Frequently Asked Questions About Saltwater Tanks
Q: What is the difference between a saltwater and freshwater aquarium system?
A: Saltwater systems feature a more colorful, exotic, and diversified range of fish and other creatures than freshwater- they can include neon-like anemones, miniature shrimp, crabs, mushrooms, and other mesmerizingly beautiful life forms in addition to spectacular coral reef fish.
Q: What are some of the major issues involved in maintaining a saltwater aquarium system?
A: Such critical factors as water salinity, temperature, lighting and natural daylight exposure, maintenance of the “biological filter”, mechanical and chemical filtration, food and feeding schedules, ph level, and innumerable other considerations must be taken into account to ensure the proper health and functioning of your saltwater aquarium system.
Q: What is the proper salinity level for my saltwater aquarium?
A: Interior Oceans recommends maintaining a fish-only, or “swim”, tank at a specific gravity (weight relative to the weight of pure, fresh water) of between 1.017 to 1.020; and a “reef” system containing invertebrates and other creatures in addition to certain fish at a level of between 1.023 to 1.025.
These levels should be maintained on a consistent basis with as little fluctuation as possible to minimize stress on the tank’s inhabitants. While use of a simple hydrometer will measure the specific gravity level in your tank, this device will become inaccurate over time due to mineral build-up within it. Interior Oceans, therefore, always uses the far more accurate refractometer when measuring salinity levels in both tanks and incoming change-out water.
Q: Ok, I want a saltwater aquarium in my home or office…. Now, what do I have to do to start one?
A: After carefully selecting and installing all of your necessary equipment, one cannot simply mix-up a batch of saltwater at the appropriate specific gravity levels mentioned above, turn on the pumps, filters, and lights, drop-in his or her favorite fish or other creatures purchased (for a handsome sum to be sure!) at the local fish store, and expect the fish to survive….. because they won’t!!
A healthy “biological filter” of nitrifying bacteria- needed to process the waste of your tank’s inhabitants so it won’t poison them- must be developed. Amazing new products are now on the market dramatically speeding-up this process, which used to take several weeks at a minimum.
Additionally, basic knowledge of the different fish and invertebrate species to put into a system is necessary so that certain fish won’t terrorize others (or worse, eat them!) or simply eat your prized coral or anemone for lunch.
Q: How much money should I plan on spending for my saltwater aquarium system?
A: Though the beauty and majesty of a properly-outfitted and maintained saltwater aquarium is hard to match, it does require a sizeable, initial investment, as well as ongoing maintenance costs.
Using a sample 100-gallon tank (48” across x 24” high x 20” deep) system for a “fish-only” set-up:
- a 100-gallon acrylic tank will cost approximately $800.00 while a glass tank of the same size will run approximately $400.00;
- a sturdy and stylish wooden stand with canopy which both supports your tank and houses/hides all of your equipment costs an additional $400.00- $1,200.00, depending on quality;
- adequate lighting truly brings out the beauty of a tank—don’t be stingy with your lighting!!- approx. $125.00;
- circulation pump to move water from the tank through the filtration system and back into the tank… approx. $150.00;
- OceanClear filtration unit with cylindrical filter…approx. $175.00;
- Plumbing parts and fixtures: $150.00
- Assembly/set-up labor: $300.00;
- Instant Ocean salt mix for initial tank filling: $40.00
- Nitrifying bacteria to instantly “cycle” your tank and make it ready to process fish waste overnight: $100.00;
- Gravel, dead coral/artificial coral, rocks, and other decorative items: $200.00-$300.00;
- Fish: $100.00-$500.00
Thus, a bare minimum investment of $2,125.00 is required to start a modestly-sized tank of 100 gallons, with the actual investment cost more likely exceeding $2,950.00 to ensure good quality.
