Saltwater fish require a lot of special maintenance, with each species presenting its own unique challenges. When they thrive, however, it is a rewarding experience; what begins as a steep learning curve gradually transforms into a pleasurable daily escape.

Here to explain the responsibilities of the budding saltwater fish enthusiast are Dayton, OH's premier aquarium specialists, Gerber's Tropical Fish:

• Do Your Research: Spend several weeks reading up on the fish you intend to cultivate. This means looking up where they're from, what environments they're accustomed to, what they eat, and the other species they tend to live with. If you're a novice aquarist, you will be better off researching a species that typically does well in captivity. Bring all your questions to Gerber's Tropical Fish, and they'll send you in the right direction.

• Consider Your Finances: Startup costs for a new saltwater tank can easily go past $400, not including all of the food and supplies you'll need to buy for the life of your aquarium. New specials are available at Gerber's Tropical Fish every day, for saltwater fish, tank equipment, and more.
• Invest Enough Time: You will need to set aside many hours to properly set up your new tank, install equipment, treat the water, and get it up to temperature. After the initial setup, tank maintenance will take up several hours per week, depending on the size of your aquarium. You should expect to do some tank maintenance every day.

For expert advice on starting out with saltwater fish, stop by Gerber's Tropical Fish in Dayton or give them a call at (937) 297-0515. Be sure to visit them online to view their ever-changing inventory, and to take advantage of their special deals.