Most of the Earth is ocean, and of all the aquatic environments of this planet, coral reefs are the most environmentally stable and biologically dynamic. Coral reefs can only live and grow where average annual water temperatures are 73º to 77º F; salinity is constant and high; strong sunlight penetrates the shallow, clear water, and dissolved nutrients are very low.

The environment changes little during season changes, year in year out; but the animals and plants endlessly fight for food and space. These elements of existence have created a wonderland of form, color, and behavior, a part we can capture, in small measure, in our home aquarium. The mystery of the tropical seas can be reflected in a small simulated coral reef in one's living room while winter knocks on our doors, we still have a small part of the tropical ocean to look at and enjoy.

Now that we know why certain methods and techniques work and why others fail, and although maintaining a marine tank is not as easy as keeping a freshwater tank, most questions now have answers, and with a little effort, the average fish fancier can be a successful marine aquarist.

With that said, I welcome you to The Fishline where we try and make everyone feel at ease and at home in our friendly community of reef keepers.

Our policy has been and always will be honesty, truth and beyond all, trust. We sell nothing and our favorite products are the products we use, or have used! The advice from our members is free and without strings...