How To Set Up A Reef Tank?

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What is a good Reef Tank? Let’s take a look at some guidelines in setting up your very own reef tank.

The idea of having a reef tank set-up has grown popular like that of caring for freshwater fish. The reef tank is the proper artificial habitat for saltwater fish. Here are a few basic guidelines you must follow if you want to properly set-up a reef tank of your own.

It is an essential component in setting up a reef tank to do adequate research on the matter. Saltwater fish are not as easy to care for as the freshwater variety. The ample knowledge from equipment to species can help you care for your fish in the best possible manner. You should be familiar with the available tanks, on what type of sand to use, on the corals, and the natural habitat of the fishes you will be purchasing. Basically, you need to mimic their original environment so they could thrive.

It is best if you use sand which is neither too fine and grainy nor sand which is to rock-like. The former can suppress the escape of gases and the latter can cause the formation of detritus. For your reef tank coral, do not combine the hard and soft varieties. Next, add live rock to the mix.

There are specific equipments necessary for a reef tank. The most basic one is the main reef tank of course. You need a large aquarium for this set-up. About eight to ten gallons is just right. Next, you should get a light source accompanied by a timer which can mimic the conditions of day and night. A salt mix is used to create an environment just like that of the ocean. You cannot simply add regular table salt as the composition differs greatly.

The next step is adding other underwater components like sand, coral, and live rock. Try to make use of an algae scraper as well to ensure that your reef tank would not be susceptible to murky water. This is because it is not as easy to clean and refill a reef tank. There is a “curing” period which will be discussed later on. Other features are rather simple. You can add filters, oxygen sources, other plant life and the like. For your reef tank, make sure that the water temperature is low. A chiller mechanism can be used for this.

As what was earlier said, before you can add fish to your reef tank, there is a curing or quarantine period which usually lasts for a minimum of four days. Here, you give the salt mix and the live components of the reef tank time to adjust and be just perfect when the fishes arrive. There is a quarantine period for a reef tank wherein you should test the water at regular intervals by using a water test kit. The purpose of this testing procedure is to regulate the minerals and contaminants that the water possesses. For example, a reef tank needs an absence of nitrates and sources of ammonia.