3 Ways to Classify Saltwater Fish Tanks

Modern saltwater fish tanks have evolved into a broad range of distinct systems. Single fish tanks can differ in size from a little bowl big enough for a particular tiny fish to the gigantic public aquaria that can imitate the whole marine environment.

However, there are several classes of saltwater fish tanks. These fish tanks may classify into three different categories: classification according to salinity, classification according to temperature and classification according to species of water-living animals.

Classification according to Salinity

Salinity is one way in classifying fish tanks. It is the measurement of saltiness of water, depending on how much salt is dissolved inside. For saltwater, there is only a specific percentage of salinity that makes it a livable habitat for marine life. Excessive saltiness or lack of it makes the living conditions under the sea unsuitable already.

Fresh water is generally very low in salinity. It is almost bland when tasted. There are only certain kinds of fish who can live on fresh water. These are also known as tropical fish.

Classification According to Temperature

The fish tank may also be classified with their temperature range. Many fish tank keepers take good care of a tropical fish tank so that these fish would be more attractive. On the other hand, the cold water fish tank is also known. Water-living animal like goldfish is included here.

When creating a fish tank, the basic idea is to imitate the actual atmosphere inside the ocean or the sea. Generally, marine fish live in a very cold climate many feet under the waters. Therefore when creating a fish tank, it is very important to control the temperature, keeping it cold enough for the fish to live.

Marine tanks are generally more delicate to temperature changes compared to fresh water tanks.

Classification According to Species

The saltwater fish tanks may also be classified according to their species selection. The most common fish tank today is the community tank. This is where numerous non-aggressive groups are accommodated peacefully together. The fish tank, invertebrates and water plants seemingly do not born originally from similar geographic area, but they abide the same water conditions.

There is also what is referred to as the aggressive fish tanks. It houses together the more aggressive fishes, that when put with other more tamed fishes, might be harmed. This kind of tank may not be filled with many fish as it may stir the peacefulness of the water when the fish aggravate each other.

Species or specimen fish tanks only accommodate one fish species together with plants. They were found in the natural surroundings of the fish and decorations portraying a real ecosystem. This kind of fish tank is useful for fish that cannot be accommodated securely with other fish. One example is electric eel. Furthermore, some aquariums are used to inhabit adults for breeding.

Another kind of fish tanks according to species classification is the ecotype, ecotope, or biotope fish tanks. The fish tank caretakers try to create a particular ecosystem located in the real world. They keep together the invertebrate species, fish, and water-living plants seen only in that ecosystem in an aquarium with water conditions and decorations made to create their natural surroundings.

In addition, these ecotype saltwater fish tanks may also be considered as the most urbane hobby fish tanks. Other than that, these ecotype fish tanks were also chosen for public saltwater fish tanks to their exhibits. This type serves as the best simulation in terms of experience and observing fish tanks. Fitting the fish tank to the surroundings at the source of fish often takes as the well-balanced aquariums.

Knowing the three ways of classifying tanks is very helpful in being able to create the most adaptive artificial habitat for the fish you wish to take care as pets. by David Urmann