How to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium
By: Cory Lane
2
How to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium
Table of Contents
iii
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iii
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1: Selecting a Location ...................................................................................................... 3
Location ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Power Source............................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2: Selecting Equipment ..................................................................................................... 5
Tank and Stand ............................................................................................................................ 7
Filter and Protein Skimmer ......................................................................................................... 7
Lighting ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Live Rock and Ocean Sand ......................................................................................................... 9
Saltwater .................................................................................................................................... 10
Long Term Care Equipment ...................................................................................................... 10
Chapter 3: Aquarium Startup and Cycle ....................................................................................... 13
Startup ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Cycling ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 4: Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 17
Maintenance .............................................................................................................................. 19
Index ............................................................................................................................................. 21
Pictures Cite .................................................................................................................................. 23
Introduction
v
Introduction
There is nothing more beautiful than the ocean. However, most of us live too far away to enjoy
it on a regular basis. The best solution for this is to build a saltwater aquarium at home. Keep in
mind this hobby is not for everyone. It is recommended that a person have two years of prior
freshwater experience before moving on to saltwater aquariums. However, it is not necessary
because this manual will guide even the least experienced person to success. This manual will
layout a step by step process beginning with selecting a location, selecting equipment, set up, and
long term maintenance. So how about we move on to setting up your aquarium!
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Selecting a Location
3
4
How to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium
Location
When setting up your aquarium, you will need to limit the aquarium’s exposure to direct
sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause algae growth, which can damage or kill your marine life.
Personally, I would recommend setting up the aquarium in the living room but this is up to you.
However, I do not recommend setting up a large aquarium on the second floor. It may not be
designed to support the weight. Placing in on the first floor will prevent possible property
damage and/or injury. That’s something to keep in mind.
Power Source
Now that you have selected your location you need to check for a power source. Your desired
location should contain at least two power outlet. You will probably only need one, but it is nice
to have a backup. I would recommend covering the outlet with your aquarium that way your
power cords will be hidden. I would also make sure to use a surge protector to protect your
investment.
.
Chapter 2: Selecting Equipment
6
How to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium
Chapter 2
7
Tank and Stand
When purchasing an aquarium and stand, take your time and shop around. Several times a year,
companies such as Petco will run specials selling aquarium for one dollar per gallon. This will
cut the cost of the tank in half. The other option is to search the internet on sites such as
Craigslist. You will sometimes find entire setups for sale at bargain prices. If you take your
time, searching the internet for local sellers will save you the most money. However, some
people want to start off with new products. If so, shopping for products online is cheaper than
going to your local retail stores.
Filter and Protein Skimmer
Now that your aquarium is setup, it’s time to select a filter and protein skimmer. There are
several filtering styles to choose from but I recommend a canister filter. The Marineland
Multistage Canister Filter is a really nice filter at a reasonable price. However, you can run a
different filter if you prefer as long as it is not a traditional freshwater filtering system. It’s due
to the fact that they do not create water current. In a saltwater aquarium you need water current
to maintain a healthy environment. To make sure your aquarium stays clean, you will also need
to purchase a protein skimmer. This will clean out excess food and waste. When purchasing a
protein skimmer, I recommend the SeaClone Protein Skimmer. This piece of equipment is
important, so you do not want to buy a cheap one.
Marineland Multistage Canister Filter
SeaClone Protein Skimmer
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How to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium
Lighting
Depending on your setup there are three different styles of lighting.



Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
Metal Halide
T5 Fluorescent
The most effective but expensive lights are LED’s. Although they are the most expensive,
purchasing these will prevent having to upgrade in the future. They operated at cool
temperatures, which prevent temperature changes in your aquarium and provide light similar to
that of natural sunlight. Also, LED’s use less electricity than the other two saving you money
long run. Metal halides are a little cheaper than LED’s. They produce good quality light,
however they do give off a lot of heat. The other drawbacks are the amount of electricity they
use and that you have to replace the bulbs once a year. The third lighting setup is T5 fluorescent
lights. These are the most common lights used in aquariums. This is due to their price tag and
their effectiveness. If you plan on having a fish only aquarium, these are the lights for you. If
you plan on adding corals later on (which most people do) you would be better off purchasing
LED’s or metal halides.
LED
Metal Halide
T5 Fluorescent
Chapter 2
Live Rock and Ocean Sand
Before you add saltwater to the aquarium, you need to purchase some live rock and ocean sand.
These will help speed up the cycle of your aquarium. When your aquarium is cycling, it is
producing crucial bacteria that your aquarium needs for a healthy environment. This process
may take a few months, but it will give you time to pick out your fish. You can purchase these
items at your local fish store, but you can also find them online. The brand Ocean makes good
live sand that won’t break the bank. You need to purchase enough sand to create a bed about
three inches deep.
Ocean Live Sand
Live Rock
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10
How to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium
Saltwater
There are two ways to approach this step. First you can purchase the freshwater and salt, and
then mix them together. Secondly you can go to your local fish store and purchase saltwater at
the proper salinity levels for a reasonable price. Personally, this was the only water I would
purchase for my aquarium.
Long Term Care Equipment
Now that your aquarium is up and running there are still a few items you need. These will make
aquarium maintenance easier over time. These items may be purchased at your preferred
location.
Power Timer
Salinity Gauge
Chapter 2
11
Chemical Test Kit
Siphon
Water Jugs
Mag-Float glass cleaner
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How to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium
Chapter 3: Aquarium Startup and Cycle
Chapter 3
15
Startup
Now the fun begins! So far, I have guided you through purchasing all your equipment and now
it is time to get started. Once you add saltwater to your aquarium it will look cloudy. Don’t
worry this is normal. After a few days it will clear up and the aquarium will begin cycling.
During the startup phase you will only need to run your lights and filter, but not the protein
skimmer. Until you add fish to the aquarium, a skimmer will just waste electricity. During this
time you should set the timer for a 6-8 hour cycle for the lights. This will help the cycling
process.
Cycling
While your aquarium is cycling, there is not much for you to do. This is a natural process and all
you need to do is check your chemical levels about twice a week. If you are worried about how
to test the chemicals don’t be because it’s easy. When you open your test kit there are directions
for checking and reading the chemical levels. If the chemicals do change, the easiest fix is to do
a small water change. You will need to siphon out 5-10% of water from the aquarium. Then
you will add fresh saltwater. This will help stabilize the chemicals in a couple days.
Another issue that may arise will be algae growth. If this happens, turn off the lights for a couple
days and it should clear out. During the cycling process is when I designed my rock layout. Feel
free to purchase more live rock and build a reef. This will create a natural environment for your
fish. This is a way to add your own personal touch. If your chemicals are stable after the first
month, you can begin adding a few fish.
Chapter 4: Maintenance
Chapter 4
19
Maintenance
Congratulations your aquarium setup is finally complete! Now I’m going to give you a few
more suggestions that may come in handy later. Over time, salt will begin to form around your
lights. Every couple months just check the areas around your lights for any salt. If there is any
build up, remove them before they fall in the aquarium. If these salt clumps fall into your
aquarium, it could change the salinity levels. If these levels change to fast it may kill your
marine life. About once a month you should do a water change. Just siphon out 10-15% of old
aquarium water and replace it with fresh saltwater. Another tip that I will share is the magical
wonder of sea snails. They are very cheap and you should purchase one snail per gallon. They
crawl around cleaning your rocks and aquarium glass. It’s amazing how clean they will keep
your aquarium.
If you have any other questions feel free to contact me at corylane21@yahoo.com
Hopefully after a year or so your aquarium will look similar to the one below.
Index
Index
Chemical Test Kit, 11
Cycling, 15
Light-Emitting Diode (LED), 8
Live Rock, 9
Mag-Float glass cleaner, 12
Marineland Multistage Canister Filter, 7
Metal Halide, 8
Ocean Live Sand, 9
Power Timer, 10
Salinity Gauge, 11
SeaClone Protein Skimmer, 7
Siphon, 11
T5 Fluorescent, 8
Water Jugs, 12
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Pictures Cite
Cover
http://www.aquascapingworld.com/gallery/images/1/1_reef_aquascape_large.jpg
Introduction
http://www.bloomberg.com/consumer-spending/2012-08-20/the-real-cost-of-a-saltwateraquarium.html#slide10
Chapter 1
http://www.prlog.org/11322848-set-up-salt-water-aquarium-easily.jpg
http://www.oldtownaquarium.com/?q=node/173
Chapter 2
http://www.aquariumlife.net/articles/beginner/132.asp
http://ledlights.en.hisupplier.com/product-366627-High-Power-LED-Aquarium-Lights.html
http://ayushveda.com/blogs/pets/canister-filters-for-aquarium/
http://www.kson.com/events/Details.aspx?ID=323467
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16744
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4400
http://golden-library.com/pet-supplies/aquarium-fish/lighting-aqm/aquarium-lights-250-wattdouble-ended-metal-halide-reef-optix-detail
http://aquariumlightinghq.com/faq-are-t5-and-t8-bulbs-interchangeable
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16764
http://www.saltwater-aquarium-online-guide.com/live-rock.html
http://www.petmountain.com/product/aquarium-power-strips-timers/11442-508685/automaticdual-outlet-timer.html
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How to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium
http://www.dhgate.com/brand-new-aquarium-salinity-tester-meter/pff80808138ffd72a01391002666a6f19.html
http://www.4fishstuff.com/index.php?cPath=276_227
http://www.bluelifeusa.com/Our-Products
http://www.setuptank.com/maintaining-your-tank/
http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/magfloat-500extralargeglassaquariumcleaner.aspx
Chapter 3
http://www.livingreefs.com/45g-start-up-t39373.html
Chapter 4
http://www.freeimageslive.co.uk/files/images003/tropical_saltwater_aquarium_0835.JPG