There are many pieces that come together when you are trying to set up and care for your first aquarium. You need to decide what size tank is right for you and your home, the different components of the tank, the types of fish, and what kind of decorations you'll need in the end. You should also consider the amount of time you have to dedicate to its maintenance, care and cleaning. In this guide, you will know everything you need to take care of your aquarium. You can also buy everything you need from Petaholic at the best prices.
What are the basics of caring for your aquarium?
The right place to put a fish tank
Before you choose the size of the tank, you need to decide where you plan to put it in your home. The tank should not be over direct heat or in front of windows because the heat from the heat or sun will cause algae to grow in the tank on the glass side, and while this is bad for your fish, it will also require you to clean your tank more often than normal. The sink should also give you room to turn around on at least three sides to facilitate water changes and reduce the risk of spills. Once you have determined your ideal location, you can move on to choosing the size of the aquarium.
Choose the right size
The actual size of your tank is the basis for all the other decisions that will come as you go about setting up your ideal aquarium. Aquariums, whether for saltwater or freshwater fish, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can get small tanks from 1 gallon up to 200 gallons. Starter tanks are usually 10 to 20 gallons.
Filtration system for aquarium fish tank care
Every tank needs a good filtration system to keep the water clean. The first is a mechanical system. This filter removes debris and particles in the water by filtering the water through a sponge material filled with charcoal. This type of filter is easy to maintain, as you only remove the squishy material once a week and rinse it well. There are also box filters as well. These are the least expensive option and work very well for smaller tanks.
lighting
Aquariums need balance in lighting. If it is too strong, it will cause the water temperature to rise, and this will cause algae to build up. Also, if the lighting is too dim, you won't see the fish. LED lights are gaining in popularity because they are long lasting and bright. Smaller tanks usually only need one light, while a larger tank can have two or three. You should look for a light with a rating of one or two watts per gallon for the tank to be optimal.
The heating
A heater is an important part of your aquarium, as fish do not produce their own body heat. To calculate the correct heater size for your tank, you need to take the average temperature of the room the tank is in and subtract it from what you want the tank to be. You can skip the heater if the aquarium temperature doesn't drop below 70 degrees. Also, goldfish tanks do not need a heater at all because they are very hardy fish.
Plants and decorations
Many people love plants because they are a colorful addition to any tank. Plastic plants are more popular over live plants because they come in a wide variety of colors, are easy to maintain, and provide hiding places. There are thousands of aquarium decorations and decorations out there, but you have to be careful not to overdo it and it becomes crowded. You need to have a design in mind when you are choosing the decorations you want to put in the aquarium. Make sure your fish has at least one or two hiding places. Aquarium decorations should not have sharp edges, and be made of materials that are safe for the tank and the fish.
Some of the most important supplies you need for the best care of your aquarium are:
How to clean the fish tank properly and safely?
When you clean your aquarium, you are not doing a complete water change. You start by taking in about 10 to 20 percent water each week. Scrub the sides of the tub with a soft brush or cloth. Remove all of your plants and decorations by soaking them in a 10% aqueous solution of bleach. After soaking them for 15 minutes, take them out and rinse them vigorously to make sure the bleach solution is completely removed. Remove the filters and rinse them well with warm water to remove build-up. Add the freshly treated water to the basin and add the decorations again. For optimal aquarium care, you should consider adding a little bit of aquarium salt to reduce the risk of disease.
Diseases can destroy your fish in a matter of days. Therefore, you need to make sure that the water in the aquarium is clean and of high quality. Chemicals should also be checked regularly and balanced as needed. Also, make sure that you are giving food appropriate for your type of fish. Finally, if you see a sick fish, remove it from the tank and isolate it. Watch the other fish for any signs of illness.
Among the featured products that we recommend to you at Petaholic for your aquarium:
After all, setting up a new aquarium can be a new and exciting adventure. As long as you set up your tank properly, take good care of it, and keep it clean and maintained regularly, your fish should thrive and give you a beautiful tank for years to come. Also, following all the instructions in this guide will achieve the desired results. You can find all the supplies that help you in this task in Petaholic with the highest quality and the best price in the Kingdom.