Aquarium dreams
Setting up a saltwater aquarium is a dream for many aquarists since it makes it possible to hold some of the many fascinating and beautiful creatures that inhabit our oceans. It is however important to keep in mind that marine tanks differ from freshwater tanks in many regards. It is for instance imperative to learn how to keep the water quality at imperative levels, because as a rule, marine dwellers are extremely sensitive to organic waste. Always seek out detailed tropical fish information or cold water fish information about the species you are interested in keeping to find out exactly how sensitive they are. Some species, e.g. many damsels, are comparatively tolerant, while others will die even from a slight increase of organic waste in the aquarium. The invention of the protein skimmer – a special type of efficient filter – has made it much easier to keep marine creatures in aquariums but you still need to carry out frequent water changes and keep a watchful eye on the levels of organic waste to prevent poor health and fatalities.
Several books have been written about the art of saltwater aquarium maintenance and you can also find more info at aquarium sites on the internet. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of more experienced marine aquarists, e.g. through online forums or by visiting a local aquarium club.