Owning an aquarium can be a rewarding and fun hobby and even job. Raising fish can either be very easy or become difficult and frustrating, but can be prevented with a few steps. Some choices that are vital for success are your tank, filters, heaters, lights and decor. Starting with a bigger tank will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. What does a bigger tank provide you may ask? At least a twenty-gallon fish tank is suitable for a novice. Keep in mind the inch per gallon rule when buying fish. This rule insures that your fish have enough space in the tank and good to follow to avoid overcrowding. For every inch of fish there should be at least a gallon.
My motto is the bigger tank the better. When I was beginning my first aquarium I made the mistake of buying too small a tank. To start your first tank I would suggest at least a twenty-gallon tank. What does a bigger tank provide you may ask? A bigger tank the pH is easier to maintain, and there is more room for error, and there is more room for fish. The rule to follow is the inch per gallon rule, this rule insures that you have enough space for your fish and can avoid overcrowding. For every inch of fish there should be at least a gallon. If you have a twenty-gallon tank then you can have two ten inch fish, or five two inch fish, any combination of fish as long as the inches of fish do not exceed the gallons of water the fish tank holds.
There are many different types of filters some common styles are: power filters, Bio wheel filters, internal filters, and under gravel filters. Power and bio wheel filters are probably the most efficient and easiest filters to maintain. They hang over the side into the tank and have cartridges that have to be changed about one a month. The under gravel filters have their benefits and drawbacks. They are an older style filter and are placed at the bottom of the tank under the gravel. They do not have cartridges that have to be changes monthly but can get gummed up and have to be taken completely out to clean. They also usually will not clean as well as a power or bio wheel filter but can be made at home and are cheaper.
Heaters are pertinent for the survival of your fish. Most heaters are the same, but submersible heaters are the way to go. I would suggest buying two so that if one breaks you have an extra. Also for every twenty-five gallons have a heater, so if you have fifty-gallon tank have two heaters.
Lighting is important if you have live plants in your aquarium so they can flourish. Most lids for the tanks come with a standard fluorescent bulb, but brighter bulbs are advised for optimal lighting for aquarium plants.
Lastly, any decor and extra utilities like bubblers can be added for look and to help the fish have a happy and secure habitat.
Roshan Goodman writes articles with advice on fish tank and aquarium tips.
