Sometimes, it isn’t easy to know where to start when you’re looking into an aquarium. You might have heard about the benefits of having one and want to create one for yourself. However, this can lead to some confusion when it comes to the actual setup. That’s why we’ve decided to help by providing tips on how to have a healthy aquarium that will keep your fish happy and long-living!
Know your fish
Knowing the species of fish you are keeping is extremely important for a healthy aquarium.
Know the needs of your fish. For example, if you are keeping a betta in a bowl with no heater, be prepared to provide one or risk having your fish die from exposure to cold temperatures.
Behavior is also important to know about your fish before purchasing them. Some species need more room than others and will not do well in small spaces (such as Betta splendens). Some species may also require special care, such as frequent water changes or feeding only certain types of foods (such as some catfish).
Diet information should be known by anyone considering keeping a particular species of aquarium fish. For example, many predatory cichlids will eat smaller tank mates if they get hungry, while an herbivorous pleco may try to eat aquarium plants if it thinks they’re food! This can lead to disastrous results where an entire ecosystem gets destroyed by an overzealous herbivore!
Peaceful aquarium is a healthy aquarium!
Have the right tools
The first thing you’ll need to do is invest in some basic aquarium equipment. In addition to the fish and plants, your tank bed will need a thermometer, net, water test kit (for pH and ammonia), heater, filter, and gravel or other substrates.
You’ll also want to purchase a fish net for any small fish. Once the tank is up and running, it’s time to add some decoration. Remember: less is more! Adding too many decorations makes your aquarium look cluttered and overcrowded.
Choose a proper aquarium tank
Choose a proper aquarium tank. First and foremost, you need to get the right size tank for your fish. For example, if you have an aggressive species like a pufferfish or a piranha, you should choose a deep aquarium with plenty of space to swim and hide from each other when they feel threatened or stressed out.
Suppose you want to keep just one kind of fish in your tank. In that case, it’s best to choose something that fits your lifestyle — so if you work all day at home, then it might be better for both yourself (and your pet) if they are kept in an aquarium that’s not too big so that they can get used easily without getting lost in its vastness!
Photo by roy zeigerman on UnsplashCheck the water temperature
It is essential to check the water temperature before adding fish to your aquarium. The ideal temperature for most fish is between 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of 8.0 to 8.4 and salinity of 1.020 – 1.025 specific gravity (1.024 is ideal).
If you are unsure what kind of fish you have and their optimal habitat requirements, ask an expert at your local pet shop or research online where they prefer living conditions in general. Use this information as a guideline when setting up your tank.
It’s also vital that you regularly check the temperature of your aquarium water at least twice per month. Use an accurate thermometer, and adjust accordingly based on what species are currently living inside it, so they don’t become stressed out by having too much heat or cold–or even worse: die!
Be careful with salt
Salt is a good addition for a healthy aquarium if used properly. You can use it to help with various aquarium issues, including algae, parasites, and infections.
You should know that salt benefits certain fish and plants but can harm others. For example, salt will help prevent gill disease in goldfish by preventing secondary infections from bacteria that enter through damaged gills. However, it’s important to note that using too much salt may end up harming your fish by killing off the beneficial bacteria in their digestive systems or causing other problems such as “salt burn” (whereby the salt draws out vital minerals from their bodies).
Prepare the live rocks
Live rocks are a good choice for your aquarium. They provide a source of nutrients and are perfect places for your fish and other aquatic life to hide. Live rocks can even serve as homes for bacteria that help keep the water clean and clear.
Live rock is also an excellent place for algae and other organisms to grow, which means you’ll need to take care when selecting live rock, so you don’t end up with a bunch of unwanted critters in your tank!
Conclusion
A healthy aquarium is a happy aquarium. If you follow these tips, you can provide the best life possible for your fish and coral and have fantastic aquariums as a result!