4 Steps to Setting up a Marine Aquarium

Have you ever admired marine aquaria? They are beautiful but can be daunting to set up. Rob Woods from Fishkeepingworld has given us 4 steps to set up a marine aquarium…

Four Steps to Setting up a Marine Aquarium

Setting up a marine aquarium is a very exciting process for saltwater fish keepers. Planning and installing the aquarium are essential stages which can have a big impact on the health and longevity of your saltwater fish.

Here are the four important stages of planning and setting up a marine aquarium, to help you better understand the most important stages including; preparation, assembly, cycling the tank and adding fish.

A. Planning Your Setup

Choosing your Fish

The very first step before you go out and purchase any aquarium or equipment is to decide which species of saltwater fish you would like, and how many you’re going to have. Always decide this before you purchase your tank. Once you know how many fish you’d like, you’ll be able to calculate the size of tank that you need.

2. Choosing your Equipment

Once you have decided on the size of your aquarium, you’ll be able to determine which filter, heater, skimmer, lights and other equipment you want to get. Other equipment might include; powerheads, live rock and substrate, sea salt mix, thermometer, air pump, test kits and maintenance equipment. You’ll also need a stand.

B. Setting up the Marine Aquarium

Step One: Prepare the Aquarium

Before you start setting your aquarium up, decide exactly where you’d like to put your tank, because once its set up, it’ll be difficult to move. Make sure it is close to a power supply and not exposed to direct sunlight.

Wipe your aquarium down using warm water and a soft sponge. If you’re using a preowned tank you might want to use vinegar to give it a proper clean.

Check that your tank is completely level, either by using a spirit level or putting in a small amount of water. You can also use this step to test that the aquarium is watertight.

marin fish — *The finished marine aquarium gives endless viewing pleasure*

Step Two: Assemble the Aquarium and the Equipment

Pour your sand into the aquarium and prepare the saltwater in a container. The specific gravity of the water should measure 1.025.

Some people choose to leave the water for 24 to ensure the salt is fully dissolved. Once you’re sure it’s dissolved, pour the water into the aquarium.

Rinse the live rock in a separate bucket of saltwater to remove any debris and possible unwanted tank inhabitants, and place it in your aquarium.

Install the Sump, and all of its supporting equipment. Then install the protein skimmer and the heater. If you have any other equipment you can install that now too; for example, the lights and powerhead, but leave those off while you cycle your tank over the next month or so.

Switch on the sump, heater and protein skimmer, following the manufacturer’s instructions for each piece. Your tank is now up and running and ready to cycle.

Step Three: Cycle the Tank

Your tank is now up and running and ready to cycle. It’s important to cycle your tank fully to ensure good bacteria build up which will help in keeping your tank clean and breaking down harmful compounds.

For the next 4-8 weeks, perform weekly 50% water changes to ensure your live rock is properly cured. (Your live rock is not actually live, but it’s called live because of the bacteria which build up on it which looks after your tank).

When you carry out water changes, remove any loose organic matter that the filter isn’t dealing with and test for ammonia, nitrites and pH. Ammonia and nitrites should be undetectable (zero) and pH needs to be in between 8.1-8.4.

You’ll know your tank is cycled once both the ammonia and nitrite has spiked and dropped back down to zero.

Step Four: Add Fish

Once the tank is fully cycled and the live rock is cured, you can begin to add your first inhabitants. Whilst it can be tempting to add all your stock at once, take it slowly and just add a few each week, ensuring you acclimatise each one properly.

If you want to add corals, you can do this now too.

So easy! Have you had success with your marine tank?

About the author:
Rob Woods has been keeping fish since his childhood. Recently, he decided to use all of his knowledge from the hobby to educate people all over the world on Fish keeping specializing in marine aquariums.

More on fish
Do fish have feelings?
Seasonal pond care
Relaxing with your betta fish
Here’s what you need to know about keeping exotic pets in Australia