How to set up a Saltwater Aquarium? Here is the perfect guide to it

Building a new aquarium can be a daunting job, but all your efforts will pay off once you see the fish enjoying it. Hence, consider building your own saltwater aquarium if you have the patience and are looking for an adventurous task. This task demands a little extra reading, preparation, and manual work. Therefore, keep reading this blog till the end to know how to set up a saltwater aquarium at home.

But before you dive right into the how-to part, spare a moment to ponder about the nature of the saltwater aquarium you want in your home. 

Once you have made up your mind on the tank and equipment for your aquarium, it’s time to see how you can set it up, step-by-step. Follow the below-mentioned steps to create the perfect saltwater aquarium setup.

Step 1: Check if the tank has any leak

The primary step in setting up your saltwater aquarium is to test the tank for any leaks. Before you choose a location for your tank, make sure it has got no holes. 

Put some fresh water into your tank. Wipe the outer side of the tank with a towel. There should be no water pooling around the edge of the frame. 

Put a mark on the water level and allow it to be there for a day or two. If the water level remains almost the same, your tank is alright, and you can move to the next step.

Great Comparison:- Saltwater Vs Freshwater Aquarium

Step 2: Make sure the aquarium is level

If your tank didn’t leak initially, it does not guarantee that it will never leak. Sadly, the tank can start leaking even after establishment. Mostly, the reason that promotes such kinds of leaks is stress.

Lack of proper leveling might cause spilling and more pressure on one side than the other. Later on, it can stress that seam and cause leaks.

Step 3: Put your substrate

Now, add your substrate to the bottom of the tank. There are hard corals, soft corals, white sand or exotic colored sand, crushed corals, and shells to choose from. According to your personal preference, choose the substrate you want for your aquarium. 

The substrate plays an important function in the aquarium. Each substrate has surfaces where the bacteria grow, which later creates the base of the tank’s biological filter. 

Step 4: Add your rocks

After adding the substrate to the aquarium, you can go ahead and add the rocks. There are two most popular types of rock that aquarium owners prefer to use: dry rock and live rock. Usually, dry rock is much cheaper than live rock. You can choose either of them according to your convenience.  

Related:- Best Floating Plants for Aquarium

Step 5: Blend your saltwater

It is time to mix your saltwater and put it inside the tank. The best time to blend your saltwater is at least one day before you use it. 

Step 6: Put your powerheads

Remember, flowing water is the lifeline of your tank. Powerheads are a great and cheap way to produce a lot of water movement inside the tank. 

Lack of enough water flow will allow algae to get a space in those areas where the oxygen level is low. This might, later on, give rise to big problems.

Step 7: Time to install your heater 

Technically, there isn’t any restriction on putting your heater anywhere you want to, as long as it is below the water level. 

Step 8: Install your lights

There are various options available in the market when it comes to lights. However, LED aquarium lights are the most used ones today. You can fix the light period, to around 10-12 hours for maximum coral growth.

Step 9: Cycle the tank 

The greatest challenge in keeping an aquarium is maintaining a healthy range of water. No waste in your aquarium gets removed unless you choose to do it. Thus, it is essential to cycle the water to ensure cleanliness. 

Leftover food and waste discharged by the fish, corals, snails, etc., produces a chemical called ammonia that is dangerous. 

Step 10: Pick your first saltwater fish

Lastly, you have to pick your first saltwater aquarium fish. While choosing the saltwater fish, make sure it adapts well to the aquarium conditions and is friendly with other tankmates. 

Conclusion

Setting up an aquarium all by yourself might not give you a good experience, but it will go easy on your pockets. Use our guide to set up your next aquarium at home, and in case of any doubt, please leave a comment below. Also, if you want to read more such content, stay connected.