While it's true that you can't pet them or take them for a walk, there are other benefits to an aquarium full of fish. Watching them swim back and forth is so relaxing, there are countless species of fish to choose from, allergies are not a problem for finned animals, and an aquarium will add lots of interest and color to your room.
However, choosing and supplying the right aquarium can be confusing. Many beginners are overwhelmed or discouraged when their flowed friends die shortly after being released into the tank. Since your fish's health is largely dependent on housing them in an aquarium that meets their needs and is equipped with the right accessories, it is important to familiarize yourself with aquarium care before heading to the pet store.
An aquarium kit that includes most or all of the accessories needed for tropical fish or aquarium housingcolor fishIt can greatly simplify the aquarium installation process for beginners.
Aquariums are heavy; a gallon of water weighs about eight pounds. Always keep a full tank on a sturdy stand or solid piece of furniture.
important considerations
While an aquarium doesn't have to be technologically complex, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right one for you and your fish.
Size
One of the most important decisions to make when choosing a new tank is its size. Aquariums are measured in gallons of water they contain, not physical measurements, although obviously the more gallons an aquarium can hold, the larger it needs to be. You can find tanks as small as one gallon and as large as 100 gallons or more, along with many sizes in between.
In general, the following applies to aquariums: the bigger the better. A larger tank accommodates more fish, but more importantly, the water in a larger tank is less likely to become overloaded with toxins from fish waste. For beginners, it's best not to use a tank smaller than 10 gallons, although more experienced fish keepers recommend a 20 or 29 gallon tank if space allows.
Material
You have two material options for your aquarium: glass and acrylic.
GlasAquariums are the traditional choice and are almost always rectangular. Glass tanks are generally cheaper than acrylic tanks and don't scratch as easily, making them a good choice for beginners. On the other hand, glass is heavy and can shatter if dropped or bumped. a glass tubhe canStand on a stand and only support it by the bottom edges, although it's best if your tank is fully supported.
AcrylicAquariums come in a variety of shapes, including square, circular, and semi-circular. You will pay more for an acrylic tank and you will likely end up scratching the tank as acrylic is very prone to damage. Acrylic tanks weigh a lot less than glass tanks, which is an important consideration if you're planning to buy a large tank. Acrylic tanks must be fully supported from below to prevent bending or breaking.
Form
The traditional aquarium is rectangular. This is also the best option for the health of your fish, as a rectangular aquarium exposes more of the water surface to the air, resulting in better oxygenation. But if space or personal preference dictates against using a rectangular tank, you can also find tanks that are taller than they are wide, as well as cubic tanks, domed front tanks, and even round tanks.
Tapa
Your aquarium needs a lid to reduce water evaporation, prevent fish from jumping out, and contain itcurious petsand the boys fishing in the pond. The simplest countertops are made of hinged glass and require the use of a separate lamp. Beginners generally prefer bells, which are covers that contain a lamp to illuminate the tank. A lighted bell is usually included in an aquarium kit.
We think about the advantages and disadvantages of glass tanks in relation to acrylic tanks. Acrylic tanks can have unique shapes, but they scratch more easily than glass tanks.
We research aquariums of all sizes to help consumers find what they need. Aquariums range from as small as 1 gallon to over 100 gallons.
Aquariums range from under $50 to over $200. Simple tanks cost less, but you usually have to purchase additional equipment. Larger, more complete aquariums typically cost $125 or more.
Part of our aquarium research is finding the best aquariums at the best prices for beginners.
A removable cover protects the fish and makes cleaning the tank easier. Some of the aquariums on our research list have removable covers.
An aquarium needs a filtration system, lighting and a heater. We take note of the equipment included with the purchase of an aquarium.
It is important to keep the tanks on a pad or other strong and stable surface. We award bonus points for quality aquariums with their own stands.
We considered the type of lighting each tank offers. Aquarium kits often include a lighted bell, and some models offer dimmable and color-changing lighting.
Some tanks are too small for certain species of fish. Others are optimized for large and diverse schools of fish. We look at what kind of fish each tank is designed for.
The filtration system of an aquarium is an important part. We found out how well this system works and if it's too big or too strong for certain fish species.
Accesories
This accessory is essential for a freshwater aquarium. Always make sure to choose accessories that match the size of your aquarium.
Filter system: AquaClear-Powerfilter
Every tank needs a filtration system to remove toxins, excess feed, fish waste and other contaminants from the water. There are many types of aquarium filtration systems, but most beginners find that a heavy-duty filter that sits in the back of the tank is best. The AquaClear Power Filter is a solid choice that saves energy and is easy to install.
Thermometer: Fusion Smart Temperatur-Aquarium-Thermometer
A simple submersible thermometer that attaches to the side of the tank with a magnet or suction cup makes it easy to monitor water temperature. The Fusion Smart Temp aquarium thermometer is a decent magnetic model that is inexpensive and easy to read.
Underground: GloFish Aquarienkies
Gravel is the most common substrate for aquariums because it's inexpensive, comes in many colors, and works great to support colonies of beneficial bacteria that keep the water balanced and fish healthy. We like the GloFish aquarium gravel, which comes in a wide range of colors.
aquarium prices
Prices are mainly based on size, material and accessories. Because of this, it's difficult to generalize about aquarium prices, but the following guidelines should give you an idea of how much you'll be spending.
Cheap:Forless than $50, you get a very small tank with basic equipment such as lights and heating. Expect to add a separate mesh filter.
Middle area:In between$50 and $125, expect better gear and a bigger tank. Still, you may need to find some necessary consumables like the filter separately.
Expensive: over $125There you will find larger tanks and more complete setups that include quality accessories. You should be paying over $200 for a full, all-inclusive 20 gallon or more aquarium.
tips
Regular grooming will keep your fish happy and healthy.
- Condition the water.Treat the water with a non-chlorine water conditioner before adding it to your aquarium.
- Test regularly.Use an aquarium water test kit weekly to ensure your aquarium is not building up harmful levels of ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate. Change up to 25% of the water as needed to restore balance.
- Clean your gravel.Vacuum the gravel with a gravel vacuum every two weeks to remove fish debris, food debris, and algae.
- fight against algae.Use a scraper or tank cleaner every two weeks to remove algae from the sides of the tank.
- Check the water temperature.Check the tank thermometer daily and regulate the heating if necessary.
- Do a daily wellness check.Count your fish daily and watch them for at least a few minutes to make sure they look healthy. Signs of illness include abnormal spots or stripes on the body or fins of the fish, floating close to the surface, irregular swimming patterns, fins pressed against the body or lying on the bottom of the tank.
- hold yourfilter system.Change or clean the filter in your power filtration system according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule.
Before selecting new fish, make sure they are compatible with the residents already present in your aquarium.
frequently asked Questions
Q. What is the best location for my tank?
A.Ideally, your aquarium should be located where you and your family can get the most out of it, but there are some other considerations as well. You should place the tank near an electrical outlet as you will need to connect the filter, light and heater. Fish need a regular light-dark cycle, so your aquarium should be fairly close to a window, but not so close that direct sunlight falls on the aquarium. Direct sunlight promotes algae growth and can overheat the water, which can be detrimental to fish health.
Other areas to avoid placing a tank include: near air conditioners or heater vents, near doors or other high traffic areas, or directly on the floor. All of these places can be stressful for your fish.
Q. What about a saltwater tank?
A.While many saltwater fish are colorful and unique, these delicate and expensive beauties are best left to experienced aquarium enthusiasts. Setting up and maintaining a saltwater aquarium is significantly more complex than a freshwater aquarium and requires a large tank for best results.
Q. What other items do I need to set up my aquarium?
A.In addition to the necessary accessories, there are a few other items that make fish care easier and more enjoyable.
- Decorations in the tank, including artificial or real plants, rocks, whimsical decorations like sunken ships or treasure chests, and anything else you like, add character to the tank, but more importantly, give your fish a place to hide can when he is feeling stressed or insecure. .
- You need food that is specially formulated for your species of fish.
- A net makes it easy to catch your pets when they need to be removed from the tank.
- Every aquarium owner should have a water test kit with thempH-Testsand levels of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
- A siphon and a clean bucket, not a bucket used for household cleaners, are essential for water changes.