Written by Chad Bruce | 19 September 2009

It's easy to run into problems when first setting up a saltwater aquarium system. Here I have compiled a number of things to do which will help make aquarium ownership much easier and stress free.

• All saltwater systems need the best water available. It is the backbone of your system. Always use REVERSE OSMOSIS (R/O)and/or DEIONIZED (DI) water when you mix your own salt and when you top off your tank due to evaporation.  Never use tap or well water as these contain far too many organic contaminants such as phosphates, which turns into algae problems in your tank.
• Always top off your tank with FRESH R/O water.  When your tank evaporates water, salt and minerals are left behind. Adding saltwater will increase the overall salinity which can cause stress and, if raised high enough, ultimately death of sensitive aquarium inhabitants.
• Change 20% to 30% of your TOTAL tank water volume each month.  You may find it easier to change a smaller percentage twice per month, and that is fine.
• Purchase a large (30-44 gallon) Rubbermaid trash container, a small utility pump and some vinyl tubing to aid in water changes.  If you use 5 gallon buckets you will find this method will save your back, reduce mess and make water changes less of a chore, which means you will not put them off!
• Feed most fish every other day. With the exception of seahorses and a few other picky fish the majority of saltwater fish will do just fine if fed an adequate amount of food every other day. It's a good idea to keep a sheet of dried seaweed on a clip in the tank on the days they are not fed, especially if you own tangs and rabbitfish.
• Test your water, or have Seven Seas test it for you. It is vitally important to know at least the basic chemistry of your aquarium. Salinity, pH, alkalinity, nitrates and phosphates should be monitored every two weeks. In reefs, also check for calcium, magnesium and sometimes iodine.
• Use good quality Live Rock and purchase cured rock when you can. Cured rock is live rock that no longer has die-off from shipping. Uncured rock has more life, but this will gradually die off due to rock and all attached organisms being exposed to the air.
• For most reef systems, you will need at least 1lb per gallon of useable tank volume. If you plan to stock heavily, this number can go up. Any live rock is better than none, however, so if you just have fish only you can still add small amounts of live rock and gain the benefits!
• Purchase a tank for the future. Think of the fish/corals/inverts you wish to keep, and get the tank that will adequately house them.  If you are dreaming big and can't afford a large tank, scale back your livestock wish list.  Large angels are beautiful, but you can't keep them in a nano tank and hope to get a 150 gallon tank in a year.
• Purchase the most protein skimmer you can afford. Same for the return pump. Don't skimp on the hearts of your system. Ask us for recommendations, and ask other hobbyists what they have had good luck with.
• Don't stock your tank too quickly.  Patience is a virtue especially in this hobby. Saltwater fish come in many temperaments and are NOT social animals and it is important to research the fish you are interested in. Ask us questions, and do your homework. Typically you will add one large fish a month, or two smaller fish. It is important to add them in order of aggression as well - from least territorial to most territorial being the last fish you add.
• Patience. Your tank will take some time to cycle, especially if you use damsels. We do not recommend cycling with damsels, however.  We advise the use of liquid bacteria additives and adequate amounts of live rock to cycle your new tank quickly and effectively.