Choosing a saltwater aquarium need not be a daunting task. Many people fear that having a saltwater aquarium will be much more complicated than having a freshwater aquarium. Though saltwater tanks and fish do tend to be more expensive to maintain, they are not necessarily more complicated to care for. In choosing a saltwater aquarium, you will first want to decide what type of tank to purchase. You have two basic options: glass or acrylic. Glass aquariums are generally cheaper and scratch resistant. However, glass tanks are very heavy and are more likely to spring leaks or to shatter. Acrylic tanks are more expensive, but aesthetically speaking, are much more pleasing to look at than glass tanks. Keep in mind that acrylic will scratch very easily. In choosing a saltwater aquarium, make sure that you have the proper space in your home for the tank, and also make sure that your floors will be able to support the weight. A good starting aquarium is a 55-gallon tank.
If your home is able to support it, a larger tank will be your best option when choosing a saltwater aquarium. Larger tanks are much easier to maintain than smaller ones, and they will also allow you to take care of any problems that may develop within your tank before they become overwhelming, or perhaps even harmful to your fish.
Once you have selected an aquarium, you will need to choose a stand for your tank. Wood or acrylic stands are best, as they will last much longer than iron or metal stands. You should select a commercially made stand for your tank, rather than trying to craft one on your own. It is very important that your stand be sturdy and perfectly proportioned to support your aquarium.
In choosing a saltwater aquarium, keep in mind that you will need more equipment and supplies than you will with a freshwater tank. You tank will require a heater in order to maintain a constant warm temperature for your tropical fish. Your aquarium supplier should be able to direct you to the appropriate wattage that you will need. The type of lighting that you select will depend on whether your tank is going to contain only fish, or whether it will be a mini-reef tank. Again, this is something that your aquarium supplier should be able to assist you with.
Choosing a saltwater aquarium can be a fun and exciting experience as you begin your new hobby of caring for tropical fish, without allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by the many choices that you must make.
