Marine fish
Your questions answered.
Some are put off from taking the dive into marine fishkeeping by the huge wealth of information out there. But it doesn't have to be as hard as it sounds. Here we go back to the basics and answer some of the most common questions asked about keeping marine fish.
Are marine fish difficult to keep?
Probably the most posed question when someone is considering a foray into marine fishkeeping. And the answer is - not really! There are a couple more water parameters to consider - calcium, carbonate hardness (KH) and salinity, but otherwise it is very similar to keeping tropical fish. At The Goldfish Bowl, we offer pre-mixed salt water for a small charge and free water tests to help you achieve your own slice of tropical paradise in your home.
How do I convert my tropical aquarium to a marine aquarium?
First things first, check all the equipment you have can be used in saltwater. If you’re unsure, best to speak to your local shop, who will guide you accordingly. Depending on what equipment you have already, usual additions include a skimmer and (possibly) upgrading the lighting. Filtration may need to be improved, depending on what your set up uses at the moment. Coral gravel or live sand are a popular choice for the substrate and most marine fishkeepers use live rock as their decoration.
What sort of lighting should I use for my marine aquarium?
In general, marine fishkeepers are moving towards LED lighting as the preferred choice for saltwater set ups. The most popular choices include the TMC V2 iLumenAir - which comes in a variety of sizes - and is controllable through a smartphone or tablet. The Giesemann VerVve LEDs are controlled through bluetooth and feature three shades of blue, a red channel, white channel and NUV for coral growth.
Why do I need better lighting for an aquarium with corals?
Corals process light to cultivate the zoozanthellae that form such a important part of their polyp tissue. This takes place within the polyps, and so is not a process you can see but is a very important part. These corals need a spectrum and intensity of light that would be like what they would be exposed to in natural daylight.
What fish can I put in my reef aquarium?
Obviously you must avoid putting in fish that will treat the corals as potential food! Every fish is individual but generally, clownfish, damsels, bennies and gobies are considered reef safe. However, over and above this, there are many more fish suitable for a reef aquarium. Just ask our expert staff in store, who will guide you on compatibility of marine fish.