coral reef Archives - Seatech Aquariums

We love saltwater reef tanks for many reasons. If you’re planning to have a saltwater aquarium installed in your home soon, we have no doubt that you will be just as entranced as we are. Whether you’re working with Seatech Aquariums or installing the fish tank on your own, it’s important to understand the basic components of a reef tank.

A reef tank is gorgeous, but you need several basic elements to ensure it stays as beautiful as it was on Day One.

Components of a Reef Tank

1. The Tank

It’s important to choose a properly sized tank for the quantity and breeds of fish you will have in your aquarium. You will also have to decide whether you want an acrylic tank or a glass tank.

SEE THE PROS AND CONS OF EACH TYPE OF FISH TANK BEFORE MAKING YOUR DECISION.

2. The Plants

You can use either artificial plants or live plants in your reef tank. There are numerous differences, but here’s the long and short of it. Artificial plants may be easier to maintain, but live plants are prettier, more natural, and possibly offer more health benefits to the ecosystem with the proper maintenance.

Whatever you do, including plants in your reef tank is a must for several reasons:

Improved health of the fish
More enjoyment for the fish
Increased security for the fish
More oxygenation within the aquarium
Natural filtration of the water

Basic components of a reef tank should include plants and coral.

3. Gravel

Gravel serves as natural filtration for an aquarium. It also traps some of the matter to keep it out of the water. Additionally, some animals like to burrow into it for safety and play.

Include gravel and bottom feeders, such as this Cory Catfish, in your saltwater reef fish tank.

4. Filters

Having a filtration system in the tank is a must. The types of filters you should use depends on the size of your tank, as well as the species and quantity of livestock. There are a wide range of styles and brands, so if you’re not sure which type of filter is best, contact us for guidance.

5. Lights/Heaters

Some saltwater fish prefer cooler water, but others do need warmth. You will also need lighting to beautify the tank and to allow you to see inside. You can buy them separately or purchase one device that provides both heat and light.

6. Coral

The highlight of choosing a reef tank is to be able to add the beautiful coral. Coral aids in the development of a natural environment for fish, and it beautifies the tank like nothing else can. The appearance, quality, and size of coral is as varied as the fish in your tank, but some hobbyists prefer certain types of coral over others.

Much of the beauty of a reef tank is in the coral. Coral such as this Euphyllia Hammer Coral add color and excitement to your saltwater fish tank.

Much of the beauty of a reef tank is in the coral. Coral such as this Euphyllia Hammer Coral add color and excitement to your underwater community.

SEE WHAT KIND OF CORAL WE AT SEATECH LIKE BEST.

7. RODI Salwater

It’s clear that you need filtered water for the tank. Never, ever use tap water, as the chemicals in tap water can irritate the skin and eyes of your fish. Specifically, we prefer reverse osmosis deionized water for fish tanks, and it’s all we use to fill tanks and clean the tank and decor.

WE BELIEVE IN IT SO MUCH THAT WE WILL EVEN DELIVER RODI SALTWATER FOR YOUR REEF TANK RIGHT TO YOUR HOME WHEN YOU USE OUR ONLINE ORDERING SERVICE.

8. Bottom Feeder

Bottom feeders such as catfish and shrimp can be an intriguing addition to your reef tank.

SOME TYPES OF SHRIMP ARE MORE IDEAL THAN OTHERS FOR A REEF TANK.

Many bottom feeders have unique characteristics and appearances, further enhancing the beauty of your tank. Most importantly, they can help keep the aquarium healthier by eating the algae, leftover food, decaying plants, and natural debris that may be at the bottom of the tank.

Ghost shrimp are among the most popular bottom dwellers and least expensive shrimp for a fish tank.

9. Rock

Whether you choose live rock or dry rock, be sure to include at least one in your tank. Similar to the gravel, plants, and bottom feeders, they serve as natural filters. Additionally, they can provide a place for shy animals to hide and playful animals to play.

Components of a reef tank include rock and other decor.

Adding live rock, artificial rock, and decor into your reef tank serves several purposes, including beautifying the tank, filtering the tank, and giving the fish a place to play.

Reef Aquarium Installation and Maintenance

Seatech Aquariums can install and design colorful, beautiful, and lively reef aquariums throughout the Phoenix area. We can install the basics such as climate control, filtration, and lighting, as well as beautify the landscape with rock, coral, and livestock.

For more information about our reef tank installation and maintenance services, see our website or give us a call.

I thought I would pass along some interesting facts that fish tank owners may not be aware of or have any ideas about the ‘why’ or ‘why not.’

How do fish sleep?

I know that most tank owners create an ambience with lighting so that at some point, it is low and/or diffused, that allows fish to rest. Since fish do not have ‘eyelids’ like you and I, I often wondered if and how fish sleep especially during those low-light tank times. Sleep to a fish is when they reduce their activity and metabolic rates. Once this happens, they seem to ‘float’ or hover in place like dancing seaweed. Sometimes they seek out a ‘safe’ spot – like burrowing in mud or among corals. It’s like finding a suitable nest so they can perform restorative functions, similar to a human’s need for daydreaming. Just to be still and quiet for a time helps reduce stress and even in their quite times, they are always on the lookout and ready should danger or predators approach.

Do fish drink water?

My next thought is do fish drink the water that they are swimming in. Freshwater fish live in water that is less salty than what is found inside their bodies. So they need to intake small amounts of water by osmosis through their tissues. Saltwater fish live in water that contain larger amounts of salt than what is found inside their bodies. They must take in larger amounts in order to live. Both fish drink water in order to equalize their bodies to their surroundings.

Do fish have a hearing?

Now I begin to wonder if fish can hear or detect sounds. We’ve all tried to catch a fish with our bare hands at one time or another without success. Think about the mechanics of a school of fish. They act in mass by swimming in the same direction and when one changes, they all change. Why? They coordinate their movements using the flow of water across their lateral line system. Any change in direction changes the flow of water, and then passes on to the next fish, and the next, and the next.

Why do fish behave oddly?

Finally, have you ever seen fish act ‘funny’ or display some ‘odd’ behaviors? If a fish flutters its fins or quivers and shakes in front of another fish, they use that as a defensive behavior. Fish can show submission as well. They either lie on their sides when another fish comes towards them, or they float motionless in a heads-up position.

For those of you that have wrasse or parrotfish in your tanks, they often scratch or bank their heads on a piece of coral. It’s not serious – just a way to help remove clotted salt from their gills. If other fish species do this, then they may be showing signs of having parasites or your water pH levels are too low. Some fish, like Catfish, Gobies, Triggers and others dig ‘pits’ in your gravel. This is their natural instinct for building a home, just like they would do out in the open waters. Gnawing on your coral? Wild Parrotfish are known to eat corals, and Triggers may use corals to sharpen their teeth.

If you want more help in coming to know your fish and making sure they stay healthy, call Seatech Aquariums today! Seatech caters to all types of clients – from large corporations to individuals with home aquariums. Jimmie and Mike will be able to help you figure out a plan, get started and enjoy your aquarium for years to come.

Need an aquarium check-up? Then Jimmie is the go-to guy. He will come out, assess your aquarium, make suggestions, and get your tank clean, sparkling, and well-maintained.

Don’t let your aquarium suffer the blues!! Let Seatech create the beauty of the ocean right in your own home.

Tag Archives: coral reef

Aquarium Installation: Basic Components of a Reef Tank