Brief History and Components of a Saltwater Fish Tank

A saltwater fish tank is used for keeping live marine fish – meaning those used to living in high salinity waters. Keeping marine fish as personal pets became popular in the 1950s when marine fish were kept in rectangular glass tanks holding saltwater that were taken along the local beaches. Aquariums were fitted with large air compressors and frequently filtered and exposed to air in order to get saturated with oxygen.

Due to the presence of harmful organisms and pollutants in the natural seawater, the invention of manmade salt mixes came about and marine fish were no longer confined to beach areas. Filtration processes saw development in the form of trickle and hang-on filters. And Jäger invented the revolutionizing underwater electric heater, which maintains a constant temperature in the tank according to the need of the fish species.

Selecting Synthetic Salt Mixes for Saltwater Fish Tank

While selecting a synthetic salt mix for a saltwater fish tank, the primary factor to consider is that the salt mix closely resembles the composition of natural seawater. The presence of several major and minor elements and compounds, in appropriate proportion, is necessary for the healthy survival of the marine fish.

These include chlorine, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, potassium, bromine, boron, strontium, and silicon. Other important elements are trace elements, occurring in very small proportion but still important for the fish’s health. These include iodine, copper, manganese, iron, cobalt, molybdenum, chromium, and fluorine plus other minor trace elements.

Size of a Saltwater Fish Tank

The appropriate size of a tank depends on the availability of space for the aquarium, the period of alteration required to keep the pet fish healthy, cost of the tank, and also a matter of personal choice. In general, a large saltwater fish tank is preferable to a small one. The reason is that a large tank takes more time to be altered and refreshed than a small one and hence needs less daily maintenance. Further, the difference of cost between setting up a larger and a smaller tank is not so wide. Hobbyists recommend tanks of at least fifty-five gallons.

Starting Your Saltwater Fish Tank

To start a saltwater fish tank for the first time, mind a few basic things of practical utility. First of all, don’t think big if you do not have a big pocket. Start with a few inexpensive fish. Damsels are tolerant to a wide range of water conditions and are thus ideal for beginner marine fish keepers. Fish like grammas, basslets, and hawkfishes should be tried only when you have sufficient understanding of and experience with marine fish keeping.

Make sure the fish you are buying are not ill: sick fish will demand greater care than perhaps you might be able to afford. Also, when choosing the aquarium, buy the largest affordable fish tank. Glass tanks are preferable in that they do not scratch as readily as acrylic tanks. Plate glass tanks are more common than tempered glass ones, though the latter are stronger in composition, and acrylic tanks do not shatter as readily as glass but are easily scratched.