TemperateAquaria information center

Setting Up a Temperate Aquarium

Types of Temperate Aquariums

Temperate reef aquaria generally require water temperatures ranging from 50˚-70˚ Fahrenheit. Temperate reef aquarium setups are categorized into the following types of aquaria. Fish only (FO), fish only with live rock (FOWLR), reef, macro-reef (MR) and tidepool (TP).

Fish only (FO) - Fish only tanks are generally the novice aquarist first marine tanks as fish are not as costly as corals. However waste outputs are higher in these systems, due to the fact that in cold water bacteria have much slower metabolisms. Water changes and excellent filtration are a must in these systems. Since there are no well known temperate marine livestock providers, people desiring species tend to either collect there own specimens or search for temperate fish sometimes sold in tropical marine retail stores (or online).

Fish only with live rock (FOWLR) - With fish only with liverock tanks you can either use native rock or calcium based liverock. Native rock (usually granite) often has little value as a biological filter due to the density of the rock. Therefore as with the FO tank excellent filtration is a must. When using liverock from tropical regions let it be known that the creatures in these rocks are tropical species not temperate. So you are likely to have a lot of die off. To prevent the over load of waste in the aquarium simply cure the rock in a separate container. This will leave only the most hardiest species alive.

Reef - Now we come to reef tanks. Since most cold water corals are found in deep regions of the temperate seas, anemones tend to replace corals in these setups. Gorgonians, hydrocorals, sponges, etc. also frequent home aquaria reef systems. In the temperate reef excellent filtration is required as marine reef life obtain all their food in non-photosynthetic ways i.e. plankton, oyster eggs, rotifers, etc. This means that since there is so much food going in the aquarium it is hard not to "over feed". A protein skimmer is essential in these set-ups.

Macro Reef (MR) - Macro Reef (macro-reef, planted marine) aquariums get there names from the fact that they are filled with macro-algae and and also are host to reef organisms. These aquariums tend to resemble kelp forests but on a smaller scale. Strong water movement is needed to keep macro-algae thriving. Often a seasonal trim will be required. High lighting for tropical macro-algae can and must be used in these types of aquaria.

Macro reef aquarium - Photo by Jon Olav

Filtration & Chillers

Excellent filtration is required in temperate aquaria due to the diets of aquarium life which require copious amounts of planktonic like foods. A reason for the need of these kinds of food is that in the wild the fertile waters of the temperate seas are optimal conditions for the growth of massive phytoplankton blooms which in turn fuel the growth of zooplankton growth both of which form the cornerstone of the temperate food chain.

Mechanical filtration can be used to cleanse the water of any visible impurities. Filter media such as sponges and/or polyester material will suffice for this purpose. Canister filters are not recommended for usage in temperate aquarium systems or any marine aquarium for that matter. Though they can be used for circulation it is instead recommended to incorporate a section of a sump for sponge media. Protein skimmers are a must in these setups. They will effectively oxygenate the water and remove dissolved organic matter from the water. Protein skimmers work just as efficient in the lower temperatures of temperate aquariums as in warmer water in tropical aquariums.

In temperate aquariums the water needs to be chilled down to that of around 50-70˚Fahrenheit depending on where the livestock being kept comes from. Chillers can be purchased from many aquarium supply retailers which can be found online or at local fish stores. While homemade or DIY chillers can be easy to put together the beginner aquarist would be right to purchase one.

Lighting

When it comes to lighting the temperate reef, you can keep it simple. Since marine life in these ecosystems are mainly non-photosynthetic, expensive lighting systems selling for hundreds of dollars are not a necessity. The only time good lighting is required is when one is keeping a macro reef aquarium or an aquarium containing marine plant life. Marine plants come in brilliant reds and greens and in a multitude of sizes and in order to keep them looking their best it is essential that you have good enough lighting. A simple 10K bulb will suffice for this purpose. Lights can be purchased at reasonable prices from online retailers or a local aquarium supply store.

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Simple Steps to Setting Up A Nano FOWLR

 

Temperature of water was 70˚Fahrenheit- Native rock was also used. Aquarium was cycled for approximately one month.

Fill tank all the way adding the substrate and then rocks (reverse also works, just make sure structures are stable). Macro algae was then added. Shortly after invertebrates. Filtration used was a HOB (hang on back) filter designed for a 10 gallon aquarium (aquarium used was 7 US gallons). Powerhead was added for increased water circulation. No chiller was incorporated as this aquarium contained tide pool marine life that are used to higher temperatures and could be adapted to warmer water.