The Easiest Way to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium: Part 1

Establishing the Basic Needs of the Tank

Everyone has admired the large saltwater aquariums that can be found in the offices of most dentists, physicians, cosmetologists and marine enthusiasts but have believed them to be far too much work to bring into their own homes. Fortunately, this is not the case. While the process of establishing a saltwater aquarium can be a costly one, in terms of manual labor there is a very simple method which almost guarantees success.

Step 1: Assemble and prepare the equipment. During packaging and production the aquarium and all of its corresponding parts have almost certainly been exposed to various pollutants, such as dust and chemicals, which will be very harmful to the fish if it is allowed free reign in the aquarium. Prior to use every piece of the aquarium should be washed with hot, fresh water and cleansed with a soft piece of cloth to prevent scratching.

Step 2: Place all of the components in the tank WITHOUT adding any of the decorative features. Then fill the tank to the fill line (which may or may not be already marked on the aquarium-2 to 3 inches from the top is generally adequate to prevent major spillover when the tank is cleaned or the fish fed) with saltwater (if you have chosen to make your own saltwater solution read below for instructions). Turn the tank on and allow it to run for 24 hours to ensure that all components are fully functional.

**Making Your Own Saltwater**

Ocean water is the natural habitat of all saltwater marine animals and, consequently, the best water source for any saltwater aquarium. If ocean water is not available, however, and the owner of a saltwater aquarium does not wish to purchase a pre-made saltwater solution it is possible to make saltwater. It is important to use a sea salt mixture that is free of impurities rather than table salt when creating saltwater in order to reproduce the natural environment as accurately as possible. These mixes can be purchased from any store that specializes in the sale of tropical fish.

Step 3: Landscape your aquarium. Organic substances are not only more aesthetically pleasing than their plastic counterparts, they provide a more pleasing environment for the fish as well. Keeping in mind that fish generally use what humans consider to be decorations as shelter when in the wild it is important to consider the types of fish which will be inhabiting the tank prior to choosing its decoration.

Step 4: Start the 30 day cycling process, during which the ammonia should be tested regularly. This can be done with or without fish in the tank.

Following these simple steps will allow the amateur marine enthusiast to place aside their fears and enjoy the benefits of a happy, healthy aquarium in the privacy of their own home.

Phosphate Control in Saltwater Aquariums

Saltwater aquarium owners will eventually need to control phosphate levels in their aquariums as the aquarium matures. Phosphate is a nutrient found in aquariums that feeds algae and inhibits calcification of invertebrates and corals.

Phosphate control can help to reduce the amount of algae that grows in an aquarium and will maximize coral growth in saltwater aquariums.

Many aquarium owners might not fully understand the benefits of phosphate control, and therefore might not practice it in their normal aquarium maintenance activities. If you have an established saltwater aquarium that is starting to have regular problems with nuisance algae growth, it's probably time to start making a conscious effort to control phosphate levels.

Preventing High Phosphate Levels

The first step in battling phosphate levels in an aquarium is to try to prevent the amount of phosphates that are in the aquarium in the first place.

Using purified water that has gone through the process of reverse osmosis is the first step you should take. Buy a reverse osmosis water purifier and use it to purify all water that you will be putting in your aquarium.

If you do not want to buy or utilize a reverse osmosis water purifier you should find some place where you can purchase purified water. Grocery stores or maybe even pet stores (that sell fish) should be able to provide you with a source to purchase purified water.

Reducing High Phosphate Levels

If you already have high phosphate levels in your aquarium, simply switching over to purified water probably won't help much. The rate at which you add new water to your mature aquarium will not allow you to fully swap in purified water over a short period of time.

You will need to use phosphate removal media in your aquarium to filter out all the phosphates. There are several types of phosphate removal media available from aquarium supply dealers. Take a look online at any aquarium supply dealer and you should be able to easily find some phosphate removal media. It usually is lumped in the same category as other chemical removal media such as activated carbon.

When purchasing phosphate removal media be sure to check the specifications of the brand you are using. The media may behave differently from brand to brand. Some phosphate removal media will require that you remove or replace it within days to prevent leaching of the phosphates back into the aquarium water. Other phosphate media may not need to be replaced as soon, if at all.

Implementing Phosphate Removal Media

Phosphate removal media can be implemented into your aquarium in different ways.

The first method would be to buy and install a phosphate reactor. A phosphate reactor is simply a chamber that sits within the water filtration flow of your aquarium and has an intake and outtake. The chamber is filled with phosphate removal media, which the aquarium water will flow through continuously. Phosphate reactors can be hooked up in the existing water flow plumbing of your aquarium. You can also usually hook up a separate powerhead intake and outtake into your aquarium if needed which will allow you to run the reactor independent of your other aquarium filtration.

A second method would be to buy some mesh media bags and use your current sump filter or canister filter. Fill the mesh bags with phosphate removal media and place them inside your canister filter or sump filter. The mesh bags will prevent the pieces of the media from getting all over the place in your filtration system and will make maintenance and implementation of the media much more easy to handle. The media will then be in the main water flow of your aquarium filtration system.

Once you have implemented phosphate prevention and removal techniques for a period of time, you should notice a decrease in the amount of nuisance algae in you aquarium. You may not need to clean your aquarium as often and your aquarium water quality will be improved.

Luke Petterson has been maintaining a saltwater aquarium for a few years now and has had quite a few good and bad experiences. Taking care of an aquarium takes patience and discipline, but it's not bad at all if you do your research. Aquarium keeping is also a very rewarding experience.

Visit http://aquarist-refuge.com to learn more about aquariums and aquarium keeping or to browse aquarium videos and other tidbits.

Custom Saltwater Aquariums-Aquascaping

The Chinese Emperor, Hungwu, established a company that is credited for building the very first aquariums, in 1369. The aquariums Hungwu's company designed were little more then porcelain tubs that were then used to house Goldfish. As the years passed, these tubs started shrinking in size until they bore a strong resemblance to the aquariums we are familiar with today. Almost five hundred years later, in 1841, a tropical aquarium was introduced to the world. At the time of its introduction, toy fish and a few aquatic plants were the only inhabitants.

Today the creation and maintaining of aquariums is the one of the most popular hobbies in the world, second only to stamp collecting. It is believed that over sixty million people maintain aquariums in their homes. It is estimated that forty percent of that sixty million are thought to have at least two active tanks.

As individuals become comfortable with their aquariums they start indulging in aquascaping.

Aquascaping is the process of using driftwood, plants, and rocks in a pleasing manner that customizes an individuals saltwater tank.

The first thing you need to remember when aquascaping your aquarium is that the design you choose must compliment the needs of the fish inhabiting the tank. Before you begin, spend some time researching the natural habitat your fish inhabit. You'll want to design a tank that duplicates their natural environment.

The use of living plants in your aquascaping project will add another dimension to your tank. There is something about the way the living plants float in the water that is both soothing and breathtaking. On the other hand fish, especially herbivorous fish that eat sea plants, can be hard on living plants. If you suspect that a living plant won't survive in your custom saltwater aquarium you should opt for the artificial variety. There are several lifelike artificial plants available.

The use of driftwood has become very popular in custom saltwater aquariums. The price of driftwood, it can be very expensive, often causes aquarium owners to head to the beach. If you locate a nice piece of driftwood on the beach don't put it in your main aquarium. First put it in your quarantine tank, and keep it there for at least two weeks, or until the PH levels of the water match those in your main tank. Be sure to clean your driftwood thoroughly. You may have to use rocks to anchor the driftwood to the bottom of your tank.

There are a few things you need to consider when you are adding rocks to your aquascaping project. Avoid rocks that have sharp edges and points, fish can slice open their tender underbelly's on these rocks. If you are stacking a group of rocks together to make a cave use an aquarium safe silicone to glue the rocks together, this will prevent the rocks from collapsing and crushing the fish that makes the cave its own. Avoid soft rocks, they break down in the water.

After you have completed customizing your saltwater aquarium, you may want to enter it in an aquascaping contest.

55 Gallon Aquarium Stand - What Choices Do You Have?

A 55 gallon aquarium stand is essential if you want your aquarium to remain level and safe once it has been filled with water, equipment, fish and marine life. But what type of 55 gallon aquarium stand you get will depend largely on the type of aquarium you buy.

Most aquariums that people have in their homes or work places will be made either from glass or acrylic. When buying the stand for your aquarium you need to be aware that a glass model weighs three times as much as a model that is made from acrylic. Therefore the aquarium stand you buy for a glass one needs to be very sturdy to hold all this weight. The stand that you buy for your acrylic aquarium, if you have one, should offer support along the tank's length and width, whilst the stands for a glass aquarium only need to offer support to its outer edges.

55 Gallon Aquarium Stand - What Can One Get?

There are two different styles of stands which one can buy to provide support for aquariums. Which one you actually choose to buy will depend on the material from which the aquarium has been made. Any kind of aquarium stand including a 55 gallon aquarium stand can either be an open or closed one.

The simplest type of stand is the open one and is generally made from wood (such as oak or cherry). It is important that you check that it is going to be strong enough to take the weight of a glass aquarium. Whilst the closed stands are a much more complex design, these can easily hold the weight of a 55 gallon aquarium when fully laden. Both stands come with a top and bottom platform and the base is generally larger than the top offering better stability to the tank. The closed 55 gallon aquarium stand is suitable for keeping both glass and acrylic tanks on it.

55 Gallon Aquarium Stand - Things To Consider Before You Purchase One

When buying an aquarium stand the thing to do is look at the trim on the aquarium that you will be buying. Ideally you are looking for the material from which the stand is made to complement the aquarium. It is at this stage you need to make sure that both the aquarium and the stand will go with the room's decor.

When you visit an aquarium supply company or you go online, what you will notice is that they will show the stands that are perfectly suited to go with the various aquariums that they have. The only thing you now have to do is compare the prices of the various different 55 gallon aquarium stand designs.

If you intend to buy both your aquarium and stand online, then you need to verify how much it is going to cost to ship the items to you. Although the cost of buying the aquarium stand and tank online is cheaper than buying from your local aquarium supply store, once you add in shipping costs the price could be the same or higher.

The best kind of aquarium stand you can buy are those which are quick and easy to assemble or which come preassembled. Again it is a good idea to spend time comparing the costs of buying an aquarium stand that is preassembled or flat packed and which you then need to assemble yourself.

Trish Hunter

Creating the Perfect Reef Aquarium

Just as nature above the sea level is as variable as the sun, from the deserts of Arizona to the snow topped caps of the Swiss Alps, so can the world under the sea be a constant study in contrasts, with no two reefs the same. This is good news for the underwater enthusiast who is attempting to establish the perfect reef aquarium in their home; there is no established "formula" for the perfect tank. There's plenty of room for creativity!

One thing that cannot be shirked upon is the size of a tank. It must be more than adequate to allow the species of fish that are chosen to inhabit it plenty of room to exercise and grow. Just as a person cannot thrive in an enclosed environment, neither can a fish. A 75 gallon tank is a generous size for the home marine biologist to establish their own eco-system and allows for space for several species of fish to spread out (provided they are compatible species, of course. Putting two species together who are unsuited to tank life together is a recipe for disaster, regardless of the size of the tank).

Courtesy of advances in the convenience of establishing a home aquarium it is now possible to purchase an aquarium that has been pre-drilled in order to prevent overflow. This provides a cleaner look than the traditional "hang on the back" overflow system for the home professional who is attempting to create the picture perfect reef aquarium.

There are many options for decorating a reef aquarium, although it is generally much more aesthetically pleasing and healthy to the fish to keep all of the decorations one hundred percent organic. Live rock is a vital element to any eco-system, yet makes a lovely addition to a home saltwater aquarium. The microorganisms which grow on the rock (the rock is not really alive, obviously; it gets its name from the fact that it is a natural habitat for many species of bacteria) will help to filter out the harmful waste products produced by the fish that will accumulate in the water of a saltwater aquarium in spite of the filtering system-after all, how often does Mother Nature need to clean her saltwater aquarium? She has created the perfect filtering system as long as man does not add any elements to throw off the balance.

Live plants and coral are also essential elements to the perfect reef aquarium. There are many different types of plants which can be added to a reef aquarium, and it is best to choose based on the species of fish which will be inhabiting the tank. For successful transplantation of live aquarium plants it is essential that the sand or silt on the bottom of the tank be deep enough to allow the roots of the plants to successfully take hold. These plants will also require additional light and carbon dioxide to allow for proper photosynthesis.

There are many options for creating the perfect saltwater aquarium, many of them very costly; however, with the proper mix of imagination and frugality it is possible to create a reef aquarium that is aesthetically, ecologically and financially friendly.

55 Gallon Aquarium - The Water Needs Changing

55 gallon aquariums just like any other size of aquarium need to be cared for correctly in order to establish the right kind of environment for the fish residing in the tank. One thing that needs to be done regularly is that you need to change some (not all) of the water in your 55 gallon aquarium on a regular basis, in order to remove waste and debris that has built up in it, and replenish essential nutrients that have been lost.

When you actually change the water in your aquarium will depend largely on whether it is cold water, tropical or reef tank. Also it will depend on whether the water being replaced comes from a tap or is purified.

What you need to remember is although you may have the best filtration system in your aquarium, it will not be able to remove every single piece of waste of nitrates from it. Also these filtration systems do not have the capability of being able to replenish those essential nutrients and minerals in the water that the fish will need.

55 Gallon Aquarium - How Often Should The Water Be Changed?

With a 55 gallon aquarium you should be changing around 25% of the old water for new every week or so, in order to keep nitrate levels in the tank low. If you are going to be using water directly from a tap then before adding it, you need to check its hardness and pH levels. Today you can buy specialist kits either from your local aquarium supply store on online that will see if you need to do anything to the water to get the chemical composition right before adding it to the tank.

When changing water in your aquarium, make sure that you check the levels of nitrate in the water you are adding. If you find that the levels of nitrate in the water you are going to be adding exceed 40 parts per million, then you need to use an alternative water source or fit your aquarium with a water purifier.

55 Gallon Aquarium - Water Changing Equipment

To change the water in your aquarium you will need two buckets and a siphoning kit. All these items can be purchased either through your local aquarium supply store or by going online. What you should never do is use these items for other tasks around the home other than to change the water in the aquarium so, no using the buckets to wash your car.

If you intend to store water that you will then be putting into your aquarium in the future, make sure that the containers are made from a food grade plastic. If not then the chances of chemicals leaching into the water being stored in them is increased, and these can prove to be harmful to the fish in your aquarium.

Plus you must make sure that the containers are kept in a dark location to prevent algae growth in the water, and installing an air stone in them will ensure that oxygen is being supplied to it, and this in turn will keep the water fresh. These items can also help to keep the pH levels at a normal level in the water as well. If water is left to stand (not aerated) over time it can turn acidic and adding such water to your 55 gallon aquarium can cause problems for the fish and marine life in it.

Trish_Hunter

How to Safely Change the Water in Your Saltwater Aquarium

As with people fish thrive when kept in an environment as close to their own as possible. For this reason aquariums should be carefully structured to imitate the natural environments of the species it is home to as closely as possible. Even if it is not possible to duplicate exactly the living conditions found in the deep blue the fish will benefit from the effort.

Fish are also very adaptable creatures. It is what allows them to live and thrive in captivity when many other marine animals are unable to make the change. The fish will adapt to the environment around them and learn to live in the conditions of their tank. It is important that these conditions remain as constant as possible. As in nature a tip in the balance of the elements in an aquarium can bring with it devastating consequences. It is important that changes in the aquarium environment be few and far between.

This is generally a very simple matter until the time comes for the water in the tank to be changed. In nature the water in the ocean is constantly cycling; therefore, the water never has the opportunity to become stale and overloaded with elements that will have a negative impact on the well being of your aquatic friends. Since this is not the case in an aquarium even with an excellent artificial filtering system and organic filtering methods combined it will still be necessary on occasion to manually clean the tank.

The water with which you replace the dirty water in the aquarium should be as close as possible to the water that was originally filling the tank. What this means is that if you opted to buy a pre-made saltwater mix when you started your tank you should continue to use that same pre-made saltwater mix. If you made your own saltwater you should use the same type of sea salt in the same proportions that you used in the beginning. If you opted to transplant ocean water or purchased filtered ocean water you are going to want to use that same type of water when you make the change.

Water in aquariums should be changed every couple of months, more if you happen to notice that wastes are beginning to build up. This will be evident by the hazy look the previously clear water will take on and the obvious accumulation of waste at the bottom of the tank. Be sure when you change the water you also clean the components of the tank and the inside of the glass itself. Putting clean water into an empty tank is along the same lines as putting clean clothes on a dirty body-there is little point.

By keeping your tank clean and the conditions as constant as possible you are giving your fish the best possible chance to thrive in their artificial environment, guaranteeing that you will be able to enjoy their beauty for a very long time.

Where Can I Get Aquarium Supplies From?

One of the most common questions that all new aquarium owners ask is "where is the best place to buy aquarium supplies?" With the vast numbers of aquarium supplies retailers, both online and offline, its easy to see why so many starter owners feel confused. Every retailer has its advantages and disadvantages, and often different retailers are better to get particular aquarium supplies from than others.

Online Stores

Buying your aquarium supplies online is a popular option, and more and more people are doing so. Often, its cheaper to buy things online, and much more convenient - you can order your aquarium supplies from home or the office, and have them delivered often the next day. I've even had snails for my tank delivered by post before after purchasing them online, saving me both time and money.

At the same time however, buying online does have its disadvantages - by buying online, you do not have as much control over what you get - you might find gravel online that you think looks great, only to find it gets delivered and looks nasty, gives off lots of dye in the water, and generally is not usable! Also, you often cant get the advice online that many starter aquarium owners need when buying their first set of aquarium supplies.

Local Fish Stores

Local fish and pet stores can vary greatly. I have a pet store nearby that is really disappointing when it comes to aquarium supplies, and yet another one that is part of a garden center that is absolutely amazing, and I will often rather drive out there than buy aquarium supplies online!

One of the major advantages of going to a good local fish store is that they will often be very knowledgeable, and be able to offer you great advice, which can be invaluable when you are starting out. They will know which filters work with which tanks or aquariums, what food is best for a particular breed of fish, and anything else you could possibly need to ask.

On the flip side however, they will often be more expensive than their online counterparts, and may not stock the range of aquarium supplies that an online retailer can.

Direct From The Aquarium Manufacturer

Buying aquarium supplies from the manufacturer is often a sure-fire way of making sure the supplies you buy are a perfect fit for your aquarium. The quality will also often be better than many 'compatible' brands. However, at the same time, you must expect to pay a premium for the official aquarium supplies. Often a better option is to find an online retailer or fish store near you that stocks the official aquarium supplies, as they will be able to buy in bulk, and therefore it will often work out cheaper.

As for most things in life, there is never a definitive answer to many questions - buying online will (almost) always be cheaper than going to a store, however, while paying a little more, you will most likely get better advice from the people running the store, who will almost certainly be fish keepers themselves. Whatever you choose, it's always advisable to shop around for your aquarium supplies, and find the best retailer with the most experience at the best price. For more advice and information about the best aquarium supplies, and the best places to get them, visit www.aquariumsupplies.me

Liam Wiltshire

How to Install a Wall Mounted Aquarium

The life under the sea has long fascinated the landlubbers who attempt to learn its mysteries, and the privilege of being able to bring a small piece of it into their homes has proved too difficult to resist. Saltwater aquariums can be seen in homes around the world, containing everything from tropical fish to sharks and stingrays. For many, however, it is not enough to simply have a tank sitting in the middle of whatever room they have chosen to plant it in for them to look at and admire. They wish to be in the middle of the ocean itself, to find themselves surrounded by the marine life they have long admired.

Unfortunately, although science has made many advances in that area it is not yet possible for man to live under the sea. A small taste of what is would be like to have the ocean as your floor, walls and sky can be obtained by installing an in wall aquarium.

In wall aquariums come in many shapes and sizes, from tanks no larger than the screen on a small television sets to the great tanks that make up the walls of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. Installing these tanks is not difficult, although it does require a great deal of time and effort; however, with the proper directions and guidance anyone can allow themselves to enjoy these beautiful home accents.

Before you get too carried away with the concept of being able to float along in a mermaid lagoon (even if it is only in your mind) it is important that you first ensure that your home is going to be able to support the aquarium you wish to install in it. The strength of your wall studs is going to be the determining factor on whether it is possible to place an aquarium directly in the foundation of your home; if they are not strong enough to support the weight of the aquarium the mission must be aborted at the very beginning.

It is possible to hire a company to come and install your aquarium for you, ensuring that the cables and pumps will be neatly hidden and the aquarium seamlessly placed into the fabric of your home. While this is more expensive than doing it yourself it does guarantee success (after all, if a professional makes a mistake which installing your aquarium they are responsible for the repairs, not you). If you are new to the business of installing in home aquariums, or home repair in general, or if you do not have a great deal of time on your hands this is probably the option for you.

While in wall aquariums are more expensive than their traditional relations they bring with them a set of advantages uniquely their own. They generally require fewer cords and plugs, as well as less maintenance. They allow you to save space and ensure that little fingers do not find their way into the aquarium to torment the fish. Most of all, they allow you to bring just a little bit of every child's dream into your home, blending fantasy and reality in a way that was previously only available on t.v.

Aquarium Supply Necessary for Novice

Watching the fish gliding inside an aquarium makes your mind relax. Much more if it is well designed, maybe something that looks like a real habitat underworld. Setting up one can be a great idea for your family.

An aquarium can be best fitted in any corner of your room, provided that it is unreachable by your kids unless with your supervision. It can add exquisiteness to your surroundings and a more soothing ambiance.

However, considering some important factors can be better while setting up an aquarium. You have to purchase an array of aquarium supplies in order to create a place for your fish to live in.

Here are some of the supplies that you have to take note:

1. Type of fish

This is a prior consideration because it will determine the kind of aquarium that you will put up whether it is freshwater, saltwater aquarium, or warm water aquarium. Tropical fish for instance necessitates warm water that will require you a heater. Each kind of aquarium set up has distinct needs and expenses that you will incur when purchasing the supplies.

2. Tank

If you are novice, you can begin with smaller size of aquarium and a ten-gallon tank will probably do. This is another determinant of the kind of fish that you will place in your aquarium. A variety of type can be chosen if you have larger tanks.

3. Heater

It is necessary for tropical fish because you have to maintain warm temperature of water. This is the kind of habitat where they can survive.

4. Filter

Since you cannot prevent some falling debris inside your aquarium, you have to make use of filters to keep it clean at all times. Cleanliness is crucial because this will make your fish stay healthy inside an aquarium.

5. Gravel and rocks

All of these components will add an underworld effect to your aquarium. Be sure to clean them properly before you place the said supplies to the water.

6. Pump

Pump is one of the basic requirements for your aquarium because the life of the fish inside it will depend on the pump. It s their aid for breathing

7. Water Testing kit

Utilizing one will help you to gauge the ph level inside your aquarium.

8. Lighting

In order to remove dullness inside the aquarium, you need to put some lighting. Too much lighting effects will not be good as well.

After you make yourself ready with the aquarium supply, then you can put up your own.

Low Jeremy

Adding an Oyster to the Ecosystem Inside a Saltwater Aquarium

Saltwater aquariums can make a lovely addition to a home, and are a source of endless fascination to young and old alike. The different fish and plant life which are capable of living in a saltwater aquarium are both exotic and beautiful, and provide a rich introduction to life under the sea. Fish and plants are not the only things which can be found in the deep blue, however, and it is becoming more and more common for aquarium owners to attempt to incorporate these other elements into their home aquarium.

Artificial oysters which open up and blow bubbles into the water have been a part of home aquariums for many years. With the increase in desire to perfectly emulate the ocean floor live oysters are becoming a common addition to saltwater aquariums. It is not common but not unheard of for a pearl producing oyster to be offered as an addition to a home aquarium; however, it is generally their less productive relations that become permanent residents. Since scallops and oysters have more specific needs than many of the inhabitants of the home aquarium it is necessary the aquarium owner be sure that they are prepared to make these adjustments prior to installing the oyster into the aquarium.

Oysters require very "pristine" water conditions; these are not the organism of choice for those who tend to be a bit lazy about cleaning their tank, as the oyster will not survive long if their water becomes cluttered with junk. Fortunately, the oyster also filters the water, so this may balance itself out. They also have specific dietary needs that will not be met with the generic food fed to many saltwater inhabitants. They will need a specialized organic food designed especially for filter feeders which can be inserted with a pipette upstream of the oyster. Each oyster is going to need to be fed individually, so unless an aquarium owner finds themselves with a great deal of time on their hands it may be wise to keep the oyster population of their aquarium to a minimum. These invertebrates also require nutritional supplementation with phytoplankton, a microscopic portion of plankton that drift through the water.

Certain types of oysters have been shown to have a better chance of survival in captivity than others. The beginner would be wise to look to these breeds to begin with, moving on to the more delicate oysters as they become more comfortable with their needs. Common aquarium oysters are the spiny oyster and the thorny oyster; strange yet accurate names for these beautiful and unique creatures.

Oysters are a demanding but beautiful addition to any home aquarium; for more information on introducing an oyster to a home aquarium consumers should speak with the retailers who sell them. Remember, no detail is too small when attempting to take an organism from its natural environment and watch it thrive.