Reef Aquarium 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.

Have you ever wondered where fish get their color, both individually and by breed? No one knows with 100 percent certainty how fish obtain their color nor why fish are so colorful, but there are a few theories.

One animal that is similar to a fish in terms of the variety of color is a snake. It’s easy to see why snakes are so colorful; it’s a means of survival by blending into the grass, dirt, sand, and weeds. The need to blend into the environment is one obvious theory regarding the survival of fish as well. According to researchers, however, the reasons why fish are so colorful is probably much deeper than we know.

Possible Reasons Why Fish are So Colorful

In addition to using their color to hide from predators by camouflaging with the objects around them, there are several other theories and facts about why each fish has a variety of markings and each breed is different than the other.

Based on the findings of one scientist, Gil Rosenthal, the fact that they live underwater rather than on land has a lot to do with it. Things look much different underwater. It’s darker, but light comes from a variety of sources, and that light isn’t always the same. Therefore, fish need the various markings in order to:
● Identify each other underwater.
● Identify predators.
● Identify competitors within the same breed.

Their vivid colors also tend to give them a fluorescent tone, which possibly allows allies to see them better.

Because fish live in different areas of the water, be it near the surface or deep in the coral reefs, they need to adapt to their environment, which is an additional theory about why fish are so colorful.

Another issue that factors into the equation is that humans can’t tell what fish see; truly, that would be almost impossible unless you were seeing through their eyes while they were still alive. The fish, therefore, might not even know how beautiful they are, but have their own methods of identifying each other that humans don’t quite understand.

It’s also possible that the spotted, multi-colored fish that we see looks like one plain, solid colored animal to another fish from a distance. It could be nature’s way of allowing fish to be identified by friends but hidden from foes.

Up-Close Admiration

When it comes to us as pet fish owners and aquarium enthusiasts, we simply reap the benefits that nature gives us. This is especially true for owners of reef aquariums, as fish that live deep in natural waters tend to have the most beautiful markings.

If you are thinking of adding new livestock to your existing aquarium or are thinking of having a fish tank installed, contact us. We’ll help you identify the most ideal, beautiful livestock to suit your aquarium environment.

Tag Archives: Reef Aquarium

Aquarium Installation: Basic Components of a Reef Tank