Image by Mike Johnston via Flickr Author: Simon HemmingsWhen selecting your saltwateraquarium choose the largest you can possible afford and ensure the aquarium’s location is adequate and it’s within your budget.
Don't think buying small is good for your first saltwater aquarium as you will very quickly find out that you are unable to fit all the fish you desire and there will be limited oxygen in a smaller aquarium.
When you choose your saltwater aquarium, consider the water surface area, as this is related to the oxygen content of the water. Surface water is defined by the surface area that is exposed to the air.
Therefore the more surface area the aquarium has the greater the transfer of oxygen into the water and carbon dioxide escapes.
Aquariums come in all shapes and sizes and two aquariums may have the same amount of volume,but there may be a large difference in surface area. Shorter and wider aquariums have
more surface area and is better for gas exchange.
Other factors when buying your saltwater aquarium is the number of fish you want, overloading of the aquarium with fish will only result in overloading your filtration system and cause water issues. Likely fish will end up stressed and will lead to diseases between fishes.
Most people use fish length and tank volume to estimate the number of fish the saltwater aquarium can hold. Larger fish will of course consume more oxygen and more aquarium space.
I would prefer to have fewer fish rather than too many to be safe!
So when selecting an aquarium, think about that this as an investment of money and time!
About the author:
Simon is the author of Saltwater Aquarium BeginnerGuide where you learn and understand whats involved in starting up and maintaining your aquarium.
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