Saltwater Aquariums Archives - Page 4 of 6

Choosing the best nano saltwater fish for your nano tank might be one of the few times in your life that you’ll be glad to be facing tough decisions. They’re all so beautiful that you’ll probably want them all. We feel the same way.

But first, if you’re new to owning an aquarium, you’ll need to start with some pointers about how to choose the best saltwater fish for your tank.

4 Qualities to Look for when Choosing Saltwater Fish for your Nano Tank

1. You should choose fish that will stay small to fit their living space.

2. The best nano saltwater fish for your nano tank will get along with other fish, but are tough enough to last.

3. The fish should be able to eat common foods and adapt to their environment.

4. Overall, your aquarium should be harmonious in terms of the types of fish that are in there, the plants, the gravel and coral, and any other features.

6 of the Best Nano Saltwater Fish for your Nano Tank

Once you know a little more about their temperaments and traits, you’ll need to narrow down specifically the best nano saltwater fish for your nano tank.

Saltwater fish enthusiasts have their favorites, so you might want to take their advice with a grain of salt and go with your gut. Nevertheless, here are some of our favorites to give you some ideas.

1. Clownfish

“Finding Nemo!” … Or “Finding Dory,” if you prefer. Either way, these fish became especially popular after the release of the first of these two beloved full-length cartoons. And we can see why. Clownfish are very fun … and also kind of funny, as the name implies!

2. Blue or Green Chromis

Do you choose a blue one? Or a green one? Or a blue-green one? It doesn’t matter. Whichever one you choose, you’ll find that their fluorescence looks great in the tank, that they are peaceful and that they should get along well with other fish. When your friends, family or customers admire your tank, you’ll smile and fondly point out the Chromis fish, saying, “Those are the nice ones. Aren’t they cute?”

3. Coral, Neon or Yellow Clown Goby

Goby in general are high on many people’s lists regarding the best nano saltwater fish for your nano tank. We like the Coral Goby, Neon Goby or Yellow Clown Goby because they are bright and fluorescent, adding fun and liveliness to your tank.

4. Blue Devil Damselfish

When they’re on top of their game, you won’t see any damsels in distress here. Damselfish are very territorial and defend their food and reproductive sites from intruders. You do want fish to be strong, as it will help them to live longer lives. Plus, these fish are just too pretty to pass up.

5. Tailspot Blenny

This fish is not quite as eye-catching as the others. But as we learned from Rudolph, every creature has its place. The Blenny is among several types of algae eaters that will assist in keeping your aquarium clean, helping the filters work as well as possible. Other aquatic animals that can help keep your tank clean include snails and certain types of crabs.

6. Cherubfish, also known as Pygmy Angelfish

These fish are angelic both in appearance and character. They like to hide, so your reef tank will provide them with many places where they will be happy. But they are curious at the same time, so they might notice you’re there and then quickly disappear. You’ll point this one out to your friends and say, “This little guy likes to play peek-a-boo.”

Ask Us for Suggestions

The possibilities are endless regarding the inhabitants of your aquarium. Because factors including the size of the tank and the time it takes to care for the fish could make a difference in the best nano saltwater fish for your nano tank, let us help you decide.

We can be reached through our Seatech Aquariums website or by phone at 602-628-7270. We’ll look forward to showing you how exotic and exciting your aquarium can be!

What Lighting Should You Buy for a Saltwater Aquarium vs Reef Aquarium?

• Basic Saltwater Aquarium Lighting with No Coral

If you have a tank that holds only fish and artificial plants and decorations, then a standard light fixture will suit your needs just fine. Generally, you’ll want a lighting system that provides one to two watts for every gallon, which should provide enough light to simulate daytime conditions.

In reality, a fish-only aquarium is very forgiving as far as the type of light you choose, as fish are not dependent on light to survive. Give them enough light so you can see them and you’ll essentially meet their needs. However, it’s generally accepted that you should avoid standard bulbs, as they can promote brown algae. Instead, choose fluorescent or LED lighting.

• Reef Aquarium Lighting with Coral

What Lighting Should you Buy for a Saltwater Aquarium vs Reef Aquarium

What lighting should you buy for coral? That’s when the answer becomes more complex. When you add life that depends directly on light, which includes coral and plants, you need to be very particular about the light you provide. If you have a tank with coral, choose metal halide lights, LEDs, T-5 HO, VHO, or compact lights. Coral needs light for a large portion of its nutrition, but the required amounts will vary. You can find coral that grows near the surface, or coral that lives over 60 feet down, which means they are adapted to low-light conditions.

The generally accepted ratio is four to eight watts for every gallon. However, if you choose coral that does better in low-light conditions, you can get by with low-powered light and still have a thriving aquarium.

• Be Aware of Heat from Lighting

No matter what type of aquarium you have, it’s important to be aware of heat generation from lights. Products like metal halide lights can increase water temperature, so you may need to use fans or other methods to keep the water cool. You may even need a chiller, depending on the size of your aquarium and the specific setting.

What Lighting Should You Buy for a Saltwater Aquarium vs Reef Aquarium? Get the Expert Answers You Need!

Aquariums can be gorgeous, changing the character and charm of a room. However, they can also be complex.

Work with Seatech, the area’s expert in aquarium design and maintenance, and you’ll have a saltwater aquarium that enhances your entire home with the right lighting for fish, plants, and coral.