Rules can still vary by city, county or species. Check your state before buying.
Laws change. Verify with your state wildlife agency before purchasing.
Check your state's rules →Housing and enclosure setup
Start with 30 gallons or more — bigger is more forgiving. You'll need live rock, a return pump, powerheads for flow, a heater, and for reefs a protein skimmer and reef-capable lighting.
Mix salt with RO/DI water to a specific gravity of about 1.024-1.026, and top off evaporation with fresh RO/DI water only.
Diet
Feed fish a varied marine diet — frozen mysis, quality pellets and nori for herbivores. Corals may need targeted feeding. Overfeeding drives nitrate, phosphate and algae.
Health basics
Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0, alkalinity 8-10 dKH, calcium 400-450 ppm and magnesium 1280-1380 ppm for reefs. Swings matter more than the exact number.
Quarantine every new fish; marine ich and velvet spread fast.
Lifespan
Clownfish can live 10-20 years; many corals grow indefinitely with stable care.
Beginner tips
Cycle for 4-8 weeks and add fish slowly. Wait until the tank is several months old before adding corals.
Choose captive-bred fish and aquacultured corals where possible. Some species need permits or are restricted in some states. Check your state before buying.
General guidance only. Nothing here replaces an exotics or avian vet who knows your animal.
Track it instead of guessing
Log weights, feedings, health events and care reminders for free in the keeper tools.
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