The saltwater hobby has seen the most changes since the early eighties when Aquariums West first opened. In those days saltwater fish were often kept in an aquarium with an undergravel filter or a box filter using only charcoal and filter floss. All the corals were either artificial or dried, and fish losses were very high. Most people that attempted to do it ended up frustrated and discouraged, and consequently the hobby saddly has a reputation for being extremely difficult.
In the old days, most fish were caught by stunning them first with cyanide, or even worse, dynamiting an underwater fish haven, making them easier to catch.These methods left devastating side effects on the fish, as well as on their ecosystem( which potentially effects our own ecosystem) or it killed them in the process.
Only ten years ago a saltwater fish wholesaler admitted that he believed 80% of imported saltwater fish died within the first two weeks of arrival in a hobbyists aquarium due to stress and poisoning. These figures were appalling to me and subsequently I initiated a policy of stocking only captive bred and net caught fish in the store. Fish that are caught this way are more expensive, however, it is rare that we loose any saltwater fish in one of our aquariums.
New technology and a better understanding of the habitats which these creatures come from has made it simpler and easier . Today, many saltwater fish are bred in captivity and corals and live rock are cultured. There is now a multitude of ways to keep a saltwater ecosystem successfully.Still, just like fresh water aquariums, salt water aquarium keeping requires patience. If you need to be instantly gratified, don't get into saltwater fish. All too often a "newbie" sets up a saltwater aquarium and is teased by the gorgeous colourful fish. The "newbie" fills their aquarium with too much too soon and ends up with diseased and dying fish. At Aquariums West we won't sell you fish and corals until your aquarium is ready for them. We don't want any fish to die. These are beautiful creatures that deserve the utmost care and attention.
Do your research and ask plenty of questions. And most importantly wait until your aquarium is ready!The booklet from Sera is a great starting point in researching this wonderful and exciting hobby. We also recommend an excellent book "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael S. Paletta for both beginners and experienced alike.We are carrying the Red Sea Max saltwater aquarium which is a fabulous setup for smaller condos and apartments. We have one set up in the store and you can also watch the video at the link below.
What's New.
Download Beginners Guide to Saltwater Aquariums from
Download Red SeaMax 3D Tour highlow
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have concerning your pets.
