Marine Aquariums – A Beginner’s Guide

So you have decided to invest in your first marine setup?  The first port of call will be for you to purchase a book that gives you an overview of the general concepts behind marine keeping.  Ideally you will have kept either tropical/coldwater fish previously.  The simple techniques that you pick up from keeping these types of fish are essential basics that are needed in keeping marines.  For example water testing, water changing and fish health.  If a marine tank is going to be your first attempt at keeping marine fish then my advice to you is read, read, read.  Pester the staff at your local shop and make sure you understand everything before you plunge in head first.  There are many different opinions on the practices behind maintaining marine aquaria.  The best thing to do is find someone or something that you trust and stick with its/their advice.  If you try to mix and match different ways of marine keeping it will end in disaster. 

So, you have read your book.  The next step is decide what budget/ effect you are after.  Marine tanks are to be looked at as an investment, something to be kept long term that will only grow and grow.  A moving picture if you like.  It is therefore very important to consider exactly what you want the tank to look like.  We even recommend to our customers that they go away and write a list of all the fish or corals that they would like to keep.  We can then sort out a stocking list and stocking order to ensure that you will go through the least amount of problems.  Once you know what type of fish you want a tank can then be designed around their needs.  Certain species prefer higher water flow, lower temperatures or less aggressive tank mates.  We want to you keep your fish long term, there is no reason that a pair of clownfish cannot live for 10 years. 

Make sure that you go for the biggest tank you can possibly afford.  Little tanks are difficult to maintain and with a larger volume of water you will be able to control the water parameters much more precisely.  There are two main types of tank: fish only and reef.  A fish only tank will not include any invertebrates.  The benefit of this is that if you do encounter problems with white spot then it will be possible to use a copper based treatment.  If you get white spot in a reef tank then it is much more difficult to treat, but still not impossible. In fish only tanks you will have to invest on better external biological filters, whereas in a reef tank you will only use your live rock as a biological filter.  Do use the full amount of live rock recommended to you.  Live rock is essential in making your tank stable, always ensure that your live rock is of the highest quality and is fully “cured”.

The most important thing to remember when considering a marine aquaria is do not impulse buy!  Whether it is a fish, a coral or the tank itself you should always do your research.  There are always ifs and buts behind certain fish and inverts and nothing will be 100% fail safe.  Having said that, when a marine tank is planned and carried out properly the results will be simply breathtaking.  The staff at our marine centre are here to help you, so feel free to contact us!