Aquarium Supplies

Saltwater fish vary from their freshwater counterparts by being especially intolerant of adverse conditions. It is your job as the keeper to make sure conditions are kept favourable and constant. While much of this is a consequence of good planning, there are also a few aquarium supplies you will need to keep on hand to ensure the continued health of your aquarium.

Set-up Supplies

Of course, you'll need a tank. You can create your own aquarium tank, but you'll need aquarium builder supplies, such as glass and epoxy. It is also a good idea to have a small quarantine tank on hand to medicate any fish that become sick.

You'll also need to decide upon a substrate and what sort of rocks and crevices you'll provide, since marine creatures need places to hide and rest. These can be inert or "alive." This will not only determine what sort of lighting and filtration you will require, but also how big of a tank will be necessary.

Stuff to Plug In

You'll need various pieces of electronic equipment. You can find them new or used, and they are readily available when performing an online search for aquarium supplies. Some of the most basic include:

• Heaters
• Coolers
• Lights
• Circulation pumps
• Mechanical filters

Some people even include backup generators to protect against power outages – long ones can kill even well set-up tanks – though these are more of an insurance policy. Even discount aquarium supplies can get quite expensive if one doesn't cut costs somewhere. Not having the basic equipment isn't advisable, so finding used sources can be imperative.

Testing Equipment

There are several measurements you'll need to take on a regular basis. A hydrometer allows you to interpolate salinity. You'll also need to check for the presence of nitrates, which can build up to dangerous levels if any aspect of your filtration fails. You'll, of course, need a thermometer. Some people additionally have kits that test for chlorine and other impurities.

On the other hand, if you don't have access to good quality seawater, you'll need to count among your necessary aquarium supplies a tap water filtration system and a good quality salt. Reef systems also require calcium to be added for healthy corals. By keeping the supplies on hand that keep your fish healthy, you won't have to keep medications on hand.

Coral Magazine