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People love the companionship of pets. Pets tend to have a symbiotic relationship with people and although they tend to be self-sufficient (cats, hamsters, etc…) so long as you provide an environment they can thrive in and provide the essentials of life they can’t get on their own. Some pets take more work than others to take care of but one of the nice things about fish and aquariums are that other than having to clean the tank once a month, feeding them daily, and allowing a filtering system to clean the water automatically, they are essentially worry free.
One thing that makes fish a lot of fun is that you can build and maintain, even change their environment whenever you want to change its appeal (to both you and the fish). Human nature states that we’re creative beings with the ability to manifest what we want through cause and effect. A fish, however, simply lives in the environment, a non sentient being that requires us to take care of it. This symbiotic relationship mean that we need each other and can provide one another some relaxation and intrigue. A fish can be an intriguing pet, but as a care taker we not only are required to make sure the fish can survive in his new aquarium, but we can also build it for our own pleasure, eye candy and meditative calm.
Although the aquarium is designed to assure the fish survives and is happy, it’s built as much for our enjoyment as it is for the fish. This means that building an aquarium can be a great therapeutic tool, a way to teach children responsibility, and to bring a new dimension to a room, bringing life and beauty together. There’s just something cool about a fish tank that makes people want to look and observe the simple life of a fish. There are many types of fish to choose from, some are friendly towards other fish, some with only specific non predatory fish, and others must be alone.
When choosing what type of fish you want, you need to consider how much your willing to put into taking care of the fish. There are many species of fish that require nothing more than a cleaning system (filter for the water) and a thorough cleaning monthly (rocks, internal components of the scenery in the tank), maybe even bi-weekly depending on the fish and the amount of fish in the tank. There are also fish that require a specific environment such as water with salt in it (saltwater fish), a specific balance of chemicals in the water, a consistent temperature (cold or warm), and others that require special care that goes far beyond just set it and forget it until the cleaning.
It’s best to do your homework on the fish you want BEFORE you start figuring out what kind of tank you want. If you get the wrong tank, it is more difficult to get the water balanced correctly and you could kill the fishes. Fish are fascinating, and you may want to start out with the easy type to take care of and a small tank. You can evolve into the different types of fish, but be sure to get different tanks for different fish that require specific environmental controls as stated above. There is much to learn about fish. They are not just benign creatures, they are full of life and experience emotions just like we do. Learning about fish is a wonderful experience, and the fish depends on you for it’s happiness.
Before you go, I have more detailed specifications on the Red Sea Max 250. It’s a great reef aquarium with plenty of room to grow.
One thing that is a requirement in this life is to have companions to talk to, enjoy the company of, and to share ideas with. Although sometimes finding the human variety is not so easy and if your in a small town where everyone you know is very busy, you may want to find a new kind of companion: a pet. Pets bring us joy and give us the opportunity to exploit our love of taking care of something and bringing a better life to an otherwise ordinary fish, for example.
If your just bored and want something interesting to do, or your having a problem dealing with social anxiety, you can at least help yourself to feel a bit social, in practice, by purchasing a fish and talking to it. By taking care of a fish, especially if you like a challenge and want to get a salt water fish (which take a great deal more to take care of it) you can move your mind in a better thought stream. In a way the simplicity of a fishes life can reflect upon you the awareness that no matter how complicated life gets, how anxious you feel, everything will always work out.
If you simply want a hobby that is rewarding and meditative, even therapeutic; then purchasing an aquarium can be a great deal of fun and rewarding. When purchasing an aquarium there are many things to be aware of first. First you need to take into consideration what your goal is. Do you want one small stand alone fish? Do you want a school of fish? How about several different fish that get along?
You should think ahead about 6 months and ask yourself if you want a bigger tank (so you can get more fish and spend less money up front vs purchasing a small tank then later having to upgrade it) or just a small tank and a few small fish to take care of. If your undecided the best thing to do is to get the smaller tank so you can get a feel of how you like having a fish and taking care of one.
A larger tank is going to take more work. Once or twice a month you will have to take everything out of the water: rocks, fixtures, filters, fish, and anything else submerged in order to clean them off and put it all together again. This can take from one hour to several and is a bit tedious until you develop a system to do it efficiently.
If you like having a lot of fish or some exotic fish that need a lot of room, then the bigger tank is the best option. If you just want a small tank and a humble fish that is easy to take care of (or to get used to the idea and ease into owning a fish) with just one beta or similar “pretty” fish, then the small tank is best. Within the sizes there are many types of tanks from small fish bowls to rectangular medium sized (and cool to look at) tanks.
Whatever you decide, you will find that taking care of a fish is a rewarding experience. Many think that taking care of a fish is good luck, others love to have water flowing in the rooms of the home for feng shui (water elements). Just reading up on the ownership of a fish can be a fantastic experience. It’s a great cure for loneliness and boredom respectively!
Before you go, make sure to check out Red Sea Max and their full line of reef aquariums.
If you own a reef aquarium the importance of regular maintenance can not be over-emphasized. If you want to be successful with your hobby you have to invest time and money on the proper care of your tank. Reef keeping must be done to protect the environment you have developed for all of your inhabitants. To keep them healthy and happy, regular cleaning must be done to your tank. This also includes maintaining the quality of the water and testing it on a regular basis to make sure it is perfect for your environment. Once your tank is set up and has the proper ammonia level, nitrate level, you are ready for daily tasks.
*Daily tasks*
You will need to do these checks every day. They don’t take long at all and will let you understand how the system works as a whole
Top Off Your Tank
Use fresh water and not salt water. Make sure your SG is consistent with an automated solution system. These can be purchased or home built.
Check the Temperature
Heaters can fail and you always want to make sure your heater is working properly. Top off your water at the same temperature as your tank indicates. This will help to protect your environment and will not “shock” your creatures. The target range is 76-82 degrees F. The key is consistency.
Take Some Time and Observe Your Inhabitants
Watch your livestock and see the activity in your reef aquarium world. Are your fish active and free of disease? Are your polyps open? Is your cleanup crew doing their job? Enjoy yourself and take a look around your creation.
*Weekly tasks*
Each of these should be done every week to keep the environment fresh.
Detritus removal
This is a difficult task for your clean up crew and so you will have to use the “turkey baster” method to clean and remove particles. You can blow the stuff out of cracks and into the water column so you can remove it when your change the water.
Clean Your protein skimmer
Take the collection cup and make sure to do a good job cleaning any particles and debris.
Time for a Water Change
Ten to twenty percent of the water should be changed each week. This will assure a fresh supply of mineral with your salt mix. This will also help to facilitate the removal of feces, uneaten food, and reduce the level of nitrates. This will make your tank look good.
Take Water Quality Tests
Make sure to do the proper water test for your tank. After all you have done all of this work up to this point so do not stop now. Check on the following items: Calcium, Magnesium, Ph, Alkalinity dKH, temperature, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphates.
*Monthly tasks*
Here are some task you should be performing on your reef aquarium on a Monthly basis.
Check All Pumps
This is the perfect time to check power heads, remove any debris, and to make sure everything is running smoothly. Remember a malfunctioning pump can severely impact the temperature of your reef.
Cut Back Corals
If your corals are thriving and growing try your hand at fragging some of your corals and trading them with friends and other hobbyists in your local area.
Remove Nuisance Algae
You may have to move some rocks and other fixtures but it is a good time to clean the algae so it does not get out of hand and ugly looking.
*Annual tasks*
Every year you should check or replace most of the equipment in your system to prevent failures.
Check pumps, lights, and thermometers. There should be no cracks, breaking, or weak parts. Replacing them early will save you money in the long term.
Use your judgment for all of the tasks and feel free to do them more frequently if you feel the need.
Before you go, I have more detailed specifications on the Red Sea Max 250. It’s a great reef aquarium with plenty of room to grow.
Having a reef aquarium can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Saltwater tanks can be filled with animals and foliage that are bright, colorful and easy to care for. It is important to start off with the right type of equipment in order to make sure that you do not become frustrated. If you are interested in starting out on the right track with your new reef aquarium, read on for more details below.
Step 1:
Buy the right size aquarium: Most people tend to buy aquariums that are too small. In just a short time, they are often back at the pet store to upgrade to a bigger size. By purchasing at least a 55 gallon aquarium, you will avoid having to come back to the store for a larger size. In addition, you will find that you will have a much easier time of maintaining the various ph and salinity levels with a larger tank.
Step 2:
Buy the right stand for your aquarium: Most people do not think about where they will place their reef aquariums until they are home. It is important to remember that 55 gallon aquariums that are filled are extremely heavy, weighing it at over 550 pounds. For this reason, you will want a sturdy stand that will keep your tank level and even. Make sure that the stand is out of direct sunlight to ensure that the temperature does not fluctuate too greatly.
Step 3:
Buy quality rock and sand: You will need to make sure that you buy reef sand that is specially designed for saltwater tanks. Buying high quality sand and rock will add to the quality of the water inside your tank. Conversely, by purchasing substandard materials, the health of your saltwater tank will suffer dramatically.
Step 4:
Buy enough rock and sand: This is one area of reef aquarium set up that you do not want to skimp on. Having a solid and thick layer of suitable sand and rock will help to make sure that your fish have places to hide and that your coral is able to put down the foundation and stability that they need.
Step 5:
Buy the right lighting equipment: You will need to make sure that you buy the right lighting equipment that will keep your reef aquarium healthy and beautiful. You will also want to make sure that you can afford to light the aquarium with the type of equipment that you are using.
Step 6:
Buy the right salt for your aquarium: You will need to buy the right kind of salt that will allow you to maintain your aquarium and its health. Also check on what levels of salt each animal needs so you can make sure to buy enough salt.
Step 7:
Buy the right equipment for water flow: You will need to have at least 550 gallons of water flow in order to make sure that your tank stays healthy. This can be accomplished by buying the right kinds of power-heads for your reef aquarium.
Step 8:
Buy the right type of heater for your aquarium: The right size and type of heater will depend on how large your aquarium is. You will need to make sure that the heater is large enough so that it can provide the necessary heat for the entire aquarium, not just the top few inches. Otherwise, your coral reefs and fish will not thrive.
Before you go, I have the detailed specifications on the Red Sea Max 130 aquarium. It’s a great one for getting started with reef aquariums.
The proper lighting for a reef aquarium remains the most critical issue of maintaining and having a successful tank that will provide life for all aspects of the environment. The proper light intensity is needed for reef corals to live and grow. The photosynthesis levels of the tank is crucial for your coral to live. Your goal is to have your reef inhabitants use an almost natural lighting environment. You must have the right timed light exposure and the proper intensity as well as light spectrum if you are to be successful with your aquarium. This will provide your reef creatures with the greatest chance to grow and flourish.
For a reef aquarium lighting is expressed in watts per gallon. This is simply the amount of light power that is dissipated over the aquarium tank. For low light corals, the lighting should be between four and six watts per gallon of water. Light loving reefs should be bathed with ten watts of light per gallon because they require a higher light intensity.
If you want your reef life to get the proper lighting you should use a multiple light system with timer controls to vary the number of light and the intensity of light they will receive. This will provide a natural-like system that re-creates a natural sunlight environment like when the sun moves through the sky. This is one of the best ways to insure success with your own reef set up.
The two most common lighting solutions used for the reef aquarium are fluorescent and metal halide. Fluorescent lighting is cheaper and works well for those aquarium that are not deep. For deeper aquariums the intensity of fluorescent lighting is not enough, you might need metal halide. You will need to consider your own tank and decide which lighting will be correct.
Fluorescent lighting is available in many types and will last a long time. You may want to consider the new Power Compacts which produces a greater light intensity and will help your aquarium growth. These have a life span of up to two years and are economical to purchase.
The most intense lighting is metal halide. If your reef aquarium tank is deep that is a much better option because this lighting can penetrate depths beyond twenty inches. Metal halide can also help to beautify your tank by producing sparkling glitter lines. This is a nice attractive feature of the metal halide lighting that your do not achieve with fluorescent lighting.
The technology of lighting is getting better and they are now much more energy-efficient than ever before. This will save you money and energy costs. Because lighting is so crucial for your tank you should spend any extra money you have on good lighting choices. This will pay dividends for the success of your tank and will provide you with hours of joy and amusement. It would be in your best interest to do some reading and research into the lighting process with a reef tank.
The best thing a beginner can do is talk with your local dealer, talk with other owners, and do some research and reading about the subject. If you find the opportunity, join an interest group where you can learn from others about the techniques that work for a reef aquarium. Knowledge and education are your best friends when it comes time to explore this great hobby.
Before you go, make sure to check out the Red Sea Max aquariums.
A reef aquarium is different from a traditional saltwater fish tank because it contains a truly fascinating addition. This addition is the live coral that you can buy and place in your fish tank. With their vivid colors and gently swaying movements, you will find that the addition of live coral to your tank will bring it a special beauty. In the past, keeping coral reefs in a saltwater fish tank has provided a challenge for many beginning aquarium owners.
Like many other types of products, there have been advances that make owing a reef aquarium much easier so that even a beginner can enjoy the beauty and depth that a coral reef can offer to their aquarium. However, there are still a few hardy coral reefs that are just right for a beginner to use.
Most of the coral reefs listed below are tolerant of light conditions that do not required an expensive and complicated lighting system to maintain. The listed coral reefs also tend to be fast growing and easy to care for. This means that, in many instances, you will need to do little to encourage your coral reef to grow and expand. For more information, read on below.
Mushroom corals: These coral reefs make an ideal addition to a beginners reef aquarium. Mushroom coral are very striking in the appearance that gives them their names. This is because they come in a wide range of colors that will grow quite well in lower light conditions. You will not need to invest in an expensive lighting system in order to enjoy long living coral reefs that grow quickly.
Bubble corals: A large and stony polyped coral, known also as LPS by people from within the hobby, bubble corals also thrive in lower light conditions. In addition, they are noted for their ease of care and the fact that they eat solid foods. Bubble coral comes in green, white and tan. By mixing the different colors, you will be able to have a unique arrangement of colorful and easy to care for coral in your saltwater fish tank. They should not be located in an area that enjoys a high flow of water or the might not open fully. Other members of the LPS family are also pretty and easy to care as well.
Green star polyp coral: With their impressive neon green coloring and the fact that they need to be located in an area of active water flow, these coral reefs make the perfect addition any beginners reef aquarium. In addition to their eye catching neon green coloring, green star polyp coral also looks quite impressive with their unique star shapes that will add a depth and beauty to your saltwater fish tank. They grow very well in medium light and will often grow so quickly that they spread along the back of your aquarium.
Soft corals: Because these corals are very quick to grow and easy to care for, they make a great addition to any beginner’s reef aquarium. They add a rhythmic movement that is slow and mesmerizing to your aquarium. Soft corals are also tolerant of different water conditions and will find medium light to their liking as well. You do need to be aware that these corals eat solid food as well.
Before you go, I have the detailed specifications on the Red Sea Max 130 aquarium. It’s a great one for getting started with reef aquariums.
A Red Sea Max 130 reef tank kit comes with all of the mechanical parts needed to set your own personal coral reef system at home. In case you’ve forgotten, that includes the water filtration and circulation parts, lights, and hood/cover. It does not include the reef base or water treatment chemicals, as you have to buy those separate. You also need to buy a stand for the aquarium or you can use a sturdy shelf you already own.
The water filtration and circulation systems will look complex at first, but if you follow the installation instructions they are easy to put together. Once they are set up, the maintenance is pretty low.
- Skimmer - this part has a grill and helps to remove organic waste before it decomposes in the water.
- Filter sponge - this is a simple sponge that goes around the water filter to keep larger particles from clogging it. I like to think of it as the first stage of the filter
- Chiller pump - this helps control the water temperature of the Red Sea Max 130 but cooling it before it cycles back to the tank
- Heater pump - opposite of the chiller pump, this will heat the water temperature. Both it and the chiller pump are calibrated from the thermostat control
The Red Sea Max 130 lights are built-in to the hood to provide the best angle of light. There are blue LED lights for your use and two 55 watt T5 lamps to light and heat the tank. Don’t worry about buying the bulbs though, two are included in the kit. The hood itself has three opening options to provide excellent access while keeping your tank safe. The first option is for the protein skimmer, you can watch the skimmer and provide maintenance without removing the hood. The second option is to flip the front portion open. This allows you to feed your fish, test your water, or maintain the lights. It is similar to freshwater tank hood access. The third option is for aquascaping your tank. The lid lifts up and sits at an angle so that it still provides light but you can still reach in and work on the tank.
Before you go, make sure to check out Red Sea Max and their full line of reef aquariums.
As reef aquariums become more popular, aquarium companies are making it even easier to get started. You don’t even have to have a large area dedicated for your reef tank anymore, some tanks are as small as 2.5 gallons and can fit on your computer desk. But small tanks aren’t the only option for kits. There are normal size tank kits available too, such as the Red Sea Max 130.
The smallest reef tank kit available is a pico reef. These reef aquariums are smaller than 2.5 gallons. These tank are often too small to have even one fish, so it is only for those who want to keep small coral reefs. They are also very difficult to keep due to the small amount of water. Reef tanks require a very specific water chemistry and the size of these tanks means even a tiny mistake can become hazardous for your reef.
The next size tank kit is the nano reef. There is a bit of a disagreement about the size of them, some hobbyists say that any tank under 40 gallons is a nano tank while others say it is under 30 gallons. The majority of the hobbyists say are in the under 30 group so that’s what will be listed here. These nano reef tanks are one reason reef aquariums are becoming more popular. These tanks are often cheaper to get started with and the smaller size makes it easier to take care of them. These tanks are small but not so small that you couldn’t have a few fish as well as your reef.
Next up is the full size reef tank. These tanks actually vary in size from 34 gallons and up. It is harder to find kits for these size tanks, but it is possible. One such kit is the Red Sea Max 130. It is a 34 gallon tank and it comes with the mechanical parts needed to get started. If you wanted to buy everything at once, you would have to purchase the Red Sea Max 130 starter kit separately. It includes the reef base and chemicals needed to balance the water chemistry of your tank.
Before you go, I have the detailed specifications on the Red Sea Max 130D aquarium. It’s a great one for getting started with reef aquariums.
You remember watching your pet goldfish swim for hours as a child? Now, as an adult, you want fish again but you want something more fascinating and difficult to keep. Maybe you have heard about reef aquariums from a friend or magazine and think you are up for the challenge. But reef aquariums are an entirely different animal (pun intended) and you have no idea where to start.
First things first, read all you can about reef aquariums. Reef tanks can be very difficult to keep because they require so much care. They have exact water requirement, if you are even the smallest bit off with the water chemistry then your animals can become ill. Once you’ve done all the reading you can and you’re sure you want to invest the time and money into it, then it’s time to get everything started.
While doing your reading, you probably came across something that listed all the different parts of a reef tank. Normally, buying and setting the tank up would be the most time-consuming part of reef care but thanks to all in one kits like the ones from Red Sea Max aquariums, that is not the case anymore. Red Sea Max aquariums are reef tank sets that come with all of the mechanical parts needed to make the tank healthy. They include the filter, the sump equipment, lights, and hood.
Another thing you need to purchase is the chemicals and reef base. Like I said earlier, the chemicals are used with plain tap water to make an environment for your fish and coral you put into the tank. The reef base is a type of substrate that you use at the bottom of the tank, it’s like sand only larger and full of healthy minerals. You can buy both the chemicals and reef base separately but Red Sea Max has a reef starter kit with everything you need. I’d recommend getting this kit, especially if you are getting a tank from them too.
A good thing to keep in mind when buying a reef tank is size and Red Sea Max offers two different sizes, a 130 total liter (34 gallons) and a 250 total liter (60 gallons) size. Each of the tank sets come with similar mechanical parts, the 250 tank has more or larger pieces compared to the 130 tank. Really the only difference is size and which one you choose is up to you. You might also want to plan out which coral and fish you want to put into the tank, that way you can get one that is properly sized for them.
Before you go, I have the detailed specifications on the Red Sea Max 130D aquarium. It’s a great one for getting started with reef aquariums.
Fish are becoming more popular as pets, mainly because they are low maintenance compared to cats or dogs. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have to take care of them however. How much time you will have to spend caring for your fish depends on the type of aquarium you have. There are three type of aquariums; fish only aquariums, fish and live rock aquariums, and reef aquariums. Many people are familiar with the first two, they are the typical low-maintenance aquariums that many people begin with. Let’s focus on reef aquariums for a bit.
Reef aquariums are more complex than other types but it isn’t that complicated than the standard fish tank once you see what is involved. Reef aquariums are meant to be as similar to an actual coral reef habitat as possible, so it needs to be a mirror of that ecosystem. Typical reef aquariums will include:
- glass tank where your fish will live
- stand to keep the tank supported above the ground
- sump tank that houses mechanical equipment like filters and water circulators
- lights and canopy so you can see inside the tank and also to keep the aquarium heated
A good brand of reef tank is the Red Sea Max. There are three models available. The first and smallest model is the Red Sea Max 130. It is a 34 gallon tank (130 liters) that comes with all of the tank parts needed to set it up. You do have to buy the stand separate, you can either buy one from Red Sea Max or use a very sturdy shelf that you already own. If you are really determined to start your reef tank today, you can also purchase a starter kit from Red Sea Max as well. It includes all of the chemicals needed to keep your reef healthy and thriving. There is also a Red Sea Max 130D model. It is very similar to the 130 model, but has enhanced skimming and filtration abilities. The last model of Red Sea Max aquariums is the 250. This tank is similar to the 130 and 130D but is almost twice the size. It is 66 total gallons (250 liters).
If you are interesting in having an unique aquarium and are willing to put in some work into it, try out a reef aquarium. The Red Sea Max models are easy to get started with and will give you years of easy maintenance reef-keeping.
Before you go, make sure to check out Red Sea Max and their full line of reef aquariums.