| Most people are unaware or uninformed of how | | | | caution when cleaning an acrylic tank and be sure |
| to properly clean and care for a saltwater tank. | | | | that the cleaning supplies being used will not harm |
| It's best to understand how to care for your | | | | the tank in any way. |
| saltwater tank before even buying one so as to | | | | The best thing to use to remove algae is |
| avoid possible problems down the road. The first | | | | phosphate drops. When added to the water on a |
| thing you should be aware of is that you will need | | | | regular basis, algae does not build up as quickly. |
| to buy filtered water or buy a reverse osmosis | | | | Another way to avoid an algae problem is to |
| kit. Otherwise you can use regular water, making | | | | invest in some hermit crabs and snails to keep |
| sure it is at the correct temperature, and add in | | | | your rocks and tank clean. Hermit crabs and snails |
| chemicals to remove chlorine and other unwanted | | | | are known to be the clean up crew, and can |
| chemicals. Maintenance is a necessity and you will | | | | make a huge difference in your saltwater |
| need to clean your tank at least once a month. It | | | | aquarium if you have enough of them. You will |
| is best to try to clean the tank as often as every | | | | also need to buy a scraper or a scratch pad to |
| two weeks however, don't over clean your tank | | | | clean the glass. A regular cleaning tool will not be |
| or you will remove some of the beneficial | | | | strong enough to remove the algae from the |
| bacteria. Most people think that removing this | | | | glass. |
| bacteria is a good thing, but it's the exact | | | | It is very important to aim the filter head down |
| opposite for a saltwater tank. This bacteria is | | | | into the water. Failure to do so will result in a build |
| actually essential to maintain a healthy and | | | | up of salt on the lid of the tank. Good lighting and |
| balanced aquarium. | | | | a strong and efficient filter are a necessity. The |
| If you are just starting out with a new saltwater | | | | tank should only be lit for about 6 hours a day. |
| tank, you will need to let the tank sit for 30 days | | | | The more lighting, the more algae will form. You |
| before adding anything to it. It is recommended | | | | can buy a timer from the pet store to make |
| that you buy some test strips to test out the | | | | sure the light is on at the exact time each day. |
| water and make sure everything is balanced. | | | | Otherwise the lighting could range from day to |
| Nobody wants to invest in a $60.00 fish and have | | | | day and algae will form. Try to position the |
| it die because the water was not tested and the | | | | saltwater aquarium away from direct sunlight as |
| chemical balance was off. Once the tank is | | | | this will also add to the growth of algae. |
| established and the chemical levels are stable, it | | | | The key to maintaining a healthy saltwater |
| will stay that way, and you shouldn't need to test | | | | aquarium is to keep it clean and algae free. By |
| it if you do frequent water changes. When | | | | remembering the ways to avoid algae, you will be |
| cleaning the tank, you will need remove of stir the | | | | able to keep a healthy aquarium for years to |
| gravel to remove sediment that could possibly | | | | come. |
| change the chemical make up of the tank. Use | | | | |