Beginner Information on Saltwater Aquariums

Saltwater systems, also called marine systems, need (you guessed it) saltwater.  The most popular saltwater fish come from tropical waters near coral reefs.  Saltwater systems can be very beautiful and show many vibrant colors, but this beauty comes at a cost.  Saltwater systems can be quite expensive.

Typically, the salt water used in a marine system is made by mixing a commercial sea salt mix with fresh, dechlorinated tap water.  A strong filtration system is needed in a marine aquarium in order to keep the water’s oxygen level high and ammonia levels low.  This is of vital importance in a saltwater set up.  Inadequate filtration can lead to many problems, including a complete die-off in a saltwater aquarium.

Saltwater systems can be broken down into the following subsystems:

1. Coldwater Marine- Used for fish and invertebrates that are native to cooler areas.


2. Tropical Marine- These contain attractive fish from coral reef areas.  This is the most common marine set up.


3. Reef System- Houses invertebrates such as scallops, anemones and corals.  A reef system may also house tropical fish.  This is the most expensive and difficult type to maintain. (Also the most beautiful).  If you are just starting off you may want to start with a fish only tank.

Brackish Systems

A brackish system is the most uncommon of three basic types of aquariums.  Put basically, a brackish system simulates the areas where freshwater and saltwater meet.  The water is too salty to be considered freshwater and not salty enough to be considered saltwater.

Brackish water fish are more expensive than freshwater fish, are not as readily available.  They are typically not as attractive as saltwater fish either.  Most plants can not tolerate the salinity of the brackish system.  Starting off I would strongly suggest sticking with a straight freshwater or saltwater aquarium.

Regardless of what type of system you choose the trick to being successful is to stay organized and have a plan.  When setting up a system, make a list of everything that you are going to need to get started.  Also, keep a written log for maintenance.  Record items such as your water parameters (pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, etc.), dates that fish were added to the system (including species, size, and where you bought them from) and the dates that filter maintenance was performed.  This way, if you have problems you can always look back and see where changes occurred and figure out how to resolve them and avoid them in the future.