What you should know about Marine Aquariums

For the aquarium hobbyist there are crucial differences between marine aquariums and freshwater aquariums.

The most obvious difference is the water component of the aquarium. As indicated by its moniker, marine salt water aquariums use just that, salt water, whereas freshwater aquariums use non salt water. Why is this important? Each aquatic environment is suitable for different types of living creatures and mixing the two (i.e. placing freshwater creatures in a saltwater environment and vice versa) will lead to an unpleasant end. If you are thinking about investing in a marine aquarium, this most basic differentiation will save you time, money and heartache.

Freshwater aquariums require basic water filtration to prevent the build up of algae and other waterborne creature. The irony is that with a marine aquarium the growth of these creatures is actually encouraged (to a degree) as the marine aquarium attempts to recreate, as much as possible, the natural habitat of the species exhibited in the aquarium tank. Marine aquariums, therefore, come with a raft of necessary water, biological, protein and chemical filters to encourage the growth of certain species whilst preventing the rapid growth of damaging algae and crustaceans.

Another important difference between freshwater and salt water aquariums is the inhabitants of the tank. Whilst most freshwater aquariums exhibit and impressive array of colourful (tropical) fish, marine aquariums can display fish only habitats, fish only with live rock habitats and reef only habitats (i.e. no fish at all!). To an amateur aquarium enthusiast having no fish in your aquarium might seem a bit pointless but owners of marine aquariums claim that the live rock or reef aquariums are much more fascination than their fish filled cousins.

Live rock is simply rock that has been in the ocean for centuries (of even millennia!). Live rock, with its natural coral deposits and high chemical pH can sustain all manor of aquatic species such as snails, worms, star fish, sea urchins and other crustaceans. Live rock is a perfect addition to any marine aquarium as not only does it provide a beautiful natural backdrop but its high pH ensures that the water (even with minimal filtering) remains suitable for fish and other sea creatures to survive.

Another key difference between marine aquariums and freshwater aquariums is the regularity that the water must be changed. Freshwater aquariums are fairly robust in terms of water quality; although there is some change over time, on the whole water need not be changed for extended periods. Marine aquariums on the other hand need to have several water changes a year. This is because although the environment is kept as natural and organic as possible (via inclusion of live rock and complicated salt water filtration systems) certain natural pollutants (such as nitrogen) can grow to high levels within the water, suppressing the healthy growth of the marine aquariums in habitants.

The final key difference for marine aquariums is price. As the marine aquarium environment is so sensitive to change and must be kept as natural as possible both the marine aquarium equipment, and the marine aquarium inhabitants, often come with a premium price tag. However, marine aquarium enthusiasts will tell you that this premium price tag is well worth the cost.

For advice about freshwater or marine (salt water) aquariums call 08456 589 599