Coral Tanks Archives - Seatech Aquariums

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.

Here a Tank, There a Tank – So Which Is Right For Me?

You have decided that you want to invest in an aquarium either for your own pleasure or for another family member. Let’s see – Saltwater? Freshwater? Let me see if I can give you some ideas to help you out.

Fish Only Tank

You may decide to have a ‘fish only’ saltwater tank. Fish only tanks are the easiest to care for because that is all there is. You can now decide on either tropical or coldwater fish to put into your tank. Tropical fish, like the Angel or Clownfish, have vivid colors and tend to be more appealing to a tank lover. Coldwater fish, like Bloodfin Tetras, Guppies, or goldfish, are easy to care for, hardy and can tolerate lower water temps.

Invertebrate Only Tank

You may also think about starting an ‘invertebrate only’ tank. This means your tank would be made up of shrimp, hermit crabs, gobies, and maybe starfish. Most of these are ‘tank cleaners’ so they will ‘naturally’ help clean your tank. Yes, you still need to worry about filters, food, and water quality, but they are not as delicate as other types of fish. If you do select any type of crab, you need to provide them with some sort of resting place that is ‘above’ water. They are not fully aquatic, and do need to come out of the water from time to time. Just remember to keep the tank lid in place, as they are quick to play the ‘escape artist’ in favor of running wild on your floors.

Fish and Invertebrate Tank

You can combine tanks to create a ‘fish and invertebrate’ saltwater tank. If you go with this type of aquarium, you will need to be very careful when you begin mixing species. Some fish use invertebrates for food, and some invertebrates like fish for dinner! You will also need to step up your tank maintenance plans because diseases are easily spread, and are harder to prevent and cure when there is co-existence in a tank.

Saltwater Coral Reef Tank

If you have the room and space, you may decide on a saltwater ‘coral reef’ tank. Once again, reef tanks need a stepped up care plan, and you must research your dwellers very carefully. If you remember my blog on corals, certain corals thrive in saltwater, so make sure you ask before you buy or transplant.

Single Dweller Tank

There is another type of tank that I call a ‘single dweller’ tank. By that I mean, if you are really fond of one certain fish or sea creature, you can make that the focal point of your tank. Take Sea Apples for example. Sea Apples have a defense system that emits toxic chemicals when threatened. They really prefer to be left alone, but would be ok in a tank where the other dwellers were more interested in each other than the Sea Apple. Another single dweller would be the Lionfish. They have been known to eat prey half their size, as well as devouring devour marine fish and invertebrates. They are aggressive, predatory, and really should be by themselves.

Brackish Tank

Lastly, there is a ‘brackish’ tank which is a mixture of both waters – salt and fresh. Salt levels are key to both your brackish tank and its dwellers. This type of tank recreates an aquatic network similar to that of coastal streams and saltwater swamps. Like tropical freshwater tanks, they need filters, a heater and proper lighting. What makes them different is the dark substrate-like sand, live plants, driftwood, and of course – levels of salt. Dwellers for this type of tank would be mollies and gobies, with plants like the Carolina Fanwort. Brackish tanks are a challenge, but well worth the effort.

Seatech Aquariums Makes ‘Deciding’ Easy!

There are many options to select from and when you need a great place to start, Seatech Aquariums has everything you need. With over 50 years of aquarium experience, the Seatech Team will be able to help you go from start to finish, with results that are stunning and impressive to your guests, as well as provide you with a tank that you will always love and care for.

So if you are ready to start – pick up the phone and call Seatech today! Don’t just dream about that special aquatic tank – begin to make that ‘dream’ happen with the Seatech Aquarium Dream Team!

Tag Archives: Coral Tanks

Some Cool Facts About Fish that You Didn’t Know