What Are The Types of Saltwater Tanks?

By Chelsea Gray

If you have decided to set up a fish tank, you will soon discover that there is a range of questions you need to ask yourself. Do you want a saltwater or a freshwater tank is usually the first decision that you make. But once you’ve decided you want to keep saltwater, what choices are there next?

For saltwater aquariums, there are two main options for a tank: Fish only, or a reef tank. Each requires specific needs and care.

Fish Only Aquarium

A fish only aquarium is one that is dedicated solely to fish. While many people choose to fill fish only tanks with saltwater aquarium fish that will not eat or damage coral, this is not a requirement. A fish only aquarium can be filled with whatever fish you desire, as long as they fit your tank size and get along with their tank mates. Special requirements for a fish only aquarium will vary depending on the type of fish that are kept.

An example of some fish that will damage coral, and therefore can only be kept in a fish only saltwater aquarium, are puffers, some trigger fish and large angel fish.

Reef Aquarium

Reef aquariums have special requirements to ensure that corals stay healthy. While a fish only tank doesn’t have any specific light requirements, reef aquariums do. Corals rely on zooanthella, an algae that grows inside corals, for oxygen. In the wild, the algae relies on sunlight to produce oxygen. However, in a home aquarium, direct sunlight is not an option. Instead, aquarists must choose a proper light fixture for the tank. When fluorescent lights were popular, the rule was 3-5 watts per gallon. However, LED lights have become a more user friendly and energy efficient choice. Many LED lights such as the Marineland Reef LED light, are designed specifically for the needs of corals and reef tanks.

Reef aquariums also require foods for the corals. Some corals and anemones need to be fed directly, while others require specific nutrients. Products such AlgaGen Coral Smoothie are designed to provide corals with a well balanced diet.

When buying fish for a reef aquarium, special care must be taken to ensure that the fish will not bite at the coral. But you also want to ensure that corals are secured properly, as certain fish, such as eels, are known to dislodge rocks and corals.

Finally, corals are much more sensitive to changes in water quality then fish. So reef aquariums need much more consistent maintenance.

When deciding what type of saltwater aquarium to set up, there are many pros and cons to weigh. Feel free to stop by Centreville Aquarium and ask for advice setting up your saltwater tank.