There are factors to consider in salt water fish tanks besides the temperature. Even though the ecosystem works properly, these tanks should always be monitored. Parameters are read this way:

- pH: 8.2

- Nitrates: 20 ppm for salt water fish/5 ppm for invertebrates

- Salinity/Specific Gravity measurement: 77F or 25C with a corrected hydrometer: 1.022

- Temperature: 77F or 25C

- Alkalinity: 3.0

- Reef keepers and invertebrates calcium: 400 – 450 ppm Ca++

Keeping a salt water fish tank is a rewarding experience. Re-creating an ocean environment at home is relaxing. When you are new in fish keeping, you can begin with having a freshwater tank.

Freshwater fishes are adaptable since they come from smaller bodies of water. They can tolerate mistakes better than salt water fishes. When you already know basic fish keeping you can move to keeping salt water fish tanks.

Always remember that you cannot combine the fresh water fish and the salt water fish in one tank. Freshwater fishes will die in salt water and vice versa.

Remember also that it is easier to keep the ecosystem stable when the tank is bigger. This principle is applicable to every water parameter. Larger tanks are better. Salt water tanks of bigger capacity supports 50% fewer fish as compared to freshwater counterparts. A 114 liter salt water tank can stock only a few small fishes.

You will find lots of resources that will help you along the way, once you are ready to maintain a salt water fish tank. Hence, nothing is more fundamental to humankind than the ocean. Keeping it at home, although it is artificial, is a thrilling gift that is worth the price.

Tips for making great tank starter fish selections

• During the cycling process, never buy as well as bring in sensitive corals or invertebrates into your tank.

• In selecting starter fishes and other livestock, have a list. Learn about their characteristics, nutritional requirements, feeding routine and captivity details.

• By knowing the measurement of the fishes per tank rule, you will then have a broad idea on how many fish you can add.

• Choose cheaper, durable, adaptable fish that are known to do well during the process of tank cycling. Some of the best fishes to start are:

- Damsels or

- Chromis

These fishes are very aggressive but once the tank has cycled and has been running for a month, you can start trading them. You can also change them with more stylish beginner fishes.

• Be knowledgeable in inspecting what fish you can buy. The quality of health they have will play a vital role in successfully caring for them.

Salt water fish tanks act as an aquarium. It imitates the environment of an ocean. In imitating the ocean environment, it supports salt water fishes. Although a salt water fish tank is more difficult to maintain as compared to fresh water tanks, salt water fishes have less tolerance for fluctuations. Fluctuations happen within closed environments of the aquarium.

Once the aquarium is set properly, it operates with self-supporting ecosystems. Hence, the element in artificial or natural ecosystem relies on other elements for stability.

Thus, fish keeping has become a balancing step in monitoring and maintaining specific parameters. This is to keep the whole system stable. Although the system is critical for salt water fish tanks because the ocean is a stable environment, life forms in the ocean do not have the physical capability to adjust to radical changes quickly. Changes in the ocean only happen gradually.