How to Setup An Advanced Home Aquarium
| Awhile ago, we showed you how to setup a basic aquarium. Kicking things up a notch, we look into setting up an advanced aquarium – specifically freshwater planted aquariums and marine aquariums. We’ll take a look at a few types of aquarium setups that involve extra attention along with the right product selection. Your knowledge of fish tanks will be that much bigger! |
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| Freshwater planted aquariums are the perfect setting to keep your fish in the most natural setting possible. Not all fish are plant-friendly – this must be kept in mind if choosing to setup a planted tank. Here are some helpful tips to get you moving in the right direction. |
| Strong lighting is vital to plant growth. Most planted aquariums thrive with at least 2-3 watts per gallon with an average of 8-10 hours of lighting per day. |
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| Flora Sun Maximum Plant Growth | Marineland Grounded Aquarium Light Timer |
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| Water changes become more important when your entire aquarium is practically alive. Even though plants absorb some of the waste your fish leave, both fish and plants can benefit from clean water. Plants also require additional nutrients that water does not contain. |
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| Central Aquatics Aqueon Water Conditioner | TetraPlant FloraPride Plant Fertilizer | TetraAqua Blackwater Extract |
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| Replicating planted environments also involves adding pieces of nature like wood. Here are a few helpful additions to add that finishing touch to your aquarium. Plants can be tied onto and eventually root into these pieces! |
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| Water Wonders Driftwood Plant Base | Mopani Wood 10-12” | Floating Aquarium Log – Large |
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| Circulation is vital to expanding the growth of your plants. These powerheads help keep the flow going for hours and hours! |
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| Marineland Maxi-Jet Power Head 1200 | PowerSweep 212 | Marineland Penguin Power Head 660R Reverse Flow |
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| Maintaining a marine aquarium can be considered something for the more advanced fish keepers to take on. Saltwater fish and corals look very appealing and colorful but keeping them healthy and vibrant is an adventure of its own. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when getting started. |
| Instead of using power filters, saltwater aquariums make use of protein skimmers. Utilizing bubbles, protein skimmers separate the waste that collects in your tank. A greater emphasis is placed on filtration for marine tanks as the oceans are much larger compared to natural freshwater environments. Adding live rock to your tank eases your filtration needs but a strong protein skimmer is still necessary. |
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| Visi-Jet-PS Protein Skimmer | SeaClone Protein Skimmer (100 gallon) |
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| Every water change you perform for a marine tank involves mixing salt every time. Marine salt is a vital part of making your tank hospitable for your fish. Measure twice and mix once! |
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| Reef Crystals Reef Salt | Instant Ocean Sea Salt |
| Make use of the Instant Ocean Full-Range Hydrometer that accurately measures the correct amount of salt mixture your tank needs. Instant Ocean Marine Conditioner should be added during water changes to help detoxify metals and harmful chemicals as well as promote healthy water conditions. |
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| Instant Ocean Full-Range Hydrometer | Instant Ocean Marine Conditioner |
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| A few steps are needed to properly get your marine tank off to a good start. First Defense NaH20-Pure helps your new fish adjust to their new environment by reducing their stress from being moved around in the plastic bag.Testing your water parameters is simple with the Instant Ocean Master Test Kit. Ensure your pH, Alkalinity, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate levels are where they should be. Are your fish possibly carrying disease? There will be no question marks with the Instant Ocean Lifeguard Marine Remedy tabs. |
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| First Defense NaH20-Pure | Instant Ocean Master Test Kit | Instant Ocean Lifeguard Marine Remedy |
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| When your fish have finally settled into their aquarium, their appetite will be restored. Keep their stomachs occupied with the following variety of food choices. |
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| Marine Pellets (Omnivore) | Marine Chips (Herbivore) | Brine Shrimp | Pacific Krill |