Dabbling

Can I use hydro lights for a marine tank setup?

i need to use Metal Halides for the marine tank. I'm not quite sure what Metal Halides is but I did read a for sale advert selling Hydroponic Metal Halides. As the lighting for Marine Tank setups are very expensive I'm trying to find out if Hydro lighting is going to be cheaper and just as effective to keep the coral alive.

http://www.specialty-lights.com/aquarium-lights-faq4.html

http://www.specialty-lights.com/aquarium-lights-faq1.html

These pages will tell you of the output necessary for your tank. All on-line stores will carry them and ship them to you. Considering the total cost of setting up a marine tank, I would suggest using the correct lighting form the beginning.

Keeping A Saltwater or Marine Aquarium Guide

Here are some simple tips to help you with your saltwater/marine aquarium keeping.

This is a simple guide on the top 5 things TO DO and the 5 things you SHOULD NEVER DO.

What you SHOULD DO when looking after your saltwater or marine aquarium.

1, Look at your aquarium every day to check for your fish and invertebrates health.

Check to see if they are acting differently than normal, do they have any damage or signs of illness etc.

2, Feed your fish and invertebrates small amounts regularly, feed a varied diet that accommodates all your inhabitants needs.

3, Make certain that you have sufficient circulation in your tank.

It's best that at least 10 times your tanks volume is made to circulate every hour

4, Make sure that you wash your hands before putting them anywhere near your saltwater/marine aquarium, including any equipment that you will come into contact with. Soaps, creams etc can all harm your fish, so better to be safe than sorry.

5, Be sure to choose any new fish and inverts carefully.

Ensure they are not damaged, diseased or otherwise looking unwell. Quarantine them in a separate tank before adding them to your saltwater/marine aquarium.

Buy a good aquarium book to make certain that you are selecting the right fish and inverts that get along. You can find a good and inexpensive saltwater aquarium book here.

Thing's that you SHOULD NEVER DO when looking after a saltwater/marine aquarium.

1, The most common mistake beginners make is to overfeed.

Fish always appear hungry, feeding them too often causes all sorts or problems, and not only directly to the fish, overfeeding can also effect the water quality.

2, Never mix fish or inverts without some researching it first, know your fish, it can be tempting to pick out something that looks pretty or wonderful, but just like me and my ex partner, things can turn sour very quickly, don't make the same mistake as I did and choose a mrs hannibal lecter.

BE WARNED your new pretty and wonderful fish could be bubble talking this "I do wish we could chat longer, but... I'm having an old friend for dinner. Bye.

3, NEVER use fly sprays, air fresheners etc in the same room as your fish tanks as they may well poison your inhabitants.

4, DON'T change your aquarium conditions drastically - stability is your friend. The main factors are salinity (SG), pH and temperature.

5, If your starting a new saltwater setup don't rush the maturation of your new aquarium.

One of the most common mistakes for beginners this is.

Sea water is a complex living thing. It contains thousands of elements, compounds, minerals and organisms that are all reacting together.

When starting a new aquarium it takes time to mature enough to sustain higher order living animals such as fish.

FINALLY and the most important factor of all is to enjoy your saltwater/marine aquarium.

About the Author

Writer in the marine aquarium monthly for over 15 years, my current saltwater and marine aquarium ebook is now available at http://www.saltwateraquariumbook.com

Marine Tank in my bed room.(150 Liters, Standard 30" tank)