Some advice on starting a marine fish aquarium?

Question

I'm thinking of getting and raising a saltwater aquarium. I'm a beginner so I'm just wondering what are some fish I should start out with, as well as algae eaters and shrimp and whatnot.

Also, could just give me some general information about saltwater aquariums, like changing the water, cleaning the tank, and some good filters.

Thanks. =]

Answer 1

Water changes are pretty much the same as in freshwater exept for the salt. You need to condition your tap water to remove chlorine and other things, then mix your salt to a specific gravity of 1.020-1.026 (done with a hydrometer wich is pretty cheap and easy to use) heat, and aerate the water for at least 24 hours and add it to your tank. Cleaning the tank includes scraping algae from the glass, siphoning p**p and uneaten food from the ground, and cleaning your tank equiptment wich you will need to know of anyway so i will list them for you: filter, protien skimmer, heater, and decorations.  As far as filters I would recomend a large powerfilter for a tank smaller than 40 gallons. And a canister filter for anything larger. In a quarantine tank (small tank used to check for disease before you put fish into main aquarium) you could use a sponge filter, box filter, or a small powerfilter. Remora brand protien skimmers usually work pretty well.  Starting Fish: everyone reccomends damsels but they are very terretorial and i dont like them, however they are no question the hardiest species of saltwater fish. I like to use clownfish as a first fish because they are hardy, beautiful, and get along with other fish. wait to add fish like tangs and angels until your tank has been running for a while and has been relatively stable with water parameters. I recomend using live rock in your aquarium because it helps with filtration and gives fish a place to browse for food. Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Emerald Crabs, and Scarlet Legged Hermit crabs are my favorite invertebrates for any marine tank. I hope i covered everything Good Luck with your tank!

Answer 2

Okay, well you need to make sure you have all the set ups. filters and etc. Choose saltwater fish that look well together, chances are they should be fine together. Colorful fish tend to live by other colourful fish. (in the ocean) Make sure you have enough gallon to fish ratio, so they have enough room for easy swimming ^____^