Ads
We are one of America's Largest Pet Product Retailers!
PetSmart.com
Find Your Next Best Friend. Adopt a Pet Today, And Change Two Lives
PetFinder.com
Petshop, Low Prices & Fast, Free 1-2 Day Shipping, Shop Now!
chewy.com
Properly cared for aquariums are beautiful microcosms--little miniature ecosystems of their own. However, this beauty requires some careful setup and regular maintenance. The requirements of an aquarium are not too taxing, but they must be met if the fish are to remain healthy.
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing aquarium inhabitants:
Because the water chemistry cannot change as fast in a larger volume of water, larger aquariums are actually easier to maintain. Recommended minimum sizes for beginner aquarium keepers differ between freshwater and saltwater tanks:
The surface area of the water is equally as important as the number of gallons it holds, because the surface area determines how much oxygen can be exchanged between the water and the air.
Some fish will only eat live food, which should be a major consideration when choosing an aquarium's inhabitants. Herbivores should not be kept with carnivores because their nutritional needs differ too widely. Many common aquarium fish can be kept on a basic flake or pelleted food designed for their species, but it is worth noting which ones cannot.
A well-maintained aquarium has three types of filtration going on at any one time: mechanical, chemical, and biological. Filter floss removes debris and carbon helps clear the water. Biological filtration occurs when "good" bacteria grow in sufficient numbers in the aquarium to neutralize the ammonia the fish produce in their waste.
In a new aquarium, the numbers of good bacteria are low and ammonia is relatively high. Because of this, new aquariums must either have a few very hardy fish placed in them for the first three to four weeks, or the aquarium must remain empty but with the filter on, while the aquarist adds pure ammonia every day. After about three to four weeks, the ammonia levels will drop to zero and new fish can be added a few at a time.
The main components of water chemistry that aquarists need to test for are pH, ammonia, and water hardness. Saltwater aquariums must also maintain salinity levels. Ammonia should always be maintained as low as possible.
Because the pH scale is logarithmic, the difference between 7.0 and 9.0 is much more than twice the difference between 7.0 and 8.0. Most fish can only be healthy in water that is maintained in a relatively small range:
Most aquarium fish are tropical and also require a heater. Only a few of the commonly-kept species will do well in a coldwater tank. Temperatures in the 72-80 degree Fahrenheit range are typically needed to keep aquarium fish healthy.
In addition to chemistry and temperature, lighting is very important in a planted tank. In a fish-only aquarium or one with fake plants, lighting only needs to be sufficient to show off the inhabitants. However, a planted tank will require specialized light bulbs that provide the wavelengths and intensity required for plants to thrive.
Aquariums are relatively low-maintenance once they are set up. However, they do require feeding and regular testing of water levels, temperature, and salinity (if applicable). Filter cartridges also need to be rinsed or replaced, and algae must be removed.
Water changes are required in order to maintain proper conditions, but the number and timing of these depends on the fish species in the tank. Common community fish will do well with a 20 percent water change every two to four weeks. The water must be treated to remove chlorine and adjust chemical parameters and temperature before it can be added to the tank, so the process requires a bucket, testing supplies, and some water treatment chemicals.
Caring for fish is a complicated, but rewarding undertaking. Sourcing the animals is no different. W...
Fish are exotic, fascinating creatures. For many people, the thrill of seeing fish at an aquarium is...
There are many great reasons for getting an aquarium and keeping fish. Fish are quiet, do not need t...
Owning an aquarium with one, two or many healthy, jewel-toned tropical fish is a delight. Just watch...
Knowing the symptoms of a stroke is crucial because it can help individuals react much faster and po...
Labradoodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in th US. This breed is a cross between a Labrad...
Caring for your new bird always begins with buying the right cage. Since birds fly sideways, not up ...
Bulldogs are very popular among Americans. They're known as great companions and have amicable p...
Picture a vibrant canvas of life where each day is splashed with the colors of convenience, care and...
Birds
Cats
Dogs
Exotic Pets
Fish & Aquaria
General Information
Horses
Rabbits & Rodents
Reptiles & Amphibians
Home & Garden
Health
There are many great reasons for getting an aquari...
Every dog deserves to sleep in comfort. After a lo...
Fish are exotic, fascinating creatures. For many p...
Whether a person is interested in tree pythons, hy...
Labradoodles are one of the most popular dog breed...
Birds make great pets. However, you need to know w...