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TIP
MATCH THE LIGHTING TO YOUR LIVESTOCK. IF
MAXIMUM COLOURATION
IS YOUR THING, GO FOR
HAGEN POWERGLO OR INTERPET TRIPLUS. THIS WILL
ENHANCE FISH COLOURS
FROM THE RED AND
ORANGE OF GOLDFISH TO THE BLUE AND YELLOW OF MALAWI CICHLIDS. FOR MARINES, ALWAYS
CHOOSE MARINE LIGHTING AS
CORALS NEED LIGHT
OF THE RIGHT SPECTRUM IN ORDER TO THRIVE.
Water changes
We can only try to mimic the
vastness of the oceans in our
home aquaria, but replicating
its exacting water conditions
can mean the difference
between success and failure
with marines.
The water around coral reefs
has a constant level of salinity,
temperature and organic load,
and the fish and corals are
adapted to only accept those
conditions.
When we set up our marine
tanks, the synthetic salt mix
sets many parameters but
over time, the quality of marine
water degrades and becomes
polluted.
Carry out regular partial
water changes with a good
brand of synthetic salt and RO
water, and mix it thoroughly
with a strong powerhead
before you add it to the main
tank. Test your nitrate levels
and try to keep them under
40ppm for marine fish and less
than 10ppm for corals and
invertebrates.
Regular water changes are
the key as allowing nitrate levels
to build up will not only stress
your livestock but will prove
costly in terms of salt when you
try to lower them in one big
water change. Specialist nitrate
removal equipment is available
at World of Water marine stores.
Please ask for more details.
Equipment
maintenance
The most important piece of
marine equipment is often the
protein skimmer, and to keep
them running efficiently they
need frequent maintenance.
When the collection cup
is emptied, it should also be
cleaned every time, as dirty
funnels can mean less efficient
skimming. Also check the
Running your
marine tank
What’s involved in the day-to-day
running of your marine set-up?
Neil Hepworth
Neil Hepworth
Nuisance algae can
choke corals. Control
phosphate levels
and introduce algae
grazers.
Marine fish, like
this hawkfish, will
not tolerate poor
water conditions.
Feeding
Most marine fish will be happy
with a couple of feeds a day,
although some fish, like Anthias
really require more frequent
feeds, so check with your
retailer when buying your fish.
Flake and granular foods are
available for marine fish, as are
frozen foods like
Mysis
, krill,
brineshrimp, cockle etc. Some
fish, like tangs, are herbivorous,
so require foods like spinach
or algae – once again research
their needs before purchase.
Don’t allow food to sit uneaten
at the bottom of the tank, as it
will affect the water quality.