Take proper care of your marine fish, and you will create a beautiful aquarium that will last for years to come.
An aquarium full of marine fish & coral can give you hours of pleasure. Not only do they create a fabulous focal point in a home or office, but they have been proven to increase relaxation. And, if you’re into more alternative things, feng shui specialists encourage people to have bowls and tanks of fish in certain areas of their home to increase success and wealth. But to ensure you have a lasting, clean and happy aquarium, you need to meet the needs of your marine fish. From choosing healthy specimens to creating the perfect environment for them, here’s a how-to guide for caring for your marine fish.
Marine Fish – The Right Choice
There are several key factors to bear in mind when choosing your marine fish.
- Research which fish will be compatible in the same tank. One common rule is that if you have fish smaller than another fish’s mouth, it will probably end up in there. Some species of marine fish are naturally more aggressive and can chase, fin-nip or even attack others. If you’re not sure about which choice to make, consult an expert who can guide you.
- Make sure you see every fish before you buy it. Visit a reputable aquatics store that supplies a variety of marine and tropical fish, and take your time looking for fish that swim with purpose, avoiding any with cloudy eyes or slimy-looking skin.
- Make sure you research how big the fish will grow to if you are buying young ones. It will be an aquatics disaster if you find yourself with too much fish and not enough tank six weeks after purchasing your marine fish.
Marine Fish – Setting up the Aquarium
Your marine fish won’t be happy and healthy unless they have the perfect environment to live in. These guidelines will ensure you set up the optimum conditions for their aquarium.
- Choose a tank that will have ample capacity for all the marine fish you’ve bought. Even the smallest beginner’s tank should be no less than 20 gallons.
- Opt for a long, wide aquarium. Marine fish appreciate tanks with more surface area, which helps with the oxygenation in the tank.
- Place some live rocks in the bottom of your tank. Not only will this give your marine fish a more authentic underwater environment, but live rocks can help with nitrification and de-nitrification.
- Find a place for your aquarium out of direct sunlight and drafts, and make sure it is placed on a stand sturdy enough to take the weight. A 55 gallon tank can weigh over 800 pounds, including the water, rocks and marine fish inside.
Marine Fish – Daily Care
Following these care tips is vital to keep your marine fish healthy.
- Buy specialist salt for your tank. Marine fish will die without a proper saline level, and basic rock salt won’t do the job. Visit an aquatics store and ask for advice on the best product for your aquarium.
- Change some of the water in the tank on regular basis to prevent your marine fish from becoming sick. Siphon out 10-15% of the water, remove any detrius build ups, always remember to use Reverse Osmosis water in the preperation of marine aquarium salt water, add the correct amount of a good quality marine salt, ask aquatic store if your not sure which marine salt to use.
- Perform a pH test once a week, and a nitrate test every fortnight. These are vital to the health of your marine fish, as they will help you detect any imbalances.
Looking for Marine Fish and Aquariums? Speak to the Aquatic Store
Aquatic Store is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of tropical fish equipment, aquariums and aquatic supplies. Aquatic Store is delighted to meet all your aquatic needs and boasts a superb range of equipment and provisions ranging from Juwel Aquariums to tropical fish tank ornaments. To find out more about the range of goods on offer from Aquatic Store just call 0800 0121 679 or fill in our online enquiry form.
Shopping Basket
