Marine Tanks or Salt Water Tanks

If you’re starting a marine (saltwater) tank, here are some helpful hints:

     - Water Changes
       Marine aquariums need more frequent water changes than freshwater tanks. It’s advisable to        change 25% of the water in your marine tank every three weeks.
     - Making Saltwater
     - Evaporation
       A glass top should be placed over your marine tank to control evaporation. This will also prevent        condensation for the metal tank hood from dripping into your aquarium. Use distilled water, not        saltwater, to make up for the loss due to evaporation.
     - Calcium
       A good supply of calcium is essential to a marine aquarium, especially one that houses        invertebrates. Regular water changes should be sufficient to maintain proper calcium levels, but        in some cases a calcium-boosting product will have to be added to your water.
     - Testing
       There are six basic water tests that should be conducted regularly in a marine aquarium. These        are tests that measure ammonia levels, nitrites, nitrates, pH level, salinity (water hardness), and        copper.

Here are 10 Steps To Remember When Adding Saltwater to the New Tank
1. Water should be added after all filtration systems, pumps, heaters, substrate and rocks have been     put in place, but before plants are added.
2. Use packaged sea water mixes to make water, following the manufacturer’s instructions very     carefully.
3. Fill the tank a little over half-way with water, then add plants.
4. Continue adding water to the tank, and be careful not to damage the plants, but don’t fill the tank     completely.
5. Stop adding water when it reaches to within 2 inches of the top-off level. (Save the remaining     water.)
6. Switch on filtration and heating systems and let the aquarium run 10-12 hours to dissolve the salt     in the water.
7. Use a floating hydrometer to test water salinity/density (SG value). IF the water is too salty, top off     the tank with fresh water. If the salinity reading is stable or not salty enough, top the thank with the        rest of the water made from the pre-packaged mix.
8. Install cover glass, followed by hood and lighting.
9. Install thermometer to inside of the front glass.
10. Float bags containing your fish in the water for 15 minutes before releasing them into their new     
     home.