Caring for a Salt Water Fish Aquarium

Caring for a Salt Water Fish Aquarium

If you are going to own a salt water fish aquarium, the first thing you should do is learn as much about these creatures and their natural environments as possible.  Many people don’t even know what the difference between salt water tropical fish and fresh water fish is; they just know that they like the bright colors and unique designs of the salt water varieties.  But if you are going to have salt water aquarium fish in your home you better know what you’re getting into.  While this is one of the most rewarding hobbies around, these fish are by no means simple and easy to take care of. 

The first thing that makes salt water tropical fish so unique is the environment they come from, which differs greatly from that of fresh water fish.  Since their natural environment is generally so stable, salt water fish do not readily adapt to major changes in water condition.  This is one of the reasons why keeping a salt water fish aquarium is so complex.  Salt water fish are also almost all invertebrates.  This all adds up to a very delicate group of fish with very specific instructions for care and maintenance. 

Once you decide that you want to have salt water aquarium fish in your home, you will also need to invest in some very specific equipment.  In addition to the standard aquarium supplies, a good salt water reef tank should have special gravel made from crushed coral, sea salt mix and a hydrometer.  It’s also suggested that you never keep these delicate fish in an aquarium any smaller than 50 gallons – and for many species, much bigger would be better.  Having an adequately sized tank with a complete set of equipment is better than going for a massive tank that lacks the required mechanisms, though, as long as it isn’t smaller than 50 gallons.

Taking care of salt water tropical fish isn’t easy, but with so many rewards from this satisfying hobby it is well worth the time and effort.  The sheer beauty and mystery of a well kept aquarium will be enough to mesmerize anyone who visits your home.

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Salt Water Fish Tank Filter Systems

Salt Water Fish Tank Filter Systems

Choosing the between all the various salt water fish tank filtration systems can be confusing to say the least. But, before you choose your specific system, there are a few points you must know no matter which system you choose. Keep in mind filtration is a very important part of your tank, so don’t rush through this step.

In natural habitats, the fish have an ample areas in which to live. In your tank, they are confined to a relatively small quantity of water. In your tank, waste products can quickly build up and spell disaster. That’s where the filter comes in.

Four factors have a huge impact on the success of your tank, and your filtration system. You must have an adequate biological base, the appropriate choice of animals, not over-populate, and don’t over feed. Get one of these factors wrong, and you most likely will have problems with your saltwater tank.

Biological filtration is the most important sector of salt water fish tank filter systems. The biological filters are living organisms within your tank. They consume oxygen and waste material within your tank. It’s not something you can add. They will occur naturally within your saltwater fish tank.

Mechanical Filtration

The second type of filtration for your tank is mechanical filtration. This is where you choose the type of salt water filter system you will use in your new tank.

Mechanical filtration strains the solid particles from your tank water. It will not remove solids trapped by gravel, or other items within your tank. A good mechanical filter traps enough solids to keep your water clear, without becoming clogged frequently.

Smaller openings catch finer particles and are clogged
faster than a larger opening. Keep this in mind as you choose your mechanical filtration system.

Types of Mechanical Filters

For years, the corner filter has been the least expensive and most used type of salt water fish tank filtration systems. These clear plastic boxes sit inside the tank. An air stone bubbles air through an airlift tube, which forces water through a bed of filter floss mechanically filtering the water.

Today there are better methods,that don’t take up space, look nicer, and perform well.

Power filters are used by many. You’ll find many styles of power filters. The most common hangs on the back of the tank. A siphon tube pulls water from the tank into the filter box and passes the water though a mechanical filter. An internal pump returns the filtered water into the aquarium. Power filters come in many sizes suited for small to large aquariums

Under-gravel filters work by slowly passing water through the gravel on the bottom, which sits on top of a perforated plate. The water pumped with an airlift, with bubbles air lifting the water in a vertical tube attached to the filter plate. One problem is that the gravel clogs up with waste creating a health risk for your fish.

Sponge filters are an efficient,cheap form of biological filtration. Water is forced through porous foam by air bubbling through an airlift tube. Water flowing though the sponge allows the growth of a colony of beneficial bacteria that neutralizes toxic ammonia.

Chemical Filtration

Chemical filtration removes dissolved wastes from aquarium water. The most popular chemical filtration is the carbon filter method. Your water is filtered through gas activated carbon. The best GAC for filtering water is made from coal and is
macro-porous (larger pores).

Captain al Lorenzetti and Tim C. Smith of skimmeroutdoors.com have produced and released a new video in DVD format. This video is a must for anyone that is thinking about trying fly-fishing in saltwater. Captain Al demonstrates fly-fishing tactics in the Everglades of southwest Florida and on his home turf on the south shore of Long Island, New York. This hour and a half DVD is packed with information about tackle and fly-fishing techniques. Special attention is devoted to helping a beginner choose tackle that will be appropriate for entry level into the sport. Basic casting elements are discussed and demonstrated by captain al. The double-haul, roll-cast, back-cast, water-haul and other essential techniques are all reviewed as well as many other facets of the sport. Reels, rods, lines, leaders and flies are all discussed in a concise fashion so that the viewer will have a thorough understanding of the most important elements of saltwater fly-fishing. As always, Captain Al and Tim include fishing action throughout their productions. This DVD has lots of action footage of Captain Al doing his thing with the fly rod. Captain Al has a ball with Striped Bass and Bluefish in the northeast along Long Island’s south shore. Al hooks up with captain Charles Wright of Chokoloskee Island in the Florida everglades. With captain Charles, Al catches permit and a number of other species that inhabit the backcountry of the everglades. Beautiful background scenery will set the mood and …
Video Rating: 4 / 5

All About Salt Water Fish Tanks

All About Salt Water Fish Tanks

Saltwater fish tanks not only helps you analyze the underwater ecosystem, it can also relieve you of stress and stand as a relaxing experience. In setting up a Salt Water Fish Tank at home, there are several factors you need to consider.

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.

Salt Water Fishing Lures – 5 Great Options For Salt Fishers

Salt Water Fishing Lures – 5 Great Options For Salt Fishers

Salt water fishing lures are available in as many choices as there are for fresh water angling and maybe even more. What should be considered is that if you are fishing in salt water, the catch will be of a bigger and weightier variety and the equipment you need will also be larger as compared to the fresh water fishing gear. Marlins, sailfish and trophy fish are much larger and will need bigger lures.

1. Salt water fishing lures
You will need lures that will compatible to the different species of fish and even amongst the same species you would need different lures. Distinctive fishing lures for salt water could be utilized for different species of fish. Even within the same species you would need different lures for varying conditions like deep water, shallow water and according to the many seasons the feeding would have to be changed. You would also have to change the lure you are using according to the time of day and visibility factors.

2. The uses and variety of jigs
Like the lures you get a variety of jigs in different shapes and sizes and colors for salt water fishing. Salt water jigs are for fishing close to the bottom and for this reason they have to be heavier to that they can withstand the extreme tides and currents.

3. The types and uses of plugs
Lures that also work as plugs for salt water fishing are one of the chief items in the box of fishing equipment. These plugs are usually black or any other dark color so that they resemble the bait very closely. These plugs are made to resemble a smaller bait fish that is injured and dragged from side to side in such an effective way, like an injured bait fish that the larger fish are attracted to it and strike this plug forcefully.

4. Tins used to bait salt water fish
Tins are distinctive to lures that are used for salt water fishing, and are totally a very reflective lure in tin. These once again are made to look like a bait fish that is moving swiftly through the water in a very similar way to a bait fish, with the same sheen and reflection being caught in the water. There are some white feathers attached to the tail end so that it gives the movement of the tail a more authentic look and also adds more movement in the water around that area.

5. Lures that are made of plastic
Lures made of plastic could be in almost any color and could have two or three hooks. These could be made in one bit or could have many joints which would depend on the lure’s length and the kind of purpose it is going to be used for. Very realistic to look at, the lures that are made of plastic resemble baitfish and squid that are to be found in coastal regions, very closely. These plastic lures are used mostly for angling in inlets on the coast, along side the bays and when the baitfish are moving from deep to shallow waters or the other way around.
Just like the lures for freshwater, the lures used for salt water are also used in a similar manner to skip along the top layers of the water on the surface and lure the fish to the top. It is best to use these lures in calm waters either for angling from a boat or from the beach.

www.bennettmarine.com Learn saltwater fishing from the fisherman who in a single year was named both “Angler of the Year” and the “Release Angler of the Year.” In this instructional DVD, Dr. Jim covers the different rods and reels, how to use different types of line, hooks and sinkers along with the techniques for boat, shore, surf and pier fishing.

Fishing: A Guide to Fresh and Salt-Water Fishing

Fishing: A Guide to Fresh and Salt-Water Fishing

This compact guide to both salt-and fresh-water fishing will help you to:

-Identify the principal sport fishes of North America
-Select baits and tackle
-Hook and land a fish

A basic guide for the novice and a handy reference for the experienced angler, it’s packed with useful information and helpful tips on when, where, and how to fish most successfully.

Rating: (out of 7 reviews)

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Wahoo Fishing Show Houston, TX! Chew On This Saltwater Fishing Show VS

Captain Ben Chancey tangles chewonthis.tv with Wahoo on a 60ft Jarret Bay named “Sea Gypsy” owned by Tommie Ahrens in the Flower Gardens off of the Texas Coast out of Freeport,TX.

Charter Trips For Salt Water Fishing In Alaska

Charter Trips For Salt Water Fishing In Alaska

Alaska is the largest of the United States in area though third smallest in population. This state occupies the northwest extremity of the North American continent, separated from the coterminous United States by West Canada. It is bordered by Yukon Territory and British Columbia in east, the Gulf of Alaska and the Pacific Ocean in sourth, the Bering Sea, Bering Strait, and Chukchi Sea in west, and the Beaufort Sea and the Arctic Ocean in the north.

In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States for ,200,000. The U.S. purchase was accomplished solely through the determined efforts of Secretary of State William H. Seward, and for many years afterward the land was derisively called Seward’s Folly or Seward’s Icebox because of its supposed uselessness.

Alaska is a wonderful place that gives the people who are interested in fishing a wonderful experience. Charter trips for Salt-water fishing in Alaska are available in plenty. The most popular species in salt-water fishing is the Salmon and the Halibut. Rock Fish, Ling Cod, Crab, Sharks, and Shrimps are also popular but they are secondary to the Salmon and Halibut.

There are charter trips for salt-water fishing for half a day or full day. It is your choice depending on the time and money that you are willing to spend for the fishing in the Alaska coastal area.

Some companies who operate the charter trips also provide fishing cabins for salt-water fishing on shore. Private baths and kitchenettes are available in the fishing cabins provided. Facilities like Cable TV are also provided for your entertainment. You can use these cabins for your stay in the evening and the night and then proceed with your charter trips for salt-water fishing.

There are many places available for salt-water fishing in Alaska right from Ketchikan to Bristol. Broadly the fishing charter trips are carried out in the South East and the South Central Alaska.

The southeast Alaska has wet weather and the environment is favorable for many marine lives. Hence this area is popular for the salt-water fishing. The South central region is also more productive for fish. There are many fisheries along this coast because of the good weather that is even good in the summer.

A lot of companies are available for salt water in Alaska. A simple search on the Internet in a good search engine is sure to give you a lengthy list of these companies that can be used for these charter trips. If you are planning on a sport fishing trip then you can well have it planned for your budget itself. Happy Fishing!

Buy Salt Water Fish and Live Coral to Improve Your Quality of Life

Buy Salt Water Fish and Live Coral to Improve Your Quality of Life

Buy saltwater fish! Buy live coral! Saltwater fish are visually beautiful and a beautiful saltwater fish tank can become the most gorgeous piece of art in your home. When you buy saltwater fish and buy live coral for the fish to swim around, you are making an investment in your home and in your health. What other piece of art – sculpture, water color painting, oil canvas painting, or otherwise -  can boast housing vibrant colors that constantly and gently interchange?

Saltwater fish have a gentle and soothing grace about them, and when you buy saltwater fish, you are investing in your health and well being. Simply being close to a tank is a soothing experience. In fact, building and creating a beautiful saltwater fish tank in your home has been proven to be a source of stress relief for many people. Imagine walking through your front door to be confronted by an ugly pile of old papers and bills. This is a depressing sight! When you buy salt water fish you can look forward to coming home to a brilliant and beautiful fish tank. You will be rewarded with feelings of well being that you deserve because when you buy salt water fish you are assured that you will come home to a live, organic, and lovely experience.

People who buy salt water fish enjoy their fish during both the day and night. During the day, the tank looks lovely and it gently hums with happy well fed creatures that enjoy exploring the various nooks of their home. Many people who buy saltwater fish bond with their fish and look forward to feeding and talking to them. It truly is a rewarding experience for you to enjoy as these experiences are beneficial for you and for the fish.

Now imagine the night . . . People who buy salt water fish create beautiful displays that their fish enjoy to swim around and they and their guests enjoy to observe. It is interesting and fun to watch your fish as the daylight fades upon them. The colors change, the motions changes, and the look of the salt water fish tank takes on a new glow. Often times, dedicated salt water fish owners who buy salt water fish also buy live coral, a delicate and beautiful addition to their tanks. When they buy live coral they are assured of an amazing display.

Choosing to create a lighting format that will display your fish is an amazing concept that you should consider. When you choose, you can light your tank. Your tank will take on an entirely new look, especially for those who choose to buy live coral for the fish are naturally drawn to the coral.

Captain Ben Chancey www.totaltackle.com tangles with large mean Canal Tuna in the canals of Charlotte Harbor, Florida.

Are You Fighting Brown Algae In A Salt Water Fish Tank?

Are You Fighting Brown Algae In A Salt Water Fish Tank?

The setup of your saltwater fish tank is only the beginning. You may have to make many adjustments to the water, lighting, food, and the items in your saltwater fish tank. One frequent problem many people complain about is algae.

Algae can be green or even brown colored. Diatom or brown algae in a saltwater fish tank is easy to get and will need special attention to remove. Fortunately, there are just a few causes for brown algae problems. Once you’ve identified and removed the source, your problem will be solved.

Brown algae, just like the green algae, need light and a few other ingredients to survive. It could be tank lights or sunlight feeding your algae. The other ingredients are nitrates and silicates that help the growth of brown algae in a saltwater fish tank. Therefore, the first step to get rid of brown algae in a saltwater fish tank is to consider the lighting.

If your tank is placed where sunlight hits it for any length of time, you’ll want to move it to a different location. Also, evaluate to make sure the tank lights aren’t too bright, thus giving the brown algae a good growth environment.

Remove Ingredients

The best way to remove brown algae in a saltwater fish tank is to get rid of the ingredient feeding it. Getting rid of the silicates alone will kill the brown algae. It’s also a good idea to remove high levels of nitrates.

The best way to check your nitrate and silicate levels is to buy a test kit. Adjust your water accordingly, cut down on your lights and the brown algae in a saltwater fish tank should be a problem of the past.

What is the best way to get rid of Silicates?

Silicates can enter your saltwater tank through many different ways. They can get in with certain sea salts, through the tap water you use, or enter on the substrate inside your tank.

Since the problem could be coming from any of the above sources, the best thing to do is to remove any sand in the tank unless it actually came from the ocean. Start using only RO/DI water no matter what kind of tank you have. Finally yet importantly, check the salt you use for high silicates.

Follow these simple steps and verything in your tank will not only look better but will be healthier. Your salt water fish will have a clean and happy home.

More Salt Water Fishing Articles

Keyring Solution – Saltwater Fishing Swivel

We saw these very heavy duty swivels at our local fishing / tackle store These swivels designed for slat water fishing make great additions to items on a keychain or to add a swivel lanyard to a pocket knife or tool A video gear review from Gear-Reviews.net gear-reviews.net See our gear review blog http See us on Facebook: www.facebook.com Gear-Reviews on Twitter: twitter.com

www.reefari.com The Mackay Game fishing club had organised a social fishing and camping weekend for Scawfell Island, A large island 25 nautical miles from Mackay with a beautiful protected anchorage called Refuge Bay. Scawfell I believe is one of Mackay’s best kept secret, Beautiful sheltered beaches, great fishing on the shoals out the front, and awesome fringing coral reefs. Scawfell Island is a great place for a weekend, and even camping facilities for those without a bigger boat. Sorry about the wind noise, but definately a choppy day and fishing in Marginal conditions, although the fishing was worthwhile, with some great fish caught and lost. I had a fish for a change and got some nice Nannygai with the best about 8 kilo’s, and managed to fill the esky. The highlight for me was a great 5 way hookup with three quality Nannygai, and a horse Grassy sweetlip and coral trout. Scawfell Island is definately a must on the must visit list, and easily accessable with most trailer boats. Please subscribe for some more great fishing action and tips, Cheers Greg Also check out our new fishing website at http
Video Rating: 5 / 5

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