A fish tank demands lots of commitment. In order to keep your aquarium healthy, you need patience, time and money.
Choose the size of your aquarium and whether or not you want to include plants. Some species require a specific temperature.
Place your aquarium on a table or stand sturdy enough to support its weight. This will also hide any equipment. It should be kept away from direct sunlight in order to prevent excessive growth of algae. It also helps keep the water warm.
Beginner Aquarium Guide
Freshwater aquariums can be an enjoyable pastime for anyone regardless of age. Also, they tend to be more manageable as opposed to saltwater tanks. They’re a good initial step before moving on to bigger saltwater aquariums. But, novices should be sure to research the fish and the size of their tank in order to avoid taking home a fish that is too large or will not thrive in the aquarium.
Begin with the biggest tank you can afford to purchase. It is important to think about the tank size because it can affect your fish and the ecosystem. It is also important to research the fish you’re considering to make sure that they are suitable for the size of your tank and will not cause harm to one another or the entire ecosystem.
Purchase a filter suitable for your aquarium, and a heater that can bring the water up to the correct temperature. You should consider purchasing a reverse-osmosis filter if you’re using tapwater to remove chlorine and other toxic chemicals that could be harmful to fish.
The tank should be put in a safe space that is not damaged or smashed by pets. It’s recommended to place the aquarium on a stand that is going to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight once it is filled with water. If you have a 55 gallon aquarium, it’s going to weigh over 500 pounds when filled with water. Make sure your flooring can handle that weight.
Aquarium Equipment Checklist
If you’re thinking about getting an aquarium with freshwater in your house, make certain to take your time before making a choice. Freshwater aquariums are a long term commitment and should be treated as such. Like a cat or dog, the tank will take up lots of time and money.
In addition to the standard filter, you’ll also require test kits for water testing (ammonia and nitrite), a siphon for emptying and refilling the tank, as well as a cleaning brush and a clean cloth to wash the tank’s edges and gravel. You’ll need an appropriate container for water to move the tank around when performing your weekly water changes. Other handy equipment that can help you out are an algae scraper, a hose for recirculating the tank water and an appropriate bucket to transport the fish while you make water changes.
You’ll also want to get a stand for your aquarium and some gravel or sand. Most all in one tanks start with a few pounds of gravel, but you should purchase additional gravel as the tank grows. It is best to select a natural looking river type gravel over the bright neon colored ones that are commonly found in pet/fish stores.
A heater is necessary to maintain a stable water temperature, if your all-in-one starter tank does not have the option of a heater, you may utilize a traditional type heater or a Smartheater. A thermometer is also necessary to keep track of the temperature of the water.
How to cycle a freshwater tank
Purchase a test kit for freshwater If you haven’t before (you can find a hyperlink to the above list). This will ensure that you keep your tank water quality up to par and spot issues early. Most importantly, it will let you know that your tank is in the process of cycling! It is the process of developing important nitrifying bacteria which will convert harmful fish wastes (ammonia) into nitrite and the nitrate, which is safe for your fish. This usually takes between four and six weeks, but it can be increased by the use of specific foods and treatments.
Fill your cycling tank with clean, dechlorinated water. After that, you can use gravel or sand as the substrate (gravel is ideal for bottom feeders like khuli lachs). Install the filter and connect it to the heater and airpump. Vacuum your substrate often to get rid of food particles and fish waste which could contaminate the water. (Vacuuming doesn’t affect the cycle process). Check your tank for levels of ammonia and nitrites every day to see how bacteria colonies are developing.
If ammonia and Nitrite are undetectable or close to zero, you are able to start adding your first fish (nonfancy Guppies are a great option for freshwater aquariums). If you’d like to speed up the cycle you can add nonfancy tetras, such as x-ray tetras, pupfish or banded gouramis.
How to maintain an aquarium
Freshwater aquariums are fairly easy to maintain once it’s established. Each week, wipe down the outside glass and the inside of the tank using a non-ammonia aquarium-safe cleanser, lightly shake or scrape the plants (live or fake) to loosen debris, and perform a partial water change. Regular water testing keeps the levels of ammonia and nitrite in check. A tank that is not fully stocked requires cleaning and the water changed less frequently, however it will depend on the size of your aquarium.
Don’t place your tank close to doors or windows. Full sunlight can cause algae to grow and stress some freshwater species. Likewise, it’s best not to set the be nuoi ca aquarium next to a heater or air conditioner as rapid temperature fluctuations could stress fish and can even cause them to die.
It is a good idea to purchase a dedicated aquarium bucket and label it for use with an aquarium that is freshwater. This will help prevent accidental contamination by other substances. Keep an siphon hose, water conditioner and an algae scrubber in your arsenal. A product for cleaning sponges, small scissors and a water conditioner are important tools for maintenance.
If you’re performing a water changing ensure that you are gentle when adding new water. Agitating or rubbing the substrate can disrupt the beneficial bacteria that live in it. Similarly, it is recommended to rinse the new gravel in aquarium water before adding it to the tank.
