Reef Tanks

Tips for Using Rockwork in Saltwater and Reef Aquariums
Building a beautiful saltwater tank landscape out of rock is a challenge but with some helpful tips you can make it work.
What makes a saltwater aquarium different from a freshwater aquarium? The short answer to this question is – just about everything. From the fish you stock to the water itself, there are some pretty stark differences between freshwater and saltwater tanks. But one of the biggest differences is in the way these two types of tanks are decorated. With a freshwater tank you can choose from a few different types of substrate and add some live plants for color, but with a saltwater tank most of your decorations are rocks. Keep reading to learn more about how to use rockwork to decorate your saltwater or reef aquarium.

What Kinds of Rock Can You Use in a Saltwater Tank?

When it comes to decorating your saltwater or reef tank, you have to be careful about the decorations you choose. A saltwater environment is a delicate one – not only do you need to be extremely careful about maintaining the right salinity and water chemistry levels, but you have to be mindful of all of the organisms living in your tank – even the ones too small to see. In a saltwater tank, rockwork serves multiple purposes, all of them important. For one thing, rockwork acts as your main decoration. It adds dimension and visual interest to your tank. On a more practical level, it provides your saltwater fish and invertebrates with places to hide. Finally, it provides a surface on which beneficial bacteria and other helpful microorganisms can...
The Top 5 Most Colorful Corals for a Saltwater Tank
With more than 2,000 different species of coral out there, how do you choose the right option for your tank? Keep reading to learn about the most colorful species of coral for your reef tank.
When you picture the Great Barrier Reef along the coast of Australia or the Rainbow Reef outside Fiji, what do you see? You probably imagine a great expanse of live rock and corals in every color of the rainbow, not to mention myriad species of colorful fish. If you admire the natural beauty of such ecosystems, you may be interested in cultivating your own miniature reef at home. To do so, however, you need to be intentional about how you set up your tank and you need to do your research before choosing your tank inhabitants to make sure everyone gets along. Keep reading to learn more about the most colorful corals you should consider adding to your tank.
 
What are the Different Types of Corals?
 
There are more than 2,500 different species of coral in the world and they are broken up into two main categories – hard corals and soft corals. Hard corals can be further separated into two different sub-groups, zooxanthellate corals and azooxanthellate corals. The former include shallow-water corals that play a major role in reef-building – these are also corals that depend on zooxanthellae algae as their main source of nutrition. The latter type, azooxanthellate corals, are commonly found in deep water, non-reef environments and in other isolated or colonial forms. These corals filter plankton out of the seawater that passes around them for their main source of nutrition. Below you will find a list of some of the various types of hard corals:
 
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Reef Aquariums: Is Bigger Really Better?
Cultivating a reef tank is an exciting but challenging task - learn more about choosing the right size for your reef tank.
If you are new to the aquarium hobby you need to do a lot of research before you start your first tank. Not only do you need to think about what type of tank to create, but you also need to think about the equipment you plan to use, the size of your tank, and the tank inhabitants you plan to stock it with. All of these factors are important to think about.
 
When considering a reef aquarium over a traditional saltwater or freshwater tank, there are some additional things to think about – one of the most important is tank size. If you browse online aquarium forums you will find that many experienced aquarium hobbyists recommend to beginners in the hobby that, when it comes to tank size, bigger is better. In this article you will learn whether this is true in regard to reef tanks and you will receive some tips for setting up your own reef tank.
 
Considerations Before Starting a Reef Tank
 
Before you decide that you want to start a reef tank, there are a few important things you need to consider – especially if you are new to the aquarium hobby. For one thing, cultivating and maintaining a healthy reef tank can be a time-consuming hobby. For freshwater tanks you can usually set up your tank with the right equipment and then maintenance requires little more than daily feeding and weekly water changes. For a traditional saltwater tank you might need to do a...

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REEF TANKS

Cultivating a saltwater reef tank can be a rewarding experience but it can also be a challenge. The articles in this section will provide you with the information you need to set up your reef tank and to make sure that it thrives.

Beginner Coral Species: Low-Light Corals
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Building a beautiful saltwater tank landscape out of rock is a challenge but with some helpful tips you can make it work.
Common Myths and Problems Regarding Nano Reef Tanks
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Cultivating a nano reef tank can be an exciting challenge.
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Feeding Corals -  Keeping Your Saltwater Invertebrates Healthy
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If you want to keep your saltwater or reef tank healthy, you need to learn the basics of feeding corals.
What is a Nano Reef?
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Whether you are looking for a new challenge as a saltwater aquarium enthusiast or you are trying your hand at a reef tank for the first time, a nano reef is a great way to go.
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Types of Saltwater Tanks: Fish-Only, FOWLR and Reef Tanks
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Saltwater versus Freshwater Aquariums
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Learn the arguments for choosing to set-up either a freshwater or saltwater aquarium.
Preparing Saltwater for your Marine Tank
Preparing Saltwater for your Marine Tank
Setting up and maintaining a marine tank can be a challenging experience and preparing your saltwater correctly is one of the most important tasks.
Handy Aquarium Accessories and Devices
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There are many accessories and handy devices which can make your life as an aquarium hobbyist easier.
Stocking a Brackish Aquarium
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A brackish aquarium is an exciting challenge for the aquarium hobbyist.
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Creating an ecosystem.
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Salinity Requirements in a Saltwater Aquarium
Salinity Requirements in a Saltwater Aquarium
The key to maintaining a healthy saltwater aquarium is to strike the right balance in the salinity of your tank water.
Choosing the Correct Temperature for a Marine Aquarium
Choosing the Correct Temperature for a Marine Aquarium
One of the most important things you must to do ensure the health of your marine tank is to achieve and maintain the ideal temperature.
How to Deal with Marine Fungus in the Saltwater Aquarium
How to Deal with Marine Fungus in the Saltwater Aquarium
Fungal spores are present in all aquariums but, if you are not careful, they can become a problem in the saltwater tank.
How to Modify PH in a Saltwater Tank
How to Modify PH in a Saltwater Tank
The pH level in your saltwater tank is incredibly important for the health and vitality of your tank.
The Benefits of Algae in Saltwater Tanks
The Benefits of Algae in Saltwater Tanks
Many aquarium hobbyists assume that algae in the aquarium can only be bad.
How to Solve Common Saltwater Tank Problems
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Maintaining proper water quality in your tank is essential but many aquarium hobbyists overlook one important aspect - pH.
Dealing with Hard Water in the Saltwater Tank
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The Dangers of High Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate
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Water quality is extremely important in maintaining a saltwater tank.
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How to Remove a Mantis Shrimp From a Saltwater Aquarium
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Cultivating a thriving reef tank can be a challenge with all of the requirements you must meet.
Saltwater and Reef Tank Cycling
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Tips on cycling your fishtank.
Maintaining Your Saltwater Tank
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Tips for maintaining a saltwater fish tank.
Kalkwasser for the Marine Tank
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Maintaining proper calcium levels is an important part of keeping your marine tank healthy.
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When it comes to maintaining a thriving reef tank the type of lighting system you choose is incredibly important.
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The type of filtration system you choose for your saltwater aquarium is incredibly important.
Foam Build-up on Saltwater Tank Surface
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Reverse Osmosis for the Saltwater Tank
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If you want to keep a healthy and thriving saltwater tank, you need to start with high-quality water.
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Learn how to keep your saltwater aquarium from overheating.
Common Problems with Heating in Saltwater Tanks
Common Problems with Heating in Saltwater Tanks
Maintaining a stable water temperature in your saltwater tank is important for the health and well-being of your fish.
Wavemakers for Saltwater Tanks
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If you want to keep your saltwater tank healthy, you need to consider the ideal level of water flow.
What is Protein Skimming?
What is Protein Skimming?
Learn about protein skimming, why it's important, and which aquarists should use it.
What is an Aquarium Sump?
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Brine shrimp are an excellent source of protein for aquarium fish and they are very easy to raise at home.
Tips for Feeding Saltwater Aquarium Fish
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What you feed your fish will determine whether or not their reach their full potential.
Live Foods for Marine Fish
Live Foods for Marine Fish
Feeding your fish a proper diet is the key to keeping them healthy.
Nutritional Needs of Saltwater Aquarium Fish
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In order to keep your saltwater aquarium fish healthy you need to understand and meet their basic nutritional needs.
Tips for Getting Fussy Fish to Eat
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Feeding saltwater aquarium fish can be tricky, especially when your fish refuse to eat.
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How to Deal with Marine Ich in the Saltwater Aquarium
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Common Saltwater Aquarium Fish Diseases
Common Saltwater Aquarium Fish Diseases
No matter how hard you try, you cannot completely protect your fish from falling ill.
Good Medications to Keep on Hand
Good Medications to Keep on Hand
In the event that your fish become ill it is important that you take action to begin a treatment regimen as soon as possible.
How to Treat Saltwater Aquarium Parasites with Freshwater
How to Treat Saltwater Aquarium Parasites with Freshwater
Parasites can quickly become a major problem in the saltwater aquarium if you do not address the issue immediately.
How to Prevent Saltwater Fish Diseases
How to Prevent Saltwater Fish Diseases
There is nothing quite so heartbreaking as losing one of your fish to disease.
Aquarium Decorations (3)
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Creating Your Own Live Rock for Saltwater Tanks
Live rock is the foundation for any thriving saltwater tank and it is the base for saltwater aquarium decor.
How to Cure Your Live Rock Before Placing it in Your Aquarium
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Learn how to properly cure live rock before placing it in your tank.
Stocking the Tank (27)
Guide for Keeping Anemones in a Reef Tank
Guide for Keeping Anemones in a Reef Tank
Keeping anemones in a reef tank can be a challenge if you are not fully prepared.
Establishing up a Clean-up Crew in Your Saltwater Aquarium
Establishing up a Clean-up Crew in Your Saltwater Aquarium
Learn how to properly select and establish a clean-up crew in a saltwater or reef aquarium.
Sea Urchins in the Saltwater Tank
Sea Urchins in the Saltwater Tank
If you are looking for a unique invertebrate to add to your saltwater tank, consider the sea urchin.
Choosing the Right Butterflyfish for Your Reef Tank
Choosing the Right Butterflyfish for Your Reef Tank
Cultivating a reef tank is a unique challenge, not only because caring for corals is tricky but because it can be difficult to find reef-safe fish.
Stocking Salt Water Reef Tanks
Stocking Salt Water Reef Tanks
Learn how to select the right quantity and combination of fish for your saltwater aquarium.
Keeping and Breeding Mandarinfish
Keeping and Breeding Mandarinfish
Mandarinfish are a small, colorful species of saltwater aquarium fish.
Keeping Lionfish in the Home Aquarium
Keeping Lionfish in the Home Aquarium
The lionfish is a beautiful but deadly fish that makes a unique addition to the saltwater aquarium.
Hermit Crabs in Saltwater Tanks
Hermit Crabs in Saltwater Tanks
Hermit crabs do more than just add decoration to the saltwater tank -- they can also help to keep your tank clean.
Marine Shrimp for the Saltwater or Reef Tank
Marine Shrimp for the Saltwater or Reef Tank
Marine shrimp can be a useful addition to the saltwater tank - just be sure to pick the right species.
Keeping Moray Eels in the Marine Tank
Keeping Moray Eels in the Marine Tank
Moray eels can be a challenge to keep in the home aquarium but they are well worth it.
What's That? The Top 10 Strangest Looking Saltwater Fish
What's That? The Top 10 Strangest Looking Saltwater Fish
There are some odd=looking animals out there but these ten saltwater fish are among the strangest.
Commonly Available Reef-Safe Fish & Invertebrates
Commonly Available Reef-Safe Fish & Invertebrates
Learn about commonly available reef-safe fish and invertebrates that are good candidates for your reef aquarium.
Selecting and Caring for Saltwater Angelfish
Selecting and Caring for Saltwater Angelfish
Saltwater angelfish are some of the most colorful saltwater fish available.
Sea Cucumbers for Reef Tanks
Sea Cucumbers for Reef Tanks
Sea cucumbers are found throughout the ocean but they are a popular addition to saltwater reef tanks.
Clownfish in the Reef Aquarium
Clownfish in the Reef Aquarium
Clownfish are one of the most recognizable types of saltwater aquarium fish.
What Are Good Saltwater Fish For Beginners
What Are Good Saltwater Fish For Beginners
What makes a saltwater fish a good candidate for beginners?
Why Are Tangs Some of the Best Fish for Reef Tanks?
Why Are Tangs Some of the Best Fish for Reef Tanks?
Tangs are not just some of the most brightly colored species of tropical saltwater fish - they are also great additions to the reef tank.
Tips for Caring for Tangs Properly
Tips for Caring for Tangs Properly
Tangs are a group of fish that make excellent additions to the saltwater tank.
Tank-Raised Fish for Saltwater Aquariums
Tank-Raised Fish for Saltwater Aquariums
Stocking the saltwater aquarium can be an exciting challenge, especially when you have so many options to choose from.
The Benefits of Snails in the Saltwater Tank
The Benefits of Snails in the Saltwater Tank
While snails are often viewed as a nuisance in the freshwater tank, they can serve a valuable purpose in the saltwater aquarium.
Saltwater Species That Should Not be Kept by Beginners (and Sometimes not Even by the Experienced)
Saltwater Species That Should Not be Kept by Beginners (and Sometimes not Even by the Experienced)
Learn about saltwater animals that beginners (and sometimes experts) should avoid keeping.
Understanding the Coloration of Saltwater Fish
Understanding the Coloration of Saltwater Fish
Have you ever been dazzled by the bright colors and bold patterns of a school of saltwater fish?
The Secret to Keeping Seahorses
The Secret to Keeping Seahorses
If you are looking for a unique inhabitant to add to your saltwater tank, consider the seahorse.
The Benefits of Purchasing Saltwater Fish Online
The Benefits of Purchasing Saltwater Fish Online
If you are thinking about buying some new fish for your saltwater tank, think about purchasing them online!
Top Recommendations for Tank-Raised Saltwater Fish
Top Recommendations for Tank-Raised Saltwater Fish
When purchasing saltwater aquarium fish, you need to think about whether the fish are tank-raised or captive-bred.
Caring for Saltwater Gobies
Caring for Saltwater Gobies
The Goby family is one of the largest families of marine fishes, having over 2,000 unique species.
Saltwater Fish Article Database
Saltwater Fish Article Database
Articles on dozens of saltwater fish and appropriate care.

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