Thousands of new saltwater aquaria were born yesterday, as people across the country gave and received fish tanks for Christmas. Whether a “Nemo” tank for the kids, a predator tank for dad or a gorgeous reef for mom, all of these new systems have one thing in common—their success will depend on patience.
The single most important thing a marine aquarist can and should do is “go slow.” Very few things done on impulse or quickly end well in this hobby. Whether it’s taking the time to properly cycle your new tank or appropriately quarantining new arrivals, taking it slow is critical.
There will be many animals you want to add to your system based on the tank you envision having set-up and running next Christmas, but remember—that’s a whole year away. Do your research up-front. Establish a stocking list based on compatibility and budget. Then go slow.
Get online and join a good forum for marine aquarists (like the one here at Saltwaterfish.com). Join your local marine aquarium society. Hang out at local fish stores. Visit public aquaria. If you live near the ocean, go diving and snorkeling more. Everything you read, observe and learn will make you a better marine aquarist in the long run.
I know it’s so tempting to run out and stock your tank to the gills, but this will surely lead to disaster. Trust me, and you will have a marine aquarium to enjoy for years and years to come.
MY WIFE AND I HAVE A 65 GALLON TANK THAT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 14 MONTHS AND RECCENTLY WE HAVE BEEN HAVING BIG PROBLEMS WITH THE WATER---WE USE A MAGNUM 350 WITH THE POLISHING FILTER (PAPER STYLE)--AND ALSO USE A CASCADE 3 STAGE FILTER SYSTEM WE USE CULLIGAN WATER BUT THIS WEEK AFTER THE WATER CHANGE ONLY 2 DAYS AGO 20% CHANGE AND CLEANED AND RENEW THE FILTERS LIKE ALWAYS BUT THE WATER IS VERY CLOUDY AND GETTING WORSE---8 WEEKS AGO WE TREATED FOR BACTERIA INFECTION THIS TOOK 5 DAYS AND THEN BUSINESS LIKE NORMAL--THE TREATMENT HELP A LOT WE THOUGHT THE WATER LOOKED BETTER THAN BEFORE BUT NOW LIKE I SAID THE WATER IS GETTING CLOUDY AND ALL THE TESTS ARE AT NORMAL LEVELS--WHAT AM I DOING WRONG--ANY INPUT WOULD BE GREAT
Posted by: STEVE | January 01, 2009 at 07:24 PM