Salt Water Fish Care

HISTORY

Caring for salt water fish and other ocean organisms actually dates back to ancient Roman history. Romans used to keep Venetian glass jars filled with anemones, though these were often kept outdoors. It wasn’t until the 1950s that caring for salt water aquariums began rapidly increasing in popularity, often including bleached coral and crushed rock substrate. This is where today’s hobby of keeping a salt water aquarium first originated.

SPECIAL NEEDS OF SALT WATER FISH

Caring for salt water fish can be slightly difficult, since salt water fish have more specialized pet fish care requirements than fresh water fish. Experts at taking care of your pet agree that a salt water fish tank is not a hobby for novice aquarium owners. There is a lot of special equipment required in order for a salt water tank to be sufficiently habitable for fish. This can involve weeks of preparation, as well as a significant monetary investment.

SETTING UP A SALT WATER FISH TANK

Most pet stores sell salt water “Starter Kits” that include all of the equipment you will need in order to initially set up your salt water tank. Though these kits may seem expensive, it’s usually the best way to ensure that you purchase the proper equipment. It’s very important that your kit include salt water mix, a protein skimmer, specialized salt water filter, Hydrometer/Refractometer and water testing kits. The tank should be fully set up and allowed to operate from 1 to 2 weeks before it should be habitable for salt water fish.

LONG TERM SALT WATER FISH CARE

SALINITY LEVELS
Measuring the salinity levels of your salt water fish’s environment is one of the most essential procedures that you can do to ensure that your fish are being properly cared for. This should be a daily procedure, and usually takes less than five minutes to complete.

TEMPERATURE
Depending on the species of salt water fish that you choose to keep in your tank, you will also have to keep a close eye on the temperature of your tank, adjusting your water heater accordingly.

GENERAL TESTING
It’s very important that you test the pH, nitrate and ammonia levels of your salt water tank at least three times per week. Some fish have specialized needs, and may not be able to survive in an environment that is either over or under their recommended levels. Most testing kits are fairly inexpensive, and can be purchased at a pet supply store.

CLEANING
One of the most important procedures that you need to complete with a salt water fish tank is regular cleaning. However, since a salt water tank requires a set period of time to ‘cure’, it’s not recommended that you completely empty your tank for a thorough cleaning. Beneficial bacteria begin to grow in your tank after it has been operational for a period of time, which promote good health of your salt water fish. It’s best to simply replace 10% to 15% of the water in your salt water tank on a bi-weekly basis. Some fish care specialists recommend that you replace 20% of the water in your tank once per month, though this is still subject to debate.