You then repeat the process with and then nitrates. You must then check the ammonia and nitrites level daily until it drops to zero. If this method is not employed your ammonia and nitrite spike is more severe and lasts longer and sometimes the correct bacteria is not grown. This can be done by adding live bacteria. You must then cycle the aquarium in order to avoid any livestock death. Adding the live sand in will cloud the water, but don't worry, it will eventually settle and the water will clear. Once the rock is where you like it, you can pour the live sand around the rocks, keeping it at a fairly even thickness throughout the tank. Be as creative as you want during this process and don't be afraid to go back and change it later. Place the live rock in first using an open pattern so the fish have room to swim through and hide in the rock. Test kits for Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate, PH, Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium.Salt, either good quality Artificial Salt or collected Natural Seawater.Live sand or coral sand enough to cover the bottom with approx.
Coral sand is also important as a natural buffer to maintain and stabilise pH of 8.2īelow is what I would use setting up a salt water aquarium: For the first timer we suggest to supply adequate filtration, generally 30% more than a freshwater tank.
Setting up a Marine Aquarium is no harder than setting up any type of Aquarium.įirstly, take your time, don't rush it.