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How to Setup An Advanced Home Aquarium

Awhile ago, we showed you how to setup a basic aquarium.
Kicking things up a notch, we look into setting up an advanced
aquarium – specifically freshwater planted aquariums and marine
aquariums. We’ll take a look at a few types of aquarium
setups that involve extra attention along with the
right product selection. Your knowledge of fish
tanks will be that much bigger!

Freshwater planted aquariums are the perfect setting to keep your fish in the most natural setting possible. Not all fish are plant-friendly – this must be kept in mind if choosing to setup a planted tank. Here are some helpful tips to get you moving in the right direction.

Strong lighting is vital to plant growth. Most
planted aquariums thrive with at least 2-3
watts per gallon with an average of 8-10
hours of lighting per day.

Flora Sun Maximum Plant Growth Marineland Grounded Aquarium Light Timer
Flora Sun Maximum Plant Growth Marineland Grounded Aquarium Light Timer
Water changes become more important
when your entire aquarium is practically alive.
Even though plants absorb some of the
waste your fish leave, both fish and plants
can benefit from clean water. Plants also require additional nutrients that water does not contain.

Central Aquatics Aqueon Water Conditioner TetraPlant FloraPride Plant Fertilizer TetraAqua Blackwater Extract
Central Aquatics Aqueon Water Conditioner TetraPlant FloraPride Plant Fertilizer TetraAqua Blackwater Extract
Replicating planted environments also involves
adding pieces of nature like wood. Here are a
few helpful additions to add that finishing touch
to your aquarium. Plants can be tied onto and
eventually root into these pieces!

Water Wonders Driftwood Plant Base Mopani Wood 10-12” Floating Aquarium Log – Large
Water Wonders Driftwood Plant Base Mopani Wood 10-12” Floating Aquarium Log – Large
Circulation is vital to expanding the growth
of your plants. These powerheads help keep
the flow going for hours and hours!

Marineland Maxi-Jet Power Head 1200 PowerSweep 212 Marineland Penguin Power Head 660R Reverse Flow
Marineland Maxi-Jet Power Head 1200 PowerSweep 212 Marineland Penguin Power Head 660R Reverse Flow

Maintaining a marine aquarium can be considered something for the more advanced fish keepers to take on. Saltwater fish and corals look very appealing and colorful but keeping them healthy and vibrant is an adventure of its own. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when getting started.

Instead of using power filters, saltwater
aquariums make use of protein skimmers. Utilizing
bubbles, protein skimmers separate the waste
that collects in your tank. A greater emphasis
is placed on filtration for marine tanks as the oceans are much larger
compared to natural freshwater environments. Adding live rock to your tank
eases your filtration needs but a strong protein skimmer is still necessary.

Visi-Jet-PS Protein Skimmer SeaClone Protein Skimmer (100 gallon)
Visi-Jet-PS Protein Skimmer SeaClone Protein Skimmer (100 gallon)
Every water change you perform for
a marine tank involves mixing salt every
time. Marine salt is a vital part of making
your tank hospitable for your fish. Measure
twice and mix once!

Reef Crystals Reef Salt Instant Ocean Sea Salt
Reef Crystals Reef Salt Instant Ocean Sea Salt

Make use of the Instant Ocean Full-Range Hydrometer that accurately measures the correct amount of salt mixture your tank needs.

Instant Ocean Marine Conditioner should be added during water changes to help detoxify metals and harmful chemicals as well as promote healthy water conditions.

Instant Ocean Full-Range Hydrometer Instant Ocean Marine Conditioner
Instant Ocean Full-Range Hydrometer Instant Ocean Marine Conditioner

A few steps are needed to properly get your
marine tank off to a good start. First Defense
NaH20-Pure helps your new fish adjust to their
new environment by reducing their stress from
being moved around in the plastic bag.Testing your water parameters is
simple with the Instant Ocean Master Test Kit. Ensure your pH, Alkalinity,
Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate levels are where they should be.
Are your fish possibly carrying disease? There will be no question marks
with the Instant Ocean Lifeguard Marine Remedy tabs.

First Defense NaH20-Pure Instant Ocean Master Test Kit Instant Ocean Lifeguard Marine Remedy
First Defense NaH20-Pure Instant Ocean Master Test Kit Instant Ocean Lifeguard
Marine Remedy

When your fish have finally settled into
their aquarium, their appetite will be
restored. Keep their stomachs occupied
with the following variety of food choices.

Marine Pellets (Omnivore) Marine Chips (Herbivore) Brine Shrimp Pacific Krill
Marine Pellets (Omnivore) Marine Chips (Herbivore) Brine Shrimp Pacific Krill