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The Marine Aquarium- Its setting up and maintenance

From the start:

When you have decided to, or are seriously considering setting up a marine aquarium, don´t believe all the people trying to persuade you that its unbelievably difficult and that you are doomed to failure. Just try it, you´ll be amazed how fascinating it is being a marine aquarist, and how easy it is so long as you take note of a few basic pieces of advice.

The Aquarium

Without knowing what space you have, we can´t give a particular recommendation for aquarium size. However, the dimensions usual for freshwater fish keeping do not apply. When at all possible, the volume should be at least 250- 400litres (55-90 imp. Gallons). The smaller the aquarium, the more sensitive it is to any change in conditions. To make sure the tank's weight is evenly distributed, we recommend mounting the aquarium on a 1cm styropor layer, placed on top of a similarly sized flat, level (and water resistant) surface, supported by a suitable stand. Of course, suitable marine aquarium stands (also with no middle support) are commercially available.

Setting up

There are several routes to success in keeping a marine aquarium. The chemical and biological processes are of greatest importance, and must be regularly checked, or even first set in motion. Equipment, such as a good skimmer, pumps, reverse osmosis kit, and possibly filter tank, measuring and control gear can only be seen as useful aids. One should also try to imitate nature as closely as possible. Dolomite limestone may be put in from the start, tufa rock is lightweight but has one drawback- it can contain contaminants, or undesired metal compounds. To avoid point loads on the bottom glass, it is advisable to lay a 5mm Plexiglas plate over the whole of the tank base before adding the décor. Live rock may be added after 3-4 weeks, it may seem costly, but is extremely valuable as a biological mass, which not only contributes to the breakdown of harmful substances, but also helps in turning the original "salty chemical solution" into a biologically balanced medium.

Once the stone decoration is arranged, cover the base of the aquarium with coral sand or broken coral to a depth of about 2,5cm.
Next add the (preferably reverse osmosis) water, in which a proprietary brand of marine salt (e.g. DÖBISAN Quality Marine Salt) has previously been dissolved. Now adjust the density to 1.022-1.024 at a temperature of 25° C using a precision hydrometer Wait a few days, then inoculate the water with a living bacterial culture (commercially available) .
The lighting (HQI) can be set to a duration of 3-4 hours over the first two weeks, then from the third week on stepwise up to 12 hours in total (e.g. 8hours HQI, 4 hours fluorescent blue). Any brown diatomaceous algae, which has fed on any remaining silica in the water, should now disappear, and green algae should slowly start to build up.
Regular nitrite and pH (8.2-8.4) measurements should now be made. Nitrate and phosphate testing should also be carried out regularly once the nitrite level starts to decrease.
After around 10 weeks, the aquarium is ready for the first fish and invertebrates. An experienced specialist dealer can help to ensure that the individual animals are compatible with each other.
Regular water changes (3-4% per week) are part of the routine maintenance. At the same time, trace elements used by the inhabitants need to be supplemented weekly (e.g. DÖBISAN Strontium, Iodine, Iron III, etc).
Every 12 weeks or so add fresh, quality marine carbon to the filter (100g pro 200litre is sufficient). This will remove metabolic products such as bilirubin, urobilin, phenacetin, urchrome among others, as well as chlorine and phenols. This should remove any yellowing. Too much carbon may remove all organics and some trace elements, this can be detrimental to some corals. Used carbon should be removed and discarded. Reactivation is not possible at home.

More information is available from the following marine sources:
BARC, British Aquatic Resource Centre, http://www.cfkc.demon.co.uk
WYMAG, West Yorkshire Marine Aquarist Group, http://www.cam net uk/home/petpaks/coralcave/page 9.htm
Reef Tec Web, http://www.reeftecgroup.demon.co.uk
As well as some commercial sites.
Literature: Das Meerwasseraquarium, Verein für Meeresaquaristik Berlin 1969 e.V.