Page 23 2025 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2025 for a saltwater tank a saltwater test kit that should be used weekly in assessing the water levels. However, remember to research your specific fish because there could be additional requirements for the chemicals or temperature of the water. Freshwater tanks are relatively less expensive because you can have a successful smaller tank such as a 10-gallon tank with a hood, filter, and gravel for around $50-$100, with most fish costing between $5-$40 each. Smaller freshwater tanks are not very timeconsuming since most freshwater fish are hardier and are a little less stringent about having precise measurements in regards to chemicals. If new to the aquarium world, it might be good to start out with a smaller freshwater tank and gradually add to it as your interest and hobby grows. Saltwater tanks of course do not require a different tank, it just should be at least 30 gallons for the best results. What makes the saltwater tank more expensive and timeconsuming are the preparations for the exact water stability, temperature, and fish. The cost for most saltwater fish runs greater than $50 per fish and requires more chemicals and/or special lighting. Adding corals or live rocks inhabited by natural algae and bacteria can add another layer to monitoring the stability of the tank and can add to the overall cost. The time spent maintaining a saltwater tank has also greatly increased. The temperature of the water and the levels in the water need to be monitored on a daily basis in the beginning and at least weekly thereafter. Fish have a temperature range to survive in and the water levels, especially the ammonia and the pH. need to be tested. With a little practice, this can be done in the comfort of your own home, but it is suggested to take a sample of your tank water into your trusted aquarist for weekly testing (at least the first few months) where they can advise you what chemicals to add or purchase to get your levels into proper range. Typically, this testing is free of charge but check with your aquarist first. Once your tank is put together, and levels are acceptable for your fish, according to your aquarist, please, please follow your aquarist’s suggestion in introducing your fish to your tank. Most individuals get so excited at this point that they just dump the fish in hoping that this is the last step to a fruitful fish tank. However, this is where most fish do not survive. Fish come from another fish tank, where more than likely they will use different chemicals, lighting, and water that differs from yours, so as not to shock your new fish system with a different water content or temperature, you must let the fish gradually get introduced to your tank or they will perish. This takes patience and time and if you follow your aquarist's suggested methods, then you will soon have a beautiful, bright fish tank that you can show off to friends and kids alike. [JA Hodgdon-Ruppel] Photo by Nolan Krattinger
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