Sumps are sometimes used where a water pump in the aquarium is connected to an external container which normally is placed below the tank. A refugium is also sometimes used which come in the form of either containers or small aquariums also placed beneath or behind the main aquarium and then connected to a water pump.

In terms of lighting, it could be slightly tricky as they are used not only for aesthetics purposes but also governs the day and night for the fishes. This is very important to them because it will slowly form a routine for the fishes so that they are aware of when to rest and when to be active. This is called regular cyclical lighting. Other types include Incandescent Lighting, Standard Fluorescent Lighting as well as Higher Output Fluorescent Lighting.

Temperate marine which is also known as coldwater marine are those that are able to keep fish species from the older climates which range from 10 to 25C. Among species which are renowned from these parts of the world include the ornate cowfish and the dahlia anemones. Compared to tropical marine fishes, temperature marine fishes are harder to keep and require more attention as well diet like blackfishes and such.

Live rocks are typically, rocks which are found in the seas and those that have so-called ‘lived’ there. They are usually made of limestone and coral skeletons which have decomposed and naturally beautiful as they are covered with algae, coralline and tiny invertebrates which are helpful to the fishes.

Apart from the species which are different, the dynamics of marine fishkeeping also differs considerably. This starts from the fundamentals to the selection of the entire eco-system of the hobby. A marine aquarium which is effective will require more sophisticated equipments as compared to the more conventional freshwater fishkeeping. Generally, marine fishes are more colourful and in most ways more beautiful and hence more attention need to be put into this hobby in every sense.

The major components used in marine fishkeeping are usually glass or acrylic and there must be a water filtration equipment as well as proper lighting and a heater for the aquarium too. Tanks used in this type of fishkeeping usually range from less than 80 liters to more than 1,200 liters which are governed by what type of fish you intend to keep.

There are a few types of tanks which are largely dependent on their intentions. It could be FO or fish onl, FOWLR or fish only with live rock or reef aquaria. FOs usually keep the larger fishes which are usually more aggressive which means that the smaller fishes will not be able to live in the same tank. FO tanks usually use chemical or manufactured material. FOWLR and reef tanks on the other hand as the name suggests use live rocks which is a material made up of coral skeletons that produces nitrogen waste metabolizing bacteria which is a method where natural biological filtration is created.

Unlike how it is practiced today, saltwater was previously collected from the beach fronts as it was considered to be natural and most suitable. However, it was found that the natural saltwater, despite containing the natural nutrients also contained organisms and pollutants which might not be needed. Since it is not always easily accessible, hobbyists have since started using so-called ‘artificial’ saltwater which are manufactured and mixed to be as natural as possible to ensure a suitable living environment within the aquariums. Apart from the water, the lighting, the surrounding environment as well as the plants used inside the aquariums too play integral roles to ensure the wellbeing of the fishes.