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Saltwater Aquariums 101 - Getting Started

Class Outline

By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com

Starting a saltwater aquarium may seem like a daunting task. So many new things to learn about a subject that seems to be very complex. As with anything that seems complicated at first glance, when saltwater aquarium set up is broken down into simple steps, the process becomes quite simple.

The "Saltwater Aquarium 101 - Getting Started" E -course walks you through the process, one step at a time. Each lesson in the course gives the information you will need to make the right choice for your new aquarium. You can start at day one and follow through, day by day, or download all of the lessons and proceed at your own pace.

Below is an outline of the course. You can go to the E-course Saltwater Aquariums 101 - Getting Started to sign up for the email course, or go to Saltwater Aquariums 101 - Getting Started to take the course directly on line.

Day 1: The Basics - Getting Started

  1. Myths and Common Mistakes
  2. K.I.S.S.
  3. Fish Only, Fish Only With Live Rock or Reef Tank?
  4. Your New Tank - What will it look like?
  5. Choosing Your Tank's Location
  6. Choose Your Tank, Stand & Hood
  7. Start a Tank Log Book
  8. Get Help in the Forums
Day 2: Your Filtration System
  1. Biological Filtration
  2. Sumps
  3. Protein Skimmers
  4. Canister Filters
  5. Wet/Dry or Trickle Filters
  6. Jaubert Live Sand & Berlin Live Rock Filtration Systems
  7. Alternative Power Source

Day 3: Lighting and Substrates

  1. Lighting
  2. DIY Lighting Fixtures
  3. Canopy/Hood
  4. Live Rock
  5. Substrate
  6. Sea Salts
  7. Misc. Equipment

Day 4: Setting Up Your New Tank

  1. Aquarium Set Up in 10 Easy Steps
  2. Fish
  3. Invertebrates
  4. Corals
  5. Algae

Day 5: Keeping it Running Right

  1. Quarantining New Additions
  2. Aquarium Maintenance
  3. Water Changes
  4. Foods & Feeding
  5. Parasites
  6. Emergency!!
  7. Aquarium First Aid Kit

You can go to the E-course Saltwater Aquariums 101 - Getting Started to sign up for the email course, or go to Saltwater Aquariums 101 - Getting Started to take the course directly on line.

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