Marine Model Aquarium Communities

From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer

To start the thought process for planning a new community aquarium, and to highlight some combinations that expert aquarists have found to work, here are some models that can easily be replicated using readily available species, all profiled on this site.

For the typical neophyte ready to start with a 2-gallon nano-reef tank up to several 180-gallon systems for more experienced marine aquarists, here are some nicely balanced model communities.

• 2 to 12-Gallon Marine Aquariums
  • 2-Gallon Nano-Reef Aquarium
  • 5-Gallon Nano-Reef Aquarium
  • 12-Gallon Nano-Reef Aquarium—Western Pacific
  • 12-Gallon Nano-Reef Aquarium—Caribbean
• 20-Gallon Marine Aquariums
  • 20-Gallon Peaceful Aquarium—Gobies/Blennies
  • 20-Gallon Peaceful Aquarium—Western Pacific
  • 20-Gallon Peaceful Aquarium—”Mixed”
• 50 to 75-Gallon Marine Aquariums
  • 55-Gallon Species Aquarium
  • 55-Gallon Peaceful Aquarium—Western Pacific
  • 75-Gallon Peaceful Aquarium—Caribbean
  • 75-Gallon Peaceful Aquarium—Western Pacific
• 90 to 135-Gallon Marine Aquariums
  • 90-Gallon “Mixed” Aquarium—Indo-Pacific
  • 100-Gallon Predator Aquarium—Indo-Pacific
  • 135-Gallon “Mixed” Aquarium—Western Pacific
  • 135-Gallon Moderately Aggressive Aquarium—Western Pacific
• 180-Gallon Marine Aquariums
  • 180-Gallon Aggressive Aquarium—”Mixed”
  • 180-Gallon “Mixed” Aquarium—Indian Ocean
  • 180-Gallon “Mixed” Aquarium—Red Sea

Related Articles

• Stocking Your Marine Aquarium
• 7 Questions to Ask Before Buying A New Fish

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Excerpted from: 101 Best Saltwater Fishes by Scott W. Michael