1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Saltwater Aquariums

How to Plan a Saltwater System

By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com

3 of 3

Step 5: Make a Species Community List

Mated Pair of Cinnamon Clownfish

Darryl Craig
Now is the ideal time to plan out what marine livestock you may want to have in your aquarium by making a species community list. Why? The decisions you make when choosing some of the items you'll need for your system, such as the substrate material, will factor into what is going to be best for the types of animals you are going to keep.

There is a high percentage of saltwater and reef hobbyists that do not plan ahead, but buy fish and invertebrates on impulse, and although the concept of making a species community list IS an excellent one, this is a personal choice step.

Step 6: Set Up and Start Your New Aquarium

After you have purchased everything on your shopping list of items needed to start your new saltwater aquarium, follow our 10 Easy Set Up Steps to put it together, and you'll have it up and running in no time at all.

Stan & Debbie Hauter
Guides since 1997

Stan & Debbie Hauter
Saltwater Aquariums Guides

Explore Saltwater Aquariums

About.com Special Features

Home Allergy Center

Banish mess, reduce allergens, and maintain a clean, healthy home. More >

Home Improvements Made Easy

Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Saltwater Aquariums
  4. Start an Aquarium
  5. Plan a System
  6. Step 5: Make a Species Community List - How to Plan a Saltwater System

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.