Aquariums give you a feel of tranquility while you watch the many different activities in the fish world. This tutorial is 45 years of experience with this hobby. Do not worry if you have little or no experience with tropical fish, this article is especially for you. Here are some common sense guidelines that will help you succeed in setting up and maintaining your aquarium. (Wait until the aquarium is set up before you buy any fish.)
The best way to start is at the beginning; so go out and purchase a new five-gallon bucket (pail) for transferring fresh water into your aquarium. Never use a bucket that has had soap or detergent in it. The same practice applies to all cleaning sponges and cloths you may use; they must be free of contaminants.
The major decision you need to make is on the size of the tank you want to set up. The tank is the actual structure, which holds the water. Ten and twenty gallon tanks are easier to manage for beginners. Please do not let that deter you from going bigger. If you see a 50-gallon kit you like, go for it!
Next, buy a good water filter, it should have disposable replacement filters that are readily available. It is also a good idea to compare the prices in different stores, as they fluctuate greatly. An under gravel filter is not necessary on the 10 gallon tanks; however, if you go larger, it would be recommended.
A water heater that has a rating for the size of your tank is essential. Along with that you will also need a thermometer, this will enable you to monitor the water temperature closely.
Picture scenes and ornaments are a personal choice, they create an underwater landscape, buy what appeals to you. You should also buy enough gravel (small colored stones) to create a 1 to 2 inch thick layer at the bottom of the tank.
Always rinse new gravel, ornaments, or tubes etc. with clean water before you add them to the aquarium. Rinsing with clean water also applies to the tank; the inside needs to be contaminant free. Set the aquarium up with everything you are going to put in it and then you will be ready to add the water.
You can use tap water to fill your aquarium but you may want to have it checked. Just ask your local pet shop personnel for information about the water in your area. Always use a water conditioner to remove the chlorine that is common in tap water. Also add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt per 5 gallons of water, this should help the fish maintain the slime coat that protects them. Do not use table salt with iodine; the pet shop usually has salt that is appropriate for an aquarium. Table salt that does not contain iodine is available at your local grocery store; it is much cheaper than the pet shop variety. Please remember, salt that does not contain iodine! Once you have filled the tank (the water level should be about 1 ½ inches below the rim), turn on your heater, and try to keep the water around 74-78 F. After that, let the water circulate for 24 hours before you buy the fish that you desire.
Now it is time for you to buy your fish. There is no foolproof way to assure you purchase completely healthy fish. However, if you look for certain things, your chances are good. The best fish to start with are some common tropical fish (guppies, neon's etc.), whatever appeals to you, and a couple of catfish.
When you are picking out your fish, do not buy one from an aquarium that has a dead fish floating. Make sure you look the fish over; none of them should be acting sluggish or limping along. Look at their bodies; most notably, look for white spots. This could signal parasite and you do not need to start with a disease in your aquarium.
After you purchase the fish, get them home promptly and prepare to add them to your tank. The correct way to do this is to float the bag (which contain the fish) in your aquarium. This will assure that the water in the bag reaches the same temperature as the water in your aquarium gradually. Wait about 15 minutes and add a little water from your aquarium directly into the bag that contains the fish. Repeat this two or three times and then add the fish to your tank.
When it is time for feeding, never put more food in the aquarium than your fish can eat. Excess food is one of the major causes of disease. Catfish are useful for consuming excess food that may float to the bottom of the tank but you still need to be careful not to overfeed the entire community.
