Saltwater fishing is a great and entertaining hobby. Starting with the right equipment and information is essential to ensure your success.

1. choose your aquarium– Start with an aquarium of at least 29 gallons. The larger the aquarium, the more stable the environment.
2. Placement– Choose a location that is out of direct sunlight and away from heating or cooling ducts, as well as doors leading outside. Make sure you have an outlet near the aquarium. Finally, choose a room where you spend a lot of time and where you can sit and enjoy your aquarium.
3. Leveling– Use a beam level to level your aquarium. Shim under support at floor level. Once the shims are placed under the support and the tank reads the level, you are ready to start filling your aquarium.
4. preparing– Using a soft cloth or damp paper towel, wipe down the inside of the aquarium to remove dirt and dust. NEVER use soap or household cleaning products in or on your aquarium.
5. add background– The bottom attaches to the outside rear of the aquarium to hide the filter and electrical wires. Adds depth to your tank and creates a nice environment.
6. add filtration– There are several types of filters that can be used with a live rock saltwater fish tank. The most commonly used is a power filter that hangs at the back of the aquarium. Since power filters are the most common and cheapest, we will be using a power filter in these steps. If you are using another type of filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Each brand of power filter is slightly different, but here are the general procedures: Hang the filter on the back of the aquarium. Place the inlet tube in the designated slot and place the filter media according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not connect the filter at this time.
7. Install protein skimmer– Protein skimmers physically remove dissolved organic compounds and other substances from aquarium water. Place the hanging protein skimmer on the opposite side of the aquarium from the power filter. Do not plug it in at this time!
8. Install a power strip– It is always a safe idea to mount a power strip under the cabinet. Placing a power strip on the ground behind an aquarium stand is risky, as there is a chance of water spilling onto it.
9. Add live rock– Live rock is, as its name implies, rock with living organisms attached to it. Use 1 to 2 pounds of “cured” live rock per gallon of aquarium water. Stack rocks sturdy, but loose enough for water to flow through. Leave ½ to ¾ of your substrate open (no rocks covering it) to allow for healthy water changes.
10. add substrate– Aragonite is a beneficial substrate that dissolves slowly and releases buffers to help maintain the pH at an ideal level. Add enough substrate to create a 1″ thick layer. Pour aragonite into an open spot on the aquarium floor. Then spread it evenly on the bottom of the aquarium.
11. the heater– Use a submersible heater that allows you to set a specific temperature. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up and connect your heater. Do not plug in heater at this time. Set the temperature between 80° and 82°F for the first 4 to 6 weeks (until a biological base is established). Once your aquarium is cycled, set the temperature between 74° and 78°F. Add a thermometer to your aquarium to make sure the heater is working properly.
12. the power – Power heads help circulate the water and increase the current in the aquarium. They keep the water flowing through the living rock. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting the power head to your aquarium.
13. add water – Most pet stores and aquariums sell premixed purified salt water. To make sure your salt level is correct, use a hydrometer to test the specific gravity and make sure it reads between 1.020 and 1.024. Now add a water conditioner. Test the pH and make sure it is between 8.0 and 8.4. To slowly water on one of the live rocks near the bottom of the aquarium. Fill the aquarium until the water level is just above the bottom of the aquarium frame.
14. Equipment commissioning– Using a hanging electric filter, fill the filter compartment with at least half a cup of water. Plug the filter into an outlet. The water will go up the inlet tube and spill back into the aquarium. Now plug in the protein skimmer and heater.
15. Placing the top and the light– Put the light strip on the glass lids, plug it in and turn on the light. The lights should be left on between 6 and 10 hours each day.

At this point, your aquarium is fully set up. Now it’s time to learn a little about the quality of the water before you run out and collect some fish.