Saltwater Aquarium Equipment

There are certain useful - indeed, indispensable - accessories that an aquarist always needs at hand for everyday chores or the upkeep of the aquarium: a tool kit, in fact.

Thermometer
Absolutely essential. An alcohol thermometer, colored blue or red, is sufficiently precise, although variations of more than 1°C can be recorded between different thermometers. Although mercury thermometers are more precise, they are also a little more difficult to read. Whatever model is used, the thermometer is put into the water, away from the source of heating, to avoid being directly affected by its warmth. It can be attached to a weight, wedged into rocks, or stuck with a suction pad. External thermometers with liquid crystals have failed to convince most aquarists, as their precision is not reliable.

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Various models of thermometers are available, some in conjunction with a density meter. Not all have the same degree of precision.

Hydrometer
This is a vital instrument for monitoring the density of saltwater, i.e. the salt content.

Equipment For Analyzing Water
Several brands of simple tests, used to analyze water, are on the market. They generally work on the basis of a change in the color of the water, which must be compared with a scale printed on the packaging. They are sold separately or in complete kits, although it is possible to restock a basic product when it runs out, without having to buy the whole kit again.

Three tests are more or less obligatory in saltwater: carbonate hardness (CH), nitrites, and pH. There are other parameters that can also be monitored by small pieces of analysis equipment: nitrates, ammonia, oxygen, carbon dioxide, iron, and calcium (for marine invertebrate aquariums).

Landing Nets
These are obviously absolutely essential for catching moving animals. The size of the latter dictates the size of the net, along with the space available for handling it. Choose a small net for small fish or aquariums with elaborate decor.

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However, it is not easy to catch fish in a landing net. Aquarists will almost invariably tell you: as soon as you want to catch a particular fish, it seems to see you coming! Once the net is put the water, pandemonium breaks loose, with foreseeable consequences: wounded animals and the decor, both vegetable and inert, turn topsy-turvy.

One simple trick consists of putting the net into the tank at night, before switching off the lights. The fish will get used to its presence, and so it will be easier to catch the following morning, when you switch the lights back on.

Another possibility is the use of two nets, with one remaining stationary to receive the fish being pushed forward by the second.
Landing nets must be disinfected regularly with bleach (particularly after handling sick fish), and then rinsed several times.

Miscellaneous Equipment
You can also stock up with some other pieces of equipment that often turn out to very practical:
- a long pipe for filling or draining the aquarium;
- plastic food containers to hold water;
- pincers for planting, though many aquarists prefer using their hands;
- a scraper furnished with a razor blade or a small abrasive scouring pad, for cleaning the algae on the glass panes;
- a mini vacuum cleaner connected to the air pump, to siphon off waste products;
- suction pads, faucets, nozzles and connectors for air and water pipes, available from commercial aquarium stores;
- an electronic timer for programming the lighting;
- a notebook enabling you to keep track of certain tasks: purchase dates for fish, results of the analysis of water, maintenance schedule, etc.

The latter is particularly recommended for beginners, and also allows them to record their personal observations on reproduction, sickness and the general behavior of their fish.

saltwater-aquarium-equip03 Magnets to clean the panes and vacuum cleaners connected to an air pump are common place instruments for aquarium maintenance.

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Garden pincers are very practical in deeper aquarium.

Small plastic tanks sometimes prove useful for maintenance operations, or for providing a temporary home for plants and fish when an aquarium is being repaired.

Saltwater Introduction

Cover all we need to know about saltwater, so we can keep marine fish.

Aquarium Supply

Lot of things we should prepare to start saltwater aquarium!

Aquarium Setup

Steps to be taken before the aquarium ready to receive
fish and operate.

Marine Fish

Detail about saltwater fish species. For beginner also expert.

Invertebrates

They difficult to keep, although there are some suitable for hobbyist.

Plants

There’s only a few of them, but the results can often be highly attractive.