Marine Centre
From JexaiWiki
Contents |
Species A-Z
Tank Setup
There are many aspects to consider when deciding to keep a tropical marine tank, for a good end result it is essential that the initial set-up of the aquarium is correct.
Before starting to purchase items you will need to carefully think out the whole process, making sure that everything is done correctly in the first place will affect which livestock can be introduced and whether they will survive and flourish. One of the most important initial priorities for the aquarist is finding a good water supply, as mains tap water is inappropriate for use in saltwater aquariums, the water used must be uncontaminated and clean.
All features of the set-up should be thought out in full before starting, once the water and livestock are added there will be no way of altering things; for example the flow of the under gravel filter, without a complete drainage which could prove fatal to the livestock and may even damage certain equipment. The equipment that you decide to use will need to be easily accessed for maintenance throughout the years to come.
| Filtration | Lighting | Protein Skimmers | Maturation |
| Tank Size | Temperature | Water Movement |
Compatibility
It is very important to have the correct fish or fish and invertebrates together in your marine tank, if you fail to do this it could result in one of three things occurring:
Bullying - one fish may be harassed by another leading to the fish becoming stressed. This in turn will make the fish more susceptible to disease which if contagious could spread throughout the tank.
Territory - certain fish are extremely territorial whether large or small, if two such fish are introduced into the same tank it could mean serious disputes eventually leading to the death of the loser and an injured victor.
Predators - many small fish grow into quite large adults and just because a fish is docile as a juvenile does not mean it will stay that way. Predatory fish should be placed with other fish of the same size or larger, so as to be trusted.
| Fish/Fish | Fish/Invertebrate |
Tank Care
Once the tank is fully set-up and maturation is complete, fish can start to be slowly introduced at a rate of 2.5cm of fish for every 18 litres. Regular maintenance is now essential if water is to stay at a high quality, and livestock kept healthy.
| Water Changes | Mixing Saltwater |
Health
There are many pests to be found in the saltwater aquarium, some can be tolerated and some need immediate removal before affecting the health of you livestock.
| Nuisance Algae |
Water Tests
Water tests are very important, as they show you how high the quality of your aquarium water is. The essential test kits needed by all aquarist are; pH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and copper. Also required are both a hydrometer to measure specific gravity, and a thermometer to measure temperature.
Others are not essential, but still important.
| Alkalinity | Ammonia | Calcium | Copper |
| Dissolved Oxygen | Iron | Karbonate Hardness | Nitrate |
| Nitrite | Phosphates | pH | Redox Potential |
| Specific Gravity | Temperature |
