A beautiful aquarium full of fish can be a breathtaking sight. People have enjoyed them for ages, but many of us don’t always know all the important information before getting a new aquarium. There is much to consider when it comes to taking care of fish. It’s not as simple as providing food and cleaning the water tank. If you wish to be a responsible pet owner, please follow this guide and learn all the tips and tricks.
Aquarium Size
This is the first thing to consider when buying an aquarium. Many beginners think a small tank is a good way to start and that it’s easier to take care of, but they are wrong. Try starting with a larger tank, considering your space and budget. It will make it easier for you to keep water temperature and chemistry stable. Recommendations are that your tank is long, but not very tall, so the fish will have more space. Be sure to purchase a heater and filter made for the size of your aquarium.
Aquarium Location
Finding a proper location for your aquarium is very important. Sunlight can cause algae to bloom, so make sure you place it away from the windows. Keep your fish tank away from any air vents and heaters and choose a place where it won’t get accidentally bumped. The aquarium mustn’t be tilted at all, because it could leak or crack. In fact, it has to be 100% leveled and have a strong stand to support it.
Learn About Fish
Thinking carefully about the type of aquarium fish you intend to keep is essential. Fish have different needs and requirements depending on the type and their place of origin(e.g. different water temperatures and chemistry, specific diets). Fish from the same region are likely to have similar requirements, so keeping them together is a good idea. Fishkeeping experts at aquaticly.com encourage aquarium owners to research fish behavior in order to avoid placing predatory fish in their tank. It is likely they will attack and eat other fish. Finding species that occupy different areas is always a good idea. Some fish prefer to be on the bottom, and others near the top. Add a few “clean up” species that feed on the leftover food and algae. They can assist you in keeping the tank clean.
Condition The Water And Cycle Your Tank
Now that you chose your aquarium, location, and type of fish, it’s time to put your fish in the tank. Please be patient and make sure the water is perfect for the health of your fish. Adding a water conditioner will dechlorinate the tap water, which can be very harmful to fish, and even cause death.
Cycling your tank is the most important step that many beginners often skip. This process is basically building up healthy bacteria in your filter. You can do it with or without fish in your tank. It can take a long time, but usually after 2-3 weeks the process will be over and your fish will be safe.
Change Water Regularly
There are many theories and opinions on how frequently the water must be changed, but it mainly depends on how stocked your aquarium is for its size. Experts recommend changing 10-15% of the water every week, or even 20%, if your aquarium is at maximum capacity. If your tank is stocked lightly, you can change the water every 2 weeks. Always use a siphon and don’t clean the filter and sand at the same time, because you don’t want to lose too much bacteria and start cycling all over again. Never use tap water, soaps, or other cleaning products – just the tank water.
Don’t Overstock Your Tank
This is very important, since an overcrowded tank can lead to stress and problems with growth and disease. A general recommendation is 1 inch of fish per 1 gallon of water. Remember that fish growth is affected by the tank size, meaning that if they don’t have enough space they can develop deformities of the spine and become more susceptible to disease.
Don’t Overfeed Your Fish
Feeding your fish in small quantities and making sure they are eating everything is essential. If you notice extra food floating around your aquarium, you know it’s too much. Twice a day is usually enough for most species. Do your research and get to know your fish to be sure what kind of nutrition they need. It’s recommended that they have a varied diet, the same as people.
Aquariums are a wonderful addition to any home. Remember that they are not just decoration and they need to be maintained properly. Having pets is a big responsibility. Don’t take it lightly, and you will be able to enjoy your beautiful fish for a long time.
