A saltwater aquarium is typically for the more experienced aquarist as it is more maintenance-intensive and expensive. Depending on the type of salt water fish tank setup chosen, these aquariums can cost from around $650 for a fish only with live rock setup to $1300 and more for purchasing and setting up a coral reef aquarium. Saltwater aquarium fish are difficult to look after and also expensive, usually coming with a price tag of at least $15 and sometimes much more. Most, however, will agree that in regards to beauty, saltwater aquarium fish are surpassingly spectacular to their freshwater counterparts.
There are three types of setups for salt water aquariums.
Fish only tanks are the least expensive as they do not contain live rock. However, due to the absence of live rock, these fish tanks require more frequent water changes. Salt water aquarium fish will be housed in either a community tank with peaceful fish which will co-exist well with other species, or in semi-aggressive tanks which tend to contain individual fish from different species of similar size. Community fish include Anthias, Blennies, Dartfish, Cardinalfish, Chromis, Gobies, Squirrelfish and Seahorses. Examples of aggressive species are Angelfish, Clownfish, Damselfish, Scorpionfish, Rays, Triggerfish and Tangs. It is vitally important to research salt water aquarium fish as to their dietary requirements, adult size, temperaments, water parameters, level of care and if they are reef safe.
Fish only with live rock tends to be the most popular of the salt water fish tank setups. This porous rock is full of living organisms which act as a natural biological filter for the aquarium, helping to rid it of nitrates. These creatures also provide food for the invertebrates and fish in the tank, as well as hiding places. The one drawback is that obtaining the live rock can be the most expensive part of this type of salt water fish tank since 1 to 2 pounds of rock is required for each gallon of water.
Reef aquariums concentrate on growing corals and anemones and keeping invertebrates. Examples of saltwater invertebrates are crabs, sponges, lobsters, shrimps, clams, feather dusters, sea cucumbers, scallops, snails, starfish and urchins. These fish tanks aquariums require extensive daily maintenance and expensive equipment. For those experienced aquarists who have the time, money and energy to invest, there is nothing more breathtakingly beautiful than a coral reef aquarium.
A salt water fish tank should never be less than 20 gallons and preferably much bigger than this. Since saltwater aquarium fish are so sensitive to changes in water quality, larger fish tanks and aquariums provide greater stability and also give more space for the marine creatures which require greater room than freshwater species due to the lower oxygen content of seawater. Setting up marine aquariums will require a good substrate such as marine sand, crushed coral or dolomite. Efficient filtration mechanisms are needed to keep nitrite levels below 20 ppm, as well as the purchase of live rock which acts as a natural biological filter. Lighting is required to encourage the growth of aquatic plants and enhance the appearance of the tank. Reef aquariums require extremely high lighting levels. Most salt water aquariums need to be maintained between 75-80F and require a heater to maintain a constant temperature. It will be necessary to buy power heads for water movement, hydrometers, protein skimmers, aquarium test kits, water supplements and salt mix. A coral reef aquarium will also require a reverse osmosis filter unit and a refugium for culturing live foods. Water related variables such as salinity, alkalinity, pH levels, calcium, nitrate, nitrite and temperature must be carefully monitored using appropriate test kits. Marine aquariums need to be regularly cleaned and the water changed often. The replacement water needs to be mixed up days beforehand using synthetic sea salt with reverse osmosis water or water from a purifying unit.