Beginner's Guide to Aquariums

Caring for Your Aquarium Plants

2006-03-09T16:25:10Z

Many people, of course, do not just keep fish in their aquarium; rather, they also (or only) keep plants. Not only do plants contribute to the aesthetic quality of your aquarium, but they also help the fish. Plants oxygenate the aquarium, improve water chemistry, and provide shelter for the fish.

Before you insert plants into your aquarium, remove any dying roots, as well as the bottom leaves. In addition, some plants have specific planting requirements (e.g. they need to be attached to rocks), so follow the planting instructions carefully.

After you have planted the plants, keep an eye on them to make sure they are in good condition. Even though plants feed themselves through photosynthesis, you can assist that process by adding chemicals such as magnesium, sulfur, and potassium. You can also provide fertilizer by inserting carbon dioxide tablets into your aquarium.

In addition to traditional plants, you may have other non-fish items in your aquarium, such as gravel, coral, or live rock. Each of these items require special care, such as gravel cleaner, so ask for cleaning instructions when you purchase these products for your aquarium.

Aquarium Accessories Overview

2006-03-22T16:19:54Z

The key to aquarium accessories is understanding their purposes and how they work. Aquariums are not only beautiful and fun; they are also exciting and educational. If you take care of it, your aquarium can provide the perfect habitat for your fish and plants as well as a lovely addition to the ambiance of your home. Used properly, aquarium accessories can help you give your fish a good residence that is safe and lovely.

The first thing to consider when setting up an aquarium is the size of the aquarium and whether or not it needs a stand. Keep in mind that for each gallon of water in your tank, you have eight pounds in water weight plus rocks, plants, filter, etc. Also look at your filtering and pumping needs. How much water do you need to filter and clean? What level of water flow do you desire? Are you using the right chemicals in your tank in the proper amounts? Talk to the expert at your fish store about these details.

Next, think about lighting – a necessity for a healthy aquarium. Not only do you have several choices regarding style of lighting, but you must also learn how much light your particular fish need. Also consider what temperature they need. Depending on the type of fish they are and where your aquarium is located, you may need a water heater, or you may need a chiller. Finally, you’ve got the fun part – the tank ornaments. Not only can they add personality and a certain mood to your tank, but they are also necessary for many fish’ territorial needs.

Aquariums can be exciting additions to every home; however, they should be used properly and maintained with care. Aquarium accessories are available at pet stores, discount stores, online, and many other places. Talk to an expert about your aquarium needs, and try to get the best value for your money. However, if you’re really interested in fostering a life-filled aquarium environment, don’t skimp on quality. The accessories used in an aquarium can make the difference between a self-contained ecosystem in your home and tank full of water.

Aquarium Stands

2006-03-22T16:21:21Z

If you have an aquarium that holds over twenty gallons of water (or if you would like to display your aquarium in a more prominent place), you need to consider a stand. All medium and large aquariums require steady support. Of course, there aren’t a lot of requirements for an aquarium stand, aside from its need to be the right size, sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, and possibly adorned with extra shelves and drawers. So if you have the time and skills, you may want to consider building your own stand. However, if you would like to purchase a stand, they are available at many furniture and pet stores in many different styles. They usually range from a price as inexpensive as $40 to a cost as high as several hundred dollars.

Some stands are designed to multi-task in your home. If you are considering keeping your aquarium in your office, you may want to look into the models that include bookshelves within the stand. For a very contemporary look, all-glass stands are available; and for those with little space, desktop units can be purchased. Many aquarium stands, in their desire to add to the décor of your home, offer cover strips for the aquarium itself that will match the trim of the stand. Metal stands are excellent alternatives for those who are on a tight budget. Lightweight, durable, and usually made to hold two tanks – these may be perfect for children or those for whom cost is a concern. Basically, aquarium stands are additions to the safety and the beauty of your aquarium. And if you look hard enough, you are sure to be able to find what you desire for a reasonable price.

Aquarium Heaters

2006-03-22T16:21:56Z

Aquariums can be a joy to children, fish-lovers, your visitors, and many other people. But when you’re setting up your aquarium, how do you know if you need a heater for your aquarium? There are several things that you should consider, including the type of fish you are hoping to keep as well as the temperature in the room they’ll reside in. Since fish are cold-blooded, they rely on the water around them to maintain their body temperature. So heaters can be crucial in keeping fish alive and healthy.

There are several types of heaters available, and they come in different sizes based on how large or small your aquarium is. The four main types of heaters are Immersible Heaters, Submersible Heaters, Substrate Heaters, and Filter Heaters.

• Immersible Heaters. These are often also called hang-on heaters and are the least expensive type of aquarium heater. Their biggest drawback is that the heater control must remain above the water line, causing setting the temperature properly to be more difficult.
• Submersible Heaters. These have the benefit of being fully submerged in the tank, readily concealed and easier to use when setting the temperature. However, they are also much more expensive than the Immersibles and are not easily repaired.
• Substrate Heaters. Among those who not only glory in the fish in their aquarium but also the plant growth taking place there, these heaters are excellent choices. They use cables to heat the water uniformly and are unnoticeable. The downsides are that they are more expensive, they are not as available in stores as the other previously mentioned heaters, and the whole tank must be taken apart in order to work on the heaters.
• Filter Heaters. These are the newest kinds of heaters and are made up of a heating block that fits into the filter, heating the water as it moves through the filter. Because it is unseen, it allows the tank to be more aesthetically pleasing. However, it is much more expensive and not easy to find and purchase.

Aquarium Filters

2006-03-22T16:23:22Z

In order to maintain a healthy environment for their fish and plant life, all aquariums need a filtration system. Not only will a good filter run all the water in the tank through a filter several times an hour, it will also help in aerating the fish’s home. The size of your aquarium and your personal preference will determine the type of filter that you should purchase.

Small and medium aquariums usually utilize power filters or a UGF; however, large aquariums require something with a little more power such as canister filters. Some of the most common styles of filters are:

• Box Filters. These are the original filters, also known as corner filters. They are quite inexpensive and, though not used as frequently as they used to be, are very helpful in breeding tanks or aquariums that are not used all the time.
• Power Filters. These are, for sure, the most widely used filters for aquariums. Easy to install and maintain, they provide both mechanical and chemical filtrations and can be combined with a biowheel to also give biological filtration.
• Diatomic Filters. These filters focus on very small particles in the water and are most often used when fine algae or other particulate matter is a problem. Diatomic are really just specialty filters.
• Canister Filters. These are the most powerful of all aquarium filters and are located outside the tank. Their biggest disadvantage is the fact that they are difficult to take apart to clean and maintain and then to put back together and start again.

Aquarium Pumps

2006-03-22T16:24:12Z

Because of the many sizes and styles of accessories available in the aquarium market, it is important that when you are searching for the right pump that you know the size of your aquarium, the rate at which the water is going to need to flow, the head pressure, and how much money you are willing to spend. The aquarium pump is considered by some to be the most important component of your aquarium system; so when finding the right pump, be sure to look for quality and suitability rather than only price.

The size of your pump is completely determined by the size of your aquarium. A large aquarium holding a lot of water is obviously going to need much more power than a small fish tank. Usually, the desired flow rate of the water is between 3 and 7 times for saltwater aquariums (depending on whether or not they are fish-only) and 2 and 3 times for freshwater aquariums. You also need to consider the head pressure – the distance from the inlet of the pump to the discharge point in the tank. If you are unsure about the head pressure and the calculations needed to determine your desired flow rate, talk to an aquarium expert or a sales associate at your local pet store; they will be able to help you.

Aquarium pumps come in many styles; however, some of the advantages that certain brands spout over others are their high quality of construction, their quiet running sounds, and their flow control. Also many pumps have a dust filter that extends the life of the pump. There are some pumps that are known for being the cheapest on the market, and these appeal to certain users who are dealing with a tight aquarium budget. However, these pumps are also known for being very noisy and needing frequent repairs. Again, talk to an aquarium expert about what pump is right for your aquarium and how you can get the most out of your money.

Aquarium Chemicals

2006-03-22T16:24:53Z

One common misconception regarding fish and aquariums is that the more chemicals you dump in the water, the healthier the little creatures will be. This could not be further from the truth. Certain types of fish and aquarium setups require specific chemicals. However, you should check with the customer service associate at your pet store when purchasing these fish to become educated about the use of these chemicals. Using too many water treatments or fish medicines could cause problems rather than solving them.

It is important, though, to measure the pH, ammonia, nitrites, and water hardness levels in your aquarium to try and balance them. However, you must be educated and careful when doing this. Your best bet is to invest in water test kits which are easy to use and can help you utilize your aquarium’s chemicals wisely. If you encounter any chemicals problems when testing the water, contact your rep again about your fish’ and plants’ exact needs and how you can provide for them without improper use of the aquarium chemicals.

Aquarium Lights

2006-03-22T16:25:34Z

While some people may not realize it, the proper amount of light in your aquarium is crucial for a suitable balance in the environment as well as a pleasing look. Every living thing in the tanks requires some light to live and reproduce; however, knowing exactly how much light is needed and controlling that amount of light can be quite difficult.

There are many variables to consider when deciding how much light your aquarium needs. Fish not only need light to see; it is also important for their reproduction. And certain species need varying intensities. Light also effects the colors of the fish – brighter lights tend to lead to brighter colors. Usually, fish require about 12 hours of some light for every day, and the intensity depends on the size of the tank. You can also look to your green plants to see if the light in the aquarium is appropriate. Green plants grow when there is enough light in the aquarium, green algae when there is too much. Lighting for aquariums is best in fluorescent styles; avoid incandescent bulbs since they give off heat – which can irritate the fish.

Aquarium Decor

2006-03-22T16:26:11Z

Decorating your aquarium is not only beneficial to the life in the aquarium but also to you. As it relates to you, a fully decorated aquarium is very pleasing to the eye and can be an excellent addition to most rooms in your home or office. For the fish, aquarium decor can provide necessary territorial landmarks and boundaries as well as places of refuge and shade. Decorations for your aquarium can be located at pet stores, many discount shops, and even in nature; however, you must be careful to clean and prepare the decor properly before introducing them to the aquarium environment.

Aquarium decor can include rocks, plants, and decorations designed for fish tanks as well as backgrounds that can hang behind the aquarium, covering wires and filters that you don’t want to be seen, making the aquarium ambiance more natural and beautiful and creating darker areas for shy fish. Some decorations, however, are not suitable for certain aquariums. If you have a freshwater tank, coral seashells and some other decor may dissolve and increase the pH levels. Certain metal objects can cause metal poisoning. And rocks and other items taken from ponds can introduce unwanted invertebrate and other creatures if not soaked in bleach and water and rinsed thoroughly before use.

UV Sterilizers

2006-03-22T16:27:36Z

If your aquarium has ever had a problem with or is still experiencing an unstoppable growth of algae, a UV (ultraviolet) Sterilizer may be exactly the piece of equipment that can save your aquarium environment. Without disrupting your biological filter, a UV Sterilizer uses light ranges from 200 to 300nm to clean the water by killing off bacteria, algae, protozoa, and other microorganisms. Unrivaled in its ability to purify water as well as its simplicity and efficiency, UV energy is radiated throughout the aquarium through special glass lamps. The UV Sterilizer is actually the only guaranteed way to completely eliminate the “green water” that comes from out-of-control algae.

If you are considering using a UV Sterilizer, talk to your aquarium expert about what model will be best for you. Consider the size of your tank; for each 3 to 6 gallons of water (depending on whether this is a marine or freshwater aquarium) in your tank, you will need one watt of UV power. Proper installation, use, and maintenance techniques will be included in your UV Sterilizer package; if you are still not sure how to use the device after consulting these instructions, talk to the representative at your pet store. Also, be sure only to use UV Sterilizers on established tanks.

Aquarium Chillers

2006-03-22T16:28:15Z

Heat – one of the most common problems with aquariums – can completely destroy your freshwater or marine aquarium environment and the life inside it. Not only is this excess heat related to the outside temperature, but it also greatly affected by the many lighting mechanisms and pumps used in aquariums. Aquarium Chillers are devices that will keep destruction from high temperatures from happening by controlling the temperature of the tank water even in the harshest conditions.

Aquarium Chillers come in two different forms – the drop-in and the inline. Both have the same purpose and result; they just work differently. A drop-in aquarium chiller sits next to the tank or sump and feeds coolant into the water, while an inline chiller processes internally water that is fed to it by the pump. You will also need a temperature controller to operate the chiller. Prices for these chillers range from around a hundred dollars to nearly a thousand.

Aquarium Care

2006-07-19T14:37:52Z

Freshwater Aquariums

2006-07-19T14:40:20Z

Saltwater Aquariums

2006-07-19T14:42:41Z

Terrariums

2006-07-19T14:44:32Z

Beginner's Guide to Aquariums

Caring for Your Aquarium Plants

Aquarium Accessories Overview

Aquarium Stands

Aquarium Heaters

Aquarium Filters

Aquarium Pumps

Aquarium Chemicals

Aquarium Lights

Aquarium Decor

UV Sterilizers

Aquarium Chillers

Aquarium Care

Introduction to Aquarium Care

Keeping Your Aquarium Clean

Monitoring and Maintaining Water Quality

Caring for Your Aquarium Fish

Freshwater Aquariums

Introduction to Freshwater Aquariums

Choosing and Buying a Freshwater Aquarium

Freshwater Aquarium Fish

Freshwater Aquarium Set-Up and Supplies

Saltwater Aquariums

Introduction to Saltwater Aquariums

Choosing and Buying a Saltwater Aquarium

Stocking Your Saltwater Aquarium

Saltwater Aquarium Set-Up and Supplies

Terrariums

What are Terrariums?

Why would I need a Terrarium?

Where can I buy a Terrarium?

How much does a Terrarium cost?