The livestock in freshwater aquaria are inhabitants from rivers, lakes and streams. However, if you were to go for a heavily planted freshwater aquarium for example, additional special lighting, fertilizers and carbon dioxide will be required and the costs can really add up fast. Colourful and natural, they provide an impressive visual whilst requiring a less demanding maintenance regime and lower operating costs. Cost and maintenance are two major factors you need to consider as well.įreshwater tropical aquariums are a great place to start in your fish keeping hobby. When it comes to choosing which ecosystem you want, it’s not all about aesthetics. There are, however, a number of aspects that differentiate the two. So which one is best for you?īoth types of aquarium have their rewards and challenges and both are incredibly stunning showpieces for your room. The next step is deciding on whether to have a freshwater or saltwater aquarium! It is probably one of the most important decisions you’re going to have to make with regards to the fish tank. So you’re ready to take the plunge in to the exclusive club of luxury aquarium owners. That way, for example, the light can be on when you’re home enjoying your fish, but automatically switch off when you’re away or sleeping.įinally, keep in mind that fish grow! Do some research to find out the typical adult size of the fish you plan to purchase and make sure you have enough room in your tank for all those full-grown fish.Saltwater Aquarium vs Freshwater May 2013 To control light exposure, Israel suggests an aquarium light on a timer. But, Israel warns, too much light encourages algae growth in the tank, so it's important to regularly scrape the algae from the tank's sides and from decorative objects within the aquarium. Your freshwater fish and aquatic plants will benefit from a regular source of light. Talk to the expert in the aquatics department at your local retailer about the specific type of fish you plan to purchase and how much space they need. While opinions differ about the correct number of fish to keep according to the size of the tank, it's good to err on the side of a larger tank with fewer fish. A larger tank allows for more water volume, so it takes longer for the water to become dirty.
Many experts recommend purchasing at least a 20-gallon tank for your fish.
FRESHWATER FISH TANK FISH FULL
Leave some of the buildup in the filter it’s full of good bacteria. But be careful not to clean the filter too often or too carefully. Follow kit instructions for acceptable levels and testing frequency.Ī quality power filter is essential to your tank and must be cleaned regularly to keep it working well.
A water quality kit will help you regularly test the levels of ammonia, nitrite, pH and specific gravity. Purchase a heater and a thermometer to maintain the right temperature for your fish community.īe sure the new water is treated with a dechlorinating agent to remove chlorine, chloramine and trace metals typically found in municipal water. While most freshwater fish should be comfortable in this range, some types of fish prefer water on the higher end of the range and some on the lower. Siphon out a portion of the water and replace it with treated tap water that matches the temperature of the existing tank water.įreshwater aquariums should range in temperature from 72–78 degrees, Israel says. Some sources recommend replacing 25 percent of the water every two weeks, but Israel recommends a weekly water replacement of up to 50 percent. Keep the Tank Fish-friendlyĪccording to Israel, tank maintenance is one of the biggest factors in an aquarium's success. You will need to be patient: Israel recommends waiting three weeks before you add fish to your tank in order to give the tank time to accumulate the healthy bacteria that will keep your fish happy and thriving. This is a big mistake, warns Bob Israel, a longtime freshwater aquarium hobbyist and board member of the Delaware County Aquarium Society in Pennsylvania. Many novices want to bring their new tank home, fill it up and get their fish in as soon as possible. While a freshwater aquarium isn’t overly difficult to set up or maintain, it does require some research, attention and commitment. Freshwater aquariums are alluring and beautiful, but many people shy away from keeping a tank because it seems complicated.
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