A marine aquarium is a unique decorative element, but it’s not as simple to install as a freshwater aquarium. Before embarking on your project, it’s important to remember that a seawater aquarium isn’t just a jar of fish and plants. So you’ll need the right equipment to set it up.
Lighting your seawater aquarium
Lighting contributes to the good health of the animals and plants living in your aquarium. It’s therefore important to choose the right type of lamps and their intensity.
Their position in the aquarium is also important. The seawater aquarium should be installed in a place close to the window, so that the fish and invertebrates can adapt to the light. The plants and animals living in the aquarium have different lighting requirements. Composed of chloroplasts, plants need green light (or actinic diodes) and blue light (or fluorescence) to produce food. Corals and invertebrates living in the aquarium need blue light.
If you’re looking for seawater aquarium lighting, you’ll need to go to a professional who can supply you with the right equipment.
Seawater aquarium: which filter?
The seawater aquarium should be installed in a location close to the window, so that fish and invertebrates can adapt to the light. Plastic seawater filters are easier to clean and maintain. If you like a job well done, you can opt for electric filtration equipment: they’re better suited to maintaining a large number of species. If you already have a filtration system for your saltwater aquarium, it’s very important to check and clean it regularly.
The heating system
To keep your seawater aquarium in good condition, it needs a heating system. There are several types of heating systems to choose from:
- electric heating,
- infrared heating,
- solar energy.
If you have a very large tank, you can use several heating systems. For smaller tanks, it’s best to choose a single type of heater. By choosing the right heating system, you can have total control over the temperature. This is ideal, so that your fish feel comfortable in their environment.
The aquarium aeration solution
The aquarium aeration system is very important. It allows your fish to breathe. It’s also important to choose one that can be controlled. In fact, it’s good to be able to regulate the flow of air into the tank so that the fish can get enough oxygen. The right aeration system must be chosen, and the size of the exchanges must be adapted to the volume of the tank. The aeration system should be placed at the top of the tank.
Various accessories are essential for aquarium aeration. In this case, air flow control tools such as fans and valves are essential. You can also opt for an air diffuser to regulate the flow.
Seawater aquarium: which plants to choose?
Plants are an important part of your aquarium. They provide shade and coolness for your fish. Plants also help to filter and purify the water. In fact, plants are able to absorb organic waste from the water. There are several types of plant suitable for seawater aquariums. Depending on the needs of your fish, choose the plants that best suit your tank.
Aglaonema is a herbaceous plant that tolerates changes in lighting. It is therefore a good plant for saltwater aquariums with fluorescent lighting. It’s also very easy to care for and can withstand direct sunlight. This plant requires no special maintenance.
It is often used to protect the tank from the sun’s rays. If you choose to install Aglaonema, don’t place other plants behind it, as they will be disturbed by the lighting.
Anubias are plants that can also withstand direct sunlight. They are useful for aquariums with fish requiring high light levels, such as angelfish. They are highly resistant to water changes and light. However, they are sensitive to temperature variations and chemicals. So choose the plants best suited to your environment.
