How to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium

Setting Up a Saltwater Aquarium-How to Tips
I'm glad to see that you are interested in setting up a saltwater aquarium and so I am going to give you a few tips that you can use to get off on the right foot. If you keep these tips in mind as you set up your tank, you will find success and avoid heartache that some have encountered (like myself).

Tip 1: A very crucial step in setting up any aquarium or fish tank is to make sure that wherever you decide to set it up at, that it is sitting level on the floor.

I shouldn't have to tell you the reasons why this is crucial but I will: an aquarium that is not level can put undo pressure on the sides and this can cause it to leak (if you have an acrylic tank this will not be an issue however). Another reason to level your tank is because it can be unstable. Bumping it may cause it to fall over. That would not be good! By using a standard level you will be able to get an aquarium that is stable and secure. Measure from all angles and raise or lower any corners to make sure that the tank is completely level. And don't forget to always double check your work to make sure that it is correct and to compensate for any settling.

Tip 2: It is a good idea to fully setup your saltwater aquarium before putting any water in it.

This would include dry-fitting all of your filters, sumps, lighting, etc. By doing this you will avoid having to move it after filling it. It would be a bummer if you realized that you don't like where you put the tank, or you find out that you put it too close to the wall. Ouch!

Something else that goes along with this tip is the background. If you are going to use a background on your saltwater aquarium, install it before adding water. Especially if you are going to be painting the back of your tank. Waiting until the end to paint the back, for example, will be very difficult to do once you have your aquarium in its location, leveled, and filled with water.

Tip 3: If you are going to have substrate, such as gravel, in your tank, make sure that you wash the gravel before adding it.

Many people do not know about this and they put the substrate in and then add water and it ends up being cloudy. And it seems like it stays cloudy forever, trust me! To avoid this, put some of the gravel in a five gallon bucket, or something similar, and run water through the gravel until it is clear. Do this over and over again with all the substrate until the water is no longer cloudy. Then when you put the substrate into your tank you will want to place a dinner plate on top of it and gradually add water, making sure to pour the water directly onto the plate. You thus will avoid disturbing the gravel less this way. If done properly you tank water will be pretty clear by the time you completely fill it.

I hope these tips on how to setup a saltwater aquarium helps you. Enjoy the hobby and good luck.