An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 2)

In the first part of my introduction in setting up a reef/marine fish tank, there were certain questions that needed to be addressed in order to ensure that you have some sort of initial success in setting up and starting a tank. A plan of action, reading and researching, monetary calculating as well as the proper location for your set up, equipment needs, and what you plan on keeping as far as livestock are needing attention. The cycling process was also touched upon and its importance in the outcome to follow making a fine diving line between dead or live livestock. I then listed some of the more difficult and delicate fish, inverts and corals that should be passed upon adding to your tank. Whether due to shipping/handling, specialized feeding, husbandry requirements, or the fact that they just can't survive the rigors and stress associated with being cooped up in a captive environment.

Now the fun and excitement occurs as you are ready to select your livestock once your tank has cycled. With the knowledge that you have accumulated through countless hours of reading and researching on website forums and the myriad of informative and enjoyable books on the market today, you can start collecting the livestock for your tank(s). This sounds easier than it is however, as the order in which you add fish or inverts to your tank can create some devastating results. The adding of fish too quickly or too many in a short period of time will create some shortcomings and pitfalls that as a conscientious aquarist can be avoided rather easily. As you probably know by now, fish have different personalities, and aggression traits. Communal or a more boisterous tank set up. This variable has to be addressed to alleviate the chances of aggression by the more aggressive fish over territory etc. Also, it is best to add the more aggressive fish last... as it gives the more docile fish a better chance to get comfortable and established in their surroundings with the more boisterous fish then being added. Aggressive behavior is usually curbed somewhat when this little point is adhered to.

Next come the dilemma of adding too many fish too quickly. I know, you were excited and with the plethora of vibrant fish available at your local pet shop, you went overboard! Now you are wondering why your ammonia, nitrites and nitrates are way above the norm. This is the end result of the bacteria(nitrosomonas and nitrobacter) levels not being able to handle the bioload as it takes time for the bacteria population to increase to handle this increase in ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. You will also see an increase in dissolved organics and particulates, phosphates, nuisance micro algae growth, Gelbstoff(yellowing agent to your water) , cyanobacteria, diatoms, and the list goes on and on. Because of these variables, potential problematic reaction's may result, leading to the wipe out of your tanks bioload. Care and willpower have to be used to curb this potentially fatal situation. It is advisable to add a fish or two every few weeks or so till you have reached your ideal population. Another important thing to remember is that size plays a factor as well. Obviously, you can put more damsel sized fish in your tank than say large yellow tang sized fish. The inch per gallon rule is a pretty good indicator to help you eliminate the overpopulating of your tank and offering you a better chance at keeping your water parameters in check.

Some very good husbandry and routine maintenance guides to follow are to perform weekly small water changes!!!! This will help to make sure that your water has beneficial trace elements and vitamins, and dilute the pollutants that are in your water. Diligent and effective skimming is crucial as well as moderate water flow to ALL parts of your tank with the focus on decreasing dead spots throughout your tank where detritus can accumulate through advection and diffusion. Make sure that your skimmer and other pieces of equipment are cleaned and checked to ensure their optimal performance. A skimmer along with carbon additions is great to advocate, however, these components Will quickly consume/absorb trace minerals and vitamins, another reason to do weekly water changes and dose some of the more beneficial traces and vitamins to ensure your livestock is reaping the benefits of this.

Overfeeding is a no-no and should not be implemented as once in awhile or on a continual basis. This only affects your water quality, and the food allowed to stay in your tank for a period of time will only decompose further increasing potential problems.

Testing of your water is a great habit to get into, especially with chemicals/traces you plan on dosing such as iodine/iodide, calcium, strontium and iron. This ensures that you are at the desired level with regards to these beneficial elements, and also helps to ensure you don't overdose!

By taking the time to prepare yourself, do a little research, and enlighten yourself, you gain a stronger foothold on the saltwater hobby. As mentioned in my first part, marine tanks are usually harder to set-up initially, but in due time as your tank matures, marine tanks, I feel, are actually easier to keep, but it does take some homework and time on your part. Being conscientious, observant, responsible and showing some patience and sympathy for the saltwater hobby, your actions will undoubtedly be noticed and you will reap the benefits associated with these key components.

Take it slow...don't panic and whatever you do, don't get dejected and quit prematurely just because of a few pitfalls. You will encounter many bumps in the road, especially as a newbie to the hobby, but the peaks, in my opinion, will far outweigh the valleys.
GOOD LUCK!