T H e L i F e AQUAT i C
The Life
Aquatic
➳ Beginners Shopping List
The Basics of Aquariums These aquarium supplies will make life much more comfortable for your new pets. Filters: Filters are critical as they maintain water quality which is necessary for the survival of the fish. There are three types of filtration:
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Mechanical Removes floating particles such as fish waste and uneaten food. Chemical Activated carbon removes odors, gases and water discoloration. Biological Provides a surface for the beneficial bacteria to grow. Beneficial bacteria are needed to remove harmful toxins such as ammonia from the water.
Common Problems
Get Started
Common problems for a beginner aquarium hobbyist include ‘new tank syndrome.’ This can occur when many fish are added quickly, throwing off the natural chemical and biological balance of the environment and killing most of the fish. Avoid this problem as it can be very discouraging when you’ve just started your aquarium. Take your time and add fish a few weeks apart, allowing the water and the fish to adjust before introducing new species. It’s also important to not overcrowd your aquarium. Most fish may appear small, but they require a bare minimum of 1 gallon of water per fish. For ideal conditions, fish need much more space than that. Make sure your chosen species are compatible as well.
You’ve got your aquarium – now what? Choose a place for your aquarium, fill it with water, use your water conditioner and let the tank ‘cycle’ or run for at least 24 hours before adding your fish. Remember, aquariums are heavy! Water weighs 8.5 lbs (4 kg) per U.S. gallon. A 20 gallon aquarium filled with water weighs about 170 lbs. Consider the weight when choosing a place for your fish. Aquariums should also be kept away from direct sunlight to inhibit algae growth. Once your tank has cycled, go and choose fish that you love, and take them to their new home.
Heaters: Heaters maintain a steady water temperature which is crucial for healthy fish. Fish are ectotherms (cold blooded). Their body temperature is determined by their environment. Warmer water increases their metabolism and disease resistance as well as improves their appetite. Ideal temperatures can vary based on the type of fish you have, but for most species the ideal is in the range of 78-84° F (25-29° C). Determine the proper heater size by providing 3-5 watts of power per gallon of water. For example, a 30 gallon tank needs a minimum 90 watt heater.
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Air Pumps: Since fish extract oxygen from the water, the main function of an air pump is to create water movement that will increase the available oxygen. Air stones are attached to the air pump via airline hosing and a check valve. The check valve ensures that the air travels in the right direction and stops the water from backing up should the pump stop working. Hoods & Lighting: Aquarium hoods slow the water evaporation process, prevent active fish from jumping out of the aquarium and prevent dust particles from contaminating the water. In addition to the hood, some form of supplemental lighting is needed to view your fish. Room lighting does not penetrate water easily. Plants & Décor: Plants and décor provide hiding places for the fish and add to the beauty of the tank. Plastic plants are a common decorative choice, available in many different colors and sizes. Plastic plants are a good choice for goldfish and many freshwater fish as they tend to uproot and consume more expensive live plants. You need 1-2 lbs of gravel per gallon of water. Gravel is essential to help hide waste at the bottom of the tank, and it’s available in multiple colors to help you personalize your aquarium’s look. Food: The majority of fish are omnivores; this means that they eat both plant and animal matter. The most popular types of food are flakes and pellets. They come in a variety of colors, compositions, textures and sizes. Feed your fish 2-3 times per day - but just a small amount. It’s very easy to overfeed your fish, which only leads to a messy tank when uneaten food is floating around.
ish offer a solution to the space and time constraints of your average pet lover. Fish don’t need to be walked or housebroken, and they can be left home alone for a few days. They don’t need annual vaccinations at the vet and they don’t get diarrhea! Finally, watching an aquarium is very soothing. Freshwater aquariums are the place to begin your life as a fish hobbyist. You can use regular tap water to fill your tanks, as long as you condition the water properly.
SICK FISH? Watch for these signs of an unhealthy fish. several medicines are available to help bring your fish back to health. • Inflamed gills • Lying on the bottom of the aquarium • Fins clamped to its sides • Scraping its body on rocks •Spotted scales
Conditioners: Your basic water conditioner neutralizes harmful chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals in tap water and adds a protective slime coating to the fish. Use water conditioner whenever you change water in your tank. Replace about 25% of the water monthly.
• Tetra 10 cl Deluxe Aquarium Kit 70255 › $69.99 Fall 2011 - Companion 17