Once you have decided what types of saltwater fish you want and how many of them you desire, then your first priority should be finding the correct tank for those species to thrive in. It is usually best to find a salt water fish aquarium that can hold about a gallon of water for every inch of fish, and about two gallons for every inch of live coral. You can always play it safe and find a tank with five gallons for every inch of saltwater fish, too. A bigger salt water fish aquarium is pretty much always better.
When your salt water fish aquarium is all set up, you should only add three fish at a time. It's a good idea to start with the cheap salt water fish first and move on to the more expensive and rare species that you desire later on. If you are a new saltwater fish hobbyist, there is unfortunately a higher chance of user error and accidental death. There are, however, many steps you can take to ensure a long and healthy life for both your expensive and cheap salt water fish.
Any salt water fish aquarium hobbyist can buy a full kit or separate tank, gravel, filtration system, heater, lighting, and thermometer. To ensure a good experience with these new saltwater fish, it's a good idea to pick up a step by step set up guide or book that is available at fish and pet stores. The most important thing to remember is that starting your own salt water fish aquarium requires a lot of patience, and you definitely can't just go buy some cheap salt water fish and set up the tank when you get home. You have to plan your system, let the water cycle and become ready for your saltwater fish. That means testing the water, and then slowly adding fish with lots of testing to make sure everything is still going smoothly.
Starting a salt water fish aquarium is an investment of time, but well worth it when you get to experience the ecosystem you've created.
