The vast majority of saltwater aquarium hobbyists choose to keep fish and invertebrates that were collected on and around tropical coral reefs. Thus, if they want to keep their marine livestock alive and thriving, it’s essential that they maintain tropical…
Set Up a Saltwater Aquarium
The What and When of Feeding Saltwater Fish
Feeding time is one of the most rewarding aspects of keeping saltwater fish. Let’s face it, fish don’t exactly reciprocate affection the way dogs and cats do. The closest we can really get to interacting with them is when we…
5 Ways to Save Money When Starting a Marine Aquarium
A top-of-mind concern for virtually every first-time saltwater aquarium keeper is the high price tag that can accompany marine systems. And there’s no question that the saltwater aquarium hobby can get pricey. Every piece of equipment you shop for produces…
Saltwater Aquarium Water Change: a Maintenance Cornerstone
When it comes to maintaining exceptional water quality and healthy, vibrant livestock, marine aquarium hobbyists have no greater ally than the humble water change. No filter, skimmer, reactor, ozonizer, UV sterilizer, or any other “izer” should be considered a substitute…
How to Cycle Your Saltwater Tank
Before any aquarium can support livestock, whether fish or invertebrates, it must be completely “cycled”—another way of saying that biofiltration must be fully established in the system. Sounds good, but what on earth does that mean? A system is considered…
The Lowdown on Live Rock
“Live rock”: It’s one of the first terms new saltwater aquarium hobbyists hear—and one of the first times (of many) they may find themselves scratching their heads in bewilderment. Let’s clear up the confusion! What on earth is live rock?…
Quarantine Tank: A Crucial Part of Aquarium Success
When it comes to stocking a saltwater aquarium, there is one irrefutable truth every hobbyist must learn and take to heart—introducing livestock to a display tank without quarantining it first is a surefire recipe for failure. Trust your friends here…
Protein Skimming: Bubble Your Way to Better Water Quality
Saltwater aquarium hobbyists today have a dizzying array of devices, doodads, and doohickeys at their disposal for improving water quality and maintaining appropriate water parameters. Some of these items are essential for aquarium success, while others might be more appropriately…
4 Marine Fish Compatibility Blunders to Avoid
The realm of human interaction can be remarkably complicated. But generally speaking, as long as certain social conventions and legal constraints are observed, most people will manage to coexist in peace and seldom resort to violence. Only in cases of…
A Step-by-Step Guide to Mixing Saltwater
The foundation of any saltwater aquarium is, of course, the salt water itself, and through your time in this wonderful hobby, you’ll be mixing up plenty of it! You’ll need it when you first fill your aquarium and quarantine tank,…