If you have decided to keep and a saltwater aquarium, you also need to know how to take care of it. Since you have spent a bit of money for the aquarium as well as for the fish inside it, it makes good sense to get some knowledge towards its maintenance and correct upkeep. Maintaining an aquarium and its content is not difficult but mandatory if you wish to do justice to the expenses which you have already incurred.

To keep your saltwater aquarium in good shape and function optimally, here are a few tips :

? There are a few important tests which you have to do every two weeks. These tests are fairly simple and take only a few seconds to do. Checks on ammonia levels, pH level and the nitrite and nitrate levels. First find out what the normal levels are from the pet store clerk, before buying the fish.

? If the pH level of the water is very high, simply add a tablespoon of baking soda to the water. Just ensure that it is completely dissolved before add more.

? For instance if the salinity level drops, simply add some salt to the water.

? Add dechlorinated water to your tank, if you find the salinity level is high. This is a very common occurrence, as the water in the aquarium is constantly evaporating. Adding this water will balance the salt content of the remaining water.

? Remember to add adequate amounts of iodine and calcium to the water in your tank. To know how much and how often talk to the pet store clerk, since the amounts depend on the type of fish you have kept in the tank.

? Replace one-tenth of the water of your tank with dechorinated water. Do this once a week. This freshens up the water.

? Replace 25% of the water in your tank with dechlorinated water once every few months.

? Keep the water temperature between 75 and 80 degrees. Check if this is the right temperature as it depends on the type of fish that you keep.

? Always remember to remove the algae from the inside walls of your aquarium regularly. Check the filter pads as well as test the alkalinity levels. Cleaning of the gravel in the tank is also necessary for its proper upkeep.

Undertaking these simple activities will keep your aquarium in good share and keep your fish active and healthy.