Beginners Guide to Freshwater Aquariums

You can set up a freshwater aquarium without difficulty at all. You just have to gather the supplies that you need and follow these easy steps. Before you know it, you will have the beautiful aquarium that is suitable for your fish. You can begin with the equipment, which you will need. If you are new to this, most of this has to be bought. Someone who has experience in keeping an aquarium can come up with one or two of these items.

• Aquarium or fish tank that will accommodate the quantity of fish, which you like.
• Substrate vacuum and substrate
• Aquarium filter plus filter replacements for maintenance
• Heater and thermometer
• Real or fake plants, though, real ones suit your freshwater aquarium
• Aquarium test kit for testing your aquarium’s salinity
• A large bucket
• A net plus a strainer with big holes

Choose the tank size that will accommodate the size and quantity of fish, which you like to keep. You want fish that would feel free to move about so they should not be overcrowded or too big for the aquarium you pick. You can begin by getting a tank with a capacity of 10 gallons then put a number of small fishes, which do not grow too big. Once you gain a little experience, you can try a bigger tank with other fish species.

Look for a safe and stable area to place your aquarium. Always remember to keep them within reach of kids and pets since they can cause disturbance. When it is close to a window where sunshine penetrates, this can increase the temperature of water. Too much of direct sunshine will allow algae to increase.

There are various filters that are available in different prices. Also, there are fishes that produce more waste compared to others so they need particular types of filters. The heater should match the tank’s size. You should, likewise, consider the substrate, plants plus other accessories that you will include in your tank.

Clean the aquarium by rinsing every single part that will be put inside. Soap should not be used since it will kill the fish. Once the tank and its parts are clean, the filter can be set up. When everything is its place, you can put the water inside the aquarium. So you won’t make a mess out of the plants and gravel that you have arranged, position a saucer at the center then run water on it. Let this flow over into your aquarium. Be sure that this is de-chlorinated and has a room temperature.

Install the heater then leave it for 15 minutes. This gives time for its thermostat to adapt to the temperature of the water. Cover it with the lid and check if the tank light works properly. Chords should not come in contact with the water. Plug everything that will make use of electricity then turn it on.

Finally, place your fish one by one or by twos. The filtration system should be gradually adapted. The fish should become accustomed to their new home before placing them inside. So, you should drop the bag that carried them, inside the tank for 15 minutes. They don’t need to be fed, on the first day. However, you should do so, starting the next day. Always get ready for spring cleaning, every two weeks or every month.