Photo by Steven A. Wilson 



Clown anemonefish do well in saltwater tanks 



decay and deplete the oxygen. 



Maintenance is minimal for the 

 brackish aquarium. Once the tank has 

 been completely filled with water, 

 creatures and decorations, mark the 

 water level. Any water lost to evapora- 

 tion can be replaced with aged tap 

 water. At least once a month, replace a 

 quarter of the water with more 

 brackish water, either collected or 

 mixed up. This addition of water im- 

 proves the water quality by dilution in 

 addition to stabilizing the pH and 

 replacing any trace elements used up 

 by the inhabitants. 



Marine aquarium 



Most of the inhabitants of a marine 

 system are sensitive to changes in 

 salinity and water quality, so these 

 variables must be monitored. The 

 following equipment is necessary to set 

 up a marine aquarium: 



• Aquarium — choose at least a 20- 

 gallon or 50-gallon, all-glass tank with 

 no metal parts at all. A cover, with or 

 without a light, will reduce the amount 

 of water lost to evaporation and pre- 

 vent salt water from splashing onto 

 furniture, floors and electrical cords or 

 outlets. Position the tank on a very 

 sturdy stand or table away from direct 

 drafts and sunlight. The chosen spot 

 should also be a permanent one 

 because the tank won't be portable 

 once filled; sea water weighs approx- 

 imately eight and a half pounds per 

 gallon. 



• Filter — an under-gravel filter in- 

 side and/or a pump-circulating filter 

 attached to the outside of the tank are 

 necessary. The under-gravel filter is 

 important because it removes organic 

 waste material, and the pump cir- 

 culates water. The more circulation 

 you have the better. 



• Bottom material — use enough cal- 

 careous gravel for a layer two to three 

 inches thick on the bottom. Crushed 

 oyster shell, which is available at most 

 feed stores, is excellent. Gravel must 

 not be small enough to fall through 

 openings in the filter. Rinse well before 

 using to remove dust and debris. 



• Decorations — clean seashells, 

 corals, non-porous rocks and artificial 

 plants are suitable for the marine 

 aquarium, if used sparingly. If using 

 seashells, check often for decaying 

 material that may get trapped in open- 

 ings. Do not use any metal objects or 

 objects with any metal on them 



because metal in salt water is usually 

 toxic to the inhabitants. 



• Water — you can use natural sea 

 water or artificial sea salt mix. You 

 need sea water as pure as possible, so 

 collect it when the tide is coming in to 

 lessen your chances of getting contami- 

 nants. Filter all natural water through 

 a funnel with dacron floss. Then store 

 in containers with covers, undisturbed, 

 for at least two weeks. This process 



will kill most microorganisms and 

 algae. Aerate the water before you use 

 it. If using an artificial sea-salt mix, 

 mix according to package directions 

 with aged tap water. 



• Hydrometer — an inexpensive in- 

 strument that can be used to measure 

 salinity, it is available at most tropical 

 fish shops and biological supply 

 houses. Salinity levels must remain 

 fairly constant in the marine 

 aquarium. A level of 30-35 parts per 

 thousand is recommended. 



Before stocking the marine 

 aquarium, you need to culture the 

 filter to bring bacteria into the system. 

 These bacteria will use the waste given 

 off by the inhabitants. If not removed, 

 this waste could be poisonous. The 

 easiest culture method is to obtain a 

 cup of gravel from a healthy marine 



aquarium and spread this gravel over 

 the gravel in your aquarium. 



The tank is now ready for several 

 hardy species, such as small blue crabs, 

 hermit crabs or sea bass, which will 

 provide waste material for the filter. In 

 about three weeks, you can add other 

 species that have either been collected 

 or purchased. Several species suitable 

 for a brackish-water aquarium, such as 

 mummichogs, killifish, eels and star- 



fish, are also excellent choices for the 

 marine tank. Rock bass, toadfish and 

 small flounders are easy marine species 

 to collect, and bivalves live reasonably 

 well for a short time. Consider 

 purchasing some of the exotic marine 

 tropical species, such as the angelfish, 

 butterfly fish and anemonefish, which 

 exhibit brilliant colors. Avoid 

 seaweeds, algae and some sponges as 

 they don't survive and easily foul the 

 tank. 



Marine aquarium creatures should 

 be fed twice a day, with all uneaten 

 food removed to prevent decay. Live 

 foods, such as brine shrimp or whole 

 earthworms, and prepared dried foods 

 are excellent. If you get ambitious and 

 want to "grow" you own foods, check 

 the references for information on rais- 

 Continued on next page 



"You have to maintain the system very carefully 

 and check it frequently" 



— Bob Goldstein 



