Specific Gravity and Salinity

The specific gravity (or density) if the ratio of the amount of total dissolved salts in water when compared to pure water. Pure water has a specific gravity of 1.000. As more salts are added to water, the specific gravity increases.

The amount of salt in a marine aquarium is determined by the use of a hydrometer. This instrument is made of a sealed glass tube with an internal scale. The hydrometer is weighed at the bottom and floats freely when placed in water. High quality scientific hydrometers are standardized against a sea water sample at a known temperature, usually 59° F (17° C). If a reading is taken at any temperature other than 59° F (17° C), the reading must be corrected using a table of correction factors. Such tables also give the salinity value. The temperature must be taken into account, since as water becomes warmer, it expands or becomes less dense.

Back

Tank Location

Where the aquarium is place is a matter of personal preference. It makes a beautiful focus in a living room, den, bedroom, or any other room. Larger aquariums can be placed as an attractive room divider. Wherever you decide to situate the aquarium, it is important to have easy access to multiple wall outlets to minimize the use of extension cords.

Back

Substrate

The substrate (material to cover the marine aquarium bottom) should be selected carefully. Some bottom materials used in freshwater aquariums are not suitable for a marine aquarium. Freshwater aquariums often use quartz gravel, epoxy-coated rock, or similar materials, many of which are dyed various colors. From an aesthetic point of view, coated or colored bottom substrates should never by used in marine aquariums. Colored substrates detract from the overall natural beauty of the aquarium and especially form the striking coloration of the fish and invertebrates.

Only substrates with a calcareous composition should be used for marine aquariums, since they are the only types that have the capability of buffering the water. The most commonly available appropriate substrates include natural coral sand, limestone, oyster shell, and dolomite. A combination of calcareous materials can also be used for aquascaping the aquarium bottom.

Amount of Required Substrate

The amount of material for an aquarium is mainly dependent on whether you are using an undergravel filter. It is highly recommended that you include an undergravel filter as standard equipment for your first aquarium.

With an undergravel filter a recommended depth of bottom material is 2.5 to 3.0 inches (6.2-7.5 cm). This will ensure that you have ample material for proper filtration through your biological filter. You may make the bottom material deeper, but do not make it less than the stated guidelines.

In aquariums without an undergravel filter, a shallow layer of substrate is all that should be used to cover the bottom, with a depth of not more than 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch (1.2-2 cm) of substrate. The size substrate in this situation is not as critical as with aquariums with undergravel filtration.

Back

Conditioning Water

All municipal water should be treated with a good-quality water conditioner prior to mixing with sea salts. These conditioners are available as a liquid or powder. When used according to instructions, they will destroy chlorine and chloramines within minutes. Some conditioners will also render metallic ions nontoxic if they are present in your tap water. Some brands of synthetic sea salts contain a water conditioner that will destroy chlorine and chloramine while the sea salts are dissolved. Water conditioners should always be used whenever adding new tap water to the aquarium.

Back

Decorating Your Aquarium

Coral and rock can be arranged to simulate a natural environment and include ample hiding areas, ledges, and crevices for the aquarium fish. Placement of the rock and coral should not be so complex that it will be difficult to remove uneaten food or debris during maintenance.

Back

Rock

It is important to note that not all rock is safe for aquariums. Many contain quantities of soluble metal salts that can quickly kill marine animals. Only rock that has been purchased should be used in a marine aquarium. Do not use any rock that you have collected unless you can be assured that it is nontoxic. All rock should be washed well to remove any sand or dirt prior to adding to your aquarium.

Back

 Natural Coral

The most frequently used decorative item in a marine aquarium is coral. Various types are available, including brain coral, finger coral (Porites), staghorn coral, and organ pipe coral.

Any purchased coral should be soaked in fresh water prior to use to ensure that all organic material has been cleaned before placement in aquarium. Coral from pet shops is often pretreated and cleaned prior to sale. Such coral can be used after it has been rinsed to remove any dust or other materials that have adhered to the coral skeleton. However, it is still recommended that you subject it to a special cleaning process. This ensures that all organic material has been removed from the coral prior to placement in the aquarium.

Back

Need to find a product that's not Listed??

Please give us a call or drop us an email and we will be happy to assist you in finding what you need.

Call: 706-863-9478