Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Saltwater Aquarium Fish - Which Ones To Choose?

By The Aquarium Lady

Saltwater aquarium fish although look beautiful, are actually very difficult to keep. The various different types of tropical saltwater aquarium fish and invertebrates will become damaged when being captured, handled and shipped. Plus keeping these one needs to be aware that certain species have certain requirements and these are sometimes difficult for the fish keeper (aquarist) to meet.

Things To Consider When Selecting Saltwater Aquarium Fish

1. Rather than purchasing new saltwater aquarium fish from your local store it is far better if you choose to purchase those that they have had in stock for about two weeks or more. This way the store owner will be able to deal with any problems that may arise from them being placed in a new environment more effectively than you will be able to.

2. It is important that you spend time at the store looking at the various species of saltwater aquarium fish that they have for sale. Whether it be a Clownfish, Angelfish, Hawkfish, Butterfly Fish or other types of marine life watch the way in which they behave, breathe and swim in their current environment.

3. It is a good idea to actually watch the saltwater aquarium fish you are considering buying when they are being fed. Are they alert to what is going on around them and are they happy eating the food which the store is providing them? When buying any fish for a saltwater aquarium, avoid buying those that are classified as coral feeding fish or the sponge eating Rock Beauties.

4. Before actually purchasing any saltwater aquarium fish it is a good idea to spend some time actually learning as much as you can about the various different species. By knowing exactly what each species of saltwater aquarium fish requires you will be able to provide them with the right kind of environment they need to become healthy and strong. It is crucial that you learn about which different species of saltwater aquarium fish and invertebrates which get on with each other as well as those that are the hardiest.

Generally when you are keeping saltwater aquarium fish, it is best to choose species to keep together in the tank that are compatible. For example if you choose a slow eating fish for your saltwater aquarium, then choose similar breeds that will eat their food slowly. Never place them into tanks with the more aggressive breeds such as chow-hounds, but rather have them in their own separate tanks.

Saltwater Aquarium Fish - Selecting The Rights Ones When Setting Your Tank Up

So of all the various species of saltwater aquarium fish to buy which are the best to keep? If you are going to be setting up your first tank and taking up keeping fish as a hobby there are several species of saltwater fish which are considered to be suitable. Below we look at just what some of these are.

1. Damsels - These of all the various species of saltwater aquarium fish are considered to be the best for being the first ones you put into your tank. They are not only one of the hardiest of all the saltwater fish species but they are pretty cheap to buy as well. It is important that you never keep more than two in a tank otherwise they can turn aggressive.

2. Mollies - Although these are in fact freshwater fish they can be also be kept as saltwater aquarium fish as well. Just like Damsel fish these are very cheap to purchase and actually getting them use to a new water environment is not that difficult. When you get them home keep them in the water they came in and then over the next 6 to 8 hours you need to add aquarium salt to it. Each time you add aquarium salt to the water you need to increase the amount that you add and this will help prepare them for when you move them in to the aquarium with the other saltwater fish.

3. Angel Fish - If you can, when first starting to keep saltwater aquarium fish as a hobby, avoid purchasing these during the initial setting up stages. The biggest problem with breeds such as the Bicolor Angelfish, Blue Fin Angelfish, Cream and Cortez Angelfish and the Black Nox Angelfish, is that they are very delicate marine life. Yes they may look wonderful but getting them acclimatized to a new environment can prove to be extremely difficult.

In this article we have given you some information that you will find helpful when it comes to setting up your first tank into which you will be placing your chosen saltwater aquarium fish. It is important that one learns how to care for these kinds of fish and making sure that their dietary requirements are met in relation to nitrates, proteins, minerals and nutrients that they need. Therefore before you do buy the saltwater aquarium fish you should spend some time really learning as much as you can about them.

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