Aquarium Pumps

Understanding the Functions and Importance of Aquarium Pumps

Have you ever owned a fish bowl? If you had at least seen one in movies or in a friend's house, you know that there is probably just one fish swimming in a tiny space. There is no need for aquarium pumps. It is not because the fish bowl is not an aquarium; you would not really see a fish bowl pump invented. That one fish has all it needs in that one tiny space: oxygen and water. The container is open and the fish does not even have to compete with another organism.

That single fish in the fish bowl should manage quite all right though, but arguably it is not really that happy. After all, it is living in an environment that does not even pretend to be its natural habitat. An aquarium, on the other hand, is set up to at least recreate a semblance of the natural environment of the fish and and aquatic plants.

The role of aquarium pumps

An aquarium is larger than a fish bowl several times over. Even small aquariums completely swallow fish bowls in size. Because of this, water circulation has become an issue. Circulation is not just about making the water flow for a nice, natural look. Circulation is, in fact, a means to oxygenate the whole tank properly.

Aquarium pumps create water circulation for the tank. So, they are the ones that make sure oxygen gets spread around. When it comes to getting aquariums for your home, you are perhaps considering a good number of fish as your pet and a lot of space. It is no longer a fish bowl setting, wherein one fish in a small space can easily get its due.

Going back to the aesthetic function

Aquarium pumps do create a lovely waterfall effect, especially when used with props and ornaments, such as air stones. When you take the time to enjoy your aquarium, you may feel relaxed by the gently flowing water. Combine the effect created by the aquarium pumps with colored lighting and the result is simply gorgeous.

Considering tank size

Think back to the fish bowl environment. The environment does not require pumps to circulate water and oxygen because it is small. So, the larger the aquarium, the more powerful the set of aquarium pumps should be. If you are buying your tank and your aquarium pumps separately, take note of the size of your tank and ask for help at the store. Always go for aquarium pumps that fit the size of your tank.

Buying your aquarium pumps

The more powerful your set of aquarium pumps, the more likely you will be shelling out a hefty price. Aquarium pumps range in price from just a little over fifty dollars to a daunting $400 plus. You should not look at the prices alone, however. Think about your tank and fish.

If you value your fish, you may be more willing to pay more especially if you have a large tank. Of course, you should not just buy the first set of expensive aquarium pumps. Conduct extensive research. It may be possible that there are models that are more powerful but are cheaper.

Jeffry Johnston is a freelance writer who has been involved in the aquarium hobby for more than 15 years. Jeffry began keeping freshwater and brackish tanks in his teens and later transitioned to saltwater aquariums. Most of his aquarium know-how comes from personal experience, although he actively participates in his local aquarium club, online message boards and industry events. He is a hands-on hobbyist who enjoys the husbandry and propagation of aquatic life and aquarium test kits. To learn more about reef and fish only aquariums, visit MarineDepot.com today.

Tips on Setting Up Fish Tank Aquariums

There are many different sizes and styles to fish tank aquariums.

There are small basic aquariums that are in the ten gallon capacity, up to massive ones that require special bases in order to support the heavy weight of the tank, the water, and all the accessories needed to support happy and healthy fish. There are also both fresh as well as salt water ones. Here are some tips to help you set up smaller aquariums that can be applied to larger sizes as well.

Fish tank aquariums have some basic components for operation. There is the tank itself, a base insert to help the aeration of water work better, gravel, and the aerator and filter. There is a pump that makes air flow into the tank, providing much needed oxygen for your fish to live. You will also need a tank heater, especially in colder climates. Then you have your tank decorations and fish pet supplies, such as food, PH testing kits, and cleaning tools.

When setting up fish tank aquariums, the first step is to find an appropriate location. A gallon of water weighs around seven pounds by itself, so if you have a ten gallon aquarium the weight is about 70 pounds. This also doesn't include the tank and everything else, so let's say that the total weight for an average small aquarium is going to be about 100 pounds. You have to make sure that you place your tank somewhere sturdy, some flimsy end table just won't do.

The next step in the process is to clean the tank, gravel and any decorations you are going to include in non soapy water. This is basically to rinse off any debris from the gravel, or film from the tank itself, so these are sterile right at the start. Many people forget or skip this process, only to wonder why their tank water is cloudy when they have brand new supplies.

The next step to setting up fish tank aquariums is setting up the filter system. Make sure that you read the instructions in the owner's manual carefully. If you don't, your system may not work properly, or at all, and you'll have to start all over again. Then, when this is set up, add the clean gravel. The gravel ratio is about 1 pound of gravel to each gallon your tank is. You will need to smooth out the gravel evenly along the bottom of the tank, making sure that it completely covers the floor. Then you can add you plants and decorations, securing them in the gravel.

When you are sure about your placement, then your fish tank aquarium is ready for water. Before you use tap water from the sink which has chemicals in it, you should consult with your pet supply store about water conditioners you might need, especially for tropical fish. Then you fill the tank slowly, so the gravel and decoration are disturbed, about one to two inches from the top of the tank.

When your fish tank aquariums are full, then you start the filtration system, ad your thermometer and heater and wait. Let it all run for 24 hours minimum before adding your fish, to make sure that the conditioner is working, the water is at the right temperature, and everything is functioning properly, then you are ready to add your fish.

It really is that easy to set up fish tank aquariums. Once everything is set up, you just need to make sure you maintain the clarity of the water in the tank to keep the fish healthy for years to come.

Here is a good source for finding fish tank aquariums.

Which Tropical Fish Aquarium is Right For You?

A great aspect of having fish as pets is that any watertight container that is big enough can be used as a tropical fish aquarium.

Naturally, you will still require a filter, proper lighting, and the correct decorations, vegetation, and sand or gravel for the bottom of the aquarium. The majority of people, however, won't substitute a large dish or bowl as a tropical fish aquarium; they'll buy one from a pet store or other hobby source. If you're searching for a tropical fish aquarium you may be confused about the different sizes, styles, and materials and have a hard time choosing the best aquarium for your needs.

As you might expect, every type, material, and style has pros and cons and naturally nobody but you can decide what is best for your home; you will need to make the final decision. So, let's dig a little deeper into the common features of some aquarium tank types and try to make that decision a little easier for you.

Experts agree that it is best to purchase the largest tropical fish aquarium your home and budget can accommodate. This isn't just to benefit the aquarium owners, it is because with more water, your fish will be healthier and you'll have to clean your aquarium less often. Water contains natural filters so with a bigger tank you will have less algae and bacteria buildup. Also, fish like room to swim around, play, and keep their private territory, for example. Just as people enjoy having space to themselves, a large aquarium tank will help keep your fish happy. If you must purchase a smaller tank, you simply need to use less decorations, vegetation, and fish, as well as make adjustments to the size of the fish you add.

Trying to decide if you should choose a glass or an acrylic tropical fish aquarium? One of the concerns surrounding an acrylic tank is that it can be difficult to clean - a straight edge will scratch the walls, which won't occur with a glass tank. Keep in mind, though, that glass is quite a bit heavier than acrylic, so you should think of how often you move and whether your landlord allows glass tanks (glass tanks are more likely to fall if not set up properly), and other maintenance concerns. You are the only one who can decide what kind of aquarium tank is best for your interests and your home, but having a general knowledge of the basics will help you choose between an acrylic or glass tank and help you choose the biggest tropical fish aquarium you can afford.

Need more information about which tropical fish secret loaded with tips on how to care for your tropical fish.

Tropical Fish Aquarium - How To Set Up Right Habitat For Your Fish

If you have the right habitat set up in your aquarium to suit your tropical fish you can rest assured that your fish will be happy and live long and healthy - perhaps even breed and add to the beauty of your tank. If you are in the mood to have some tropical fish as pets in your aquarium you must know how to set up their home for them. You must also know something about their eating habits as well as their breeding habits.

Tropical fish need a fairly large tank like 3 cubic feet or more. The tank must have clean and fresh water along with the equipment to keep the water that way. They need to have a lot of natural (not artificial) plants in the tank with a lot of grave that some of them love to muzzle through. If the fish are comfortable in their natural habitat they will soon begin to breed adding to your pleasure of fish keeping.

When it comes to tropical fish there is no dearth of choice between the species, and all are easily available in the local pet store. There are the smaller fish for small tanks such as Neons and Tetras. Angelfish and Guppies are a common variety of tropical fish in tanks and make good pets that are not too fussy about their environment and food. You could choose to keep larger fish such as Malawi's or Cichlids. However, you should bear in mind that Chichlids are cannibals and can turn on each other when they are hungry, so keep them well fed if you want them in your tank. Some of the other variety of tropical fish include Dempsey's, Parrots, Black Belts, Oscars and Jaguars.

Tropical fish live in freshwater so your tropical fish aquarium is a freshwater aquarium. Ensure that the water you fill into the tank is completely purified and made to stand for a couple of hours in a bucket before you fill it in the tank. You should take at least a month to set up the tank with the necessary equipment such as electric pumps and filters, lighting, feeders, gravel, plants and any other decoration you may want to do to the tank. After all this is done you can then go about getting you fish, which must also be done slowly. Purchase them in pairs and put them in the tank as and when you get them.

Setting up the tank in advance gives the time for the bacteria to circulate, this assists the fish to settle down in their new home. Bacteria in the tank is extremely important to the fish as it is the bacteria that cleans the tank of fish excreta.

It is important to clean the tank regularly, like once in 6 weeks. This will ensure a healthy environment for your fish.

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How to Setup a Tropical Fish Aquarium

A tropical aquarium can attract everyone around and create a very good and a natural environment for any room. Today, I will be providing you with some basic advices to setup a low maintenance aquarium in simple and easy steps.

1. First of all you have to buy an aquarium and a hood or top lid with a light. Usually, it is easier to maintain a large tank than a small one. But, on the other hand the equipment for bigger tanks is also more expensive. If you want an aquarium that is compatible with the size of your home then try to buy an aquarium that is at least 24 inches long, 12 inches high and 12 inches wide. This size will be easy to maintain and will work really well even when placed in a small room. Also, this size of tropical fish aquarium will provide you with enough space for keeping different types of tropical fish. For maintaining your aquarium's filter, buy a submersible electric filter.

Some other things that you need are:

• Thermometer

• Gravel or sand

• Back picture for the aquarium

• a heater

2. When you first setup your tropical fish aquarium, wash it with warm water and a clean, new cloth. Avoid use of detergent or bleach as it will harm the fish.

3. Now, fill up the tank with water and turn on both, the heater and the filter. Let the tank running for at least two to three days before adding fish. Tropical fish aquarium tanks should have water temperature between 26-27 degrees centigrade.

4. Now you are in a position to add fish to it. I like and also recommend keeping tiger barbs, guppies and neon tetras. Do not put in all the fish at a time. Add them two at a time. Change of habitat might trouble them initially but they'll get used to it afterwards. Float the fish bag in the aquarium for some time. Then tear a small hole on one side of bag and let them swim out. This will prevent the fish from getting panicked.

5.Now you are finally don! Enjoy your new, beautiful tropical fish aquarium.

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Tropical Fish Aquarium

When scoping out a new fish store, there are a variety of different things to look for. Learning whether or not the store is a quality one may take a few visits, though there are a few instant turn offs that should send any dedicated fish owner scurrying for the door. These include dirty, neglected tanks, tanks with obviously sick or dying fish that haven't been labeled as a sick fish tank, or fish tanks that are overcrowded or full of fish that are simply too large to thrive there.

If your wholesale tropical fish store reveals that it takes care of its fish, there are other things to consider. Are the staff well educated? There is a difference between a staff member who will recommend different foods, plants, and even fish based on educated facts and an employee who is just trying to sell you something. A good fish store worker will inform you if he or she thinks that your purchasing decision is ideal for the overall health and safety of your tank. They will also be able to give you advice regarding disease treatments, introducing new fish, and much more.

Finally, a good wholesale tropical fish store should be diverse. Many quality stores contain both saltwater and freshwater tanks. This is especially ideal if you're looking for a creature that is particularly rare or difficult to take care of, but even if you're a new tank owner, having a wide selection of fish, shrimp, crabs, and other creatures is ideal for introducing you to species you may have never learned about otherwise.

Similarly, if you check out a wholesale tropical fish store that specializes solely in saltwater products, be sure that the store is well stocked with different salts, live rock, well developed coral polyps, and more. As with freshwater stores, be sure that the contents of the tank look healthy. A good sign that you have encountered healthy, happy fish is that they are darting around energetically or making use of the sleeping or hiding places within their tank. If you encounter fish that look listless and unhealthy, or live rock that is covered in brown mold, it's time to check other wholesale tropical fish stores. Learn more today!

Been keeping tropical fish years know and i have written articles and books about this subject from my experience. if you are new to aquarium how to start, what avoid, and what breeds to start with. any information needed or question could be emailed to me through my website and you could find some useful information.

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Aquarium Decorations

How To Pick The Perfect Aquarium Decorations!


If you've recently started a freshwater aquarium which is filled with tropical fish, you may want to accent it with quality decorations. After all, with the bright and vibrant colors of your different fish species, you don't want the backdrop to be faded or boring! Yet, there are many aquarium decorations to choose from on the market today, and how can you know which ones are best? An excellent approach is to ensure they are appropriate for your fish, and also pleasing to the eye. To help you in this endeavor, we'll take a closer look at the various types currently offered below.

Why Decorate?

At this point you may be asking do you even need decorations? You've already added beautiful fish, and you may think that is enough. Yet, decorations are not just visually appealing, they can serve another purpose as well. Your fish will often use these decorations for shelter, giving them somewhere to feel protected and safe. The lower their stress level, the healthier they will be, so this is a key advantage. Secondly, some types of decorations such as rocks, can aid in the filtration of your tank. How can they do this? Beneficial bacteria actually live within their surface imperfections, and these work to cleanse the aquatic environment of harmful pollutants.

Available Options

Now that we've established how beneficial aquarium decorations can be, let's take a look at what types you can buy. You can select artificial options, or choose natural ones instead. Man-made decorations include artificial rocks, plants, wood and specialty items like castles or treasure chests. When selecting a natural product instead, you'll have to decide whether you want one which is living or dead. An example of a living aquarium decoration would be real plants. For dead decorations, actual rocks, real driftwood or natural substrates like sand or gravel are common.

Which Aquarium Decorations Are Right For You?

With all of these available choices, which one should you purchase for your tank? This can depend upon a number of factors. To help you in the decision process, let's examine the benefits and drawbacks of each category. First, the positive side of using natural decorations which are not alive, is their realistic look. Rather than having an obvious reproduction made from something like plastic, the real item will give your tank a more authentic feel. This benefit can make these worth the extra hassle associated with them. These decorations can sometimes cause problems, such as driftwood affecting the pH balance of your tank.

Also, if you decide to pick a natural substrate, be careful to check it out beforehand. Some types of rocks will release minerals which can do damage to your fish. A good option is a rock like sandstone, slate or quartz as these don't have this dangerous property. Further, unlike man-made decorations, natural ones can have exposed edges which could harm your fish. Finally, artificial options are more diverse, giving you a greater ability to customize your tank.

With all of these extra precautions, you may be interested in artificial decorations instead. What are the benefits of this type of accessory? Well, first off they are highly durable, and will last for years. This means you won't have to spend money again, and the upfront cost is the only consideration. Also, with their smooth surface, this choice is far easier to clean. If you purchase a man-made decoration which has been rated safe for aquariums, they will not change the delicate pH or mineral balance of the tank. You'll have a greater variety of options to choose from as well, such as fun castles or divers which create bubbles. If you are looking to add a bit of whimsy or playfulness to your tank, these are probably right for you.

However, artificial items have a few drawbacks as well, and these include their unnatural look. If you want your tank to be a window into a realistic underwater environment right in your home, these are probably a poor selection. Also, some manufactured decorations cost more than their natural counterparts as well.

Your final choice is natural decorations which are still alive, such as living plants. This options will give you a more accurate environment, as fish don't typically swim around plastic decorations! Also, over time your decorations will change, which is a interesting feature. However, you will pay for this privilege, as they can be more difficult to maintain. After all, other plants in your home require care, and these are no different. It is important to keep them healthy as well, as any problems can spell trouble for the tank as a whole. How so? If they are dying or rotting, they can pollute your tank, giving it a dirty look or even poisoning your fish! Also, you must be aware that certain breeds of fish might eat your plant life. Finally, they are more expensive than manufactured options, as they will eventually die and then you will have to purchase new ones.

Have a Design Plan!

Now that you have seen the benefits and drawbacks of each option, you are in a better position to decide which type is right for you. Once you've picked out your preferred decorations, you next need to create a plan. Why is this important? It gives your tank a cohesive appearance and theme, giving you a better result in the end. First off the background surfaces should be established, and you'll need to pick out your substrate. There are now many different color options, which can further add to your tank's appearance. A designing rule is to stick with three basic colors, and use these throughout. So, if you wanted a brilliant blue artificial rock substrate, your trees could be green. Your third color could be brown or gold, and then you could add a pirates ship or a treasure chest to incorporate those colors.

With this type of approach, you'll be well on your way to creating a tank which is safe for your fish and pleasing to the eye! With non-toxic items included, you won't have to worry about creating harmful pollutants. Also, with a design plan the overall theme and color palette will be unified as well. So, why not get started decorating today, and make your aquarium truly come alive?

Having had fish tanks for over ten years, enjoying freshwater tropical fish, I now decided to write about my experiences on FreshwaterTropicalFish.org.

Aquarium Lighting - How Much is Just Right?

Lighting is one of the most often-neglected aspects of maintaining an aquarium.

Many inexperienced aquarium owners make the mistake of using too much or too little light, and some even disregard lighting altogether. Aquarium lighting is always important -- aside from the fact that it makes your aquarium more attractive, it also helps keep your fish healthy in a number of ways. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

#1 - The right amount of aquarium lighting replicates the lighting in the fish's natural habitat. In most cases, 12 hours of lighting a day is a good balance, since there's roughly 12 hours of good sunlight in most parts of the world. The closer you get to the way nature designed fish to react to light, the healthier and happier your fish will be.

On the other hand, when you use too much lighting (such as by not turning off the light at all), you might induce some unnecessary stress in your fish. Some aquariums come with lighting hoods with timers, so you can set exactly when you want the light to turn on and off. This can be pretty helpful for aquariums that are in the middle of the house, where it's hard to get any natural lighting.

#2 - Be careful with natural lighting. Some aquarium owners place their aquariums near windows, where natural light takes care of most of their lighting needs. The problem with natural light is that it can promote algae growth, and direct sunlight can harm fish and raise the water's temperature to dangerous levels.

#3 - Fluorescent lighting works better than incandescent or halogen lighting. Fluorescent lamps are closest to natural lighting, and fish are generally more comfortable with the hue. Lamps with a slightly blue hue are especially good for coral reef aquariums, because it replicates the colour of the water under 20-30 feet of water.

#4 - Using live plants in your aquarium will tell you whether or not the aquarium is getting enough light. Look at the leaves of any live plants you may have -- if they are losing their colour, then you might need to light up the aquarium a little longer. If algae is growing a little too quickly, then you may be leaving the light on a little too long. Trial-and-error is often the best way to see just how much lighting your own aquarium needs.

The right type and amount of lighting is always affected by the size and shape of your aquarium, the kinds and number of your fish, and whether or not you'll be using live plants in it. As with everything else, it's always best to do your share of the homework before setting up your first aquarium.

Aquarium Lighting

For more information on a variety of set-ups please go to Aquarium Lighting

And visit us at http://www.uniqueaquariumdesigns.co.uk/index.php where you can download a free copy of the Complete Aquarium Guide

This article may be freely distributed without modification and provided that the copyright notice and any author's information remain intact.

Fish Aquarium Stands

Fish Tank Stands and Aquarium Furniture


IMPORTANCE OF SELECTING A PROPER FISH TANK STAND

Without proper planning, aquarium owners use whatever they can find to place the fish tank. Shoe rack or desk are not suitable. They are not as strong as they seem. Neither are they asthetically pleasing to the eyes if the aquarium furniture colors are not coordinated with the house setting. Don't let your aquarium become an eyesore with messy accessories all over the place.

Setting up an aquarium tank stand is a significant investment, so it is worthwhile to learn how to select the right stand for your aquarium.

WHEN DO YOU NEED A STAND?

Generally, fish tanks under 20 gallon can be placed on sturdy desks or shelves. However if your aquarium is heavier than 20 gallon, consider getting a dedicated aquarium stand.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A FISH TANK STAND

To select the right fish tank, there are two main criteria: Firstly it must safely support the fish tank. Secondly, the aquarium furniture should blend with the house setting.

1. Stand Must support the the fish tank.

The support is not only based on the size of the tank but also its filled weight. In terms of size, the length of the stand should be longer than the length of the fish tank. One of the most common errors is underestimating the weight of the tank once it is filled with water. A litre of water weighs one kilogram. In addition to the water, you'll be adding substrate for the bottom, which is also heavy. The actual weight of aquarium also depend on the type of material used. Glass tanks are twice as heavy as acrylic tanks.

2 Aquarium furniture must blend with house setting.

Three factors contribute to the blending - the material used, the color and the design.

a. Material.

The most common materials used for the aquarium stand are wood, metal and acrylic. Let's look at the pros and cons of each material.

WOOD

A Wooden stand is more expensive than metal or acrylic stand. It is harder to shift it around. The appearance is more pleasing. It usually comes with drawers to store accessories. Wood is suitable for heavier size tank weighing above 40 gallon or 152 liters.

METAL

Unlike wood metal get rusty. The advantages are that it is lighter and easier to shift if you want to relocate the fish tank. It is cheaper. It looks decorative with embellished iron scroll. It is suitable for small to medium size tanks (weighing 40 gallon and below).

ACRYLIC

Acrylic has the advantage of being lighter with more choice of color but it is not as sturdy as metal or wood. It is suitable for smaller size fish tanks.

b. Color

The aquarium color should match with the other furniture in the house. Treat the fish stand as if it were a piece of furniture.

b. Design

The are two types of design - open or closed. Metal fish tanks seldom come with drawers. One can improvise it by covering it with a curtain to skirt the front and sides. Wooden aquarium stands are usually closed because they have inbuilt cabinets to store fish accessories such as filter, pump, food, etc. It hides the messes from the guests.

WHERE TO PLACE THE STAND

Put it against the wall so that children will not accidentally knock over it. Ensure it is placed on a flat even floor. For the survival of the fish, avoid direct sunlight. The most common place to put is the living room where it can be viewed by guests and share pride of place next to the TV set.

Apply these tips and what you will have is a handsome aquarium stand whose color coordinates with your other furniture, a stand that safely support the weight of your tank, with storage space to keep the accessories and the mess out of sight.

Kurt Rorbakken has more than one interesting site - checkout his Aquariums Saltwater Blog site and also his Saltwater Aquarium Guide [http://aquariumssaltwater.com/saltwater-aquarium-guide/step-by-step/]. You may reprint this article, as long as you include all of the above text, About the Author box and all the links are working.

Choosing Fish Aquarium Inhabitants

A good fish aquarium pleases the eye and soothes the mind.

You can have a variety of colors and types of fish. The right combination of bright and dark colors of fish in your aquarium will make your fish aquarium corner an exciting place for everyone to spend some time in.
Fish community

You need to be very wise while deciding on the right type of fish for your aquarium. The fish that you choose should complement each other and should be compatible in the ecosystem that you have developed in the fish aquarium. If you do not focus on these things then you are bound to lose your money and fish.

You can divide your aquarium into certain levels. There will be a top level, mid-level and bottom level. This is done because there are fish that like to swim at the top level, others at the mid and bottom level. This way when you feed your fish, they will take the food at their specific levels and as a result there will be no food to produce toxins in the aquarium. This will also keep your fish aquarium free of algae.

If you are starting out with a fish aquarium, then you should decide on the aquarium based on the type of fish you want to keep in it. Decide on the type of fish that can complement one other and also share the same aquarium environment. All the fish in the aquarium should also feel good to look at. You should at least have 4-6 fish of a single family in your fish aquarium. This allows the fish to stay in colonies. You may want to look for Rasboras, Tetras, Cherry Barbs, Blue Gouramis, Danios, and Corydoras Catfish.

Do you really know how to make a great home aquarium?

Then First, you need to check out some honest reviews on home freshwater aquarium.

Next...TRY one of them. Third...enjoy the site http://www.aquariumhow2.com/89/home-aquariums/home-aquariums. Pick up some tips.

Selecting Your First Fish Aquarium

There are several different factors you need to consider before purchasing your first fish aquarium.

These include the size of the tank, the material it is made of, i.e. glass or acrylic and the accessories that are required. This can be a daunting task if you're just getting into fish keeping. I've outlined some points in this article which I hope will help you greatly.

First, when choosing the size of the tank consider these main two factors:
1. the space you have available in your home or office where you are going to position your aquarium and
2. the amount of fish you want to keep in the tank.

When considering the space you have available don't forget to include room for a stand, if required. Always check the dimensions of the tank (and stand) with the seller or manufacturer before buying. All good retailers should have this information readily at hand.

If you are selecting a tank size based on the number of fish you want to keep, there is a frequently used rule of thumb which states "up to a maximum of 1 inch of adult sized slender bodied fish per 1 gallon of water". For example, the popular neon tetra fish grows up to an adult size of 1.57 inches. They are a schooling fish so let's say you want to keep 10 of them in your tank. Using the rule of thumb above you would need to purchase at least a 16 gallon tank (1.57 inches x 10 fish = 15.7 gallons). Allow for a filter to take up some space in the tank and I would go with a 20 gallon aquarium. This is a general guide only and by no means a definitive answer.

Great. We've now chosen the size of our fish aquarium, either by dimensions to fit the space you have available or the amount of fish you want to keep. The second factor to consider is the material your tank is made of. Whilst this may not seem that important, it's worth considering the options available.

The first is the acrylic fish aquarium. Manufacturers of these tanks claim they are 17x stronger than glass and weigh 50% less. They are less likely to break or shatter than a glass aquarium, however are much more prone to scratching and often are scratched during shipping! Acrylic aquariums do, however, refract light better than glass does, giving a less distorted view of the inside of your aquarium.

Glass aquariums [http://fishtanksdepot.com/glassaquariums.html] are the most popular choice for fish keeping. Glass is considerably stronger than acrylic, and can support substantially more than its own weight over distances. Glass also maintains its clarity over time, whereas acrylic will tend to yellow with age, especially when exposed to light. Glass aquariums are generally cheaper to buy as they are easier to ship and require less tools to work with, as compared to acrylic tanks. I personally would recommend a glass aquarium over an acrylic aquarium.

Lastly, we come to accessories. Several of the popular brands of fish aquariums, including Tetra and Aqueon, offer aquarium starter kits and complete aquarium kits, that include all the accessories needed to get your aquarium started. These kits come in basic and deluxe form. The basic kit includes such items as, filter, filter cartridge, set-up and care guide, lighting, water conditioner and fish food. This is a good basic kit. The deluxe kits will also contain a water heater, thermometer and fish net. When starting your fish aquarium, at a bare minimum be sure to have fish food and water conditioner, preferably a basic water filter as well.

Good luck setting up your first fish aquarium! Fish keeping can be a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding hobby.

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Basic Aquarium Guide

We are discussing about the general setup for the Tropical and Coldwater aquarium. The differences between Tropical and Coldwater aquarium are assumed to be understood by everyone and hence will not be discussed in great details. Below is a break down of the comparison of the 2 type of aquarium.

Cold Water -Low Variety of Species, High Availability, Low Fish-stocking density, Low cost of set-up

Tropical - High Variety of species, High Availability, High Fish-stocking density, Low cost of set-up

Start-up equipment needed for both type of aquariums:

- Aquarium Tank

- Hood

- Filter

- Substrate

- Water conditioners

- Test kit

- Thermometer

- Heater (Tropical)

- Decoration

- Stand

Aquarium Tank

When you are choosing your first tank, take time before purchasing to make sure that you are buying the right tank for you and for you fish. There's a wide range of tank designs available but the one preferred generally is the standard rectangular shaped tank. This is because rectangular tanks, being 2 or 3 times as long as they are wide, have a large surface area for the exchange of gases and the uptake of oxygen by the water. Also, better for them in terms of the swimming space it provides. Bigger is better for any aquarium, as even a large aquarium is very small compared to the natural range that any fish has been used to in the wild. The larger the tank, the most water it will hold and the more fish it will be able to sustain and support. It will also provide more stable water conditions than a small tank.

Below is a guide to stocking level:

Coldwater -- 2.5cm (1 in) of fish per 60 sq cm (9.3 sq in) of tank water surface area

Tropical -- 2.5cm (1 in) of fish per 30 sq cm (4.65 sq in) of tank water surface area

Note: Surface area of the aquarium if calculated by multiplying the length by the width.

Hood

Serve as a place for your lightings .Unless you are having an open concept set-up; it is generally an important part of the tank. Lower evaporation rate of the water, preventing dust from getting into the tank and avoid fish from jumping out of the aquarium are some important aspect of having a hood.

Filter

Filtration is the life-support system for any aquarium and is vitally important for the well-bring of the fish that live within it. Without exception, all aquarium fish need filtered water that is free from pollutants, which is left to build up can be hazardous to their health. Unfiltered aquariums are not safe for living fish since, unless the water is changed several times a day, fish become poisoned by their own waste products and may die as a result.

Type of Filtration (Specific info about filtration coming soon):

Mechanical Filtration - This is carried out by passing water through media that are designed to trap particles and remove them from the water column. Mechanical filter media can be in the form of a sponge or fine wool, and are cheap and readily available. Most filters work mechanically, and the effectiveness of the process is indicated by the way the tank water clears.

Biological Filtration - This method harnesses the power of nature by providing areas within the filter where microscopic bacteria can live and multiply. The media should have a high surface area in relation to their volume, so that more bacteria can live within the space. All tanks will have some sort of natural biological filter either from the bacteria that live on the surface of the substrate or the surface of the plants.

Chemical Filtration - This process is where chemical pollutants and metals are removed from the water by special absorbent resins and granules. Once saturated, the media are normally spent so are then discarded and replaced. The most common form of chemical medium available is aquarium-grade carbon, which can remove dyes, odours and medications from tank water, as well as chlorine from tap water.

The substrate of any aquarium is the material that is placed on the bottom of the tank for decoration. Traditional substrates include sands and gravels, which can be found naturally in the any body of water. In most freshwater aquariums the substrate should be inert, which means that it will not dissolve or leach elements into the water particularly any that may affect the pH of the tank water.

Different type of substrate

Pea gravel

This material is an excellent choice for coldwater and tropical aquariums and is safe to use with all types of fish. It is available in sizes from 4mm (1/8 in) up to 2cm (3/4 in), and its round particles make it good for fish that like to dig. It will not readily compact and it can also be easily cleaned. Pea gravel should be used in a layer about 5cm (2 in) deep. It offers good anchoring for plants, the smaller particle sizes being best for prolonged plant growth.

Silica sand

Silica is available as sand and grit and can be used in all freshwater aquariums. It is very dirty when first purchased and will take a lot of rinsing before the water runs clear. Its colour is similar to that of soil and it can be used to good effect for creating natural-style aquariums. Its small particle size is useful for plant growth and it should be used at a depth between 2.5cm (1 in), where there are no natural plants, and 10cm (4 in) for heavily planted aquariums.

Silver sand

This is the original universal aquarium substrate, given that it is found naturally all over the world in streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. Its name is a little inaccurate, since its overall colour is golden and is essentially the same material as that found on most beaches. It needs to be washed thoroughly when first purchased, and it can be messy to work with because its tiny particles get everywhere. Plants can be grown in it, but some species are better suited to it than others. For a heavily planted tank, mix silver sand with substrate fertilizer and use a heating cable to prevent stagnation.

Colour gravels

There is a huge market for colour gravels and every imaginable colour is available, from black to shocking pink. It is mainly used in ornamental aquariums and can liven up tanks that are not brightly lit. Light colours will attract algae growth and should be regularly cleaned to prevent it. Black gravel looks attractive in natural-style aquariums and highlights fish and plant coloration. Wash all colour gravels because a lot of plant covering will have ground off the gravel particles in the bag.

Grit

Grit is a term used for substrates with a particle size between fine sand and fine gravel - that is, 2-3 mm (1/16 - 1/8in) and is fine enough to encourage plant root growth within it.

Pro and Cons summary of various substrates,

Pea gravel

Pros

- Easy to clean; inert; safe for all fish

Cons

- Too coarse for some plants to grow in

Silica sand

Pros

-Cheap; Natural looking; good for plant growth

Cons

-Needs thorough washing when purchased to remove dust

Silver sand

Pros

-Natural looking; suitable for all aquariums

Cons

-Prone to clogging; particles can end up in filter chambers and power heads

Colour gravel

Pros

-Brighten up aquariums; popular with children

Cons

-Colours fade over time bright colours attract algae growth

Grit

Pros

-Small enough to anchor plants

Cons

-Can be dirty when first purchased

Water conditioners

There is much different type of Water conditioners out there for aquarium. But the most important we are talking about here is Chlorine Neutralizer. The water coming out from our type has abundances of chlorine contained in it and we want to remove it. It's optional to have water conditioners as by leaving water in a buckets or tanks for over 24hrs will have most of its chlorine content removed naturally.

Test kits

The importance of water testing for modern aquarist cannot be underestimated. Water testing can tell us so much more about how the tank is running than is possible with the naked eye. Water can be crystal clear and yet still contain extremely high levels of toxic ammonia and nitrite, as well as nitrate and phosphate. The pH and hardness of aquarium water are also impossible to tell just by looking, so a test kit can be used to determine whether particular pollutants are present and whether subsequent action should be taken.

Test kits work by using reagents that change colour, which can then be cross-referenced against colour charts. Usually each reagent will test for only one parameter, such as pH, and so a kit will include several different tests. A recommended test kit is the Freshwater Master Test Kit (Picture above). The kit is complete for testing tap water and aquarium water. It includes pH (6.0 to 7.6), high range pH (7.4 to 8.8), Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. A cheap and reliable test kit to buy.

I will try to set up a more thorough explanation of test kits sometimes in future.

Thermometers are an inexpensive necessity; it monitors the most important attribute of the fish tank. Something can always go wrong with your aquarium heater and you need to know it immediately. Read the thermometer at least once a day is important as if something goes wrong with your heater, it could be deadly. There are many type of aquarium thermometer out there in the market. Choose one that you like best.

Heater

The temperature of the world's ocean, lake and river differs considerably and the fish that inhabit each ecosystem have evolved to thrive in certain temperature range. Fish that we consider to be tropical live in a water temperature of 24-30°C (75 - 86 °F) all year round, with tropical marine fish living in a more stable environment of an almost constant temperature of 24°C (75°F). Heating the water in an aquarium to the temperature required for tropical species is both simple and inexpensive.

There are several types of heating element available; including special mats and cables, but the essential item you need to heat and regulate the temperature in your aquarium is a heater/thermostat. As a heating element at the bottom of the heater heats up, so the water in contact with the outside of the heater warms. A thermostat reads the temperature of the water and turns the heater on and off to maintain the desired temperature. The heater and thermostat are housed in a glass tube with a sealed top. This piece of equipment is placed fully submerged in the tank; the temperature adjusted and then plugged in for 24 hours a day.

There are many different sizes of heater available. The wattage required depends on the volume of water to be warmed. A 25 Watt size heater is enough for a 30cm (12in) long aquarium while a 300 watt heater is enough for 120cm (48 in) long tank. Any size later than this will require more than 2 heaters. Look at the table below to have a better view.

Tank Size Heater size

30cm (12in) 25 watts

60cm (24in) 50 watts

75cm (30in) 100 watts

90cm (36in) 150 watts

100cm (39in) 200 watts

120cm (48in) 300 watts

Decorations

There are many types of Aquarium Decoration available to choose from. They are namely substrate (we mentioned before), rocks, wood, ornaments, artificial/natural plants and backgrounds.

The use of rock in the aquarium is as old as the hobby itself and there are now many types available. Rockwork can provide a backdrop, hiding places for fish and potential spawning sites. More articles about rocks will be posted in future.

Wood can be used very effectively as a design feature in aquariums and helps to provide a natural setting. Not all wood is safe to be used in aquariums, so only obtain wood from aquatic retailers. Fish use wood for camouflage and hiding places and it can also be used to highlight planting. Wood should be pre-soaked to remove unwanted chemical that it might have.

For a discerning fish keeper ornaments may have no place in the aquarium, but some do not know what they are missing. Fish are not fussy about what their home looks like, and species that like to hide may just be happily reside under a bridge made from resin as one made from piled stones. For those of you that like a colourful underwater wonderland, they are a must to have.

Artificial plants have come a long way since they were first introduced and now look more realistic than ever. Their durability also makes them suitable to keep with fish that would destroy live plants and those that would eat the real things. They are useful for hiding equipment and making areas feel more secure for nervous fish, and, of course, they will tolerate any type of water.

Aquatic plants can look stunning when they are properly displayed, but they offer many additional benefits to the aquarium and its inhabitants. However, if they are to provide any of the benefits, you will have to meet their needs, which includes providing appropriate lighting, fertilization and substrates. See basic plant guide.

An appropriate background is important if you want to imitate an underwater scene in your aquarium. They can give the effect of increased depth and can also hide any trailing cables. Internal and external backgrounds can be purchased, or you can make one yourself.

Stands

A stand is a basic requirement for an aquarium, as without one it would be sitting on the floor. Stands must be specially made by professionals or purchased from an aquarium retailer because aquariums are heavy enough to buckle living room furniture, potentially causing disaster. A stand for the aquarium can be either cabinets or a simple stands. Both are appropriate and depend solely on the preference of the hobbyist.

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Fish Aquarium

A fish lovers work is never done, some of us that love and appreciate fish know this for a fact, the never ending search for new kinds of fish to place in our aquariums alone is enough to make some people tired already. The maintenance and energy that one needs to put into having an impressive aquarium in his house is something that easily equals a full time job. Nevertheless it is a passion that has touched many, and many more discover that there is something very special and unique to growing fish and having a fish aquarium of any size in your home.

Fish are very common pets when you think of it, in almost any pet shop you will find an abundance of fish, someone can foolishly think that this means that most people are familiar with the knowledge of growing them, it is not necessarily true. While most of the fish growers enthusiasm starts at a young age, and in fact most of the lovers of fish start as young boys and girls staring at the pet shop window wishing to get some fish, once you have a couple of fish you start realizing that you will have to do much more than just fill a tank of water and feed the fish every couple of days.

With this realization you would also understand that the sum of money that you have intended for this purpose is probably going to be a little bigger than what you initially planned, and form here the story starts. The passion is to have a unique aquarium that holds many different types of fish, to add as many features to the aquarium and make it as harmonious as possible, even as natural as possible to reflect a true way of living in a sense.

Since the fish market has much to offer a aquarium fish grower can almost never run out of more options to make his aquarium richer and more colorful, but also healthier and stronger. The race in the technology in providing better aquarium equipment that we maintain the aquarium needs better is never ending, the products are not very expensive at first but as you start to grow you aquarium to larger sizes you will need to invest wisely in the maintenance produces you use.

The last part of the article is devoted to the design of the aquarium, we have all seen those movies in which the bad guy has a huge aquarium with sharks swimming round in it, this is somewhat the average dream for the average fish grower, and although it is not probable that many growers will get this, some will, but everyone tries and makes their fish aquarium look better. The design of the aquarium has a lot to do with the person that has it, it is not only the basic design of the aquarium, but of what is in it, what it uses as an aquarium stand and the placing of the whole thing. A lot of effort goes into this part and I hope that when you spot a nice fish aquarium you let the owner know he is doing something right.

Discover different Aquariums at http://aquarium.advice-tips.com