GREAT NECK MARINE SCIENCE
AQUARIUM LICENSING EXAM REQUIREMENTS
Our Marine Biology program entrusts each of you with the lives of living organisms. In order to be qualified to
work on aquarium tanks and care for an organism you must pass the Aquarium Licensing Exam. The exam
requires that you score a minimum of 80%. Your exam will include a written exam, verbal and hands-on
component. This handout outlines the information and skills you are expected to know for the exam. STUDY!!
1.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
How to setup a freshwater aquarium (steps must be in the correct order).
Select organism
Select correct size tank
Clean tank with cold freshwater, kosher salt and paper towel
Place tank on stand or table away from direct sunlight, radiators, and air conditioners
Add substrate to a depth of 1 inch
-Freshwater tanks: gravel
-Marine (saltwater) tanks: crushed coral, sand, dolomite
F. Half fill tank with water to check for leaks
G. Add salt
-Freshwater tanks: 1 TABLESPOON
-Marine (saltwater) tanks: To a density of 1.020 g/mL
H. Add safe plastic plants and decorations
-Freshwater tanks: plastic plants, NO SHELLS or CORAL
-Marine (saltwater) tanks: Shells, Coral
I. Place heater (5 watts per gallon) in tank, set for 750F, wait 15 minutes then plug in
J. Install filter
K. Put clean filter pad and biowheel in filter
L. Turn on filter.
M. Test pH
N. Buy fish (look for clear eyes, bright colors, no fuz or missing scales, steady breathing, good movement)
O. Catch fish
P. Acclimate fish
Q. Let fish swim into tank
2. How to setup a saltwater aquarium (steps must be in the correct order)
Same steps as above. Be sure to know the key differences between a freshwater and Marine (salt water) tank.
E. Add substrate to a depth of 1 inch
-Freshwater tanks: gravel
-Marine (saltwater) tanks: crushed coral, sand, dolomite
G. Add salt
-Freshwater tanks: 1 TABLESPOON (density of 1.000 g/mL)
-Marine (saltwater) tanks: To a density of 1.020 g/mL
H. Add safe plastic plants and decorations
-Freshwater tanks: plastic plants, NO SHELLS or CORAL
-Marine (saltwater) tanks: Shells, Coral
3. How to properly clean and prepare a new fish tank
With kosher salt and cold water
4. The difference between a freshwater and saltwater tank.
*Be able to identify tanks around the room and explain why it is freshwater or saltwater.*
Factor
Fresh
Salt / Marine
gravel
Crushed coral
Substrate
Density
1.000 g/mL
1.020 g/mL
ph
6.5-7.6 (neutral)
8.0-8.6 (slightly basic)
Ammonia level
0.0
0.0
Nitrite level
0.0
0.0
Temperature
72 – 80 0F
72 – 80 0F
Types of Decorations
Non calcareous (plastic plants, plastic
decorations)
Shells, coral
5. Know the three kinds of filtration occurring in an eclipse filter system.
Types of Filtration
Name of equipment
Explain what it does/how it works
Blue pad
Physical
removes solid wastes and excess food
Activated carbon
breaks down ammonia
Chemical
(removes nitrogenous waste)
biowheel
Biological
removes harmful gases
6. How to capture a fish
With a small rectangular container – let fish swim into the container
7. How to acclimate a fish to a new tank
Float bag with fish in tank
Add water from tank into the bag
Let fish swim out of bag into tank
8. How to install a heater
Place in tank, set temperature to 72 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit
Wait 15 minutes
Then plug in
9. How to feed a fish
3 flakes each feeding, remove excess
***Remember a fish’s stomach is about the size of its EYE***
10. The purpose of plastic plants and decorations in a tank
Provide places for fish to hide and feel safe, or lay eggs
11. How to measure and adjust density of tank water
Measure using a HYDROMETER
Adjust density
-too low ADD SALT (example for salt water tank lower than 1.020 g/mL)
-too high ADD FRESH WATER (example for salt water tank higher than 1.020 g/mL)
12. How to conduct a ph test, ammonia test, nitrite test (know what the levels should be for both fresh and salt
water)
-Follow directions in kit
Results for tests
Test
pH
Ammonia level
Nitrite level
Freshwater
6.5-7.6 (neutral)
0.0
0.0
13. How to do tank maintenance / water change
-Change 20% of water each month
-Use a siphon
-Clean gravel
-Add aged water
14. The purpose of a water change
Remove Toxins
Replace trace minerals
15. How to select a tank and where to place it
By size and behavior of fish
Away from direct sun and radiators
16. How to set up wires
With a drip line
Marine (Saltwater)
8.0-8.6 (slightly basic)
0.0
0.0
Additional Information
Be as detailed as possible. You should also be able to draw a diagram/picture for certain procedures.
Other Things to know:
-how much time it takes for certain steps
*How much 1 gallon of water weighs
8lbs/gallon
*How many watts of heat per gallon of water.
5 watts/gallon
EXTRA INFO!!
*Be able to identify if the following fish are salt water or freshwater
domino damsel-salt water
clown fish-salt water
tiger barb- fresh water
*Know how fish waste (ammonia) is broken down
AmmoniaNitriteNitrate
* Exam begins Friday, October 12th.
* Extra help is always available Thursday and throughout the day/before/after school by appointment.
* Begin STUDYING, use your notes as well as the tanks and organisms within and Mr. Krauz’s webpage!
Krauz’s Marine Biology Webpage: http://www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/GNPS/SHS/index.htm check the links.
GOOD LUCK