Salt Water Aquarium Equipment
When looking to purchase salt water aquarium equipment, you need to keep in mind at all times exactly what you really need for your marine community. While it can be expensive, choosing the right equipment can be the difference between a tragic die-off and years of trouble-free operation.
Even if you've kept a tank of freshwater fish before, you'll likely find yourself purchasing new salt water aquarium equipment when you decide to switch to marine aquaculture.
Reusing Old Equipment
There are a few things you can get away with reusing from a freshwater set-up, such as the tank itself, lights and the hood, though you'll very likely want to replace the bulb with a more efficient model. You probably won't reuse the filtration system, especially if it's the very popular under-gravel system. Their use will seriously limit what you can do with the new tank. You will also likely be able to use the thermometer if it still works well.
Anything that's reused from a previous batch of fish should be very well cleaned before you begin refilling your tank with salt water. Some people use acidic or caustic substances to disinfect, but you must be very careful that all the residue is well and truly gone before filling.
Deciding What to Purchase
When it comes to purchasing pumps and filters, you need to have a good idea of how much water you're looking to move and what plants and animals will occupy the environment. Their needs will determine what you need. You may or may not require a protein skimmer, sump pump or any manner of specialized equipment that is commonly found with salt water aquarium set-ups.
It is often best to use more than one method of filtration to make sure you're covering all the bases, especially if one gets fouled up. Some systems require bubblers to increase the oxygen levels. Be sure you over-estimate the needs of the tank to make sure you're prepared for the inevitable days when things get a little away from you for whatever reason.
Testing Equipment
While you probably will be able to reuse that thermometer, there are quite a few more items of salt water aquarium equipment you'll be routinely checking for, such as salinity (inferred with a hydrometer), nitrates, carbon dioxide and other dissolved solutes. Be sure it's all in good working order before you bet your tank's life on it.
In case of sickness, you'll want to keep a small quarantine tank on hand so you can medicate one fish instead of them all, if necessary. Keeping the correct salt water aquarium equipment on hand will help you keep you little world healthy and happy.
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