Introduction to the Wonderful World of Fishkeeping
Welcome to the exciting, engaging, and soothing world of fish keeping. Every year, countless individuals discover home aquariums’ charm and natural beauty. As a new aquarist, you’re not just observing a different world, but you’re also creating it. It’s a unique chance to learn about aquatic life and its behaviour first-hand while fostering an appreciation for our natural environment. An aquarium is a beautiful, always intriguing addition to your home or office – a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and relaxation for everyone.
Treating Fish as Pets
Consider your fish as your pets, and you’ll realize they deserve the utmost care and attention. They are dependent on you to maintain their habitat. A healthy aquarium is quite manageable to attain and maintain, but it doesn’t occur on its own – it depends on your efforts.
Natural bodies of water are cleansed and filtered naturally. But in an aquarium, you are in charge of this process. It includes not overcrowding your tank, not overfeeding the fish, regularly changing some water, cleaning the gravel bed, and providing appropriate filtration.
Does it sound overwhelming? It’s not. In fact, it typically takes only about half an hour a week.
Necessary Equipment for Your Aquarium
Here’s a list of essentials you need to start:
- Gravel: Ideal types are coated or pre-washed.
- Decorations: Only use those meant for aquariums (like live or artificial plants and ornaments).
- Water Conditioner: This makes tap water safe for fish.
- Net: Used for transferring fish.
- Gravel Washer: Useful for water changes and cleaning.
- Fish Food: Consult your local pet store for recommendations.
Setting Up Your Aquarium
Setting up an aquarium requires certain considerations:
- Handling the Tank: Never move a full or partially full tank. Always support it from the bottom. Don’t lift it with wet hands or by the upper edges.
- Cleaning the Tank: Use a damp cloth to clean your tank inside and out before setup. Avoid soap, detergents, or cleaning agents.
- Choosing a Location: Place your tank on a flat, sturdy surface close to an electrical outlet but away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and air conditioners.
- Adding Gravel and Water: Add 1.5 to 2 pounds of thoroughly rinsed gravel per gallon of water. Fill the tank gently to avoid disturbing the gravel, always using room-temperature, dechlorinated water.
Three-Stage Filtration
Maintaining a healthy aquarium involves three stages of filtration:
- Mechanical Filtration: Traps solid debris like uneaten food and fish waste. Filter cartridges can handle both mechanical and chemical filtration.
- Chemical Filtration: Utilizes activated carbon to adsorb dissolved pollutants causing water discolouration and odour.
- Biological Filtration: Involves beneficial bacteria that eliminate toxic ammonia and nitrite that build up in the water. These bacteria grow on various surfaces within the tank and provide biological filtration.
Additional Aquarium Considerations
Remember that a heater may be necessary to maintain the appropriate water temperature, especially for tropical fish. Lighting not only accentuates your fish’s colours but is also crucial for live plant growth. Be careful with lighting duration, as excessive light exposure can cause algae growth. Always consider safety precautions before plugging in any electrical equipment.
Adding Fish to Your Aquarium
Patience is crucial when creating a new aquarium environment. Let your system run for at least 24 hours before adding any fish. Start with a few recommended fish and gradually introduce more over the next four to six weeks.
Maintenance of Your Aquatic Environment
Regular filter maintenance ensures cleaner water and healthier fish. Replace your filter cartridge and perform a 25% water change every two to four weeks. Also, make sure to clean the gravel thoroughly. If you notice cloudy, yellowish water or a bad smell, it indicates the need for an immediate water change and filter replacement.
When replacing water, always treat it first to neutralize harmful chlorine or chloramines. Also, make sure to replace the old water with new water of a similar temperature to avoid shocking your fish.
Designate specific cleaning tools just for your aquarium to prevent pollutants. And remember, always unplug electrical equipment before performing any maintenance tasks.