Types of Marine Fish Tanks
Marine fish tanks are known for their highly colorful inhabitants and environment. Compared to freshwater aquariums, marine fish tanks need more maintenance equipment. Hobbyists who plan to maintain marine fish tanks should also prepare themselves because this hobby requires more time and effort in monitoring water conditions. Despite the additional effort needed in successfully maintaining thriving marine fish tanks, many hobbyists enjoy keeping marine animals as pets. If you’re planning on setting up a marine aquarium, here are some of the basic types of marine fish tanks:
Live rock marine fish tanks
This type of saltwater fish tank is basically composed of live rocks that have come from the ocean. Live rocks are consist of decomposing coral skeletons and limestone, and are usually enveloped with beneficial algae. Species of microfauna have also been found to live on live rocks. These include crabs, brittle stars, abalones, and sea sponge.
Coldwater marine fish tanks
Coldwater marine fish tanks serve as homes for fish coming from temperate climates. Numerous temperate fish species have special diet needs, although some species, such as the blackfish, will eat any frozen food or type of crustacean. Certain coldwater marine species such as cnidaria are rare, so aquarists are usually limited to mollusks, crustaceans, and fish.
Tropical marine fish tanks
Tropical marine fish tanks are the most common type among marine aquariums. They are also the most colorful, making them a favorite among budding and professional hobbyists. As the name suggests, this fish tank houses marine species from tropical climates. Maintaining tropical fish tanks is easier compared to coldwater aquariums because many tropical fish pets are commercially available. Popular fish pets kept in tropical tanks are clownfish, guppy, platy, and green swordtail.
Tips when maintaining marine fish tanks
Whatever type of fish tank you have, it’s very important that you perform regular aquarium maintenance and water monitoring. Fish pets are very sensitive to changes in water temperature, so you have to make sure that the temperature inside the aquarium is consistent. To achieve this, use more than one tank heater and equip your aquarium with a thermometer. Part of regular tank maintenance is the monitoring of the water’s acidity and alkalinity levels. Aquarium test kits that allow you to conveniently check the pH levels of your aquarium water are widely available in local pet stores. Keep an eye on signs of tank trouble such as fish pets acting strangely or changes in the color or smell of the aquarium water.
