So you’re thinking of getting your first aquarium. That’s fantastic! Fishkeeping is an enjoyable, calming, and gratifying activity that anybody may enjoy.
On to the important stuff: your first task is to conduct a brief planning session. It’s no good going to the store and purchasing anything that isn’t fit for you or your fish! Take your time and enjoy the planning step. In the long run, it will make your new activity much more pleasurable.
The first thing to think about is what kind of fish you want to maintain.
There are three types of fish that may be kept in aquariums. These are the
- Fish from Cold Water
These are fish that do well in standard room temperature water. They are also, in general, the simplest to retain.
- Fish from the tropics
This category requires more specialised equipment and care, although they are still accessible to a devoted novice. Tropical fish are also more colourful and visually appealing.
- Fish from the sea
A marine aquarium will be the most difficult and costly to put up and maintain. These are not appropriate for novices.
We will begin by looking at cold water fish.
We must consider the tank’s location since it will determine the tank’s size and hence the sorts of fish we may maintain.
The tank must be maintained away from sources of noise such as televisions, radios, and machinery (eg washing machines, dishwashers etc). The vibrations bother the fish and stress them out.
Heat changes must also be avoided, which implies that any source of heat, such as a radiator, fire, or electrical equipment, must be avoided.
So you know where you’re going to put the tank and have a selection of tank sizes to choose from. This means you may consider what sort of fish you want to maintain. I’m thinking you already have an idea of what kind of fish you want.
Fish
The goldfish is the most common cold water aquarium fish. There are many types of goldfish. They come in a variety of colours, including black, white, grey, orange, and even yellow, and there are specialities such as fan tails with their long flowing tails, bubble eyed with their (obviously) bubble eyes, and comets with their streamlined bodies.
Goldfish may be major waste producers, necessitating a somewhat larger tank, and certain varieties can grow to be rather huge fish, necessitating more room.
The White Cloud Mountain minnow is another fantastic choice for a starter aquarium. These fish are tough and forgiving. They are schooling fish and like to be in groups of five or more, although they may also be kept in smaller tanks.
For the time being, let’s stay with goldfish since they are by far the most frequent first fish!
So we’ve decided on Goldfish and have the perfect site for the aquarium. Let us proceed.
Tank
We need a tank!
Tank size is critical. We’ve already chosen how much space we have, so you may seek tanks that will fit in your given area. A 75-litre or larger tank is excellent for a small group of fish. There are smaller tanks that may be OK as long as they are not overcrowded. Remember that the majority of the fish at the shop are juvenile and have not yet achieved adult size.
When it comes to tank building, there are two possibilities. These tanks are made of acrylic and glass. Acrylic tanks are lighter than glass tanks, however, they must be completely supported under the foundation to prevent damage. Acrylic has a reputation for readily scratching, however, there are materials available to help conceal and erase the scratches. Make sure you have a stable surface where the aquarium will be placed. When filled, the tank will be quite heavy!
Lights
If you want living plants in your aquarium, you’ll need a light. They will also enhance the aesthetic of your fish and aquarium, making them well worth the investment even if you just use them rarely.
Lid
Because a lid is inexpensive, it makes sense to purchase one. They keep your aquarium safe from mishaps. You may want to switch to tropical fish in the future. Some of them are known to leap, thus a lid may help you rescue your fish. Lids also help to prevent evaporation.
Gravel
The gravel looks lovely and won’t harm the fish in this case, so it’s a personal preference. It may create problems in certain tanks by altering the pH, harbouring germs, or producing breeding concerns. But none of it is covered here.
Heater
A heater would only be required if the aquarium was in a very chilly room. Goldfish are resilient and can tolerate a wide variety of indoor temperatures. Other types of fish, on the other hand, will undoubtedly need a heater.
Filter
A filter is required. Fish regularly emit chemicals, which accumulate over time and create problems. Other pollutants also accumulate and must be eliminated. Filters also keep the water’s surface moving, which allows oxygen to enter the water.
The size of the filter is determined by the volume of water in your aquarium.
Plants and Decorations
You may now customise the aquarium whatever you like! Just make sure any plants you use are aquarium-safe.
Once you’ve gathered all of the necessary equipment for your aquarium, it’s time to put it all together, make your water safe for the fish, and finally introduce your new companions to the aquarium. Keep an eye out for Part 3 where we will go through the last stages of getting your aquarium up and running!
