Choosing and Keeping Fish Tanks

Editor: firemountain

The proper set up and keeping of fish tanks and aquariums is crucial to ensure the health, longevity and enjoyment of the fish you choose.

If you are interested in keeping fish as a hobby, it's best to start small. I would recommend you start with a 10-gallon tank and get a complete kit from your fish store. Be sure you read all the instructions that come with the kit and be familiar with each piece of equipment and each chemical before you start.

Step one: Choose where you want to put your tank. The tank will need to be close to an electrical outlet. Avoid putting the tank in front of a window or over a heating vent. Placing a tank in either location will make it impossible to regulate the temperature of the water. Placing the tank in front of a window also causes an extreme amount of algae growth. You will want the tank placed about waist high or higher, or on an aquarium stand. This will help keep children and pets out of the water and be easier to watch the fish.

Step two: Ten-gallon tanks come in a variety of shapes and styles. Choose a tank that you like and will most suitably fit in the location where you will place the tank. The kit should include a tank hood with lights. The hood is needed to keep the fish in and unwanted things out. The lights in the hood are needed so you can see the fish. You can use a timer on the light with an inexpensive electric timer or turn it on manually. The light should not be on continuously because light promotes algae growth.

Other items the kit should contain include an air pump to oxygenate the water. The pump should never come in contact with the water because it can be dangerous. You can also choose from a variety of air stones or ornaments that help circulate the oxygen in the tank.

The tank should also contain a filtration system. Filters remove waste matter from the water and help keep the water pure for months at a time. There are two types of mechanical system filters that have become more common. The most common mechanical filter is a square box fitted on the back of the aquarium with an intake tube placed in the water. Inside the box is a fiber filter with charcoal inside. When this fiber is dirty you can either replace it or wash it out. The filter should be changed monthly and washed out in between changes.

The second type is called a biological filter, which is placed under the gravel filter. An under gravel filter is a raised plate that is placed under the gravel in the tank and connected to a pump. Beneficial bacteria in the tank draw water through the gravel where the waste is trapped and broken down. A mechanical filter is much more efficient at keeping the tank clean. The biological filters do not work as well.

A heater should also be included. You will need at least a fifty-watt heater with the ability to adjust the temperature. It is important not to use too large of a heater or you run the risk of killing your fish. Tropical fish need to be kept at a temperature between 78 and 82 depending on the type of fish you choose. The heater that you buy may have already been preset at the correct temperature but most heaters will have a dial at the top so you can adjust the temperature. You will also need a thermometer to check the temperature of the water and to make sure the heater is functioning correctly.

Last but not least, your kit should include gravel. Gravel will allow a bacteria colony to form and it makes the fish tank more attractive. How much gravel will you need? A rule of thumb is one inch for every 10 gallons. That may seem like a lot but it really is not. Rinse the gravel off before you place it in the tank, your filter will handle the rest.

There are a few other things you will need to buy. You will need a fish net, a water conditioner and a bacteria starter. The bacteria starter is one of the most important things to have for the setup of your aquarium. The agent I found to work best is called Cycle. It creates a balance of healthy bacteria in your tank and keeps your fish healthy.

Other optional items include decorations. Talk to the fish store employee about the type of fish you want to put in your tank and whether the fish require a place to hide, or special items placed in the tank to make them happy.

Step three: Set up your tank completely including the chemicals you purchased, but do not add any fish. Before you can add fish you must let the tank run for at least two weeks. This is very important. Letting the tank run allows the temperature of the water to stabilize. Also it allows the water to be filtered and the bacteria starter to start building a bacteria colony. It is always recommended that before you add fish you may want to get your water tested. Most fish stores will test your water for free and offer advice on the type of fish your tank is ready for.

Step four: Now that you are ready to add fish, here are some considerations. Not all fish get along with each other. You want to put aggressive fish together or community fish together but don't mix the two types. Start out with a couple of fish and add one or two at a time. You want to allow at least 1 gallon of water for each inch of fish. Remember, fish grow, so consider the size of a fully-grown fish.

It is best to start out with community fish such as guppies, mollies, and so on. The fish store employee can be very helpful in choosing your fish. Keep in mind that certain types of fish may need to be in schools or require a certain diet. It is always best to ask for help in the selection of your fish and also setting up your tank if you have any questions.

I hope you find fish keeping as enjoyable as I do.

Categories: Pets | Fish and Aquaria | Hobbies