While it is true that exotic salt water fish are a bit more difficult to maintain than fresh water fish, the maintenance required is nothing the average person can't handle. But without proper maintenance it is impossible to create a healthy environment for your Achilles Tang, Flame Wrasse, Annularis Angel, Golden Butterfly and other salt water creatures. It is wise to study the habits of exotic salt water fish and understand what their natural environment is like before buying the tank and investing in the fish.
One of the first things you will learn is that salt water fish tanks must be filled with huge amounts of water to remain stable and absorb shocks, and this water must be maintained to meet very specific standards and nutrient levels. The nutrient cycles include the addition of dissolved oxygen to the tank and the emission of carbon dioxide from the tank, which can be controlled by the water-air interface or the activity of an air pump. There are also phosphate, iron, sulfur, and micronutrient cycles that occur as a result of the food that enters the tank and exits the fish's systems as waste.
The water must be kept clean for the Achilles Tang, Flame Wrasse, Annularis Angel, Golden Butterfly and other salt water creatures to remain healthy. Dead fish and corals should be removed immediately, salinity levels should be maintained properly and any dirt or debris should be removed as soon as they are found. The pH levels of the tank must be maintained too, which can be checked with various testing kits and maintained by adding mixture of salts, minerals and additives like sodium bicarbonate. And, of course, any water added to the tank should be filtered and not just taken straight from the tap.
The use of aeration from power heads, air pumps, and internal water flow improvements in the design of the filtration system points for inflow and outflow can also help maintain salt water fish tanks. Your exotic salt water fish will depend on it.
The saltwater fish store holds a wonderland of fish and corals that can be used to create an amazingly beautiful underwater environment. Some people choose to start their aquariums with nothing but exotic salt water fish and a base of rocks and sand at the bottom, since the colors and movement of the fish are enough to keep people captivated for hours. Other people choose to use nothing but live coral in their aquariums, which can also be very bright and exciting, and are also easier to maintain if you choose the right variety for a beginner. Other people can't decide and decide to integrate both life forms into their aquarium for the most beautiful results. When visiting the saltwater fish store for the first time you will more than likely be overwhelmed by all the choices that are available, but it is important to study up and get some good advice before choosing any particular species. It is unwise to simply choose the most colorful and exotic salt water fish. Some species might not be compatible with other species because they will be aggressive and eat the other fish's food, while other species might be okay as long as they are placed together in limited groups, and others might prefer to be in large schools of fish. And when it comes to live coral, there are some species that are very hard to maintain, and there are also considerations regarding compatibility between the coral and the fish. Unfortunately, the live coral and exotic salt water fish that are the most colorful and exquisite are also often the most difficult species to maintain. This is why it's a good idea to speak to someone at the saltwater fish store or purchase a good book on the subject before making any decisions. There are many species that are easy to maintain and very hardy that are still very beautiful and exotic. Salt water fish and coral are just like any other pets, though. They will always require care and maintenance to survive.