What to THINK ABOUT before bringing a NEW Saltwater Fish or Coral Home to Your Tank

In this article, you'll get to know a bunch of things you need to keep in mind before bringing a fish or coral home. So, let's get started.

1. Research

Make sure you constantly research. If you have been studying, you'll know what size tanks to get for your fish. If bought without research, you may even have to buy a new tank a few months down the road. 

But, if you get the right tank size, you will sell yourself up for success.

2. The Basics

Before you get your first fish home, make sure you at least have the basics for your species. So, along with the current size tank, you want to ensure you have the proper filtration.

Filteration

If you have done your research, you'll know if your fish is a little messier species, and you might need some extra filtration.

You have options like sumps and hang-on backs: canister filters, or even a tank all in one setup with everything you need to go forward.

Heater/ Chiller

A heater or a chiller is essential because not all species are going to be tropical, warm water species.

Lights

This is especially important for corals; they will need those corals to grow, but also for your fish. You are investing in these animals, and you want to be able to see them and enjoy them.

There are a lot of other things that you can add to your tank, but the above are some of the recommended basics that you have to get started.

3. Compatibility

If you have already got a tank, you want to make sure that what you are purchasing isn't an impulse buy, and you want to know if it gets along with everything that is already in your tank.

If you are buying a new species with a  new setup, then make a list and put it somewhere you can see that way as you are putting your tank together, and you are adding animals, you are only adding stuff on the list which will reduce those impulses buy.

4. Aquascaping

If you have done your research, you'll know what the wild habitats of these animals look like, so you can plan for them. For example, if you need a species of Wrass that has the substrate, it is easier to add substrate in the beginning than it is to add it after your tank is already established.

5. Food

If you have already gotten a tank, chances are you're going to have food that is your fish and coral's favorite. But, even if you are bringing home a new fish, ask at a local store that you bought your species from what that species is already eating.

Buy it and add that to the mix of food you are already feeding, and it'll ensure a smoother transition for the animals in your tank.

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