Saltwater Fish Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

3-10+ years depending on species

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

 1 to 12 inches depending on species

WATER TEMPERATURE

76-78°F

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Most fish are diurnal, or most active during the day, though some species are nocturnal, or most active at night. NOTE: Many fish can be housed together in “community” aquarium setups. However, there are many that do not get along well with each other or grow large enough to eat their tank mates! Picking out which fish will coexist peacefully can be a tricky task. Do your research on any fish species prior to introducing to your tank

FEEDING

 5 gallons or more

WATER TEMPERATURE

70°-80°F depending on species 

FEEDING

Aquarium Fish vary in their dietary requirements. The majority of fish are either carnivores or omnivores with a few species being herbivores. Research the type of fish you want before buying it to determine its dietary requirements. Most Saltwater Fish should be fed at least twice a day and offered a variety of foods from flakes and pellets to frozen or live varieties

AQUARIUM SETUP

Once you have set up your aquarium, the system needs to cycle. Cycling refers to the nitrogen cycle within the aquarium. This is essential for the establishment of good bacteria within your tank and the health of your fish. For this reason, it is important to buy only a few hardy fish to start this cycle or use commercial cycle starters. The full aquarium cycle can take 1-2 months and more fish should not be added at this time. You may experience cloudy water at this time, which is to be expected. Never buy all your fish at once for an aquarium. You risk causing a toxic ammonia or nitrite spike which can kill all the fish!

AERATION & WATER FLOW

An air pump, airline hosing, and airstone or powerhead will help add oxygenation to the water. These should be chosen by appropriate size for your tank.

WATER QUALITY

Water quality parameters are important to monitor. Changes in water quality can stress your fish and increase their susceptibility to diseases and parasites. Be sure to test your tank regularly to maintain correct parameters for your fish.

ENCLOSURE SIZE

The enclosure should be a solid glass or acrylic aquarium. Aquariums vary in size greatly. Saltwater Fish cannot be kept in the same density as their freshwater counterparts. Research the type of fish you wish to have and learn its mature size. For larger fish, the enclosure should be at least 1.5x as deep as the fish’s mature size and twice as long. Remember: It is not true that a fish will only grow as large as its aquarium!

FILTRATION/PROTEIN SKIMMER

The filter and protein skimmer are the most important pieces of equipment in a marine aquarium setup. Filters and skimmers remove solid fish waste, dissolved chemicals, and provide surface area for beneficial bacteria that detoxify harmful waste compounds in the water. Make sure to choose an appropriate sized filtration/skimmer system for your tank. The media in an aquarium’s filter should be changed once a month to once every other month. Biological filter media should be rinsed in non-chlorinated sea water to remove debris and should not be completely changed.

LIGHTING

Fish require a clear day/night cycle to do well. Twelve hours of daylight is recommended.

ACCLIMATING & QUARANTINING NEW FISH

We recommend drip acclimation for Marine Fish. Place the new fish and its water into a clean container. Using airline tubing, start a siphon and trickle water into the bucket containing the new fish. After about an hour, or when the water volume in the bucket has more than tripled, you can net your new fish out of the bucket and introduce it to your quarantine tank.

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Water changes are the most important aspect of keeping happy healthy fish! A partial water change, up to 1/3 of the total water volume, needs to be done every few weeks to remove built up wastes. The easiest way to do water changes is with a gravel vacuum. Replace removed water with dechlorinated water of the same temperature and salinity as the aquarium water. If using tap water, a commercial tap water conditioner must be used to remove chlorine and chloramines. Never completely empty and clean an aquarium – you will remove beneficial bacteria that detoxify harmful waste compounds!

RECOMENDDED SUPPLIES

• Aquarium of your choice 
• Appropriately sized aquatic light & hood
• Aquarium heater 
• Thermometer
• Filter & protein skimmer
• Substrate & tank decorations
• Appropriate dry, frozen or live food
• Water test kit
• Air pump, airline hosing, and airstone or powerhead
• Specific gravity gauge
• Gravel vacuum
• Drip acclimation tubing & valves

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.