Marine biology is a branch of science that deals with the study of aquatic life and underwater environments. You will be assigned both inland and offshore, depending on the topic. You may also find that other branches and related fields of marine biology can be equally or more interesting. Find out more about the details and features then decide which one will best suit your personal interests and needs. Here are some more tips.
About Marine Biology
The field of marine biology involves the study of aquatic organisms, the behavior and other interactions with the environment. It is considered one of the most diverse and interesting fields in oceanography. If you want to understand marine organisms and their different behaviors fully, you have to get a basic understanding of other disciplines and aspects of oceanography, like geological oceanography, chemical oceanography and physical oceanography. Biological oceanographers and marine biologists get to study these related fields during their careers to get a wider perspective during research.
Since there are several topics, marine researchers choose a specific interest and focus on it. Specializations can be founded on a specific organism, species, ecosystem or behavior technique. Marine biologists can select to review a certain species of fish or all kinds of fish that live in a given region.
Other Specializations
Marine biotechnology is a fast-emerging field that provides huge opportunities for marine biologists. The research shows a very wide array of opportunities and applications. A focus aspect involves the biomedical field, wherein scientists improve and test drugs, many that come from marine organisms. One type of an application of biotechnology research can be viewed in defense or industry, wherein researchers create non-toxic coatings that limit the build-up of organisms like zebra mussels and barnacles.
Molecular biology is another related aspect of specialization. Researchers will apply molecular techniques and approaches to different environments, in the deep sea and coastal ponds. They also apply these to different organisms, animals, plants and microscopic bacteria. Molecular biology can be used to identify the presence of a certain organism in a water sample via the use of molecular probes. When the organism is the same to other organisms or is microscopic, the data can be highly helpful.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is defined as the farming of shellfish, seaweeds and finfish. It is another field that is supported by molecular approaches and marine biotechnology. Aquaculture is quickly getting more attention since people are now looking for more fish and shellfish. Technological developments have also been made, making the approach more economically feasible. Economic value is increased as professionals discovered the way to extend the harvest and market season.
More Advances
Marine researchers are now looking for ways to provide drugs to affected populations of fishes raised in farms. The disease can be very detrimental for harvesting. Technology has allowed out fish tissue layers to be more permeable, thereby making the fish more receptive to antibiotic drugs and vaccines released into the water. As a result, healthier fishes can be raised in farms to provide for various populations.
If you are interested in Aquaculture and Marine Biology, why not to Become a Marine Biologist. Find out more: How to Become a Marine Biologist.
The marine life is something worth seeing, the calmness, the soberness, the beauty, all is breath taking. Those who have never been to this part of the heaven have no idea of what they are going to miss. The world of marine is full of beautiful things and the best part of it is it is a silent, calm and peaceful place. But in order to visit this beautiful place one needs to be very cautious in going there. Marine supply from marine store is the best option to go there. Marine supply ensures that we get a tension and risk free water tour which is also safe and secure. There are many underwater threats; some are true facts while the others are just a tale but for those facts that are true like the presence of sharks and other marine life animals, we need to gear up properly so that our experience is more enjoyable than any other thing.
Marine store presents with various new and advanced tools that will not only guide us in the correct direction, but will also help us to breathe, stay protected and see and hear the underwater world. It is truly one experience that everyone should have at least once in a life time. Once you have seen this beautiful world you will like to visit this place again. If you know a very good marine supplier then that is going to help you a lot. You need to know how to use these tools as this will make your experience very deserving. There are many things that you can see and experience underwater and this beautiful experience will stay in your mind forever. There are online marine store available who sell you good quality supplies that are delivered to your door, you can buy products from them as well.
For more information on marine supply, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the marine store!
Studying marine mammals may be one of the most interesting parts in a marine biologist's profession. There are 3 main orders that you need to know about. Each category has its own unique mechanism, feeding pattern and characteristics. These animals tend to live in different places as well, others in groups and the rest in families or alone. Once you become familiar with their lifestyle and features, you get to appreciate the species more.
Cetacea Order
The whole lifecycle of the order Cetacea is aquatic. There are a couple of sub-orders founded ont he feeding mechanism - Odonticeti and Mysticeti. The sub-order Mysticeti includes baleen whales, blue whales, minke whales, grey whales and right whales. The whales feature mechanisms to boost the success feeding.
The sub-order Odonticeti includes animals like killer whales, dolphins, toothed whales and porpoises. River and coastal species reside in small home ranges if they are offshore. Others prefer warm equatorial waters, while the rest are located in every ocean like the bottle-nosed dolphins and killer whales. Some animals like big baleen whales move from the tropics for winter breeding to high latitudes for summer feeding. Animals propel themselves using the broad and boneless tail flukes. They also shed skin and exude oil as much as 12 times per day to reduce friction.
Pinnipedia Order
These animals adapt to the environment through a variety of processes. Heat conservation is done and get a low SA/V ratio and develop insulation through their hair and blubber. All the animals moult, after breeding in the summer while the others should stay out of water until everything is done.
The respiration is done by exhaling before the deep dives. They have relatively high concentrations of haemoglobin and myoglobin. The heart of the animals drop during deep dives and the blood is limited to the heart and brain. Dives can be as deep as 1700m, lasting anywhere between 80 to 160 hours.
Sirenia Order
Sirenians are sought mainly for their hide, oil and meat. They spend their entire lives in the water and are the only aquatic animals labeled as herbivores. The flat tail propels itself via paddles. These can walk at the benthic or move backwards. Locomotion is usually slow but they can also burst at around 13 knots. Sirenians inhale before they dive, just like whales. When they breathe, they can swap about 90% of lung volume.
Manatees can see very clearly underwater, while taste and smell are retained. These touch when they greet each other and lead to chirps, between calf and mother. Dugongs can live for as long as 70 years but fecundity is rather low. The animals reach puberty at 10 years old and produce only 1 calf every 5 years. Their population has to be protected to maintain the ability to recover from environmental stress and hunting.
Interacting with Man
All animals have interactions with man, although sirenians are the most widely known to be friendly towards humans. Fishing nets and fishing lines tend to be a problem for most of these animals.
Marine Power Image by PNNL - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Scientists at PNNL’s Marine Sciences Laboratory in Sequim, Wash., are using these two large red coils to produce an electromagnetic field similar to those that are expected to be made by marine power devices. Various invertebrate and fish species are being placed in tanks near the coils to see if the animals change their behavior when exposed to the field.
Marine iguana Image by SaraYeomans Marine iguana - Galapagos Islands
Marine iguana Image by SaraYeomans Marine iguana - Galapagos Islands
When looking for the marine software of their choice, the companies want to invest in customized or ready-to-use software that is simple to use, powerful, and low cost. These specialized range of software for the marine industry are used by all types of ships ranging from container ships, chemical carriers, ferries both fast and conventional, oil tankers, dry cargo, cruise ships, research ships, aggregate dredgers, Cruise ships and so on. The software designed for the marine industry should be versatile and flexible in nature and can be employed and use at maritime and shore side industry.
Most of the marine software are designed on the basis of complex configurations to handle different parts of the ship including waterjet and bow thruster ducts, cut-aways, and exhaust ducts. What's moiré these applications can also perform hydrostatic evaluation of candidate configurations along with measuring their . What's more these marine softwares should be designed in a manner that there costs are not sky shooting and are realistic to meet today's tough economic environment. At the same time, the software should also help the ship owners and the ship managers to keep a tight control over their costs and overheads.
The software for the marine industry should be able to design the hull, track and report the weight and cost of the ship's model, design the superstructure, interior, and deck of a ship. It should also be able to produce realistic animations and renderings of 3-D ship models along with producing the 2_D dimensional drawings of the ship.
What's more certain marine software can also calculate and report the noise generated by the underwater vehicles along with predicting buckling modes by performing a structural analysis of submarine frames.
The software are designed to perform a fatigue analysis survey and predict the life of marine vehicles.
Finally you must remember that decent boat design software helps you to build the boat of your dreams.
Probably the best idea is to get some sort of 3D boat design software that is affordable, easy and flexible to use and is suitable for anyone from the hobby model boat builder to professional mass ship producers.
To see more information on the latest and greatest 3D Boat Design | CAD Ship Yacht and Boat Design Software visit our review page here: Quality Boat Design Software
Rest assured, I have tried 3D Boat Design and can personally recommend this product.
Even though many people today are already familiar with the term marine biologist, several still do not realize the job title. The term can be used in different jobs and disciplines in marine science that deal with studying aquatic life. Even sociologists and economists dealing with marine resource conditions are included in the field of marine biology. You have to properly identify the job outlook to know which part you want to be included in.
Schools Offering Programs in Marine Biology
Several universities and colleges offer different degrees in marine biology, as well as other related fields. You can find more information about the various academic programs online. If you want to study along the Pacific Coast, there are a number of schools that you might want to look at such as the School of Fisheries at the University of Washington in Seattle, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State, Humboldt University in California, University in Corvallis and University of California Programs at San Diego.
If you want to study in the Midwest, you can enrol at the University of Wisconsin. If you intend to study on the East Coast, you can choose University of Rhode Island, University of Miami, University of Maryland and University of Georgia. Gulf Coast schools include Auburn University, Texas A&M University and Louisiana State University.
The Courses
If you want to pursue a marine biology career, you have to take preparatory courses in physics, zoology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, biometrics and statistics. English is also vital since you will be writing and publishing scientific papers. Other courses in the aquatic sciences are also vital, such as oceanography, fishery biology and ichthyology. Courses in the social sciences are needed which generally deal with management and public policies.
Undergraduates
You undergraduate course does not have to be marine biology. You can graduate and have a degree in zoology, biology, fisheries or one of the animal sciences. Physical oceanographers may aim for an oceanography degree, having a lot of course work in computer modeling, math and physics. Biological oceanographers focus on both the physical and biological features of the sea and the interactions. You will need a bachelor's or master's degree to start any kind of marine biological research job.
Getting the Degree
An ideal sample degree will breakdown into the following: biology (45%) and zoology (28%). Undergraduate work may also be done in the following: fisheries (12%), conservation (3%), oceanography (5%), marine biology (2%), chemistry (2%), animal science (2%), biological oceanography (2%) and math (1%).
Among the individuals who acquired their master's degree, majority chose either zoology or fisheries. Other popular picks include biology, marine biology, oceanography and biological oceanography. Other categories included are animal sciences, physical oceanography and ecology. Most Ph.D. degrees also chose either zoology or fisheries. Other doctorate degrees focused on marine biology, oceanography, biology, ecology and statistics.
Accreditation will depend largely on the school and governing bodies. You may also independently get accreditation by applying to the regional Higher Commission on Learning or regional association of colleges.
If you are interested in Aquaculture and Marine Biology, why not to Become a Marine Biologist. Find out more: How to Become a Biologist.
Take a closer look at the painfully long death of an armoured crab in the mouth of an octopus. Fish are no match for the giant tentacles of the deep ocean.
There are a number of careers that allow animal lovers to put their passion to work. Use the following career guide to decide what animal related career is right for you.
Veterinarian One of the first careers that comes to mind for people that love animals is veterinarian. Vets care for a variety of animals including pets, livestock, zoo animals and lab animals. Most vets work to diagnose animals with health problems, vaccinate healthy animals and take care of animals that have suffered an injury. Some vets work in a research capacity to develop new practices and methods. To become a vet, you must attend a veterinarian college and become licensed in the state you wish to work in.
Zoologist Zoologist work to study the life of animals in captivity and the wild. they study their behavior, diseases, genetics and life process. They make work in wildlife management or research as well. Zoologist are employed by local, state and federal governments along with private industries. To be successful in the field of zoology you must at least earn a bachelors degree. However, most zoologist earn a Master's degree in their field of study.
Marine Biology Many people who love animals desire a career in marine biology. It is important to note that marine biology is typically a graduate program. This means that you need to be committed to your educational goals to become successful in this career. Marine biologist work to study both marine animals and their habitat. The study, the behaviors, diseases and general life process. Much of their work is scientific research so this must be of interest to you as well. However, some people who study marine biology work to care for marine animals in captivity.
Animal Cop Many local governments now employee animal cops to help protect the animals in their community.
This is an excellent way that you can work with animals and advocate for them in the process. Generally, each local government will have different requirements for becoming an animal cop. Applicants will need to learn local laws and proper enforcement methods. To become an animal cop you will need to check with your local government or ASPCA for guidelines.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online http://www.sixsigmaonline.org offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
It must say that the wildlife of the ocean itself is major concerns of ocean swimmers, surfers, who enjoy aquatic sports. In contrast to other sports which makes much worry about incursions from threatening animals, the aquatic sports offers popular ocean-based activities as well as the experience to encounter a wide range of marine life when constantly swimming out to larger waves and then riding them back to shore.
Perhaps the greatest perceived threat to surfers and swimmers are sharks. In instances in which sharks actually do attack humans, their reputation is a fitting response to their abilities to hunt prey. However, these animals very rarely are aggressive towards human beings, usually only attacking in cases of mistaken identity or because an uninformed person entered the waters during their feeding time. In addition, many shark bites occur because sharks usually investigate a new creature or object with their mouths, not their necessarily just with their eyes.
Along with concerns over shark attacks, surfers have reported problems with jellyfish. These creatures, although often considered beautiful by divers and those who are not in direct contact with them, can be very dangerous to humans. Jellyfish live in every major ocean across the world, and can thrive anywhere between the depths of the ocean to the surface. However, when treated with caution and respect, jellyfish can be a beautiful sight to behold--especially if a person is lucky enough to see them in the water.
In addition to these creatures, other common problems with marine life have included stingrays and seals.
It is rare for any of these creatures to attack a human being, however, and seeing them can be a very unique opportunity for an individual.
While surfing, it is important to balance rest and recuperation with your aquatic sports. Check out a rental condominium for your next trip to the ocean.
If you are looking for a unique experience for your next trip to San Diego, consider a rental condominium from South Mission Beach.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, located about 3-quarters of a mile east from dynamic Clearwater Beach (FL), is a purpose of interest for several guests on a Florida beach vacation. Established in 1978 as a marine biology learning center, it evolved into a widely known marine rescue and bio-rehabilitation facility for whales, dolphins, and ocean turtles. Since the 1990's, it's expanded its community outreach to incorporate more public and education areas to go together with its care and rescue efforts.. The CMA offers a variety of shows enjoyable to each kids and adults. Dolphin feeding, stingray feeding, and shark feeding are of high interest. The animal interaction, theater presentations and behind-the-scenes tour are well-attended. For those wishing for a touch additional physical involvement, a two-hour guided kayak tour is available. Clearwater Marine Aquarium, however, is in all probability best known for its desperate 2005 rescue and subsequent rehabilitation of "Winter" a two-month recent baby dolphin, hopelessly entangled in crap entice lines, who has now become the CMA's star attraction Winter the dolphin The extraordinary rescue and successful rehabilitation of Winter, the baby dolphin abandoned by her family when she became snarled in the lines of a crab entice, is one among the foremost inspirational animal stories of all time. Found barely respiration and beneath extreme distress in Mosquito Lagoon off the Atlantic Ocean's Canaveral National Seashore by courageous and acutely observant fisherman, Jim Savage, Winter was transported across the entire state of Florida. Circulation to her tail had been thus restricted by the rope that it was damaged beyond repair.
Very little Winter, herself, was not a lot of better off. She was barely hanging on. Heroic efforts by skilled veterinarian, Dr. Janine Cianciolo saved her, but Winter lost her tail...and three vertebrae. Her rehabilitation was taken on by Clearwater Marine Aquarium head trainer, Abby Stone. With Ms. Stone's vigilant care, little Winter began to thrive...however due to the loss of her tail she learned to swim like a shark instead of a dolphin...that initiated new harm to her spinal column. Once more, fate intervened. Kevin Carroll, vice president of Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics and his friend, Dan Strzempka, created a prosthetic tail for Winter. The primary of its kind, ever. With Abby Stone's continuing care and training, Winter learned to again swim sort of a dolphin. Additionally to her performances at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, her resilience and tenacity have become a concept, and she or he has been made offered privately to youngsters with life-threatening diseases, people with severe handicaps, and wounded fighting men back from the wars within the Middle East. Location and Times for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium The Aquarium is located on the north side of FL State Road sixty (Memorial Highway) at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 that is simply off Island Approach Drive as you head west toward Clearwater Beach. It's open 9am - 5pm Monday through Thursday, 9am - 7pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am - 5pm on Sunday.
Freelance Writers has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Inspirational, you can also check out his latest website about: Bosch Cordless Drills
Marine biology involves the study of different life forms in the ocean, both plant and animal. Scientists and individuals continue to show interest in the ocean since there are still so many things left undiscovered. Some parts of the saltwater environment remain unknown simply because human beings cannot access these readily. You have to know more about the hierarchy of the life forms and how each interact with each other and the environment.
Microscopic Beings
Microscopic life in the ocean is very diverse and is understood in the least sense by individuals. Viruses, for example, is rarely explored and considered. Phytoplankton's function and role is understood better because of its vital position as the most numerous primary producers in the planet. Phytoplankton is grouped into cyanobacteria or blue or green algae or bacteria, diatoms, different kinds of algae like brown algae, red algae and green algae, euglenoids, cryptomonads, chlorophytes, dinoflagellates, prasinophytes and silicoflagellates.
Zooplankton is usually larger and may not be microscopic. Several protozoa are zooplankton, including radiolarians, dinoflagellates, foraminiferans and zooflagellates. Some of the beings are also phytoplankton, with the plant and animal type usually breaking down into very tiny organisms. Other zooplanktons can include arthropods, polychaetes, cnidarians, urochordates and annelids.
The Plants
There ocean has very diverse plant life. Microscopic photosynthetic algae provide a big portion of the photosynthetic output of the world compared to all the terrestrial forests. Majority of the niche occupied by sub plants on terrain are usually known as seaweeds that build kelp forests. The intertidal zone is an ideal place to find plant life in the ocean, where beach grass and mangroves may proliferate. These can function as habitat for other animals.
The Fishes
Fish has transformed several biological functions from other big organisms. Fish breathe by getting oxygen from the water through the gills. The fins function by stabilizing and propelling fish in the water. Some of the most popular fishes include clownfish, sardines, bottom fish, sharks, barracuda and ling cod. Fishes will thrive in different depths and parts of the ocean, depending on their need. Some will migrate to other regions depending on the current temperature, habitat and availability of food.
Reptiles, Birds and Mammals
There are many reptiles that live in the sea like sea snakes, saltwater crocodiles, sea turtles and marine iguanas. Majority of these reptiles have to come back to land to lay their eggs. Some of the extinct species like the ichthyosaurs transformed and no longer needs to return to land. Several seabirds are also present such as penguins, albatrosses and gulls. These spend most of their time in the ocean, while others prefer to stay inland.
There are mainly 5 kinds of marine mammals. The polar bear is considered a marine mammal since it greatly depends on the ocean. Cetaceans include toothed whales like porpoises and the sperm whale. The sea otter is part of the Family Mustelidae. Sirenians include the sea cow, manatee and dugong. Seals, walruses and sea lions are grouped as pinnipeds.
If you are interested in Aquaculture and Marine Biology, why not to Become a Marine Biologist. Find out more: How to Become a Marine Biologist.
Marine iguana Image by SaraYeomans Marine iguana on Espanola Island.
large marine animals rock my world Image by drain Salt, Stellweggan (sp?) Bank's first named resident humpack whale (and at least 30 years old) started our whale watch off with this -- passing underneath the prow of the boat where I was standing. I could have gone home then.
Ever since the introduction of plastics into our world, we have become a throwaway society bent on convenience with a propensity toward carelessness. All plastic that has ever been produced is still with us in some form. Proper disposal is extremely important, as less than 5% of plastic is recycled.
Marine debris is trash (typically plastic) that somehow ends up floating in the ocean, where it spreads toxins and kills marine life. Most of this debris is man-made and slow to degrade, such as cigarette butts, soda cans, plastic bags, and fishing gear. We are [(un)intentionally] turning the oceans into dumping grounds.
This marine rubbish is having a devastating effect on marine species worldwide. Birds and marine mammals either ingest it (mostly plastic caps and bits mistaken for food) or become entangled in lost fishing nets, plastic rings and other debris. Ingested plastic either blocks the digestive track (the fish or animal starves) or is unwittingly passed to the young.
Lost or discarded fishing nets keep on fishing. Nets and traps that have been abandoned or discarded continue to ensnare marine life, which eventually starve or suffocate. What a waste!
The largest concentration of marine debris is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. You can find many videos of this phenomenon on YouTube. Also look for a video from the NOAA Marine Debris Program that shows exactly what marine debris is, how it affects the ocean, and why it's important that everyone do their part to get rid of it.
Marine debris is a worldwide problem that will take all of us laboring together to solve. Everyone benefits when we all work toward sustainable, healthy oceans.
On Deception Island ice, volcanic heat and wildlife exist together. Deception Island, an old sunken volcano, lies 100 kilometres off the Antarctic Peninsula. On the outside it looks like a black, glaciated Antarctic island. Yet, as its name implies it is deceptive; inside the 12 km by 8 km island is a 6 km by 4 km mass of water, Port Foster. Neptunes Bellow, the entry channel from the outside sea is only 500 metres wide.
Humans who have lived on this cold island since the beginning of the 20th century have felt volcanic activity. At low tide one's hand could be scalded if you put it into the black volcanic sand. In 1921 the sea boiled, and in 1930 there was a 5-metre drop in the sea floor. The 1967 eruptions from the side of Mont Pond led to the destruction of the Chilean scientific base, and two years later the British base was left uninhabitable as ice and mud swept down the mountain. Though few humnas now live on Deception Island it still has wildlife. Several invertebrates, including the largest Antarctic land animal, a wingless midge a centimeter in length, live here. Lichens and moss grow on the island even after the eruptions, and the only two flowering plants in the Antarctic, hair grasss and pearlwort, are increasing here though most of this is due to global warming.
Inside Deception island the wide gentle volcanic beaches would seem attractive to wildlife, but for most animals the underground heat is yet another Antarctic hazard. A few seals, mostly fur seals, haul themselves up on the black sand in order to rest. An occasional exhausted crabeater seal displays 2 centimetre scars around its body where it has managed to escape an aging killer whale.
A few gentoo and chinstrap penguins wander along the shore. Antarctic terns nest among the volcanic boulders, and on the dark brown lava cliffs above are the nests of black and white Cape pigeons and tiny Wilson petrels. There is a lot of space on the inner Deception Island, but few marine animals use it.
Under Port Foster the sea is warm with the occasional release of volcanic steam, and here there is more life. Notothenia, scuplin look-alike fish with large heads and small bodies inhabit the water as does krill, a shrimp life creature a couple of centimetres long. Several thousand krill can be found in a cubic metre of seawater; they feed on tiny phytoplankton. Most Antarctic sea life depends on krill for food. Deception Island's seabed is home to sea cucumbers, sea urchins, limpets, and yellow brittle stars. The life is less prolific than it was before the volcanic eruptions in the 1960s, but especially nearer to Neptunes Bellows divers have found much to see and photograph.
On the outer part of Deception Island with less volcanic activity, there is a chinstrap penguin rookery numbering 100,000 pairs. Thousands of penguins nest, from the glacial ice near the top of the mountain down to the black sand at the coast. For some the walk to the sea is more than one kilometer of a waddling gauntlet between other pecking penguins. Those returning with fish for the young face a similar gauntlet. On the black beacb, hundreds of chinstrap penguins plunge into the sea, and hundreds land on the sand as the waves crash shore. Off shore lone leopard seals cruise for their lunch.
Some 10,000 tourists a year visit this icy, volcanic Antarctic island to view the scenery and the wildlife. Some even bathe in the volcanically heated seawater.
Michael Warr worked as a meteorologist and dog handler in the Antarctic in the 1960s. He returned as an Antarctic tourist on an icebreaker in 2005, and was an Antarctic historian on a cruise ship in 2006.
He taught in British Columbia and is now retired. Michael's activities are running, reading and gardening. He may be reached at http://www.antarcticmemoriespublishing.com
The first saltwater tanks were Venetian glass jars where the Romans kept anemones outdoors, but these systems were very short lived. The first personal saltwater fishkeeping began on a wider scale in the 1950s, starting with the basic rectangular glass aquariums (usually 20 gallon), still popular today. Bleached coral along with a substrate of coarse crushed coral were the norm. Algae, including beneficial types such as coralline algae, were viewed negatively and were generally removed. The clean, sterile tank was viewed as the healthiest.
During the early days of marine aquaria, saltwater was collected at local beaches. Natural saltwater contains many unwanted organisms and pollutants. Aquarium literature of the time suggests that the most commonly kept marine fish were the percula clownfish, sergeant major damselfish, small, brackish-water pufferfish and scats, jeweled blennies, and blue damsels. Aquariums were equipped with large air compressors, and were heavily aerated and filtered (primarily with undergravel filters, a norm for some time).
An ever-growing number of hobbyists experiencing the inconvenience of gathering natural sea water and the concurrent development of analytical chemistry techniques led to research into the chemical composition of sea water. Synthetic salt mixes were developed to replicate the chemical environment of the tropical ocean, including trace elements and salts. This advance made marine fishkeeping popular in areas without access to clean sea water.
Air driven, counter-current protein skimmers and reliable submersible electric heaters were invented in Germany.
Various advances in filtration included trickle and hang-on filters, both allowing a more natural equilibrium in the aquarium environment. The advancement of fluorescent lighting technologies to provide higher output, along with metal halide lighting, enabled the first reef tanks, making it possible to keep corals and other invertebrates without natural sunlight.
More efficient chemical testing allowed aquarists to understand the chemical properties of aquariums. By the 1980s, a biologically-based understanding of how to maintain an artificial ocean environment brought more successful and widespread marine fishkeeping.
Modern fishkeeping
Marine aquarium components
The major components are an aquarium, usually made from glass or acrylic, filtration equipment, lighting, and an aquarium heater. Marine aquariums can range in volume from less than 80 liters, (
Nano reef aquarium maintained at home
Types of marine aquariums
Marine aquarists typically divide saltwater aquariums into those housing fish only, those housing fish with live rock, and those primarily designed to house corals and other invertebrates (also known as reef aquariums). Many fish hobbyists also divide the types of saltwater tanks based on the water temperatures at which they are kept.
Tropical marine
The most common type of saltwater fish tank, the tropical marine tank, houses marine animals from tropical climates. Usually kept between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius (76-82 F), these tanks include tropical reef tanks, as well as fish-only tanks. These tanks tend to have a low concentrations of microscopic plankton and other foods eaten by filter feeders. Most livestock for these aquariums are acquired through commercial means.
Temperate marine (coldwater marine)
A temperate marine aquarium
One of the more obscure types of fish tanks, the coldwater marine tank, holds fish of temperate climates, with temperatures ranging around 10 to 24 degrees Celsius (5075 F). While most of these tanks are not as aesthetically pleasing as their tropical counterparts, colorful species such as dahlia anemones and the ornate cowfish can be found. However most coldwater fish are gray or dull in color. Most colorful species are found in the western pacific. These tanks also tend to require extra skill to maintain.
Since coldwater cnidaria are rare and coldwater corals only occur at great depths, hobbyists are largely confined to fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Since there are very few commercially available coldwater fish, hobbyists usually have to physically acquire specimens. The most common way of doing this is by trolling or seining. Unlike commercially available tropical fish, whose behavior patterns and tank compatibilities are well documented, coldwater fish require much local ichthyology knowledge in order to maintain them.
Many temperate fish have specific local diet requirements, while others, like tautog (blackfish), will eat just about any crustacean or frozen foods. The blackfish should not be kept with crabs and mollusks, while other fish, like the oyster cracker toadfish, will do fine with any fish that is not small enough to fit into its mouth. Due to it being such a localized hobby, not many people go the route of local tanks. However, they are more cost-effective than reef tanks, cheaper and easier to maintain, and the fish hardier. Most coldwater hobbyists start at a young age, and it takes experience before one can successfully gauge the compatibility of the fish in your area.[citation needed]
Live rock
Main article: Live rock
Live rock is rock that has been in the ocean, composed of limestone and decomposing coral skeleton, usually around a coral reef such as those around Fiji, and is usually covered with beneficial algae, coralline and tiny invertebrates and bacteria that are desirable in the aquarium. Some examples of the microfauna commonly found on live rock are crabs, snails, feather dusters, brittle stars, starfish, limpets, abalones, and an occasional sea urchin, sea anemone, coral, and sea sponge. Also, if the aquarist is unlucky, a mantis shrimp. Bristleworms are also common, most of which, while unattractive, are not harmful and are useful scavengers; some species can be pests, however. The addition of live rock is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy aquarium, as the rock provides a buffer to maintain high pH (8.0-8.3), alkalinity, and acid-neutralizing capacity. Alkalinity is often known by a rather confusing term, "carbonate hardness", or KH. This is usually measured in "degrees" (dKH) or meq/L.
The microfauna found on live rock are detrivores and herbivores (as they eat algae and fish waste), and provide fish with a natural, attractive shelter. Live rock usually arrives from online dealers as "uncured", and must be quarantined in a separate tank while undergoing the curing process, which involves the inevitable die-off of some of the rock's inhabitants and the subsequent production of undesirable ammonia and nitrite. Live rock that is already cured is available at most pet stores that cater to saltwater. Live sand is similar to live rock and is equally desirable.
Filtration
A new sump with three compartments including a protein skimmer
Main article: Filter (aquarium)
In general, marine aquariums have more complex filtration requirements than most freshwater aquariums. The various components frequently include Wet and dry filters and Protein skimmers. Protein skimmers are devices that remove organic compounds prior to their degradation, and are also very useful in marine aquariums. Protein skimming is also used in the popular Berlin method that relies on live rock, and periodic partial water changes to degrade and remove waste products. The Berlin method relies on large amounts of live rock being included in the aquarium. The rule of thumb is 1/2 - 1 lb. per 1 US gallon (0.2 - 0.4 kg per 4 liters).
Some marine aquariums also include a refugium and/or a sump. Refugiums are small containers or aquariums that are hidden behind or beneath the main aquarium and connected to it via a water pump. Refugiums have recently become quite popular among reef aquarists because they can be used to serve several purposes such as adding water volume or providing a fish-free site for biological filtration in live rock and/or the sandbed. Fish-free refugiums are host to populations of copepods, amphipods, isopods and other zooplankton. The sump may contain a number of compartments, each with its own filtration material. Often, heaters, thermostats, and protein skimmers are placed in the sump.
Lighting
A DIY metal halide pendant lamp
Regular cyclical lighting is used in aquariums to simulate day and night. This is beneficial for fish and invertebrates since it establishes a routine, enables them to rest, and makes them feel more secure. The lighting used varies depending on the inhabitants of the aquarium. Typically, the type of lighting for aquariums with fish only is regarded as unimportant. In aquariums containing invertebrates, however, where algal growth (of both free-living and symbiotic algae) is desired, more intense lighting is required. There are many types of lights available: some common types include fluorescent, VHO fluorescent (Very High Output), compact fluorescent, LED and metal halide. Actinic lights produce a deep blue spectrum designed to simulate the dominant wavelength of light a few metres below the ocean's surface.
Many different sources make different claims about what type of lighting system is the best. In reality, each technology or variation has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most primitive lighting source is natural sunlight. This is only effective in areas near the equator because the intensity of sunlight is greatest there. Efficiently utilizing natural sunlight requires complex planning and, as such, this method is applied on only the largest reef systems.
The next step up in technology is incandescent lamps. These are very wasteful of energy, producing between 15 and 30 lumens per watt of power (Out of a possible 683 lumens per watt for an ideal light source). Standard fluorescent lamps offer a great improvement over incandescents. There are better color temperatures available in fluorescent tubes that are more suited to aquariums than those of regular light bulb. They are also more efficient, averaging between 90 and 95 lumens per watt. The downside to regular fluorescent lights is that they do not have the intensity to penetrate into deeper aquariums.
There are a number of improved variations of fluorescent technology. The main ones are very high output (VHO), power compact fluorescent (PC), and T-5 high output (HO). VHO lamps are fluorescent lamps run at higher power levels, usually about three times the standard wattage for a given bulb length. They have the advantage of high light output, but the larger diameter bulbs limit the efficiency of reflectors. PC lighting is also high-power fluorescent lighting, but the bulbs are folded to put more tubes in a given space. The output of PC lamps are reduced by inefficient reflector designs.
VHO and PC bulbs are also fairly expensive to replace. T-5 HO lights are the newest variation on fluorescent lights. They are run at slightly higher power levels than standard fluorescent lamps, but are made significantly thinner. This allows for more efficient reflector designs that get more light into the aquarium. Because of this, higher quality T-5 systems often match or exceed the output of equivalent compact fluorescent or VHO lighting fixtures. All types of fluorescent lighting offer the same efficiency in lumens per watt; it is the shape of the bulb and reflectors that makes their overall outputs different.
Metal halide lights are the next level up from fluorescent technology. Metal halides produce about 90-100 lumens per watt of power. This is roughly the same as fluorescent. The improvement with metal halides is that they concentrate this light output into a very small space, whereas fluorescent lights evenly illuminate the entire aquarium. This is often referred to as point source lighting, and is what causes the rippling visual effect on many advanced aquarium setups. This concentration of light output increases the intensity, allowing metal halide lamps to get a lot of light to even the very bottom levels of most aquariums. Metal halides are available in many color temperatures , from 6500 K up to 20,000 K, though bulbs as high as 50,000 K are occasionally found. The downsides of metal halide lighting are the cost and the heat produced.
Most metal halide fixtures are more than double the price of an equivalent wattage fluorescent system, though prices have begun to drop in recent years. Halide lamps concentrate heat as well as light output. The surface of an operating lamp becomes hot enough to cause second or third degree burns instantly, so this lighting technology must be used with caution. The heat produced can also warm the aquarium to unacceptable levels, often necessitating the use of a chiller. The most recent addition to the list of aquarium lighting technologies is LED lighting. These have the potential to be much more efficient than any other technology, but have not yet become so because of issues of heat dissipation. LED's have the advantage of point source lighting, but are also completely dimmable at any power level. This allows for more advanced lighting schedules, even the simulation of cloud cover. So far, LED's have found use mainly as lunar lighting.
When considering lighting for an aquarium, there are generally two factors to consider: wattage and color temperature. Depending on the type of lighting (i.e. fluorescents, metal halide, etc) the wattage of light emitted may vary considerably, from tens of watts to several hundred watts in a lighting system. Wattage, while not indicative of color, is equivalent to power and essentially determines how brightly the light will shine. Due to the scattering of light in water, the deeper one's tank is, the more powerful the lighting required. Color temperature, measured in kelvins (albeit slightly unrepresentively) refers to the color of light being emitted by the lamp and is based on the concept of blackbody radiation. Light from the sun has a color temperature of approximately 5900 K and lighting systems with color temperatures >5000 K tend to be best for growing plants in both the marine and freshwater setting. 10,000 K light appears bluish-white and emphasizes coloration in fishes and corals. Higher up on the spectrum there are 14,000 K and 20,000 K bulbs that produce a deep blue tint which mimic the lighting conditions underseas, creating an optimal ambience for invertebrates and livestock present.
Heating
Most marine aquarium inhabitants are endemic to tropical reefs and waters in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Red Sea. Marine aquarium temperatures should mimic the natural environment of the inhabitants and are most commonly maintained at 23 to 28 degrees Celsius (73-82 F). In regions where the ambient temperature is less than the desired temperature of the aquarium this generally necessitates the use of an aquarium heater. In some areas ambient temperature is greater than the desired temperature and refrigeration devices, known as "chillers", are used to cool the aquarium water.
Water testing
Marine aquarists commonly test the water in the aquarium for a variety of chemical indicators of water quality. These include:
Specific gravity, a relative measure of water density, is normally maintained between 1.020 and 1.024 in aquariums with fish only, and 1.023 and 1.026 for aquariums containing invertebrates. Salinity should therefore be between 28 and 35 PPT, with the higher values being beneficial in advanced reef systems. Because salinity is by definition directly related to specific gravity, both can be tested with an inexpensive hydrometer or refractometer.
pH should be maintained between 8.1 and 8.3. This can be raised with a commercially available buffering agent or through calcium-rich substrata. Carbonate hardness (KH) should be between 8 and 12 degrees of carbonate hardness. A calibrated calcium reactor can assist in maintaining both pH and carbonate hardness. Using purified water from a reverse osmosis/deionization (RO/DI) unit can prevent KH and pH fluctuation.
The nitrogen cycle refers to the conversion of toxic ammonia to nitrite and finally nitrate. While fish waste (urine and feces) and decaying matter release ammonia, the majority of ammonia released (approximately 60%) in both marine and freshwater aquariums is excreted directly into the water from the fishes' gills. Biological (bacterial) nitrification converts the ammonia into nitrite ions, NO2-, and then to nitrate ions, NO3-. Nitrate is readily taken up and assimilated by algae and hermatypic corals. Some nitrate is converted via an anaerobic bacterial process to free nitrogen, but this process is very difficult to maintain. In the recent past, most nitrate, which is less toxic to fishes and most invertebrates than nitrites, accumulated in the water until it was physically removed by a water change. However, many marine aquarists are now employing the use of a special section of the tank or separate tank altogether, called a "refugium." A refugium is, as its name suggests, a sheltered area that shares water with the primary, or display, tank. Refugiums usually contain a deep sand bed to allow anoxic zones to develop within them where anaerobic bacteria can convert nitrate into nitrogen gas, a useful means of nitrate removal. Various types of macroalgae can be grown and harvested from the refugium as another means of nitrate export. As refugiums become more common in marine aquaria, nitrate levels are easily manageable for even the novice hobbyist. Ammonia and nitrite should be tested regularly; any detectable levels (i.e., over 0 ppm) can be indicative of a problem. Nitrates should not exceed 2 ppm in reef tanks, or 20 ppm in fish-only tanks. It is sometimes acceptable to have a small amount of nitrate buildup, as some livestock, especially fish, are fairly tolerant of nitrate. Most corals, while able to assimilate nitrate, cannot be expected to survive, much less thrive, with high nitrate concentrations.
Other suggested tests include those for calcium, carbonate alkalinity, magnesium, and other trace elements. It is often beneficial (and necessary) for the aquarist to research the water chemistry parameters for the specific organism that is desired.
Acclimation
Acclimation is a process that is performed when adding new marine life to an aquarium, particularly for invertebrates, who lack osmoregulation. This process slowly introduces the organisms to the water composition of the new environment, preventing shock resulting from sudden changes in water chemistry. There are several different methods of doing this, including the use of a drip line, or of a measuring cup or other device to slowly mix water from the aquarium tank into a container with the new animal.
Water changes
Water changes are a staple of good saltwater maintenance. Larger (approximately 200 gallon) aquariums are much more stable and water changes may not need to take place if the nitrogen cycle has fully established itself in the tank, although this is a controversial statement among aquarists. Water changes are used to maintain balance of calcium, carbonate alkalinity, and magnesium which are rapidly depleted in a reef aquarium, while also maintaining levels of other trace elements as well as removing toxic solutes which may accumulate from many different sources and are unable to be removed by even advanced filtration methods. Supplements are needed (such as calcium) when regular water changes alone are not able to maintain adequate levels, particularly those of calcium, carbonate, and magnesium. Water changes involve removing a fraction of the total volume of the aquarium, replacing that water with new pre-mixed saltwater. Pre-mixed saltwater has been dechlorinated and/or dechloraminatedypically with an additive such as bisulfite or through filtering. Water should be brought to the same temperature if more than a 5% change is occurring. Salinity should match that of the aquarium, or be dosed very slowly if altering the salinity. Aging and aerating saltwater (such as in a bucket with a powerhead or airstone) is recommended as good practice to allow the pH to stabilize.
Replacement water should be of the same source as the aquarium, whether it be reverse osmosis (RO), de-ionized (DI), distilled or from a municipal supply, in order to avoid drastic changes in water chemistry. In cases where one is replacing a tap water-based salt mix with a reverse osmosis-based salt mix, the replacement water should be added slowly over the course of several hours to avoid sending the aquarium inhabitants into osmotic shock. However, large water changes are not advised under routine circumstances anyways, so this is really irrelevant. Municipal, or tap water, is not recommended for a marine aquarium as it often contains high levels of nitrates, phosphates, and silicates and other dissolved solids which fuel the growth of nuisance algaes, particularly diatoms, which appears as a rust colored powdery algae and grows in the overabundance of silicates present in all tap water. Water filtered by a four stage process including mechanical, carbon, reverse-osmosis, and de-ionizing components is recommended as this can provide the easiest route to absolutely pure water. Four and Five stage RO/DI filtration units can be obtained for as little as $ 100 and are a cost effective means of converting tap water into water usable in a marine aquarium.
Conservation
Almost all species kept in marine aquaria at this time are caught in the wild, although tank-raised specimens are becoming increasingly common as a viable alternative. Only a few species such as clownfish are captive-bred on a commercial scale. Much collecting is done in Indonesia and the Philippines, where use of cyanide and other destructive collection methods, while discouraged, is unfortunately common. The majority of live rock is also harvested in the wild, and recent restrictions on this harvest in Florida have caused a shift to Fijian and aquacultured rock. Natural rock, because it is created by coral polyps, takes many years if not centuries to form, and is a vital habitat for countless marine species; thus, commercial-scale harvesting of naturally-occurring live rock has been criticized by conservationists. Additionally, many animal species sold to hobbyists have very specific dietary and habitat requirements that cannot be met by hobbyists (e.g. Labroides genus wrasses, the moorish idol); these animals almost inevitably die quickly and have markedly reduced lifespans compared to wild specimens. Often these specific environmental requirements cause improperly housed lifestock's color and appearance to be poor. These issues are often downplayed by individuals and organizations with a financial interest in the trade. Hobbyists who support conservation should buy only certified net-caught fish (although ensuring the legitimacy of such claims can be difficult) or captive-raised fish, as well as farmed corals and to support legitimate reef conservation efforts. The majority of corals can be "fragged", whereby a portion of a larger captive coral is separated and can subsequently be raised into an individual specimen, allowing for coral propagation within the domestic aquarium; the trade in frags (i.e. fragments) offers a fantastic opportunity for marine aquarists to obtain new and unique corals while limiting the impact on the natural environment. Rare species and those without a history of being successfully kept in captivity should be avoided.
Commercial front
Various businesses have brought a commercial front to fishkeeping, perhaps the largest being Marineland, Inc. With the advent of large scale business operations focusing on breeding massive quantities of specimens, marine fishkeeping has become much more widespread than ever before. Perhaps the biggest turndown in marine fishkeeping is the initial setup cost. A 100 US gallon (400 L) reef tank full of coral and equipment can cost in excess of $ 2,500 US. Aside from the difficulty, this is a large factor as to why freshwater fishkeeping is still so widespread in comparison to its marine counterpart.
References and further reading
Advanced Marine Aquarium Techniques, by Jay Hemdal
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist, by Robert Fenner
Invertebrates: A Quick Reference Guide, by Julian Sprung
Corals: A Quick Reference Guide, by Julian Sprung
Reef Invertebrates: An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibility, by Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner
Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History, by Eric H. Borneman.
Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Saltwater Microcosms, by John H. Tullock
External links
Pets: Fish and Aquaria: Marine at the Open Directory Project
RTAW Reefpedia, a Reef Keeping wiki maintained by the Marine Aquarium Societies of Australia
Protein Skimmer Info, a site giving information, specifications, reviews and DIY Plans for Protein Skimmers
Temperate Marine Info, a site giving information and providing resources for the coldwater marine aquarium hobbyist
v d e
Aquarium and fishkeeping hobby
Types
Freshwater aquarium Marine aquarium Brackish water aquarium Community tank Biotope Reef aquarium
Aquarium equipment and furniture
Filter Berlin Method Protein skimmer Deep sand bed Heater Refugium Calcium reactor Bog-wood and Driftwood Airstone Live rock Substrate Fishcam Aquarium fish feeder Aquarium lighting
Fish terms
Hardy fish Dither fish Algae eater Bottom feeder Tropical fish Coldwater fish Painted fish
List of freshwater aquarium fish species List of freshwater aquarium plant species List of freshwater aquarium invertebrate species List of marine aquarium fish species List of brackish aquarium fish species List of aquarium diseases
Practical Fishkeeping Tropical Fish Hobbyist Koi Aquarium Fish International
People
Takashi Amano Herbert R. Axelrod Julian Sprung
Aquarium related companies
Tetra Sera Eheim Hagen
Categories: FishkeepingHidden categories: Articles needing additional references from July 2007 | All articles needing additional references | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from December 2008 | Articles containing video clips
