Saltwater Aquarium Set Up - 10 Easy Steps

A reef aquarium provides a lovely focal point to a room and makes for a fascinating hobby. It will need a little more maintenance than a freshwater aquarium but the beauty of a well set up reef aquarium more than makes up for the extra attention needed. We have outlined the steps needed to successfully set up your new reef aquarium.

Choosing Your Tank

Decide where your new aquarium will be located and what size you will need. Buy the largest tank you can afford and will fit in the space you have designated. A larger tank will be easier to maintain. Next decide between glass and acrylic. Glass is heavier and is more inclined to spring leaks. Acrylic tanks are lighter, very rarely leak but can be easily scratched. They also come in many more shapes than glass aquariums. The traditional rectangular shape is still the easiest to maintain as it has the largest water to surface ration. Buy a reef ready tank that is already drilled for an internal overflow.

Choose the Lighting

If you intend to keep corals in your tank choose metal halide lighting. A 250 watt bulb is suitable for most aquariums. If you have a deeper aquarium you will need a 400w bulb. One bulb for each 2-3 feet of tank will be adequate. Lamps range from 6500 kelvin to 20000 kelvin the higher number having a bluer color. Which one you choose depends on your preference as corals will grow well at all ranges. Fluorescent bulbs are also available and many people choose to have one metal halide and one fluorescent bulb.

Install the Filter

You will need a protein skimmer. Buy the best you can afford and one that is rated for a larger tank as they are often underated so a skimmer sold for a 200 gallon tank may only be adequate for a 100 gallon tank. Needle wheel skimmers are probably the best choice. The filters sold for freshwater aquariums are not suitable for a reef aquarium.

Install the Pump

Buy a saltwater rated pump and install it to transfer water from the sump to the tank. To ensure an adequate flow additional external pumps or powerhead pumps should also be installed. Do not skimp on this as corals need a vigorous flow to thrive.

Install the Heater and/or Chiller

Place your heater in the rear chamber or sump. If you live in an area that has hot summers a chiller will prevent overheating.

Test the Tank For Leaks

Fill the tank with water and turn on the pumps. Check carefully for leaks and seal any that appear. For glass aquariums use a silicone sealant specially made for aquariums. Acrylic tanks are unlikely to leak. Discard the water.

Prepare the Saltwater

Make the saltwater. Buy a good brand of aquarium sea salt and use a Reverse Osmosis or a Reverse Osmosis/Deionisation filter. A Reverse Osmosis system is essential to ensure the water is correct. You cannot just use tap water. Make a sand bed up to about 5 inches then carefully add the saltwater to the tank, turn on the pumps and and allow to stand for about a day to allow the pumps to clear the carbon dioxide from the water.

Add Live Rocks

Arrange your live rocks on the sand bed. You can add live rocks up to about 20% of the tanks volume an let the tank cycle. You will need to test for ammonia and nitrite levels during this time. Live rock contains enough organic matter to start off the cycle. Check the salinity frequently and ensure it stays within 1.023 to 1.026. Top up the tank with more prepared water as evaporation occurs. Algae blooms may occur during this time and are normal.

Add the Snails and Fish

Once the ammonia and nitrite levels are down to 0 it is time to add small hermit crabs, snails, and fish. Most aquarists wait a few months to add live coral as a mature tank is needed for their optimum growth. Once algae blooms subside and the live rock is growing adequately you can add coral.

Enjoy Your New Saltwater Aquarium

Now that your tank is set up and your fish, rocks and coral are thriving you can sit back and enjoy its beauty. Make sure you test the water regularly for ammonia, nitrites, alkalinity and calcium levels and ensure the temperature stays within an acceptable range.

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