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Learn how to set up a saltwater fish tank and key considerations regarding placement, supplies needed, and the overall set up process.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
Learn how to use aquarium salt in freshwater aquariums to promote healthy gill functions, reduce stress, and treat infections in fish.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
Learn how to care for soft coral, recommended care & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
Learn how to test your aquarium water. Poor water quality stresses fish, which leaves them susceptible to disease and possibly death.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
Learn how to safely handle your aquatic life to avoid toxin & bacterial exposure. Find aquatic life care supplies at your neighborhood Petco pet care center.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
Do not use plain aquarium salt or table salt. To make brackish water, you need marine salt. You will also need a hydrometer to measure specific gravity. A hydrometer can be found in the aquarium section of most pet stores They cost $15 or less. Depending on the species of fish you have, brackish water will need a SG between 1.005 and 1.010. One tablespoon of marine salt per gallon of water will create brackish water at the lower end of the SG range. Yes, you will need a conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine before you add the marine salt.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
If your are using a product such as Instant Ocean ( www.instantocean.com ) or Reef Crystals ( http://www.instantocean.com/Products/Sea-Salt-Mixes/reef-crystals-sea-salt.aspx ), then directions will be on the container. Other products may also include instructions. The amount of sea salt will depend on the specific gravity you desire. Ocean water, or water used in marine tanks, has a specific gravity of 1.025, so you will need to dissolve enough salt into a quantity of water to reach that level. You will need to allow for 24 hours to make sure the salt has completely dissolved. If you want a step by step guide, click the link below. http://www.saltwatersmarts.com/guide-to-mixing-saltwater-517/
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Salt water aquarium requires a great deal of regular maintenance to keep the fish alive. This can be helped by adding live rock (similar to live coral) to the aquarium. Below is a link to some great information for maintaining a salt water. aquarium.http://www.madhattersreef.com/20-ways-improve-aquarium-husbandry/ I hope that helps and all is well with your fish.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Water softeners leave very little salt residue in the treated water. Most, not all, fish *should* do fine in softened water. Make sure you get species that does better in soft water. Use a hardness kit and monitor KH. This parameter is what can affect pH. You can set aside a gallon or two and test it after it has aged for 24-48 hours to confirm it is safe to use. Check the softener unit for a bypass valve. Some units will have one or you can get one installed. Taps/faucets outside may not be in line with the softener, so you can use water from there if necessary.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
As a short term bath of up to seven days and a concentration of up to 1 tablespoon/ 1gal water can be used but this is just the fish as a treatment. You cannot add it to the daily aquarium as it will damage the plants and can damage the fish. Remember these are freshwater fish, not salt water.
Updated on August 12th, 2025