Easy Freshwater Aquarium Setup
When most of us decide it's time to jump in with both feet and setup that freshwater aquarium we have always wanted, the first problem we encounter is how to start. We begin to second guess our decision, thinking it is going to be too hard, wondering can we really do this? Of course you can! And it's not as difficult to setup an aquarium as you might think; you just need to take it one step at a time.
Obviously you will need an aquarium, the bigger the better, and something sturdy to place it on; then there is the equipment, like filters, heaters, lights, and so forth. You don't need to buy your equipment new, in fact you can save rather a lot by searching the local newspaper ads, online auction sites and online ad listings; but to begin with let's review the key components you will need to make your freshwater aquarium setup complete.
Choose a substrate or the stuff you put on the bottom of the aquarium. Substrate has many varieties to choose from like rock or sand, manmade or natural and also gravel that come with small or medium size. Substrate must typically be three inches depth, which are 2 pounds per gallon. Substrates are very important part of the aquarium because it acts as the biological filtration that spruces the tank. The needs of your fish must be prioritized, instead of beautifying your tank because there are many available options that will help your tank to be beautiful depending on your artistic flare.
The essential materials and equipment you probably needed is the aquarium, filters, heaters, artificial light, substrates, and oxygen machine. In terms of aquarium, you must choose an aquarium that is larger in size and can lasts for a long time. In order for you to save money, why not try to check advertisement in your local newspapers, visit Internet sites dealing with online auctions or some list on online ads. Through these said media you can find discounted equipment and devices. Aside from the basic materials, you also need to know the things you should consider to make your freshwater aquarium setup totally perfect.
There are many filtration equipments that are available that will satisfy with the standard requirement of one unit, but you can always install more than one type just make sure to consider the following:
Mechanical filtration is the elimination of bits and chunks of drifting stuff from your water. A power filter does an excellent job at this.
Much equipment or devices for filtration system are now out in the market. You can even find single filtration device that meet the requisites of standard equipment. But, if you cannot find a single device you can still put more than one device as long as it covers all aspects of purification.
Chemical filtration - it introduces compounds such as carbon that remove dissolved wastes and also reduces odors. Many filters have already provided carbon to the filter of the water flow.
The Biological Filtration refers to nitrifying bacteria that breaks down the unused fish foods even the body waste of fish. Example of this filtration is the under gravel filtration.
Two readily available heater styles are immiscible and submersible. There are other types for special applications, such as planted tanks, but they are not as common. The size heater usually referred to in wattage, which you will need, is dictated by two elements: 1) The temperature requirements of your fish and. 2) The ambient room temperature where your aquarium is placed.
A 20 gallon tank, most in standard calculation of 50 watts should raise the water temperature of 9 degrees above the room temperature.
The customary bulbs in use today are fluorescent and compact fluorescent; some of the smaller aquarium setups may still use a screw in type incandescent bulb. If your aquarium did not include a cover with built in light fixtures, you can certainly buy one separately.
It is best to make a research for lighting options that go with much design which prices are ranges, especially when your aquariums have special need like light demanding plants and coral reefs.
When it comes to how many hours you should turn your lights on each day, a good rule of thumb for standard freshwater aquarium setups is 8-10 hours per day, more if you have live plants. If you are experiencing excessive algae growth, adjust the lighting period until you achieve a happy balance.
Normal aquarium setups requires to open the lights for almost 8 to 10 hours each day if does have natural plants. If you observe multiple productions of algae, try to adjust the lighting to have an equal distribution of light.
It is advisable to test the water first before filling it into the aquarium. The quality of water may of course affect your pet fish. Bad water will result from some illness of the animals. They might be stress and subjected to death. Aside from bad water, immediate alterations in the water temperature or the water ph level can also contributes in the tension or pressure of fish. Even the production of ammonia and nitrates is the other contributor of stress.
In testing your water, you have to check the water ph, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite. It is suggested to test the aquarium water either twice or four times every month. For those people who are involve with the pastime of keeping up freshwater aquarium setup is advisable to have a daily time record on the irregularities of the aquarium so you can always keep an eye on your pet fish.
Obviously you will need an aquarium, the bigger the better, and something sturdy to place it on; then there is the equipment, like filters, heaters, lights, and so forth. You don't need to buy your equipment new, in fact you can save rather a lot by searching the local newspaper ads, online auction sites and online ad listings; but to begin with let's review the key components you will need to make your freshwater aquarium setup complete.
Choose a substrate or the stuff you put on the bottom of the aquarium. Substrate has many varieties to choose from like rock or sand, manmade or natural and also gravel that come with small or medium size. Substrate must typically be three inches depth, which are 2 pounds per gallon. Substrates are very important part of the aquarium because it acts as the biological filtration that spruces the tank. The needs of your fish must be prioritized, instead of beautifying your tank because there are many available options that will help your tank to be beautiful depending on your artistic flare.
The essential materials and equipment you probably needed is the aquarium, filters, heaters, artificial light, substrates, and oxygen machine. In terms of aquarium, you must choose an aquarium that is larger in size and can lasts for a long time. In order for you to save money, why not try to check advertisement in your local newspapers, visit Internet sites dealing with online auctions or some list on online ads. Through these said media you can find discounted equipment and devices. Aside from the basic materials, you also need to know the things you should consider to make your freshwater aquarium setup totally perfect.
There are many filtration equipments that are available that will satisfy with the standard requirement of one unit, but you can always install more than one type just make sure to consider the following:
Mechanical filtration is the elimination of bits and chunks of drifting stuff from your water. A power filter does an excellent job at this.
Much equipment or devices for filtration system are now out in the market. You can even find single filtration device that meet the requisites of standard equipment. But, if you cannot find a single device you can still put more than one device as long as it covers all aspects of purification.
Chemical filtration - it introduces compounds such as carbon that remove dissolved wastes and also reduces odors. Many filters have already provided carbon to the filter of the water flow.
The Biological Filtration refers to nitrifying bacteria that breaks down the unused fish foods even the body waste of fish. Example of this filtration is the under gravel filtration.
Two readily available heater styles are immiscible and submersible. There are other types for special applications, such as planted tanks, but they are not as common. The size heater usually referred to in wattage, which you will need, is dictated by two elements: 1) The temperature requirements of your fish and. 2) The ambient room temperature where your aquarium is placed.
A 20 gallon tank, most in standard calculation of 50 watts should raise the water temperature of 9 degrees above the room temperature.
The customary bulbs in use today are fluorescent and compact fluorescent; some of the smaller aquarium setups may still use a screw in type incandescent bulb. If your aquarium did not include a cover with built in light fixtures, you can certainly buy one separately.
It is best to make a research for lighting options that go with much design which prices are ranges, especially when your aquariums have special need like light demanding plants and coral reefs.
When it comes to how many hours you should turn your lights on each day, a good rule of thumb for standard freshwater aquarium setups is 8-10 hours per day, more if you have live plants. If you are experiencing excessive algae growth, adjust the lighting period until you achieve a happy balance.
Normal aquarium setups requires to open the lights for almost 8 to 10 hours each day if does have natural plants. If you observe multiple productions of algae, try to adjust the lighting to have an equal distribution of light.
It is advisable to test the water first before filling it into the aquarium. The quality of water may of course affect your pet fish. Bad water will result from some illness of the animals. They might be stress and subjected to death. Aside from bad water, immediate alterations in the water temperature or the water ph level can also contributes in the tension or pressure of fish. Even the production of ammonia and nitrates is the other contributor of stress.
In testing your water, you have to check the water ph, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite. It is suggested to test the aquarium water either twice or four times every month. For those people who are involve with the pastime of keeping up freshwater aquarium setup is advisable to have a daily time record on the irregularities of the aquarium so you can always keep an eye on your pet fish.
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Learn More! Indulge yourself with freshwater aquarium setup guidelines outlined especially for you. Visit Kent Henry's website for a free mini course on freshwater aquarium care guide.
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