A Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up a Saltwater Aquarium
Setting up a saltwater aquarium today is easier than ever before. With the right equipment and information, you can have your tank ready in just a few hours. Keeping a couple of saltwater fish is as straightforward as maintaining a freshwater tank or backyard pond. If you're interested in keeping live corals, that’s achievable too, even for beginners. Corals require a bit more dedication and additional equipment, but it’s within reach.
New Saltwater Tank Shopping List
To start, you need a few essentials:
Aquarium & Stand
Filter
Rock
Sand
Heater
LED Light
Salt Mix
Refractometer
Bacteria Additive
A 20-gallon tank is a common starter size, perfect for a pair of clownfish.
Steps to Set Up Your Saltwater Aquarium
1. Choose a Location
Select a practical spot in your home where the tank will be enjoyed by everyone. Avoid hiding it away, as this increases the chances of neglect.
Choose a place with regular foot traffic.
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent algae growth.
Steer clear of the second floor for easier maintenance.
Ensure a power socket is nearby for your equipment.
2. Build and Level the Tank & Stand
It's crucial to level the tank and stand front to back and side to side before adding water, as leveling afterward is difficult due to the weight.
Place the tank and stand in their final location.
Use a level to check all sides and corners.
Use shims as necessary.
Smaller tanks can be placed on sturdy furniture, while larger tanks need a purpose-built stand. Remember, saltwater weighs about 8.6 lbs per gallon.
3. Install Equipment
Use a surge protector and mount it securely away from water splashes. Don’t plug in the equipment until the tank is filled and ready.
Arrange rocks and sand creatively.
Install pumps, filters, heaters, and lighting.
Organize power cords safely.
4. Mix Saltwater
It's best to mix saltwater in a separate container like a 5-gallon bucket. You can also buy premixed saltwater from a local fish store.
Use filtered RO/DI water.
Dissolve the salt mix with a powerhead/pump in the bucket.
Optionally, use a heater to reach 76-78°F.
Follow the salt mix instructions (usually about ½ cup of salt per gallon of freshwater).
Check salinity with a refractometer or hydrometer.
Adjust salinity as needed.
5. Fill the Tank
Fill the tank slowly to avoid disturbing the sand. Pouring water over the rocks or a plate on the sand can help diffuse the flow.
Begin the cycling process by adding a bacteria additive to grow beneficial bacteria.
This process can take up to 4 weeks.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a beautiful and thriving saltwater aquarium! For more detailed guidance, check out resources on the cycling process and additional tips for maintaining your tank.
