Fish can make great pets and an aquarium is a great aesthetic addition to any home or office. However, if you have never owned fish or had an aquarium, it may be overwhelming to think about what is all needed and required to get one set up. Below are a few helpful tips for building the perfect home aquarium.
Saltwater or Freshwater Fish
The first step in building the perfect home aquarium is deciding on whether you want saltwater or freshwater fish. There is a difference and you cannot mix up the two types of fish in the same tank. Freshwater aquariums are typically easier to maintain and, if you are just starting out, it may be a better choice over a saltwater tank. Additionally, freshwater fish are typically less expensive than saltwater fish. Saltwater fish, however, can be extremely exotic-looking and the live rocks inside the saltwater tank can be helpful in the maintenance of saltwater tanks.
Choose Your Fish
Once you have decided whether or not you want saltwater or freshwater fish, you will want to determine what kind of fish you want. This is helpful in figuring out what size and type of aquarium you will want built. For example, if you want goldfish, it is important to know that goldfish will only dwell with other goldfish and you cannot combine them with other fish. Another example is if you want betta fish, you cannot comingle more than one male betta fish, as they will fight until inevitable death. With movies like Disney’s Finding Nemo, the demand for clownfish (like Nemo) and blue tang fish (like Dory) have increased dramatically. These are saltwater fish and will require a saltwater tank. Your local pet or fish store can assist you in choosing the right fish for you and the tank you wish to set up.
Tank Size and Placement
The first step in determining what size tank you will need is figuring out where you wish to place the aquarium. Generally speaking, saltwater aquariums require a larger tank (anywhere from 20 to 30 gallons or more) and will need more space to accommodate such a large tank. Additionally, as you’re evaluating tank size, you will want to consider tank placement in your home. It is important to keep your tank away from direct sunlight, which will help to regulate the water temperature. Additionally, you will want to keep the tank a safe distance from children, pets, and other hazards (including electrical appliances and gadgets). As for tank size, it really depends on the type of fish you are looking at getting. For example, a male betta fish only requires a small bowl, while if you are looking for a tank to hold a variety of fish, you are typically looking at a 5 to 10 gallon tank.
If you are first-time fish owner, you may wish to start small with either a single male betta fish bowl or a larger bowl with 2 to 3 goldfish. This will be helpful in getting a feel for what it’s like to have a fish as a pet and to have to care after a smaller “tank”, before graduating up to a larger tank which comes with a greater degree of maintenance.
Setting Up Your Home Aquarium
Whether you are looking to set up a small bowl or a 30-gallon tank, you will need some or all of the following to properly set up your aquarium:
• Gravel, sand or marbles for the bottom of the tank (making sure to get the kind that is specifically intended for fish tanks)
• Plants, coral, rocks and other decorations
• Filter to help keep the water clean
• Aerator to help increase the oxygen levels in the water
• Water conditioner to help purify tap water and keep harmful chemicals (like chlorine) from killing your fish
• Heater to help regular the water temperature
Depending on your tank and the type of fish you want, it is helpful to know how best to set up and introduce your fish to their new home. There are proper steps, including testing the water’s temperature and pH levels. Additionally, you will want to gradually introduce your fish to their new home by keeping them in the bag that they come in and placing that bag into the aquarium for 15 to 30 minutes. By doing this, you help ensure that your fish becomes gradually acclimated to the temperature of the aquarium and does not die from shock.
Additionally, you don’t want to add too many fish all at once. A common mistake that people make is overcrowding the aquarium. Not only does this make cleaning and maintaining the aquarium more difficult, but fish need to be given enough room to roam and thrive.
Properly Maintain Your Aquarium
Another major step in having the perfect home aquarium is to be sure that you properly maintain and take care of your aquarium (and your fish!). An improperly cared for fish tank will result in the demise of your beloved fish. It is important that you properly take care of the aquarium by regularly testing the water for the appropriate pH levels, carbonate hardness, nitrite and nitrate levels. Additionally, every month, you will want to replace approximately 25% of the water with fresh new water and also clean the aquarium walls and vacuum the gravel to get rid of any waste that may have settled.
In conclusion, building your perfect home aquarium can be a very gratifying and entertaining process, particularly if you make it a fun activity to do with the entire family. Aquariums are a great addition to any home or office space. By properly taking the steps to build and maintain your aquarium, you can continue to enjoy your happy, healthy fish for many months and years to come!
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