How to Have a Successful Freshwater Aquarium



Posted: Tuesday, June 08, 2010

by Chris Walker
http://www.freshwateraquarium.org

If you decide to put up a freshwater aquarium, the main thing to consider is the health of the inhabitants. Of course you also have to consider the type of materials you will use. Choosing the appropriate materials is essential to a good start. Other equipment and supplies needed for your fish tank are aquarium gravel, filter, heater, aquarium decorations, fish food, aquarium vacuum, and most of all the appropriate type of fish. There are many common freshwater aquarium fish which include goldfish, cichlids, tetras, mollies, platies, and various other community fish. These are guidelines to consider for a successful freshwater set up. Generally, all I have mentioned above are some essentials for a good start. After starting your aquarium there is the maintenance which is very vital for the inhabitants to survive. There are various techniques to implement after the set up below:

1. Know your responsibility. You can’t just keep fish because you like them to be in your living room as decorations. Fish have a life, they are like any other beings and should be taken care of. Make sure they are placed safely away from hazardous things. Location is very vital for their survival. Aquariums must be placed in an area where the light and temperature of the tank won't be affected by external sources such as windows and heater vents. Sunlight that enters the room through windows could affect the temperature of the tank. Cleanliness must also be observed, once a week, or at least once every two weeks, you will need to perform some kind of maintenance on the tank. Most of the time you will be performing water changes. You will also have to feed your fish at least once a day.

2. Prepare necessary equipment. There are things that are vital for the maintenance and preservation of the inhabitants. Some of which are the aquarium filter and heater capable of heating the tank size you have. You will need to buy aquarium gravel, plants, a power strip and other decorations. A sturdy aquarium stand is also important. Be sure to clean your tank using water only. Detergents and soap residues are harmful for tropical fish if left behind after washing. Prepare your aquarium decorations that will make it more beautiful both for you and the inhabitants inside. But before adding them to your tank be sure to wash the gravel and decorations thoroughly with water only. After adding the gravel you can place your plants and decorations. To avoid messing up your gravel and plants, you can place a plate or saucer in the middle of your aquarium and direct the water flow onto the plate. Don't completely fill up the aquarium until you are sure of the layout of your decorations. Finally, install your heater. Hook up your filter and any other equipment you have, then top off the aquarium water to just under the hood lip. Place your hood and tank light on the aquarium and then check your power cords to be sure that they are free of water. I would also recommend using a drip loop on all of the power cords to be extra cautious.

3. Feeding. Be certain to find out any special feeding requirements your fish may have before purchasing them and be sure you can provide them what they ought to have. Better yet, feed your fish a variety of appropriate food to make sure they are getting everything they need.

The way to start up a freshwater aquarium experience is not really complicated. Just be sure to know essential information and tips, ask questions to those who have experience with aquariums.

Chris Walker is a biologist and freshwater aquarium enthusiast. For more information on freshwater aquariums, visit http://freshwateraquarium.org.
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