Owning an aquarium can be a rewarding and fun hobby and even job. Raising fish can either be very easy or become difficult and frustrating, but can be prevented with a few steps. Some choices that are vital for success are your tank, filters, heaters, lights and decor. Starting with a bigger tank will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. What does a bigger tank provide you may ask? At least a twenty-gallon fish tank is suitable for a novice. Keep in mind the inch per gallon rule when buying fish. This rule insures that your fish have enough space in the tank and good to follow to avoid overcrowding. For every inch of fish there should be at least a gallon.
There are many styles of tanks such as hexagonal, pentagonal, cylinders and even in the wall aquariums. The easiest to maintain is the rectangular style since the edges are minimal. If you have a bigger tank you may need more maintenance items such as filters, heaters and lights.
Filters are very important for a healthy tank, there are many types of filters and all get the same job done. Some common styles are: power filters, Bio wheel filters, internal filters, and under gravel filters. Power and bio wheel filters are probably the most efficient and easiest filters to maintain. They hang over the side into the tank and have cartridges that have to be changed about one a month. The under gravel filters have their benefits and drawbacks. They are an older style filter and are placed at the bottom of the tank under the gravel. They do not have cartridges that have to be changes monthly but can get gummed up and have to be taken completely out to clean. They also usually will not clean as well as a power or bio wheel filter but can be made at home and are cheaper.
Heaters are pertinent for the survival of your fish. Most heaters are the same, but submersible heaters are the way to go. I would suggest buying two so that if one breaks you have an extra. Also for every twenty-five gallons have a heater, so if you have fifty-gallon tank have two heaters.
Lighting is important if you have live plants in your aquarium so they can flourish. Most lids for the tanks come with a standard fluorescent bulb, but brighter bulbs are advised for optimal lighting for aquarium plants.
Lastly, any decor and extra utilities like bubblers can be added for look and to help the fish have a happy and secure habitat. - 29953
There are many styles of tanks such as hexagonal, pentagonal, cylinders and even in the wall aquariums. The easiest to maintain is the rectangular style since the edges are minimal. If you have a bigger tank you may need more maintenance items such as filters, heaters and lights.
Filters are very important for a healthy tank, there are many types of filters and all get the same job done. Some common styles are: power filters, Bio wheel filters, internal filters, and under gravel filters. Power and bio wheel filters are probably the most efficient and easiest filters to maintain. They hang over the side into the tank and have cartridges that have to be changed about one a month. The under gravel filters have their benefits and drawbacks. They are an older style filter and are placed at the bottom of the tank under the gravel. They do not have cartridges that have to be changes monthly but can get gummed up and have to be taken completely out to clean. They also usually will not clean as well as a power or bio wheel filter but can be made at home and are cheaper.
Heaters are pertinent for the survival of your fish. Most heaters are the same, but submersible heaters are the way to go. I would suggest buying two so that if one breaks you have an extra. Also for every twenty-five gallons have a heater, so if you have fifty-gallon tank have two heaters.
Lighting is important if you have live plants in your aquarium so they can flourish. Most lids for the tanks come with a standard fluorescent bulb, but brighter bulbs are advised for optimal lighting for aquarium plants.
Lastly, any decor and extra utilities like bubblers can be added for look and to help the fish have a happy and secure habitat. - 29953
