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If you have looked with awe at the bubbling, teaming with life aquariums in offices and public buildings, and thought, "Wow! Isn't that fabulous?" then perhaps it's time to consider creating and managing your own fresh water aquarium!
THE BASICS
What Size? This should be your first consideration, and it will also be influenced by the level of care you'd like to invest in your aquarium, and the space you have available in your home. It is a misnomer that the smaller the aquarium the less care or cleaning they require. In fact, quite the opposite is true. In smaller environments, nitrates, ammonia, and other harmful organics build up rapidly, requiring more frequent cleanings. Also, you are striving to recreate a micro, thriving bio-envirmoment, which is more likely to happen if you have more space in which to do it. You will also have to base this decision on the space available in your home. If you have a relatively untrafficed wall available to support a free standing, 55 gallon tank, then this would be a good choice. If you intend to place the tank on a countertop or another surface, then it is better to go with something more moderate, like a 20 or 30 gallon tank. Remember, water in ANY tank is very heavy, and the stand or furniture in which you set it on must be able to bear the weight without warping.
THE INSIDE BUSINESS
Once you have the size and space all mapped out, it's time to purchase what you will need to set up the aquarium. The following is a general list of what you will need:
* Tank and Hood w/light - Remember that larger CAN be better in the world of fresh water aquariums.
* Filtration System - This can be one of several types. The most common is the bio filtration which consists of an underground slotted plate and hollow tubes that rise from the base in which air tubing, air stones, and charcoal filters are attached. Second, is the above ground filtration system, in which a tank sits on the outside of the aquarium, and the water is filtered through a filtration medium bag inside the filter tank. Third, and mainly used only in very large, high capacity tanks, are cylindrical filtration tanks that sit below your aquarium, and have several different filtering medias in one large tank.
* Rocks or Gravel - You will need enough to completely cover the bottom plate, to the depth of about two to three inches.
* Aeration: Air Pumps - You will need aeration in your tank, even if you choose to use an above ground filter. Purchase a pump according to the size of your tank, and the aeration needed. You can purchase air stones, wands, and other types of air dispersing equipment.
* Rocks, Wood, and other decorations - You will want to purchase some attractive stones and decorations for your aquarium. Wood can be used, but only presterilized drift or bog wood, which can be bought in pet stores. You CAN use your own, but it must be boiled, soaked and drained several times to rid them of excessive tannins prior to being submerged in the tank. Also, wood has a tendency to float, so it will need to be soaked ahead of time and weighted down with a rock. You can also purchase plastic plants at this point, and other decorations - just make sure if you plan on putting in live plants, that you leave sufficient room in the tank.
* Background - In most cases, people prefer to put a preprinted or colored foil backing onto their tank so you do not see the wall from behind. This can be purchased at a pet store.
* Purchase some dechlorinator, which removes chlorine from the water, and also aids the fish by protecting their slime coating. A good, popular brand is Stress Coat®.
SETTING THINGS UP
Now it's time to set up the inside of your tank, filtration system, gravel and decorations. Keep in mind that certain fish like places to hide and congregate, so set up your decorations accordingly. Strive for an overall balance in the tank that is appealing to both your eye and the tank inhabitants' needs. You can add live plants at this point - make sure they are secured properly to the bottom by covering them with some gravel or a small rock.
Now it's time to fill the tank. You can use tap water, and slowly let the tank fill, keeping the water flow low so as not to disturb the decorations any more than necessary. Add the correct amount of dechlorinator to the water according to directions and tank size. It is advised that you let the water sit in the tank for at least 48 hours before you add any fish.
ADDING THE FISH
The first thing to be said when adding fish is, less is better to start. You will need to do this so that your new tank can begin to initiate its micro-environment, which includes bacteria that comes from decomposition and fish waste. If you overstock before your tank has had a chance to balance and develop this healthy environment, you can foul the water and stress the fish. Add a few at a time per week, until you are happy with the results, or until you've reached the maximum capacity for your tank. The general rule is, 2 to inches of fish per gallon of water. So, if you have a twenty gallon tank, you can have 10, 2 inch or less fish. This is not a hard and fast rule, since some fish, like gold fish, do excrete considerable waste, thus making it imperative that you stock with less, or clean more often! Keep in mind, unless you purchase fully grown fish, your 1 inch angel fish, can end up being 4 inches when fully grown, so keep this in mind when stocking your tank. Again, it's best to start with a few, and build up as time passes. A crowded environment is harder to maintain and keep the residents healthy. Do your research ahead of time to determine exactly what type of fish (appearance and temperament) that you want in your tank. Certain fish just do not mix well with others, so this is something you will need to know ahead of time.
POPULAR FISH FOR FRESH WATER, TROPICAL AQUARIUMS
We will start with the smaller fish, and move up to the larger.
* Tetra - Tetras come in a variety of colors, and sizes, but the most popular are the smaller breeds, such as: Neons, Flame, Rosy-finned, and Glow Light tetras. This are schooling fish, so you should purchase them three or more at a time.
* Guppy, Molly, Platy, and the Sword Tail - These fish stay fairly small and are live bearers, which means if the tank environment is right, you can have live babies swimming around in no time.
* Tiger Barbs, Cherry Barbs, and Rasbora - These fish stay moderate in size, and should be purchased in at least three to a school.
* Loaches - Clown, Coolie and Dwarf Loach are all popular bottom feeders and inhabitants. They can get up to 4 inches long in some tanks.
* Cichlids - These fish come in a variety of colors and sizes, some growing quite large, and they are VERY aggressive and territorial. If you decide on cichlids, your tank should be exclusively cichlids.
* Plecostomus and Catfish - These fish are bottom feeders, and are considered to be the 'tank vaccumes' which is really a misnomer. They do need food supplement other than bottom waste and algae.
* Angel Fish - Angel Fish are a popular tropical aquarium fish, their broad fan tails and bright colors make a beautiful addition to any tank. These fish can grow to be quite large if the tank itself is sizable.
Follow these basic steps, and you can enjoy a successful, thriving tropical water environment right in your own living room!
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