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To maintain a saltwater environment where angelfish, goby, and other vibrant fish can thrive, you need to properly set up your tank. Before you even purchase live rock or a water conditioner, it’s vital to learn about the basics of the nitrogen cycle.

Essentially, bacteria grows inside a water filter and on top of the live rock, which consumes nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia. Since ammonia and nitrites can kill fish even in very small quantities, the bacteria needs to build up in the tank before you consider adding your saltwater fish.

How to Set up Your Saltwater Fish Tank

Compounds   

For at least two months, you need to cycle your tank with ammonia-free additives. You can use an online calculator to determine the appropriate amount to add to your system. To ensure the ammonia converts properly to nitrites, and then nitrates, use a testing kit every couple of days. Since live rock already contains ammonia-converting bacteria, introducing some will considerably aid in cycling your tank.

Temperature 

saltwater-fishHow warm you keep your tank will depend on the fish, coral, and other creatures you select. Most tropical fish, for instance, need to live in a temperature of at least 77 degrees. Before you decide on a temperature, talk to an expert.

Salinity 

Since salt can easily evaporate from your fish tank, you need to check its salinity regularly. Saltwater fish need salt to survive, so you may need to add it to maintain stable levels. You, likewise, do not want salinity to rise to unsafe amounts.

Lighting

If you want to keep coral in your tank, you will need to implement special lighting. As a beginner, consider implementing soft corals to start, which are easier to manage. Maintaining proper lighting conditions for coral can be quite complicated, so always talk to an expert first.

 

For the support you need to set up your saltwater fish tank, consult the experts from Gerber’s Tropical Fish. The premier aquarium destination provides the products and advice marine lovers in Dayton and Cincinnati, OH, need to maintain thriving tank environments. To learn more, call a friendly professional at (937) 297-0515. You can also visit the website for more information

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