You don't need to be an expert to have a home aquarium with vividly colored fish and healthy plants. It's not impossible to maintain a healthy environment for fish and plants in a tank. However, you do need to follow instructions that are essential in fishkeeping.
The tank material and shape matters.
Consider buying rectangular glass aquariums. Although aquariums come in many kinds, shapes, and sizes, the better option for beginners are glass aquariums, as they are not as expensive as acrylic ones. They are also less prone to scratches and discoloration, so maintaining them won't be so complicated. As for the shape, narrow cylindrical and spherical aquariums may be pleasing to the eye but are not always suitable for the fish. These types have too little water surface open to air. Fish get oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide through the water surface, so narrower aquariums can be suffocating for fish.
Pay attention to details.
If you want to reduce the risk of contaminating the water in your tank and poisoning the fish, know which materials are dangerous and keep it out of your tank. Since glass aquariums are not prone to scratches and yellowing, you get to avoid using polishing compounds that are normally toxic. Other harmful substances include detergent, paint, plastic, and soap. It's also important to keep even the slightest hint of metal out of your tank because it poisons the fish.
Be cautious with aquarium decors.
Sometimes, new aquarists make the mistake of using any item that seems to "look right" in an aquarium as decor. This mistake, however, could be fatal to your fish. Limestone products, such as coral, coral sand, and marble chips, are wrong choices as they tend to dissolve in water. The residues increase the mineral content and pH of the water, which may be intolerable depending on the type of fish you have. Granite, quartz, and sandstone make good decorations for glass aquariums. To ensure the suitability of a material for aquariums, use decorations that are available at pet and aquarium shops.
Pick the right location.
Choosing the right spot for your aquarium is crucial in fishkeeping. Whether they're acrylic or glass aquariums, don't place them in windy areas. Otherwise, you will speed up evaporation and increase the chances of getting foreign particles into your tank. Sudden temperature changes are also harmful to fish, so it's vital to keep your aquarium away from heat-producing equipment.
Keep sunlight exposure to a minimum.
Anywhere that is not exposed to direct sunlight, wind, and heat is all right. Aside from hastening evaporation, the wind may also get harmful objects into your tank without your noticing it. Keeping glass aquariums away from heat-generating appliances is also essential, as abrupt changes in water temperature is detrimental to the health of your fish. Although sunlight exposure is good up to a certain period, prolonged periods will heat up the water and promote the growth of algae.
Control algae growth.
Algae are tiny plants, which are harmless or even beneficial up to a certain degree. When there's too much of them, the water in your tank will turn a greenish color. With their decay, they poison the water. In addition, they may steal nutrients that should otherwise nourish fish and other plants inside your tank. To keep algae out, reduce lighting in your tank. Keep your tank from direct sunlight and use artificial aquarium lighting, which you can turn on and off at fixed periods.
Even a beginner like you can maintain an aquarium successfully. All you need to do is to follow these simple yet effective tips. You'll certainly be fulfilled as you watch your fish swim happily in your own aquarium. - 32185
The tank material and shape matters.
Consider buying rectangular glass aquariums. Although aquariums come in many kinds, shapes, and sizes, the better option for beginners are glass aquariums, as they are not as expensive as acrylic ones. They are also less prone to scratches and discoloration, so maintaining them won't be so complicated. As for the shape, narrow cylindrical and spherical aquariums may be pleasing to the eye but are not always suitable for the fish. These types have too little water surface open to air. Fish get oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide through the water surface, so narrower aquariums can be suffocating for fish.
Pay attention to details.
If you want to reduce the risk of contaminating the water in your tank and poisoning the fish, know which materials are dangerous and keep it out of your tank. Since glass aquariums are not prone to scratches and yellowing, you get to avoid using polishing compounds that are normally toxic. Other harmful substances include detergent, paint, plastic, and soap. It's also important to keep even the slightest hint of metal out of your tank because it poisons the fish.
Be cautious with aquarium decors.
Sometimes, new aquarists make the mistake of using any item that seems to "look right" in an aquarium as decor. This mistake, however, could be fatal to your fish. Limestone products, such as coral, coral sand, and marble chips, are wrong choices as they tend to dissolve in water. The residues increase the mineral content and pH of the water, which may be intolerable depending on the type of fish you have. Granite, quartz, and sandstone make good decorations for glass aquariums. To ensure the suitability of a material for aquariums, use decorations that are available at pet and aquarium shops.
Pick the right location.
Choosing the right spot for your aquarium is crucial in fishkeeping. Whether they're acrylic or glass aquariums, don't place them in windy areas. Otherwise, you will speed up evaporation and increase the chances of getting foreign particles into your tank. Sudden temperature changes are also harmful to fish, so it's vital to keep your aquarium away from heat-producing equipment.
Keep sunlight exposure to a minimum.
Anywhere that is not exposed to direct sunlight, wind, and heat is all right. Aside from hastening evaporation, the wind may also get harmful objects into your tank without your noticing it. Keeping glass aquariums away from heat-generating appliances is also essential, as abrupt changes in water temperature is detrimental to the health of your fish. Although sunlight exposure is good up to a certain period, prolonged periods will heat up the water and promote the growth of algae.
Control algae growth.
Algae are tiny plants, which are harmless or even beneficial up to a certain degree. When there's too much of them, the water in your tank will turn a greenish color. With their decay, they poison the water. In addition, they may steal nutrients that should otherwise nourish fish and other plants inside your tank. To keep algae out, reduce lighting in your tank. Keep your tank from direct sunlight and use artificial aquarium lighting, which you can turn on and off at fixed periods.
Even a beginner like you can maintain an aquarium successfully. All you need to do is to follow these simple yet effective tips. You'll certainly be fulfilled as you watch your fish swim happily in your own aquarium. - 32185
About the Author:
Dave Bowman is an aquarium enthusiast who likes to help others succeed in raising their fish in glass reef aquariums. He is also a regular speaker at many clubs on complete aquarium systems
