How to Do Marine Aquarium Water Changes and Not Harm Your Fish
By Darin Sewell

Marine aquarium water changes are part of the basic maintenance tasks that must be performed on a regular basis to have a saltwater tank that is not only clean and clear but also full of healthy vibrant fish. Water changes are not difficult to perform but there are a few things that need to be done to make sure that you do not harm your fish in the process.

Tips For Successful Marine Aquarium Water Changes

• Let the new seawater mix with a small power head for at least a few hours to let all the chemicals that make up the salt mix fully dissolve and to also let any ammonia that sometimes forms in freshly mixed seawater to dissipate.
• Add a heater to the mixing bucket and make sure that the water is the same temperature as the main tank. You can buy a larger watt heater then would normally be needed to quickly bring the temperature up.
• Check to make sure the salt levels are the same in the water you will be adding to the saltwater aquarium. If they vary to much some of the more delicate marine fish could suffer from osmotic shock and this can lead to stress and disease out breaks.
• When removing the old water from your marine aquarium make sure to vacuum the gravel to remove any lose debris that may have settled in the gravel. Not doing this can lead to a build up of organics that can fuel algae growth.
• Unplug all your filters and heaters to avoid heater breakage and dry running pumps.
• Add the new water to the tank slowly so you do not disturb your marine fish to much or kick up to much dirt.
• Change at least 25% of your water on a monthly basis, you can do it as one large water change or split it up into two or three smaller changes.
• Use a brand name high quality salt mix to avoid any impurities that can fuel algae growth in a saltwater tank.
• Remember to plug all your heaters and filters back in and make sure they are operating correctly

To create a stunning and easy-to-maintain saltwater aquarium grab a copy of our Saltwater Aquarium Guide. This illustrated guide will show you step by step how to properly set up your marine aquarium. It's crammed with tips and methods that the pros use to create stunning aquaric displays! Learn more at http://www.saltwatermethods.com

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