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How to Maintain Salt Water Tanks

by Kelsey Erin Shipman

Overview

Saltwater aquariums are popular additions to homes and offices for their brightly colored fish and relaxing nature. If you set them up properly, maintenance time is reasonable and will ensure healthy, happy fish. The more attention you pay to your tank and its inhabitants, the healthier your aquarium will be. There are some simple tasks to be done daily and other more labor-intensive tasks to be done every week or so. Keep a notebook, and record your maintenance activities for future reference.

Step 1

Check the water temperature daily. Saltwater aquariums should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2

Check water levels weekly. In dryer climates, tank water may evaporate more quickly, which will increase the salinity of the tank. Each week you should remove 10 to 15 percent of the water and replace it with fresh, dechlorinated water. This will help balance out the increase in salinity over the past week.
Step 3

Scrub the inside of the tank. Each week, use an aquarium scrubber to remove the algae by slowly wiping the glass in a steady pattern. Be careful not to touch or frighten any of the fish.
Step 4

Siphon or vacuum accumulated fish waste. You should do this each week by gently moving the gravel to the back of the tank and creating a blank spot in the front. The stirred up fish waste will settle in the front section, and you can then vacuum it up. Be sure to replace the gravel evenly.
Step 5

Check equipment. Inspect filter pads, the protein skimmer cup, hoses and tubes. Watch out for any equipment that is not functioning properly, and anticipate problems by noticing subtle changes. A slight humming sound coming from a filter may be an early warning sign of a problem.
Step 6

Monitor water quality. Check pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels at least every two weeks. Make appropriate adjustments depending on the tank's needs.
Step 7

Wipe down the outside of tank. Use a rag sprayed with glass cleaner (do not spray directly onto the tank) to remove any fingerprints, oils and smudges from the outside of the tank.

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Thermometer Dechlorinated water Aquarium siphon or vacuum Scrubber Saltwater test kit Rag Glass cleaner
Thermometer
Dechlorinated water
Aquarium siphon or vacuum
Scrubber
Saltwater test kit
Rag
Glass cleaner
Always monitor your fish for unusual behavior and disease.
Always monitor your fish for unusual behavior and disease.
It is not necessary to remove all decorations for weekly cleanings. In fact, tank accessories house healthy bacteria that help balance the tank's water levels. Never use soap or detergent to clean anything that will go into your tank, because it could be hazardous to the health of your fish.
It is not necessary to remove all decorations for weekly cleanings. In fact, tank accessories house healthy bacteria that help balance the tank's water levels.
Never use soap or detergent to clean anything that will go into your tank, because it could be hazardous to the health of your fish.