Do you want a saltwater aquarium? Don’t believe these myths.

Since the beginning of time, successfully keeping a saltwater aquarium seemed like a total mystery for most people. In recent decades, the study of saltwater aquariums has increased significantly. Despite the new knowledge, many of the old myths that arose during early experimentation are still cited by some as facts. Here are some of the most popular myths that are still in circulation:

01 of 10 It takes at least 6 weeks to cycle a saltwater aquarium.

MYTH: It takes 6 weeks to cycle (establish biological filtration) a new saltwater aquarium.

TRUTH: The original method for cycling an aquarium involved placing one or two fish in a new tank and waiting for up to 6 weeks for the growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Now, it's known that there are several methods that can cycle a tank in as little as one day.

• Cycling with live rock

• Cycling with live sand

• Cycling with bacterial additives

02 of 10 Water changes are the only way to reduce nitrates.

MYTH: Water changes are the only way to reduce nitrates, which are the end product of the nitrification process in a saltwater aquarium.

TRUTH: There are several methods that can be used to reduce or even prevent nitrate buildup without performing water changes.

• Some types of algae

• Nitrate-absorbing products

03 of 10 The ideal temperature for a reef tank is between 22°C and 25.5°C.

MYTH: The ideal temperature for a reef tank is between 24.4°C and 25.5°C.

TRUTH: The water temperature in most coral reefs, where corals originate, is much higher than 25.5°C.

04 of 10 Tangs (Surgeonfish) are very sensitive to nitrates.

MYTH: Tangs (Surgeonfish) are more sensitive to nitrates than other fish.

TRUTH: Surgeonfish are not more sensitive to nitrates than any other species. Tangs have tolerated nitrate levels of hundreds of ppm for long periods of time without being affected or getting sick.

05 of 10 Massive water changes are harmful to fish and invertebrates.

MYTH: Rapid water changes to quickly reduce nitrates and other toxins are harmful to fish and invertebrates.

TRUTH: While rapid changes in salinity, temperature, or pH can be harmful to fish and invertebrates, a rapid reduction in nitrates does not negatively affect them.

06 of 10 Coral Banded Shrimp kills fish.

MYTH: Coral Banded Shrimp kills fish.

TRUTH: Coral Banded Shrimp is a collector and parasite picker and may attack other shrimp, but typically does not attack fish. Many people who find their Coral Banded Shrimp eating a dead fish or invertebrate assume that the shrimp killed it.

07 of 10 All experienced aquarists will always give good advice.

MYTH: You can rely on experienced marine aquarium owners to give you good advice.

TRUTH: There are many experienced aquarists who will give you great advice. However, many of them (often younger ones) may have little or no knowledge or experience in the field, which requires time to learn.

08 of 10 Bio-balls are nitrate factories.

MYTH: Bio-ball filters or wet/dry filters create nitrates.

TRUTH: Bio-balls and wet/dry filter media can trap detritus and organic waste that decomposes and eventually creates nitrates. If bio-balls are cleaned regularly, they will not create nitrates any more than any other substrate containing the same materials.

09 of 10 Microbubbles in aquarium water can cause Popeye effect.

MYTH: Microbubbles in aquarium water can cause the Popeye effect.

TRUTH: The Popeye effect is caused by secondary bacterial infections in a fish's eyes, resulting from ammonia burns or other physical injuries.

10 of 10 Ich can be transferred from one aquarium to another by air.

MYTH: Ich can be transferred from one aquarium to another by air.

TRUTH: Ich (Cryptocaryon and Oodinium) can be transferred from one tank to another via contaminated surfaces, such as nets, hands, fish, etc.