Why I Became a Saltwater Aquarist
When most people decide they want to create their own personal aquarium in their home, they usually opt for a freshwater tank because they think freshwater is easier. But when you grow up at the beach and spend the summers fishing with your grandfather, then you know that saltwater tanks make for the best aquarium.
Grandparents teach us a lot, from how to cook to how to be a good person. Mine taught me that fish and marine life are some of the most beautiful things on earth (other than their grandchildren of course). Growing up, if I was not out fishing with my grandfather, I absolutely loved going to the aquarium. It did not matter that all of the fish were still the same fish I saw a few weeks earlier, I loved it. When I was about six years old, my parents bought me my first fish tank. I started out with your typical freshwater tank full of goldfish and your bright, colorful bettas. But my grandfather always told me that while they are not always the easiest, saltwater fish were the prettiest.
So, when I went to college, I bought my first saltwater aquarium and filled it with the most beautiful fish I could find. Getting my saltwater tank set-up was a little tricky at first, granted my dad was not there to help me like he was when we set up my very first fish tank. The ecosystems are constantly changing with a saltwater tank, so as corals grow and you add more fish, you need to make more water changes and dose nutrients. But once you decide on what aquarium setup you want, all you really need to do is find what works best for your system.
Paying homage to one of my favorite movies, I built my aquarium around two clownfish and a blue tang fish. I started out with just a fish only, community tank when I first dipped my toes into the world of saltwater aquarists, pairing my clownfish and blue tang fish with a few green chromis and few fire gobies. But now I have a community, fish only with a live rock system and few more gobies who love hiding between the rocks. While live rock can be intimidating at first, you can either mix it with dry rock or just stick to dry rock as well. What I like about a FOWLR system is that you can still get a reef-like feel with the rocks, but without having to worry if your fish are reef-safe. Both of my grandparents were big fans of coral, so one day I am sure that I will give reef tanks a shot. But for now I love watching my fish circle the rocks I worked so hard to establish
While my grandfather and I no longer spend our summers fishing and going to the aquarium together, I think about him every time I walk by my aquarium. His love of fish and those core, childhood memories are why I became not just an aquarist, but a saltwater aquarist.
Just starting out in the hobby?
Get your copy of How To Set Up A Successful Saltwater Aquarium ebook today.
This ebook will help to guide you past the mistakes I have made over the years.