Getting A Saltwater Aquarium Ready For Fish

Now that your saltwater aquarium has completed the cycling process is time to get ready to add the fish. First however, you will need to perform some basic cleaning tasks. Lightly siphon up any loose waste or nuisance type algae that may be present on the bottom of the aquarium. This does not mean you are to completely clean the substrate, but only remove any accumulated organic matter that has settled on the surface of it. Rinse out or replace any materials used in your mechanical water filtering devices if you have any, such as flosses, cartridges, sponges, or pads.

Mechanical water filtering devices are intended to be used to collect and remove excess debris or floating matter from the water. So there is no harm after an aquarium has cycled, to rinse or change any materials used in the mechanical filter regularly.

If you see nitrates beginning to build up as your aquarium matures, siphon out any loose debris present, also do one or a few 25 to 50% water changes to bring the nitrate level down under control. If you keep the nitrate level under control it will help to keep algae bloom that can occur throughout the lifetime your aquarium from becoming a problem.

Now is the time to do any changes in your aquascape that you may desire. Once done, restart the system and let the aquarium run for a day or two to allow it to settle out. At this time check and make adjustments to the aquarium water and temperature as needed.

Once the tank is clean and ready, you can now place your new fish in it. One of the biggest mistakes made at this time is when one tries to place too many fish in the aquarium too quickly or all at once. Is very important to be patient and go slowly to prevent causing any problems from overloading the system. This can only be avoided by adding fish slowly to a new aquarium and also an established one. Whether it be fish, corals, or even invertebrates, you should only choose and add one or two at a time. After that, you need to allow the aquariums nitrifying bacteria to adjust the additional load. This means you do not add anything else at this point, in about a week. You should test the a courier watered daily for any appearance of ammonia and possible nitrates. Zero readings will show you when it is safe to add the next couple of fish or other items.

When you have your aquarium up and running, it is important to set up a maintenance routine. Keep a log of what maintenance test should be performed, and when. Just as your saltwater aquarium is a living evolving microworld, so is the information on maintaining a saltwater aquarium evolving. You should continue to read and learn as much as you can. Now set back relax and enjoy your saltwater aquarium.