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Research Programs
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Services
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Outreach/Education
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Policies & Procedures
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About the MRC
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SEAWATER
The natural filtered seawater, when ordered with the set, is shipped at least a week before the live organisms. To minimize gravel disturbance when adding the seawater to the aquarium, place a dish on top of the gravel and slowly pour or siphon the seawater directly onto the dish. Check the aquarium for any leaks while adding the seawater. After filling the aquarium, it is essential to indicate the sea water level on the outside rear of the aquarium glass. As evaporation occurs, add distilled water to maintain the original seawater level. Salt deposits will accumulate on parts of the aquarium and cover. Remove these deposits and return them to the aquarium water. This will aid in maintaining proper salinity [33 ppt (specific gravity of 1.025) or less at 70° F].
We recommend the use of our natural filtered seawater, but sea salts for artificial seawater solutions are available from stores that carry aquarium supplies. You can use a carefully mixed solution of artificial seawater as a substitute for natural seawater. When mixing the solution, use distilled water, favoring a lower salinity, until arriving at the proper concentration. We cannot predict how the living specimens will adapt to an artificial seawater mixture.
Use a floating thermometer to monitor the water temperature in the aquarium. It is important for the health of the animals to avoid or minimize sudden fluctuations of the seawater temperature (greater than ± 5° F per hour). The optimum water temperature for marine specimens from the Woods Hole region is 65° F (± 5° F), which is the average classroom temperature. Cooler temperatures are preferable, but not necessary. An aquarium heater is not required.
By carefully following the care and feeding instructions (i.e., avoiding overfeeding and promptly removing uneaten food the next morning), proper pH in the aquarium will be maintained. A pH kit with a 7.4 to 8.9 range is available at most aquarium supply stores. The correct pH range in seawater aquaria is 7.5 to 8.4. Follow the instructions provided with the pH kit to measure and adjust pH levels in your aquarium. Monitoring the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels in the aquarium will also enhance the living conditions for the animals. Changing 25% of the seawater each month or changing 25% of the water whenever the nitrate levels are above 40 ppm is recommended.
Setting Up Your Aquarium
Seawater
Organism Care Upon Arrival
Organism Care And Feeding
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