A guide on the process of deciding what you want and need for your aquarium. Call us at 480.588.5313 if you have any questions. Let us do the installation and gathering for you. Our prices are similair, if not lower, than most aquarium stores, and we install everything for you! SunsetAquatics@Yahoo.com

1. Sunset Aquatics, LLC Aquarium Guide By Weston Spoon – Owner Sunset Aquatics, LLC www.sunsetaquatics.webs.com 480.588.5313 / SunsetAquatics@Yahoo.com

2. Type of Aquarium Acrylic vs. Glass Glass Positives: Resistant to wear and tear Less brace support needed Negatives: Weighs more Life span of 6 to 12 years Acrylic Positives: Light weight No sealant visible Virtually leak proof Rounded ends, no sharp corners Comes in more shapes and sizes Able to support larger tank loads Negatives: Scratches easily Increase in price

3. Stand/Canopy Wood vs. Metal Choosing your style of stand or canopy is more of a personal preference then an issue of comparing positives to negatives. Both are equally durable as long as they are made with high grade materials and assembled by a professional. You have to decide which style works for you, the warmth of wood or the modern look of metal.

4. What would you like in your Aquarium? The next decision is determining what kind of life forms will be inhabiting your aquarium. When talking with aquarists, one of the first questions they will ask you is if you have a swim tank or a reef tank. Swim tank implies that you have no living coral, only fish in your aquarium. Reef is the term used for having living coral reef propagating in your tank. Both have their own set of challenges and rewards, however it is up to you to decide which level of commitment you are willing to follow.

5. Swim The fish you put in your aquarium have to be chosen very carefully. Similar to people, fish have certain personalities that keep some of them from interacting in a peaceful way. In addition, the order in which they are added to your aquarium has an affect on how they will treat their fellow tank mates. The best way to decide what kind of fish you will want is to start with a list of desired inhabitants. After your list has been completed, consult with an aquarium expert about which fish can coexist and the order in which they should be added. Most likely, not all of your fish on the list will make the cut so make sure to put your most desired live stock towards the top.

6. Reef In recent years there have been developments in aquarium technology that has made having a reef tank much more user friendly. However, keeping coral alive for a sustained period of time is still not for the novice aquarist. Corals are sensitive to changes in their environment, so more care needs to be taken when testing or shifting water parameters. Having a living reef aquarium takes an increased level of commitment and dedication that should not be made hastily.

10. Lowers nitrate levels

11. Provides beneficial bacteria that remove organic waste

12. Natural food source for fish and invertebrates

14. Use only in swim tanks, unhealthy for reefs

16. Lights Choosing how to light your aquatic environment depends completely on the presence of coral. Reef tanks require much brighter and a larger spectrum of light then the average swim setup. When lighting a swim tank, decide on a light that will bring out the natural colors or your fish and decoration. For reefs, higher wattage levels and broader spectrums need to be instituted. Most common lighting types: (most common use) Metal halide (reef) T-5 (swim) T-5 High output (reef/swim) Power compacts (reef/swim) LED gives lunar affect (reef/swim)

17. Protein Skimmer Protein skimmers are an essential part of most successful reef tanks. By creating a column of bubbles, they pull out proteins and other organic waste particles into a collection cup that will never pollute your aquarium water. Advantages: Purifies H2O Never needs a replacement cartridge Helps oxygenate aquarium water

18. Refugiums A Refugium is a separate appendage of your main system that benefits water quality and the overall well being of your inhabitants. Most are no more then a few gallons and are used for growing different forms of algae and plant life. Refugiums are also great for propagating live food for your fish and corals. No matter what type of aquarium you may have, refugiums are a smart decision.

19. UV Sterilizer Sterilizers are a type of filtration that pass aquarium water around an ultra violet light source. The exposure to UV light helps control algae outbreaks and lowers the risk of fish related illness.

20. The End Weston is the owner of Sunset Aquatics, LLC – a custom aquarium service and installation company. Let him know also if you would like to add an aquatic family to your home! If you have any questions or comments about the presentation, please contact Weston with the information below. Sunset Aquatics, LLC 480.588.5313 www.sunsetaquatics.webs.com SunsetAquatics@Yahoo.com