically pleasing option for saltwater tanks. Sand can create a soft and smooth look for your tank and provide a habitat for burrowing and sifting fish and invertebrates. Sand can also buffer the pH and alkalinity of your water and prevent the accumulation of nitrate and phosphate. However, sand can also trap detritus and cause anaerobic zones that can produce hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas. Sand can also be stirred up by water flow and fish and cloud your water. You should choose a fine-grained sand that is 1-2 mm in diameter and use a depth of 1-2 inches for your tank. You can also use live sand, which is sand that has been pre-seeded with beneficial bacteria and microorganisms.
Crushed coral: Crushed coral is another natural option for saltwater tanks. Crushed coral is made of pieces of coral skeletons that have been broken down by waves and currents. Crushed coral can create a coarse and rugged look for your tank and provide a surface for beneficial bacteria and algae to grow. Crushed coral can also buffer the pH and alkalinity of your water and prevent the drop of calcium and magnesium. However, crushed coral can also trap detritus and cause the rise of nitrate and phosphate. Crushed coral can also be abrasive and injure your fish and invertebrates. You should choose a medium-grained crushed coral that is 2-5 mm in diameter and use a depth of 1-2 inches for your tank.
Bare bottom: Bare bottom is the simplest and cheapest option for saltwater tanks. Bare bottom means that you do not use any substrate for your tank and leave the glass or acrylic exposed. Bare bottom can create a clean and minimalist look for your tank and prevent the accumulation of detritus and nutrients. Bare bottom can also improve the water flow and oxygenation of your tank and make the maintenance easier. However, bare bottom can also look unnatural and unappealing for some people and provide less surface area for beneficial bacteria and microorganisms to grow. Bare bottom can also cause the reflection of light and heat and stress your fish and invertebrates. You should use a black or blue background for your tank to reduce the reflection and enhance the contrast of your tank.
The live rock you use for your saltwater tank should be high-quality and cured. Live rock is rock that has been harvested from the ocean or aquacultured in farms and has beneficial bacteria, algae, and microorganisms that help filter the water and provide food and shelter for your fish and invertebrates. Live rock can also create a natural and beautiful aquascape for your tank and enhance the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of your tank. However, live rock can also introduce unwanted pests and diseases to your tank and require proper curing and quarantine before adding to your tank. You should choose live rock that is porous, lightweight, and free of dead or dying organisms and use 1-2 pounds per gallon of water for your tank. You can also use dry rock, which is rock that has been cleaned and sterilized and has no living organisms on it. Dry rock is cheaper and safer than live rock, but it also requires more time and effort to seed with beneficial bacteria and microorganisms.
Choose the right cycling method
The next thing you need to choose is the cycling method for your saltwater tank. Cycling is the process of establishing the nitrogen cycle in your tank, which is the natural process of converting ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate by beneficial bacteria. Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are the byproducts of fish and invertebrate waste, uneaten food, and decaying organic matter. Ammonia and nitrite are highly toxic to your fish and invertebrates and can cause stress, disease, and death. Nitrate is less toxic, but it can still cause algae growth and water quality issues. Cycling is essential for the health and stability of your saltwater tank and can take several weeks or months to complete. There are different methods of cycling your saltwater tank, such as:
Fish-in cycling: Fish-in cycling is the traditional and fastest method of cycling your saltwater tank. Fish-in cycling involves adding hardy and inexpensive fish to your tank to provide a source of ammonia for the beneficial bacteria. However, fish-in cycling is also the most cruel and risky method of cycling your saltwater tank, as it exposes your fish to high levels of ammonia and nitrite that can cause them stress, disease, and death. You should avoid fish-in cycling unless you have no other choice and you are prepared to monitor your water parameters daily and perform frequent water changes to keep your fish alive.
Fishless cycling: Fishless cycling is the modern and humane method of cycling your saltwater tank. Fishless cycling involves adding a source of ammonia to your tank without any fish to simulate the fish waste and start the nitrogen cycle. The source of ammonia can be pure ammonia, fish food, shrimp, or urine. Fishless cycling is safer and more ethical than fish-in cycling, as it does not harm any fish and allows you to cycle your tank at a higher ammonia level that can speed up the process. However, fishless cycling also requires more patience and precision than fish-in cycling, as you need to measure and dose the ammonia carefully and wait until the ammonia and nitrite levels drop to zero before adding any fish.
Live rock cycling: Live rock cycling is the natural and easiest method of cycling your saltwater tank. Live rock cycling involves adding live rock to your tank that already has beneficial bacteria and microorganisms on it that can kickstart the nitrogen cycle. Live rock cycling is the most convenient and effective method of cycling your saltwater tank, as it does not require any additional source of ammonia or dosing and can cycle your tank in a matter of days or weeks. However, live rock cycling also depends on the quality and quantity of your live rock and may introduce unwanted pests and diseases to your tank.
The last thing you need to choose is the fish and invertebrates for your saltwater tank. The fish and invertebrates are the main attraction and joy of your saltwater tank and will provide you with color, movement, and personality. However, choosing the right fish and invertebrates for your saltwater tank is not as simple as picking the ones you like the most. There are many factors to consider and steps to follow to ensure the compatibility and health of your fish and invertebrates. Some of the factors and steps are:
Research: Research is the most important and essential step of choosing the right fish and invertebrates for your saltwater tank. You should research the characteristics, requirements, and behaviors of each fish and invertebrate you are interested in, such as their size, diet, temperament, activity, compatibility, reef-safety, and special needs. You should also research the compatibility and stocking guidelines for your tank size and type, such as the rule of thumb of one inch of fish per five gallons of water and the order of introduction of different groups of fish and invertebrates. You should use reliable sources of information, such as books, websites, forums, and experts, and avoid impulse buying or following the advice of uninformed or dishonest sellers.
Selection: Selection is the next step of choosing the right fish and invertebrates for your saltwater tank. Selection involves choosing the fish and invertebrates that match your research and preference from a reputable and trustworthy seller. You should choose healthy and active fish and invertebrates that show no signs of stress, disease, or injury, such as clamped fins, cloudy eyes, white spots, open wounds, or erratic behavior. You should also choose fish and invertebrates that are suitable for your tank size and type, such as nano, peaceful, aggressive, or reef. You should avoid choosing fish and invertebrates that are rare, endangered, illegal, or difficult to care for, such as mandarins, seahorses, sharks, or rays.
Acclimation: Acclimation is the final step of choosing the right fish and invertebrates for your saltwater tank. Acclimation involves introducing the fish and invertebrates to your tank gradually and safely to avoid shock and stress. You should acclimate your fish and invertebrates using the drip method, which involves dripping water from your tank to the bag or container that holds your fish and invertebrates over a period of one to two hours until the water parameters are equalized. You should avoid acclimating your fish and invertebrates using the floating method, which involves floating the bag or container that holds your fish and invertebrates in your tank for a few minutes until the temperature is equalized. The floating method is ineffective and risky, as it does not account for the differences in salinity, pH, and other water parameters that can harm your fish and invertebrates.
Conclusion
Starting a saltwater tank for beginners is not an easy task, but it is a rewarding and enjoyable one. By following the steps and tips we have provided in this article, you can set up a successful and beautiful saltwater tank that will bring you years of happiness and satisfaction. Remember to always do your research, choose wisely, and acclimate properly, and you will be on your way to becoming a saltwater tank expert. Happy fishkeeping!
