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Saltwater Aquariums: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
10 Easy Aquarium Set Up Steps
Saltwater Aquarium Set Up. Once you have planned out what kind of saltwater system you want and purchased everything needed to put it together, by using these 10 easy steps you can have your new aquarium set up and running in no time at all. Starting with Step 1, here's how to get the aquarium ready. Saltwater Aquarium Set Up Salt water Aquarium Setup How to Start a Saltwater Aquarium
DIY Glass Aquarium Plans
DIY (Do It Yourself) aquarium plans for building your own DIY aquarium with tips on working with glass and a materials list, to pre-assembly instructions followed by complete step-by-step directions on how to construct a glass aquarium up to 55 gallons in size with 1/4 inch glass, here is everything you need to know about from Debbie and Stan Hauter your Guides to Saltwater Aquariums it to do-it-yourself.
Most Common Mistakes Made
No matter what kind of aquarium keeper you are or may become, basic saltwater, reef, or freshwater, here is a list of what are considered by your About.com Guides to Saltwater Aquariums to be the 10 most common mistakes that are made, which are problems that can be avoided if you are aware of what they are before you start an aquarium.
15 Easy Corals
15 Easy Soft and Hard Corals For Your New Saltwater Aquarium gives information, photos and links to buy saltwater aquarium corals which are considered to be easy to keep in a saltwater reef aquarium.
Top Automatic Fish Feeders
From simple battery operated, to state-of-the-art electronic devices, automatic aquarium fish feeders come in an array of styles. While some are moisture controlled units designed to prevent flake, pellet and other dried foods from clumping, others not only have the capability of releasing a variety of different fares, but at specific times and intervals. From small to large capacity feeders with single to multi-purpose functions, here are some units your Guides consider to be the best choices.
Saltwater Aquariums 101
Set Up a Saltwater Aquarium – How to Set Up a Saltwater Aquarium E Course- Getting Started an e-mail course for starting a saltwater aquarium.
DIY Custom Aquarium Glass Thickness Calculator compiled by your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums
This glass calculator compiled by your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums can help you determine what thickness to use when constructing your own small or large custom aquarium.
Top 1 to 50 Gallon Aquariums
Whether you are a beginner looking for your first saltwater tank, or an experienced aquarist contemplating creating a quick and easy micro or mini reef tank or a refugium, one of these Guide Top Pick aquariums between 1 to 50 gallons in size might work for you. Includes Seaclear Eclipse, Hexagon, Bowfront aquariums.
Building A Refugium
Building A Refugium - Page 1 - What Is A Refugium? - About Saltwater Aquariums Featured Article by Don Carner About Saltwater Aquariums
Reef Tank Photo Gallery Hub
Top Reef Tank Photos Galleries Index which provides easy access to the Top Reef Tank Photos Galleries. Here are the best of reef tank aquarium pictures, submitted for display in the aquarium picture section of About Saltwater Aquariums.
What Is Red Slime Algae?
Red Slime Algae (Cyanobacteria) in saltwater aquariums: description, causes and cures.
How to Plan a Saltwater System
If you want to start a saltwater aquarium, but don't know where to begin, this simple step-by-step how to plan a saltwater system outline will help guide you along. The first step in planning a saltwater aquarium is to decide what kind of system you want. Here are the options you can choose from.
Marine Fish Food Comparison Table - Saltwater Aquariums Guides' Extra
Marine Fish Food Comparison Table, from your About.com Guides
About Live Rock
About Live Rock - What Is Live Rock and Its Purpose? About Live Rock - What Is Live Rock and Its Purpose?
Green Hair Algae
Algae Control. Curing Nuisance Green Hair Algae in your Saltwater Marine Reef Aquarium. A fast, easy way to get rid of and control Nuisance Green Hair Algae.
TP Mini/Nano Aquarium Kits
Ideal for anyone that would like to set up a mini or nano tank, these Top Pick compact plug 'n play aquarium kits combine technology and inginuity in one small package. From 2.5 up to 34 gallons in size, each unit includes complete built-in filtration and higher output lighting systems, and many more unique features, all of which make starting a new saltwater or reef aquarium a whole lot easier.
What is a Sump
A discussion on what a sump is, the benefits one can provide your saltwater aquariuum, and if you really need one.
Items Needed to Start Aq?
Whether wanting to start a fish-only, fish-only with live rock, or a marine reef tank system, this list of required and optional pieces of equipment, components and supplies needed to start a saltwater aquarium will help you research the many options you have to choose from.
What Is Protein Skimming?
What Is Protein Skimming, and How Does It Work? An Introduction to Protein Skimmers, what protein skimming is and how it works.
Top Saltwater Aquarium Myths
Since the beginning of time, successfully keeping a saltwater aquarium has seemed a total mystery to a vast majority of people. Over the past few decades, the science of saltwater aquaria has increased by leaps and bounds. In spite of the new knowledge, many of the old myths which arose during the years of experimentation are still professed by some as facts. Here are some of the most popular myths which are still in circulation:
Top Skimmer Picks: In/On Tank
Read product reviews and compare prices on Protein Skimmers your Guides to Saltwater Aquariums consider to some of the top picks on the market.
DIY Glass Aq. Building Tips
DIY Custom Glass Aquarium Building Tips - Page 1 - An Introduction from your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums on how to calculate the correct thickness of glass to use when building your own DIY glass aquarium, which includes considerations on the quality and characteristics of the choice of material as well.
DIY Chiller
Here are plans and instructions for a DIY Do It Yourself Aquarium Water Chiller. A rather quick and inexpensive method for maintaining a steady system temperature, especially during those long hot summer months.
Aquarium Maintenance
Once you have completed the first basic maintenance tasks one should perform several weeks after an aquarium has finished cycling, it's time to set up a regular schedule and begin standard maintenance procedures. Find out what these tasks are, and when they are recommended to be done.
Reef Lighting - What 2 Buy
Don Carner discusses about Reef System Lighting: What to Buy & Why - Using Pre-Manufactured Hoods on Reefs, the pros and cons of using Metal Halides and Power Compacts.
Clownfish - Anemone Matches
Clownfish/Host Anemone Matches by Clownfish lists Clownfish which are common in saltwater aquariums and the Host Sea Anemones which they prefer to live in.
DIY Acrylic Refugium
DIY Acrylic Refugium - DIY Acrylic Refugium plans, photos, parts list and instructions.
Bubble Clip Art Images - Debbie and Stan's Saltwater Clip Art Collection
A collection of FREE animated and non-anmiated bubble clip art images in several sizes that were created by Debbie and Stan Hauter for their Saltwater Clip Art Collection.
An Instant Nitrate Reduction Method - A Multiple Step Water Change Procedure
An Instant Nitrate Reduction Method - A Multiple Step Water Change Procedure.
pH Control For Dummies
A simplified explanation about the relationship of pH to alkalinity in saltwater aquariums, and ways to remedy problem high or low pH levels.
TP Nitrate Absorbing Products
Although not normally a major problem for most fish, excess nitrate (NO³) in a reef aquarium can be very detrimental the health of corals and many other invertebrates. Aside from using a denitrator unit, a number of methods and materials can be utilized to absorb or convert nitrate to a harmless substance. Here are some nitrate absorbing products considered to be the best to help resolve high nitrate problems in saltwater aquarium and reef tank systems.
The Nitrogen Cycling Process
The chain reaction of ammonia being converting into nitrite, then nitrite into nitrate, this is what is called the nitrogen cycling process. Learn all about the 3 components and phases of this biological conversion process that is performed by nitrosoma and nitrobacter bacterias to establish a cycled aquarium, which all fresh or saltwater tanks go through.
Solving Leaky Tank Problems
Solving Leaky Glass Aquarium Problems - An introduction to why leaks occur in glass aquariums, and a list of common mistakes to avoid making repairs to a leaky fresh or saltwater glass aquarium, whether it be a minor or a major problem.
A Cure For Brown Algae
Curing Brown Algae in your Saltwater Aquarium. An easy, inexpensive method of getting rid of Brown Algae in your saltwater aquarium.
"Nemo and Friends" 10g Mini-Reef Tank Picture
This little Nemo and Friends 10 gallon mini-reef tank does not yet have corals, but it is set up with lights for soft corals, which can be added at any time.
Top RO/DI Water Filter Picks
Aquarists have found that using an individual reverse osmosis, deionization, or a combination RO/DI water filter unit to purify fresh tap water before use in aquariums provides far superior water quality by removing nitrate, phosphate and other chemical elements found in tap water that can lead to algae blooms and other problems. Read product reviews and compare prices on Reverse Osmosis water filters that your Guides to Saltwater Aquariums consider to be some of the best on the market to buy.
Top Wet/Dry Aquarium Filters
From a basic wet/dry only, to a wet/dry with sump, to a wet/dry with sump and built-in skimmer included, trickle filters are available in an array of styles and sizes to fit your particular fresh or saltwater aquarium's filtration needs. Designed to utilize biological, mechanical and chemical mediums, and a place to put a heater, skimmer or other additional aquarium equipment, installing an under cabinet overflow unit such as these Top Picks can make keeping a tank clean and tidy much easier.
Nitrate Control
Nitrate or NO3 what this element in a saltwater aquarium is, where it comes from, what the acceptable level of nitrate is for fish-only and reef tank systems, and how setting up a regular aquarium maintenance routine relates to decreasing nitrates In Saltwater Aquariums Reefs Tanks.
Liz's 5g Nano-Reef Aquarium
As you can see from Liz's 5g nano-reef aquarium picture, her beautiful live rock formation is nicely populated with a variety of blue, red, and green soft mushrooms, along with a few other types of corals and a feather duster (tube worm).
Top Skimmer Picks: In-Sump
Read product reviews and compare prices on In-Sump/Hang-On-Sump Protein Skimmers your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums consider to be some of the best on choices on the market.
Can I DIY Aquarium
FAQ - Can I Build my Own Aquarium? Yes you can. Here is where to go for information, plans and Do It Yourself (DIY) instructions. FAQ - Can I Build my Own Aquarium? Yes you can. Here is where to go for information, plans and Do It Yourself (DIY) instructions.
Clint Cummings' 12g Mini-Reef Aquarium
Clint Cummings' 12g mini-reef aquarium photo really shows off his stony Frogspawn, Torch, Hammer and Red Brain Corals, soft Green Hairy Mushrooms, colony of Zoanthids, Red Linkia Starfish, Pom Pom Crab, Percula Clownfish and Flame Angel.
Saltwater Aquarium
Your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums discuss the first step in setting up an aquarium - deciding on a location for the aquarium and choosing a tank size, material and style.
Reef Safe Invertebrates
Not all invertebrates are "reef safe". Many of them will tear up corals, consume fish and otherwise destroy other tank inhabitants. The invertebrates listed are some (by all means not all) generally considered by experienced reef tank keepers to be safe for reef tanks. Includes information, facts, photos and pictures on each species.
How much for 10g clown tank?
How much would it cost to set up a small 10 gallon mini-reef tank with clownfishes? Of course product prices will vary, but the total estimated cost to buy all the items listed here for setting up what we like to call a simple 10g Nemo and Friends aquarium, $273.00 to $348.00. These figures include lighting that will support soft corals, which can be added at any time, thus turning the aquarium into a true mini-reef. Here's a breakdown on everything:
Brian Blackthorne's 12g Nano-Cube Reef Aquarium
With a wide variety of soft corals keeping them company, Brian Blackthorne's two Percula Clownfish look right at home in this picture of his 12 gallon nano-cube reef aquarium.
Live Sand
What live sand is, and what types of live sand should be used in a saltwater aquarium. There are a number of bands and types of live sand on the market. Know what you need for your tank before buying live sand.
Coral Lighting
Coral lighting - How corals grow. Explains the relationship between lighting and coral growth, how lighting changes affect corals.
Simple DIY Tap Water Filter
If you are using fresh tap water as the source to make-up aquarium saltwater or top-off your system with, here are easy to follow instructions for making a simple PVC constructed tap water filter that can achieve about the same purification results as with a more costly commerical TWP (Tap Water Purifier).
Top Canister Filter Picks
Top Saltwater Aquarium Canister Filters - Although canister filters may appear small, these compact units are designed to provide complete 3-stage mechanical, chemical and biological filtration in aquariums. For maximum efficiency, choose one with media chamber holding capacities that exceed your aquarium's bioload filtering requirements. Here are top choices that can be hung on the rim, placed along-side or behind an aquarium as well as under a cabinet out of sight.
Black Spot Disease/Black Ich
Typically a disease that is most commonly associated with Tangs and Surgeonfishes, Black Spot Disease or Black Ich is actually caused by an infestation of tiny Genus Paravortex member turbellarian flatworms, which take up residence in the aquarium substrate. Although parasitic organisms that are much less dangerous and life-threatening, as well as rather easy to get rid of compared to other ich diseases, nonetheless it is a problem that needs to be treated upon recognition.
Growing Coralline Algae
How to Grow Coralline (coraline) Algae in a Saltwater Aquarium explains what Coralline Algae requires to grow well in a saltwater aquarium How to Grow Coralline (coraline) Algae
Kerry Kirk's 12g NeoCube Reef Aquarium
The nice growth of green macroalgae pictured here in Kerry's 12 gallon NeoCube reef aquarium makes a nice hiding place for his Percula Clownfish, Blue Yellowtail and Blue Damsel. His colony of Blue Mushroom Corals, the Feather Duster and Turbo Snail look right at home as well.
DIY Basic Aquarium Canopy Plan
Here is an easy basic plan, graphics and instructions for building a tank canopy. Make it as fancy or plain as you wish. The basics are the same.
John Hakim's 5.5g Reef Tank
John Hakim's 5.5g Reef Tank
John Hakim's 5.5g Mini-Reef Aquarium
This photo of John Hakim's 5.5 gallon mini-reef aquarium shows a great close-up shot of his White Stripe Maroon Clownfish and Cleaner Shrimp pictured with Xenia, Leather Mushroom, Green Mushroom, and Plate Corals.
Top Submersible Heaters
Too often an aquarium heater is thought of as a simple and inexpensive device. An aquarium heater should be considered a critical piece of equipment, just like a filter that is essential to the livelihood of your tank inhabitants. One of the most efficient and popular types with aquarists are submersible, and here is our list of top pick units that have some of the best features one should look for when buying a heater for your aquarium.
Martin Eberle's 5g Reef Tank
Martin Eberle's 5g Reef Tank
SW Ich / White Spot Disease
Cryptocaryoniasis, Marine Ich, or White Spot Disease is caused by an infestation of the ciliated protozoan Cryptocaryon irritans. Although White Spot Disease Cryptocaryon Ich becomes a parasitic organism at one stage in its life cycle like Oodinium and Brooklynella do, and it progresses less rapidly, in a closed aquarium system Ich can reach overwhelming and disasterous numbers just the same if it is not diagnosed and treated upon recognition.
Copepods & Amphipods
Copepods and Amphipods Profiled - Page 1 - Classification information and facts about those little white bugs in your saltwater aquarium
Bad Bristleworms Control
When it comes to the control of bad type errant Bristleworm infestations in saltwater aquariums, primarily it is the large toxic and voracious Pherecardia (Pacific), Hermodice(Caribbean), and other related Fireworm species of the Polychaete class in the Amphinomidae family that an aquarist needs to be concerned about. Preventing these destructive worms from accidentally getting into, or removing them if found in a saltwater aquarium is recommended. Here is what you can do.
Brown Algae
About Brown, Diatom or Golden Diatom Algae in Saltwater Aquariums - What makes it grow and solutions for eliminating this problem.
Zach Lunsford's 10g Mini-Reef Aquarium
Zach Lunsford's 10 gallon mini-reef aquarium is home to a Percula Clownfish, Four Stripe Damsel, Serpent Starfish, Coral Banded Shrimp, Emerald Crab, Curlycue Anemone, Red Tree Sponge and two Atlantic Condy Anemones, all snuggled into 15 pounds of live rock.
Wes Hayden's 29g Bio Cube Reef Tank
Wes Hayden's photo of his 29g Bio Cube Reef Tank. It contains a Percula Clownfish, Foxface, Volitans Lionfish and multiple corals.
Air Stone Bubbles
A dicussion about the importance of aeration in saltwater aquariums and if air stone bubbles are a sufficient source for proper aeration.
Nitrogen Cycling Process
Methods on how to speed up the nitrogen cycling process by seeding a new saltwater aquarium with some mature bacteria from various sources.
Water Purification Methods
Methods for how to purify fresh tap water before using it in saltwater aquarium systems to avoid the potenial problems that can arise from doing so
Luis Contesini's 6g Nano-Reef Aquarium
Luis Contesini's 6g Nano Reef Tank
Top Overflow Boxes
Overflow boxes transport aquarium water to under cabinet sumps without having to drill aquarium glass. These boxes make it possible to utilize an under aquarium sump, opening up more opportunities for a wider variety of filtration methods.
Denkigroove's (Tien Nguyen) 15g Nano-Reef Aquarium
Stacked to the brim, Denkigroove's (Tien Nguyen) 15 gallon nano-reef tank photo shows there are no limits on how much live rock can be added to an aquarium, and his corals are pretty impressive as well!
Choosing a Filtration System
Choosing A Filtration System For Your Saltwater Aquarium discusses what type or kind of filtration is best for you. Not all filters are suitable for reef, fish only FO or Fish Only With Live Rock FOWLR systems tanks
Reef Safe Tank Janitors
Mechanical filtration can help isolate (for removal) detritus and uneaten food in an aquarium, as will vacuuming the substrate. Biological filtration processes ammonia produced by the rotting detritus and uneaten food, but you are still left with the resultant algae food (nitrates). Fortunately, there is a wide variety of reef tank safe (don't destroy other tank critters, corals or invertebrates) animals which thrive on the tank pollutants which create algae and other problems.
Wet/Dry Trickle Filters
What is a wet/dry trickle filter and how does it work? These questions and others are answered by your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums.
How to Preclean Live Rock
When uncured and even "so-called" cured live rock is first placed into an established saltwater system, is being cured or used to cycle a new aquarium with, some degree from light to heavy die-off of the organisms that reside on and inside the rocks will occur. The build-up of this dead or dying organic matter creates ammonia, so to help lessen excessive ammonia spiking problems, as well as shorten the curing time of the live rock, here is a simple way to preclean the rocks before using them.
DIY Aquarium Stand Project
Are you looking for a stand to put your aquarium on that doesn't cost and arm and a leg? It's easy to make this inexpensive wood and cinder block stand we designed and built to hold one of the many 48" x 16" DIY 55 glass aquariums we have built over the years. This stand is both sturdy and economical. Preparation time is short, assembly only taking a few minutes, it can be constructed to fit just about any aquarium, and it's a do-it-yourself project that most anyone can do. Here's how.
Peppermint Shrimp Profile
A profile and information about the Peppermint Shrimp, including
Luiz Brunner's 12g Nano-Reef Aquarium
As you can see from Luiz Brunner's 12g nano-reef aquarium picture, although it may be small, it's amazing what variety of soft and stony corals one can choose to put into a reef tank of this size.
Host Sea Anemone Survivability
The results of the Host Sea Anemone Survivability Survey are displayed and explained. From the years of experience of the aquarists to the number of feedings per month. A number of variables are studied and explained, some of which revealed significant affects on the survivability of sea anemones in captivity.
Cheap, Easy DIY Sumps
Cheap, Easy DIY Sumps are everywhere. Why pay a fortune for a custom made one if you don't have to?
John Hakim's 5.5g Reef Tank (left end)
John Hakim's 5.5g Reef Tank
aawhatisbiologicalfilter
What Is A Biological Filter explains what a biological filter is in a saltwater aquarium.
Picasso Triggerfish Profile
Picasso Triggerfish Guide Saltwater Fish Profile - An identification, characteristics, compatibility, diet and feeding profile with other notes from your Saltwater Aquariums Guides about the Rhinecanthus aculeatus. This is a beautiful, very hardy and popular aquarium trigger species that adapts well to tank life that is a good choice for beginners.
What is a Reef Tank System
What is a Reef Tank? describes exactly what a reef tank is and how it differs from a Fish Only or Fish Only With Live Rock aquarium.
Repair Small Leaks in Glass...
With a few inexpensive items and a little time you can easily repair small or minor leaks in a glass aquarium using these simple instructions from your Guides.
Completed DIY Cabinet Photos
For the do-it-yourself aficionados, these photos of individual and matching combination DIY aquarium stands, cabinets, and hoods/canopies that aquarists have built using a variety of materials is a great source to get design and style ideas when deciding to make your own stand, cabinet, and hood.
Ways to Eliminate Aiptasia
Ways to Eliminate Aiptasia Anemones | Chemical and Liquid Solution Injections: One way to kill and get rid of prolific and pesky aiptasia sea anemones in a saltwater aquarium is by means of injecting them with any of the following chemical or liquid solutions. When using this method, for the best results you should inject the solution of choice directly into the stem of the anemone with a needle and syringe.
About Live Rock
Your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums give an explanation of what curing live rock means, and how to identify various types of live rock by the names given it.
Curing Cloudy Aquarium Water
Curing Cloudy Aquarium Water - Determining the causes of cloudy aquarium water and taking the required steps to clear it.
Top Aquarium Test Kits
Read the reviews and compare prices on these standard and advanced reef aquarium, as well as pond and freshwater aquarium version water testing kits that your About.com Guides to Saltwater Aquariums consider to be top choices when it comes to buying water test kits.
Using Powerheads
Using Powerheads For Water Circulation In A Saltwater Aquarium.
What Is a Mini-Reef Aquarium?
What exactly is a miniature reef aquarium, and where did the term mini-reef come from. From how it all started, to changes in the trend, to the trend revisited, and why concepts never stop changing, this and more about the history of what is considered to be a miniature reef aquarium is explained, and it is not what it sounds like, or what you may think one is. Size has nothing to do with it.
Top Red Slime Algae Removers
If you are you having a persistent problem with red slime algae (cyanobacteria) in your saltwater aquarium or reef tank, here are our top pick remedies that can be used to eliminate this nuisance algae when all else has failed to do so. As with any product one chooses to use, read and follow the instructions for usage as directed.
How To Repair Major Leaks
Making Glass Aquarium Repairs - How To Repair Major Leaks or Replace a Broken Pane of Aquarium Glass - Here are step-by-step instructions from your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums on how to repair major leaks or replace a broken pane of aquarium glass.
DIY Oak Aquarium Cabinet
Complete plans for a DIY Oak Aquarium Cabinet, including material and tool lists, photos and graphics. This cabinet looks terrific and is not difficult to build.
Rock Arranging Help Tips
The rocks you put into an aquarium are not only decorative, but they provide housing for the fish and other animals in the tank, shelter against agression that may occur from other tankmates, and are an important biological filtration source. Here are some helpful tips on what you can do to arrange either non-living or live rocks in a saltwater system for maximum efficiency when you are aquascaping or arranging rocks in your aquarium.
Saltwater Ich Diseases
Not diseases at all, but marine organisms that are parasitic to fish at certain stages during their life cycle, here is information to learn all about diagnosing and treating the different types of ich that commonly affect fishes in saltwater aquariums.
Magnum 350 Canister Filter
A full product review and 4.5 star rating from your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums on the Marineland Magnum 350 Canister Filter, an along side tank unit that is a true aquarium filtration workhorse. Suitable for mechanical and chemical filtration, its versatile systems design also allows you to connect the output to a BIO-Wheel PRO for wet/dry biological filtration if desired, and can be use with other accessories like the easily attachable Power Kleen Gravel Washer.
HT Cure LR in New SW Aquarium
Curing live rock in a separate curing setup is the best way to handle it before placing it into a new saltwater system you are just starting. Unfortunately this is not always practical for everyone, as you may not have the extra room or equipment to do so. If the only container you have to work with to cure live rock in is the tank you are setting up as your main aquarium, here is a simple way to cure it inside the aquarium, preferably before you add substrate and start aquascaping the rocks.
Ghaleb AL Amad's 75g FOWLR Tank
Ghaleb AL Amad's photo of his 75g FOWLR which contains: a Clown Trigger (Balistoides conspicillum), Niger Trigger, Regal Blue Tang, Valentini Puffer, 3 Percula Clowns, 2 Zebra Damsels, 4 Yellow Tail Damsels, Banded Pipe Fish (Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus) and a Mandarin Goby.
DIY Glass Aquarium Panel Placements Diagram
A diagram showing where to position the front, back, and two side panels of glass onto the bottom piece when building this DIY glass aquarium project by Debbie and Stan Hauter, your Guides to Saltwater Aquarium.
Same Equipment ?
What pieces of equipment and other components can be used for converting a freshwater aquarium over to a saltwater system.
Clownfish Disease/Brooklynella
A type of saltwater ich caused by an infestation of the ciliated protozoan Brooklynella hostilis, this disease is most closely and commonly associated with Clownfishes, and therefore is typically referred to as Clownfish Disease. Although this parasitic scourge requires a fish host to survive, it is not particular in its quest to find one. These protozoa multiply rapdily, which is why they can kill fish within a few days and even hours upon recognition.
Sea Life Clip Art
This collection of original saltwater animal, aquarium and ocean related computerized, watercolor and photo imaged clip art works are original creations of Debbie and Stan Hauter, your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums, and are Free to copy and use on your personal Web site and projects.
Top Aquarium Power Filters
Here's a list of top aquarium power filters recommended by your About Guides as being some of the most efficient and best aquarium power filters to choose for filtering not only saltwater aquariums, but freshwater systems as well.
Clownfish Profiles
Also commonly named Anemonefish, Clownfish are members of the Amphiprioninae subfamily classified in the Pomacentridae or Damselfish family. Here is a collection of species photo, facts, information identification, characteristic, compatibility, feeding, aquarium care, and more profile information to learn about these fishes, as well as the host Sea Anemones they live with.
What is a FOWLR System?
What Is a Fish Only With Live Rock System? A fish only with live rock (FOWLR) saltwater system is much like a fish-only system. Just the same no corals are present, but here are the basic differences between these two systems.
Mantis Shrimp: Pet or Pest?
What are Mantis Shrimp, and are Mantis Shrimp good as a pet, or are Mantis Shrimp a pest in a saltwater aquarium? What are Mantis Shrimp, and are Mantis Shrimp good as a pet, or are Mantis Shrimp a pest in a saltwater aquarium?
Sample 55g FOWLR
Here is a plan for a 55g FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) tank. This set up includes a tank, filtration, power head, light hood and a list of fish and invertebrates which are colorful and actually get along with each other.
Alex Olavarria's 54g Reef Tank
Alex Olavarria's 54g Reef Tank photo show's the wide variety of fish and forest of corals. Alex'a tank photo won 2nd Place in the About Saltwater Aquariums February 2005 Reef Tanks Photo Contest.
DIY Reef Tank Light Fixture
An easily made DIY Reef Type Fluorescent Light Hood Plans For Saltwater Aquariums which can take VHO fluorescent or Power Compact lights.
Reef Tank Temperatures
What is the best temperature for your reef tank? How High is Too High? If your tank temperatures are too high, it can cause coral bleaching. It may be higher than you think.
Reef Tank Janitors
Learn what reef tank janitors are, what beneficial tasks they perform, and what types of saltwater Hermit Crabs and Snails make the best algae eaters. Hermit Crabs and Snails make the best algae eaters.
About Phosphates (PO4)
Learn all about what phosphates (PO4) are - where they come from - solutions for reducing high concentrations in saltwater aquariums
Trouble Shooter
Saltwater Aquarium Fish Disease Trouble Shooter from your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums - A tool to help you diagnosis fish diseases - Diagnosing fish disease - fish disease
Clean Dirty Bio-Balls
It is NOT the bio-balls in a wet/dry trickle or other type of biological filter that go BAD! Just like with an undergravel filter, it is the "lack of proper maintenance" that turns them into a nitrate factory. If you periodically rinse them off and keep them clean, nitrate and bio-balls woes should decrease, as long as this is the sole source that is generating the nitrate problem in the aquarium.
DIY 2 X 4 Cabinet Frame - Saltwater Aquariums Guides' Extra
DIY 2 X 4 Cabinet Frame, from your About.com Guides
Metal Halide Fixtures
Metal Halide lights have rapidly become the fixture of choice for many SW reefers. Their relatively small size for the amount of light provided has made these fixtures very popular. Many of these new fixtures are well designed, add a stylish look to any aquarium and even include Lunar Lights.
True VS False Percula Clownfis
True VS False Percula Clownfishes - How Can You Tell Which is Which? Find out what distinguishing differences set the True (Amphiprion percula) and False (Amphiprion ocellaris) Percula Clown or Anemonefish apart from one another, which is more than just being tank-raised or not.
HT Give Fish a FW Dip or Bath
One of the simplest and fastest ways to reduce and eliminate the numbers of all types of ich organisms, as well as flukes and lice that are parasitici on saltwater fishes is to give them a quick freshwater dip or bath. This method of hyposalinity is very effective, takes little time to prepare for, and is strongly recommended as the first step in treating ich diseased fish prior to placing them into a QT for long term treatment with the proper medication for what ails them. Here's How:
Eliminate Aiptasia
How to perform an effective and easy lemon juice injection procedure to eliminate pesky Aiptasia Anemones from saltwater aquarium reef tank systems.
Brown/Golden Diatom Algae Photos
Find out what brown or golden diatom algae looks like with these photos taken by your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums.
Bob Mills' 75g Reef Tank
A well deserved 1st Place Grand Prize Winner - December 1999 Photo Contest photo of Bob's 75g tank. An unbielevable array of fish and coral specimens are just the beginning.
Bill Coleman's 75g Reef Tank
Bill Coleman's 75g Reef Tank photo entry took a respectable 3rd Plce in the in the About Saltwater Aquariums November 2005 Reef Tanks Photo Contest. Bill's tank displays a huge assortment of beautiful corals.
Cycling A Tank With Fish
Cycling a New Saltwater Aquarium With Fish - Tips From Your About Guides For Making Good Tank Starter Fish Choices
Snowflake Eel Profile
Although considered to be less-aggressive than other saltwater morays, the Snowflake Eel can become very pugnacious at feeding time. Here can view a picture of the Zebra Eel, read identification, characteristics, compatibility, diet, feeding and more aquarium care profile information about the Echidna nebulosa species true saltwater moray eel.
Reef Tank Safe Sand Sifting Go
Reef Tank Safe Sand Sifting Gobies - Information about Sand Sifting Gobies which are considered to be safe for reef tanks. Reef Tank Safe Sand Sifting Gobies - Information about Sand Sifting Gobies which are considered to be safe for reef tanks.
Fish Compatibility
Saltwater Aquariums Fish Compatibility - Part One - Types of Aggressive Behavior About Saltwater Aquariums
Curtis Bearden's 300g Reef Tank Photo
Curtis Bearden's photo of his 300g Reef Tank which contains 3 Yellow Tangs, Naso, Sailfin, 2 Blue Hippo Tangs, 8 Clowns, Zooanthid, Flower Pot, Colt, Candy-cane, Moon poly & Mushroom corals.
Frank Santiago's 75g Reef Tank
Frank Santiago's photo of his 75g Reef Tank, which contains 1 Clown Fish, 1 Sailfin Tang, 1 Olive Tang, 1 Blue Damsel, 3 Cleaner Shrimps, 10 Turbo Snails and many corals.
Brandon Nicolay's Longhorn Cowfish (Lactoria cornuta) Photo
A photo of Brandon Nicolay's Longhorn Cowfish (Lactoria cornuta) submitted for display at About Saltwater Aquariums.
Eliseo Martinez' 55g Reef Tank
Eliseo Martinez' photo of his 55g Reef Tank which contains Yellow Leather, Cabbage Leather, Finger Leather, Colt Coral, Trumpet Polyps, Yellow Polyps, Green Star Polyps, Hammer, Xenia and Mushrom Corals. Also two Clownfishes, Yellow Watchman Goby, Cardinalfish, a Flame Back Angel and a Cleaner Shrimp.
UV Sterilization
UV Sterilization - What Is It, and How Are UV Sterilizers Used in Saltwater Aquariums
Top PC Fluorescent Fixtures
Sleek, affordable, and an upgrade from NO (Normal Output) lighting, shop, compare prices and buy quality HO (High Output) or PC (Power Compact) fluorescent light fixtures. These Top Pick units are ideal for saltwater aquarists that want to step things up and move into the realm of reefkeeping with corals that do not require high intensity lighting, and enhance the growth of live rock with beneficial coraline and macroalgae. Some units come in freshwater versions designed for planted aquariums.
DIY Auto Top Off System
Easy, inexpensive DIY Do It Yourself Auto Top Off that is truly automatic. Includes plans, parts list, instructions and pictures to help you install this automatic aquarium top off system. DIY Do It Yourself Auto Top Off plans.
Frank Cresencia's 75g Reef Tank
Frank Cresencia's photo of his 75g Reef Tank, submitted for entry in an About Saltwater Aquariums Photo Contest. Frank's tank shows his terrific assortment of both hard and soft corals, as well as his various fish.
DIY Glass Aquarium Duct Tape Placement and Panels Installation Diagram
A diagram showing various phases of construction of this DIY glass aquarium project from the About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums.
Tank Is Cycled - What's Next?
Once your new saltwater aquarium has reached the third and final phase of the nitrogen cycling process and completing its task of establishing the beginning of your tank's biological filter base, it's important to be patient, and move slowly! Here's why.
Jason Smith's 75g Reef Tank
Jason Smith's 75g Reef Tank photo shows his outstanding arrangement of corals and Anemones.
Michele Daddio's 55g Reef Tank
Michele Daddio's photo of his 55g Reef Tank with his featherduster worms, Mushrooms, Xenia and soft corals.
Growing Out Brine Shrimp
How to grow out your own Brine Shrimp from hatched Brine Shrimp eggs.
R. Tebben's 37g Reef Tank
R. Tebben's 37g Reef Tank containing a plethora of corals and fish.
Doug Di Leonardo's 55g Reef Tank
Doug Di Leonardo's 55g Reef Tank, Grand Prize winner of the About Saltwater Aquariums March 2002 Reef Tank Photo Contest.
Using Mangroves
Find out how to use Mangrove Plants for natural filtration to remove nitrates, phosphates and other organics in your saltwater aquarium.
DIY Hatching Brine Shrimp
Simple instructions for hatching out your own Brine Shrimp from eggs.
Red Sea Berlin Classic Prot...
The Red Sea Berlin Classic is a well constructed, dependable venturi driven skimmer that is suitable for tanks up to 250 gallons in size and can be mounted in or alongside the tank or sump, but may be tricky to set up and maintain.
BYB Protein Skimmers
Before You Buy Protein Skimmer tips from your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums on the many types of protein skimmers there are to choose from, Hang-On Tank, In-Sump, and In-Tank models, and the good and bad points to consider before you buy one for your saltwater reef tank aquarium.
Jeffrey Hill's 75g Reef Tank
Jeffrey Hill's 75g Reef Tank photo shows his terrific variety of corals. Note the beautiful patch of Duster Cluster Tube Worms in the front of the tank.
Mike Temple's 75g Reef Tank
Mike Temple's 75g Reef Tank which contains his Purple Tang, Lawnmower Blenny, Orange Clownfish, Yellow-head Jawfish, Royal Gramma, Six-line Wrasse, Arrow Crab, Hermits, Snails, Purple Linkia Starfish as well as Galaxy, Green Stars, Aleveopora, Spaghetti Finger Leather, Pagoda Cup, Hammer, Brain, Green Finger Leather and Blue Mushrooms.
Steven Lee's 54g Reef Tank
Steven Lee's 54g Reef Tank entry in the About Saltwater Aquariums Photo Contest. Steven's tank has an outstanding variety of corals which proves that you don't need a huge tank to show a wider slice of the reef.
Aquarium Cycling Hub
Cycling a Saltwater Aquarium - How to Cycle a Saltwater Aquarium - Different methods for cycling a saltwater aquarium.

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