It is funny how frequently when shopping in the fish store how many people are buying items they either forgot or merely didn't think of. This is especially so for marine aquariums. It is man's nature to jump right in with both feet and out the door goes the planning and especially making the list of what is needed for your new marine tank set-up. This however is not the fault of the beginner as they just don't know. So many how to guides seem to miss this part.
It is easy to say we need a tank, filters, pumps etc, but what about the preparation and upkeep components that are also needed and most often neglected until we realize oops gotta go get that. Off you go to the store, buy the item only to get home, continue your project solely to find you want something else. Back to the store you go. Personally, I find this very frustrating so I started making lists. The biggest area forgotten about nevertheless for the newcomer are the basic items needed to maintain the tank itself. So I have got a few extras that must be included when setting up your first tank.
Marine aquariums are all about the water. When the tank loses water from evaporation, you must top it up with pure water. NOT municipal water. When you've got to do your weekly water change outs. You must have ready to go and balanced saltwater, NOT tap water. This is an area many beginners totally miss. So in aid of of the problem, be sure you have the following to make life easier.
1. Big Brute trash can with lid 55 gallon - This is to stir and contain your salt water until you use it for the tank.
2. Small plastic canoe paddle - for the initial gigantic stir of saltwater in the Brute.
3. Large stainless-steel stock pot - for melting the salt to contribute to the pure water in the Big Brute.
4. tiny submersible pump with hose (20 feet) - for pumping water from the Large Brute to the tank when required
5. Air stone with hose and pump - To keep the water in the Brute aerated.
6. Small power head - to keep the water in the Big Brute moving to help with aeration.
7. Submersable heater 150 watt thereabouts - to keep the water in the Brute at tank temperature.
8. Siphon - for evacuating the tank
9. Miscellaneous rubber grommets and clamps - for attaching hoses from the pump mounted inside the Brute to tank.
These items should all be acquired new. Then completely cleaned with warm water and solvent free sponge. Any chemicals will contaminate your water.
Special note: NEVER USE METAL ITEMS (ONLY Chrome Steel) - this is salt water and they can rust and contaminate your water.
Amateurs mostly don't realise that you are essentially maintaining 2 tons of water. The water in the tank, and the water that'll be used to replace tank water. When a water change is done, it must be done gradually. (siphon from the tank the dirty water) and pump the clean replacement water into the tank from the Brute. With the above hardware, you can make sure the new saltwater is at the same temperature as the tank water and is also well aerated. Of course while the replacement water is sitting in the Brute awaiting use, it also must be tested for PH levels to guarantee it also balances with the tank water.
So in closing... Keep these items in your mind when setting up your first marine tank. These are probably the most important items for the right care and changing of salt water for your tank. This is something that must definitely be prepared in advance else experience grief. Remember its all about the water.
It is easy to say we need a tank, filters, pumps etc, but what about the preparation and upkeep components that are also needed and most often neglected until we realize oops gotta go get that. Off you go to the store, buy the item only to get home, continue your project solely to find you want something else. Back to the store you go. Personally, I find this very frustrating so I started making lists. The biggest area forgotten about nevertheless for the newcomer are the basic items needed to maintain the tank itself. So I have got a few extras that must be included when setting up your first tank.
Marine aquariums are all about the water. When the tank loses water from evaporation, you must top it up with pure water. NOT municipal water. When you've got to do your weekly water change outs. You must have ready to go and balanced saltwater, NOT tap water. This is an area many beginners totally miss. So in aid of of the problem, be sure you have the following to make life easier.
1. Big Brute trash can with lid 55 gallon - This is to stir and contain your salt water until you use it for the tank.
2. Small plastic canoe paddle - for the initial gigantic stir of saltwater in the Brute.
3. Large stainless-steel stock pot - for melting the salt to contribute to the pure water in the Big Brute.
4. tiny submersible pump with hose (20 feet) - for pumping water from the Large Brute to the tank when required
5. Air stone with hose and pump - To keep the water in the Brute aerated.
6. Small power head - to keep the water in the Big Brute moving to help with aeration.
7. Submersable heater 150 watt thereabouts - to keep the water in the Brute at tank temperature.
8. Siphon - for evacuating the tank
9. Miscellaneous rubber grommets and clamps - for attaching hoses from the pump mounted inside the Brute to tank.
These items should all be acquired new. Then completely cleaned with warm water and solvent free sponge. Any chemicals will contaminate your water.
Special note: NEVER USE METAL ITEMS (ONLY Chrome Steel) - this is salt water and they can rust and contaminate your water.
Amateurs mostly don't realise that you are essentially maintaining 2 tons of water. The water in the tank, and the water that'll be used to replace tank water. When a water change is done, it must be done gradually. (siphon from the tank the dirty water) and pump the clean replacement water into the tank from the Brute. With the above hardware, you can make sure the new saltwater is at the same temperature as the tank water and is also well aerated. Of course while the replacement water is sitting in the Brute awaiting use, it also must be tested for PH levels to guarantee it also balances with the tank water.
So in closing... Keep these items in your mind when setting up your first marine tank. These are probably the most important items for the right care and changing of salt water for your tank. This is something that must definitely be prepared in advance else experience grief. Remember its all about the water.
About the Author:
This author has had an involvement with marine aquaria intermittently for over 30 years. Sharing experiences and methods for starting a marine tank for amateurs on his new site.
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