Sunset Aquatics, LLC

Aquarium Guide

By Weston Spoon – OwnerSunset Aquatics, LLC

www.sunsetaquatics.webs.com480.588.5313 /

SunsetAquatics@Yahoo.com

Type of Aquarium Acrylic vs. Glass

AcrylicPositives:

• Light weight• No sealant visible • Virtually leak proof

• Rounded ends, no sharp corners• Comes in more shapes and sizes • Able to support larger tank loads

Negatives:• Scratches easily • Increase in price

GlassPositives:

• Resistant to wear and tear• Less brace support needed

Negatives:• Weighs more

• Life span of 6 to 12 years

Stand/Canopy Wood vs. Metal

Choosing your style of stand or canopy is more of a personal preference then an issue of comparing positives to negatives. Both are equally durable as long as they are made with high grade materials and assembled by a professional. You have to decide which style works for you, the warmth of wood or the modern look of metal.

What would you like in your Aquarium?The next decision is

determining what kind of life forms will be inhabiting your aquarium. When talking with aquarists, one of the first questions they will ask you is if you have a swim tank or a reef tank. Swim tank implies that you have no living coral, only fish in your aquarium. Reef is the term used for having living coral reef propagating in your tank. Both have their own set of challenges and rewards, however it is up to you to decide which level of commitment you are willing to follow.

SwimThe fish you put in your aquarium have to be

chosen very carefully. Similar to people, fish have certain personalities that keep

some of them from interacting in a peaceful way. In addition, the order in

which they are added to your aquarium has an affect on how they will treat their fellow tank mates. The best way to decide what kind of fish you will want is to start with a list of desired inhabitants. After your list

has been completed, consult with an aquarium expert about which fish can

coexist and the order in which they should be added. Most likely, not all of your fish on the list will make the cut so make sure

to put your most desired live stock towards the top.

ReefIn recent years there have been developments in aquarium

technology that has made having a reef tank much more user friendly. However, keeping coral alive for a sustained period of time is still not for the novice aquarist. Corals are sensitive to changes in their environment, so more care needs to be taken when testing or shifting water parameters. Having a living reef aquarium takes an increased level of commitment and dedication that should not be made hastily.

Substrate Substrate is just a fancy word for sand or crushed coral that is

found on the bottom of your aquarium.

Sand• Looks cleaner • Traps less debris

Crushed coral• Less expensive

• Good for growing copepods and amphipods

RockLive vs. Lace

From an aquarist point of view the debate between live and lace is a short one. The benefits to live rock far exceed anything lace rock has to offer.

Live Rock• Makes the difference

between ocean water and water with just salt

• Lowers nitrate levels • Provides beneficial

bacteria that remove organic waste

• Natural food source for fish and invertebrates

• In reef tanks, live rock is the only choice

Lace Rock• Less expensive • Use only in swim

tanks, unhealthy for reefs

• Can leach harmful minerals into your aquarium

FilterHaving a productive filter system is key to prolonging

the life of your aquarium inhabitants. Your filter system removes waste and uneaten food by collecting it in cartridges or, a type of media. The media or cartridge is removed and replaced to prevent the collected material from fouling water quality. Choose a filter based on what you would want living in your tank. Also, take into mind the easy to use factor, some filters are more difficult to operate then others.

Some personal preferencesSumpscartridge containers

LightsChoosing how to light your aquatic environment depends

completely on the presence of coral. Reef tanks require much brighter and a larger spectrum of light then the average swim setup. When lighting a swim tank, decide on a light that will bring out the natural colors or your fish and decoration. For reefs, higher wattage levels and broader spectrums need to be instituted.

Most common lighting types:(most common use)Metal halide (reef)T-5 (swim)T-5 High output (reef/swim)Power compacts (reef/swim)LED gives lunar affect (reef/swim)

Protein SkimmerProtein skimmers are an essential part of most

successful reef tanks. By creating a column of bubbles, they pull out proteins and other organic waste particles into a collection cup that will never pollute your aquarium water.

Advantages:• Purifies H2O• Never needs a replacement cartridge • Helps oxygenate aquarium water

Refugiums

A Refugium is a separate appendage of your main system that benefits water quality and the overall well

being of your inhabitants. Most are no more then a few gallons and are used for growing different forms of algae and plant life. Refugiums are also great for propagating live food for your fish and corals. No matter

what type of aquarium you may have, refugiums are a smart

decision.

UV Sterilizer Sterilizers are a type of filtration

that pass aquarium water around an ultra violet light source. The exposure to UV light helps control algae outbreaks and lowers the risk of fish related illness.

The EndWeston is the owner of Sunset Aquatics, LLC – a

custom aquarium service and installation company. Let him know also if you would like

to add an aquatic family to your home!

If you have any questions or comments about the presentation, please contact Weston with

the information below.

Sunset Aquatics, LLC480.588.5313

www.sunsetaquatics.webs.comSunsetAquatics@Yahoo.com