Exotic Fish
Help please. I want to start a saltwater tank, and would like interesting, exotic Fish. Corals too. advice?
I am relatively experienced with freshwater tanks (have a 30 gal. goldfish tank, 3 fish in it, and a betta/frog tank. I understand there is a bit more to a saltwater tank, please share your advice / experiences!
I kept freshwater for 20 years before I decided to do saltwater. Everything I read beforehand said to start with a tank at least 30 gallons (I picked a 29 gallon I had but wasn’t using). Withing 6 months, I was ready to move up to a 55 gallon, and kept the 29 gallon as a saltwater tank as well. I’m now up to three saltwater. It’s addictive!
Once you get the tank set up (the biggest time and money consumer), there really isn’t that much difference or work to them. At least that’s my opinion, and I still have both types. There’s a little more to the equipment, such as a protein skimmer (used to remove dissolved organics and small particulates from the water that would otherwise add to the nutrient load), a hydrometer (used to mix the salt to the right concentration), and the salt itself (don’t plan on fast water changes – I mix the water in 5 gallon buckets or a 30 gallon plastic garbage can a few days before and drop in a powerhead to mix it, then do minor adjusting earlier in the day of the water change).
The fish are more colorful, generally more expensive, less tolerant of poor water conditions, and more territorial and aggressive (personalities more like cichlids). Because of all that, they can’t be stocked as heavily in saltwater.
If you want to get into corals, you’ll need to upgrade your lighting beyond what comes with a standard hood. I don’t recommend anything less than a compact fluorescent, and a CF/ metal halide might be better depending on the lighting needs of the corals you like.
I also like using live rock in the tanks – it provides extra biological filtration and makes a more natural setting for the fish and inverts. Plus, you never know what kinds of critters you’ll get with it. I’ve found a sea star 4 months after I put the last piece of live rock in my tank that I never knew I had. Plus shrimp, snails, sponges, etc. Everyone has their own preference on type and I have two tanks set up with Atlantic aquacultured rock (more colorful) and one with Tonga branch (this makes columns for fish to swim in and out of).
There are lots of choices for fish, depending if you like large or small, peaceful or aggressive, but if you plan to have corals, make sure the species are reef safe. My favorite two species are Bangaii cardinalfish (these remind me of freshwater angelfish) and longnose hawkfish. The cardinals will breed in the tank if you get a pair, and they’re mouthbrooders – the male gathers the eggs in his mouth and holds them 21-23 days till a little after the fry hatch (and he doesn’t eat the entire time). The hawk will perch on some coral or other spot in the tank and watch for small shrimp, and when he sees one, he swoops down like a hawk, which is how they get their name. They aren’t good at swimming for a long time or distance, but when he sees his owner (or at least the person who feeds him), he’ll swimm over to the glass an “wag” his whole body.
Best thing I can advise is to read up on all the fish you like and see what will be compatible in a tank the size of yours. Here are a few websites to get you started, but I’s suggest getting a good saltwater aquarium book as well.
http://www.apapets.com/MarineEcosystem/whatto.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/index.cfm?cls=16
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/
Exotic Fish
|
|
Fake Artificial Aquarium Fish Tank $59.99 What could be better than the tranquil beauty of a fake fish tank aquarium at your home or office? A sea aquarium with exotic fish that never need to be fed. There is nothing more peaceful than a tank full of beautifully colored fish swimming around. In fact some scientists have called aquariums the ultimate stress reliever. Of course less stress means better health and peace of mind. Because of t… |
|
|
Seascape Aquarium Lamp with Animated Fish (20 Night Light Clock) $24.95 Instantly create a relaxing, illuminated atmosphere with this animated ocean lamp. You’ll watch as exotic fish swim in unison against a wall of moving coral, creating a fascinating underwater illusion…without water! Relax to the sights of a tropical reef- this clever animated lamp brings you all the beauty of a saltwater aquarium, but with no feeding, upkeep- or even water- required! A/C powered… |
|
|
Tropical Ocean Fish Exotic Coral Reef Animal Wildlife Picture Art Print $1.80 This beautiful art goes well in any room. Artwork is manufactured by Art Prints Inc. using state of the art equipment and quality materials such as premium grade high quality acid free lithograph art paper…. |
|
|
Exotic Fish $1.99 This is a how-to, educational video on fishing. Hosts have a television show. How to catch Grayling,Dolly Varden, and Pink Salmon, exotic game fish in North America…. |
|
|
Dive The World, Vol. 3: Indo-Pacific Islands Dive The World, Vol. 3: Indo-Pacific Islands! Submerge yourself in the captivating kaleidoscope of coral reefs and exotic fish and experience the impressive power of the predators of the ocean. Dive the world… an unparalleled underwater adventure. Explore some of the world’s best diving locales, including the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, the islands of Fiji, the Seychelles Archipelago in the… |
|
|
Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Poisson Exotique – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – California Sushi Rolls – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Common Lionfishes – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Exotic Saltwater Aquarium [Blu-ray] $9.95 Studio: Wea-des Moines Video Release Date: 12/11/2007… |
|
|
Tropical Fish Aquarium $8.02 Turn your TV into a beautiful aquarium. Bring the beautyof the ocean indoors. No more cleaning feeding or maintenance required! Five stunning real-life underwater environmentsPerfect addition to house parties or office receptionareas Each peaceful tank sequence has continuous playtime Bonus: Virtual Fireplace Enjoy the relaxing sightsand sounds of the fireplace year round!System Requirements: Ru… |
