fishkeepingguide
Marine fishkeeping

A different world.
A different preparation.

Freshwater experience helps, but saltwater adds its own measurements, equipment choices and livestock requirements.

A clownfish in an illustrative marine photograph

Decide what you intend to keep.

A fish-only aquarium and a coral reef aquarium ask different things of lighting, flow and water chemistry. Plan for the intended animals before choosing a kit.

  • Use a proper marine salt mix and check its instructions.
  • Measure salinity with suitable calibrated equipment.
  • Plan biological filtration, quarantine and maintenance.
  • Research every fish and invertebrate individually.
Read the freshwater / marine comparison
01

Make the whole setup plan.

Space, equipment, source water, time and the ongoing budget.

02

Understand biological readiness.

A running filter and clear water are not proof that the tank is ready.

Begin with a species' needs.

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