How to set up a saltwater fish-only aquarium with artificial corals
How to set up a saltwater fish-only aquarium with artificial corals? Marine fish tank with live rock is very easy to set up and maintain. Without delicate corals, invertebrates, Saltwater Fish-Only aquariums do not require costly reef tank equipment like calcium reactor, RO/DI water, Intense lighting, marine water supplement. Plus you may enjoy all the salt water fish you like, no matter if they are "reef safe".
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46 gallon bow-front tank.
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Prepared 40 lbs. aquarium sand, crushed coral or gravel.
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use a 5-gallon plastic bucket to rinse the sand
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Rinse the sand thoroughly to remove all debris
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Spread out the sand on the tank bottom.
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Use a garden hose to fill up the tank.
Tip: use a saucer to protect the aquarium sand from flushing away.
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We chose a canister filter for filtration.
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Ceramic rings for bio-filtration.
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Filter Foam.
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Installed the aquarium canister filter, connected hoses.
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We chose a hang-on type protein skimmer.
Tip: a protein skimmer can efficiently remove dissolved organic fish waste, leading better water quality.
Note: Protein skimmer does not work for freshwater fish aquariums.
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Adjust the air-intake of protein skimmer to get maximum bubbling.
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This protein skimmer is working fine.
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An UV Sterillizer is also recommended for preventing excess algae growth.
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install UV light bulb.
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Hung the UV sterillizer behind the tank.
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A heater is necessary for all tropical fish aquariums. It is recommend to use more than one heater to reducing the risk of malfunction.
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A medium size Instant Reef artificial coral reef decoration was placed in the tank.
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Make sure to use aquarium water conditioner for all water changes.
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Measure Salt.
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Slowly adding the salt to the aquarium.
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Use an Hydrometer to measure both salinity and specific gravity.
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Do not rush to add fish. Wait at least 24 hours for water chemistry becomes steady.
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Slowly add one or two starter fish. Please understand "Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle" to avoid loss of fish.
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 Setting up an Artificial Coral Reef Aquarium has never been easier! Happy fish keeping!