Page 210 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

208 MARINE FISH: SETTING UP THE TANK

Siting and substrate

There are no firm rules about where to position a
marine aquarium in the home, but following a few
simple guidelines will help maximize the health of the
fish and ensure human safety. The choice of substrate
(such as gravel or sand) greatly influences the overall
appearance of the tank and is more than just cosmetic.
Substrate composition directly affects water chemistry
and so influences the long-term welfare of the fish.

Positioning the tank
Aquariums should never be moved if they contain water, sand,
or gravel because their great weight makes them prone to
shattering. The larger the tank, the longer it takes to empty
and strip down for moving; so for marine aquariums, which
tend to be larger than their freshwater counterparts, getting
the location right the first time is particularly important.
As a general rule, set up the tank in the room where you
spend most time, and position it at eye level for the best views
of the fish. Taller tanks provide eye-level interest whether
seated or standing and are a good choice for compact rooms
where there is space only for a tank with a small base. Support
the aquarium on a specially built stand or cabinet; if you use an
existing piece of furniture, make sure it is strong enough
to take the weight of the filled tank and will not be damaged
by spillages. Allow enough space around the tank for routine Marine aquariums may be used architecturally, built into
maintenance—you should be able to reach all inner and outer walls, or set up as room dividers. They should not, however, be
sited in rooms where cigarette smoke can build up, because
surfaces of the glass without stretching. this can diffuse into the water and harm fish and invertebrates.

FILTER AND SUBSTRATE
Most marine aquaria are fitted with an
undergravel filter, in addition to a power
filter (see p.211). The filter medium is the
substrate itself—typically, crushed coral or
shell, covered with finer coral sand—which
becomes colonized by beneficial aerobic
bacteria. A mesh net called a gravel tidy
separates the two layers, thus maintaining the
flow of water through the filter bed. Always 1 Place the tank on sponge matting 1 Fit the undergravel filter
2
1
buy prepared substrate from a reputable Wash out the tank to remove dust or glass Lay the corrugated plastic of the filter
aquarium dealer, and check it thoroughly for spicules. Glass aquariums need to be rested plate, with uplift tube attached, on the
foreign bodies, such as fragments of plastic, on special sponge matting to absorb any base of the tank. The plate can be cut to
metal, and glass, before placing it in the tank. unevenness in the surface beneath. size and should cover the whole base area.

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