Page 218 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

216 MARINE FISH: SETTING UP THE TANK

The maturation process Stocking the tank
Coral reefs are very stable environments, and the fish living A vast range of colorful and interesting species are available
there are not adapted to significant shifts in water parameters today from aquarist suppliers, but it is important to take time
such as temperature, salinity, or water chemistry. In the to plan and research the numbers and species of fish that are
aquarium, therefore, conditions need to be stabilized appropriate for your particular setup before you make any
before the tank can be stocked with more delicate fish and purchases. A typical rectangular aquarium can support 1 in
invertebrates. Before the biological filter is fully functional, (2.5 cm) of fish per 4 gallons (15 liters) of water in the first
levels of ammonia and nitrites can rise to dangerous levels six months, increasing to 1 in (2.5 cm) of fish per 2 gallons
(see p.222). One way to speed up the maturation process is to (7.5 liters) thereafter. If you introduce very fast-growing
introduce hardier species, such as damselfish (see pp.240–243), species into the aquarium, however, their eventual size must
into the new tank; these fish can endure the fluctuating water be taken into account when calculating the stocking density,
quality, and the waste they produce encourages populations in order to avoid overstocking problems at a later date.
of beneficial bacteria to develop within the biological filter. Make sure the fish you choose are compatible with one
In addition, cultures of beneficial bacteria are available that another; if you are planning to create a reef tank, check that
can be added to the tank. Regular testing (see pp.220–222) will they will not harm invertebrates. Fish to be introduced should
reveal when the water conditions have stabilized; at this point, ideally first be quarantined in a separate tank for up to two
ammonia and nitrite levels should be virtually undetectable. weeks, to allow any signs of illness to become apparent.

INTRODUCING THE FISH
Wait for a few days after setting up the tank
before obtaining and introducing the first
few hardy fish, to be sure that the system is
functioning properly. When choosing a fish for
your tank, always ask the supplier to let you
examine it closely; carefully inspect both sides
of its body for any signs of illness or injury.
Also ask to see the fish feeding, because this
is a good guide to its general state of health. 1 Equalize water temperatures 1 Catch the fish
1
2
The supplier will catch your chosen fish and Float the bag in the aquarium for about 15 Net the fish inside the plastic bag, being
transfer it to a plastic bag; it should be kept minutes. This allows the temperature in the careful that the water in the bag, which may
here for the minimum possible time before bag to slowly rise to match that in the tank, contain medication or harmful microbes,
introducing it to the tank (right). thus minimizing the stress on the fish. does not spill into the tank.

Finished tank with damselfish
Damselfish make ideal first
occupants of a new tank

1 Release the fish
3
Allow the fish to swim out of the net and
into the tank. Newly introduced fish will
often hide away at first, retreating into
crevices in the rockwork.

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