Gregory Skomal

One thing is certain, not all algae are alike. Although a number of formal classifications have been set up for algae, and scientists recognize at least eight major divisions, not all occur in the typical aquarium. Some kinds are desirable, and others are not. Some are typically referred to as seaweeds, others are planktonic, and some are both.

Cleaning an aquarium involves a conscientious effort on your part. In fact, maintaining a fish tank isn’t for the lazy at heart. Don’t set up a saltwater aquarium if you don’t intend to follow through and keep it clean and healthy. All too often, an aquarist’s interest wanes after the first couple of months of ownership, and the aquarium occupants ultimately suffer the consequences.

The biggest questions when it comes to feeding your saltwater aquarium fish are how much and how often to feed them. Some fish are gluttons, whereas others stop when they’re full. You probably know people from both ends of this spectrum. Have the same person or people feed the aquarium. This ensures that the feeding is done consistently and with an eye for the right quantities.

Is there anybody who doesn’t like going to a big public aquarium? I don’t think so. You can see and discover so much at an aquarium, and there’s usually not enough time to see it all in one day. For the home aquarist, the large public aquarium is also a great place to see just how a healthy aquarium should look.

Fish and invertebrates are living creatures that require food for energy, burning it with the help of oxygen that they respire (breathe from the water). These processes produce waste products that are returned to the environment through the gills and in the urine and feces. These wastes are primarily carbon dioxide and nitrogenous compounds (like ammonia), which are extremely toxic to fish.

Keeping a saltwater aquarium means maintaining a fairly strict maintenance schedule to keep the life inside healthy. The water in saltwater aquariums requires regular testing for a variety of minerals and chemical balances. Figuring out the right feeding schedule and amount for your fish is a task that needs attention when you first stock your aquarium and when the population changes.

Preventative maintenance for your saltwater or freshwater aquarium is easy if you follow a schedule. A little maintenance every day will keep your fish and aquarium environment clean and healthy. Do the following daily:• Turn the aquarium lights on and off. Most aquarists prefer to use an automatic timer. If you choose not to, try to turn the lights on and off at the same times each day.

A power filter is the one of the easier and least complicated water-filter systems for your saltwater aquarium. The design is simple: Water is pulled into the filter media and pumped back to the tank. You can choose from external, external with a biowheel, or internal (submersible) versions: External power filter: This unit looks like a big square cup that hangs on the outside of the tank, and it's powered by its own motor.