Along with the fish tank itself, you’ll need to also consider the extra items needed to support a healthy aquarium environment. These include air pumps, gravel, heater, thermostat, and chemical additives to remove chlorine from the water in the tank.
An Aquarium: Things Needed for a Fish Tank
Well, it’s apparent that you need an aquarium to build a fish tank in your house. Before choosing the right aquarium, you need to find the right location for your fish tank. You can’t just place your fish tank anywhere. It needs to be on a flat and waterproof surface.
An Aquarium Lid
Some beginners may think of saving money by not buying a good aquarium lid or top. However, it can have the opposite impact. When your aquarium doesn’t have a cover, the loss of water and heat is more rapid. Moreover, the fish in your aquarium can jump out if there’s no lid, and that’s the last thing you want.
Water Conditioner and Fish Filter
A water conditioner and fish filter are essential for creating a good environment in the fish tank for fish. The water conditioner helps you introduce the right bacteria in the tank that digest the waste material excreted by the fish.
A Heater: Things Needed for a Fish Tank
The next thing you need for a fish tank is a heater. Every fish is unique and has different temperature requirements. Though some fish species like mountain minnows and goldfish can survive cooler temperatures, most domestic fish species need a tropical temperature of 70-80°F.
Lighting: Things Needed for a Fish Tank
The lighting is another important aspect of installing a fish tank. It has two purposes. First, live aquatic plants need light for survival. So if you plan to have live plants in your fish tank, lighting will be essential. Second, lights add an aesthetic look and feel to your aquarium.
Decorations and Substrate
Let’s talk about substrates first. The substrate is a collective term used for everything used to make the surface of the fish tank. It mainly includes sand, plant substrate, and gravel. Adding substrate elements to your fish tank can create a sea-like experience for the fish.
Aquarium Test Strips
Let’s end this list with aquarium test strips. Before adding freshwater fish to the fish tank, you must ensure that the water doesn’t have inadequate levels of nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia. You can use any test strip to check the water for its alkalinity, pH, and hardness.
01. A brand-new aquarium
If you’re building a new aquarium from the ground up, take your time and incorporate a diversity of plants.
02. What kind of fish?
Choose the appropriate fish for your aquarium; evaluate the fish’s growth potential and compatibility with the other fish currently there.
03. Purchasing and transporting them
When acquiring your fish, seek colorful, healthy, and active species from a reputable aquatics source.
05. Feeding
Feeding should be done with caution. By feeding more fish, the filtration mechanism is strained even further.
Fish Tank
Of course, the first component you need to have if you’re going to get some aquarium buddies is a fish tank. But we’re not here to state the obvious. Your fish tank must be large enough for your fish to live in healthily. A large aquarium will provide more oxygen for the fish to breathe and will be less toxic than a smaller tank.
Aquarium Stand
Apart from the weight of the aquarium itself when it’s completely empty, do you know how many pounds 20 gallons are? That’s around 160 pounds, which is insanely heavy. You can’t just place your 20-gallon aquarium on a board bookcase and expect it to sit there for extended periods of time.
Filtration System
A reliable filtration system is probably the most crucial component of a fish tank. There are many different styles of filters on the market, but we’d highly recommend bio-wheel filtration systems. The size of the filter depends mainly on the size of the tank.
Hood & Lights
This is another essential component to have in a fish tank. The hood prevents fish from jumping out of the tank. It also helps reduce the evaporation rate of water. A good hood will seal the tank completely, apart from where the filter and the water heater are located. Fish tanks are sold with lids separate from a light source.
Water Heater
Tropical fish require a temperature of around 78°F, and unless the environment where you keep your fish tank can maintain its temperature in that range, you’ll definitely need a heater. A heater ensures that the aquarium doesn’t get cool, especially during cold winter nights. It maintains the temperature throughout the course of the day.
Air Pumps
Air pumps help ensure that the fish tank has a sufficient concentration of oxygen and it’s used to force water through the tank’s filtration system. As long as your aquarium maintains great water movement and surface agitation, air pumps are not really needed.
Powerheads
Powerheads are water pumps that are usually submerged completely inside the aquarium. The lift tubes found in many UGF filters are where powerheads are typically attached. You can control the direction of the water flow of the powerhead with ease.
How Much Does It Cost to Set up a Fish Tank?
If you plan on buying brand-new aquarium supplies, be prepared to spend around $200 or more.
What is the best filter for a fish tank?
They are more difficult to clean and maintenance, and they’re not necessarily the “best” filter out there. We typically recommend a hang-on-back (HOB) filter for people who have never kept a fish tank before. They are simple to install, highly customizable, and easy to clean every month. Sponge filters are a very cost-effective and reliable alternative, but they can be a little confusing to set up for the first time by yourself and many people forget to add a check valve to prevent flooding. For more information, read our article on which fish tank filter is right for you.
What is the best aquarium for beginners?
Rimmed, glass aquariums are a favorite, cost-effective option for both beginners and veterans.
How much does a freshwater tank weigh?
A freshwater tank filled with water, substrate, equipment, and decor can weigh more than 10 pounds per gallon of water. To avoid any drastic temperature changes, don’t place the aquarium in direct sunlight, next to the air conditioning and heating vent, or in front of a constantly opening door that leads outside.
What is substrate in aquarium?
Substrate refers to the ground covering on the bottom of your fish tank. Some of the most common options include aquarium gravel, sand, and plant substrate. The substrate, rocks, driftwood, and aquarium decorations can sometimes be covered in dust particles, so rinse them in water to avoid getting cloudy water. (Do not wash anything in soap or cleaning products, since the remaining residue can be harmful to fish.)
What temperature do fish like?
While certain fish species (like goldfish, Japanese ricefish, and white cloud mountain minnows) can handle cooler temperatures, the majority of freshwater pet fish prefer warmer, tropical temperatures between 74-80°F. Therefore, if your home is lower than this range, you need to buy an aquarium heater to prevent your fish from getting sick. Plus, get a thermometer to help you determine if the aquarium heater is working properly or has been turned off.
How long does it take to start a new aquarium?
Preparations for starting a new aquarium can take about one to two weeks for gathering the proper materials, installing the equipment, and starting the aquarium cycling process. Afterwards, the aquarium needs time to establish a healthy ecosystem, and your fish should go through quarantine to prevent the spread of any diseases. Therefore, don’t rush this process by impulsively buying fish or prematurely ordering them online before the tank is ready.
What do you need for a fish tank?
An important thing you need for a fish tank is plants. They are selected according to the shape and size of the species, based on how they will look in a particular place in the aquarium. Plant asymmetrically. In the Dutch aquarium, depending on the volume, the number of large plants with large leaves is limited to two or three bushes. Near each large Bush, it is advisable to plant low and small other species. The rest of the area is planted with small-leaved clearings. Each clearing has one type of plant. The landing takes up the entire length of the foreground and gradually narrows to the back wall, which creates the illusion of perspective. The right and left corners and sides of the aquarium can be planted in groups of such species that will cover the water surface in this area during growth / Vallisneria, Watermilfoils/. Closer to the corners and further from the walls, you can plant a long-leaved Barclays or Echinodorus. The background should be made up of well-viewed low and shallow views. Plants such as Aponogeton crispus, Aponogeton ulvaceus, Barclaya longifolia, water Lotus, the Echinodorus bleheri, Echinodorus osiris, Echinodorus berteroi.
What do you need to do every day to keep your aquarium clean?
Every day, you need to make a control inspection of the aquarium and equipment, check the temperature, the state of the water and fish, and feed residues.
What fish are in the Dutch aquarium?
For the Dutch aquarium, fish from the family of Characidae, Pupfish, catfish are best suited. Many fishkeepers prefer Characidae. This is a family of inhabitants of the waters of America and Africa. There is a great variety of them in the Amazon basin – they have no equal in brightness, variety of color, and shape.
What is the design of a fish tank based on?
The described design options for fish tank based on the type of biological similarity and the geographical principle will help the novice Amateur fishkeepers to see the results of their work on the simplest examples, take a step towards creating a more complex aquarium.
What is the ratio of glass size for a fish tank?
Whatever the fish tank capacity – small /60x30x30/, medium /90x50x45/ or large /within 180 liters with design parameters in the ratio of 2:1; 1: 1/ – the thickness of the glasses should provide a sufficient margin of safety of the aquarium. For example, for our aquarium for 160-180 liters, it should be within 8 mm.
How many liters per fish?
At the same time, it is necessary to take into account their natural compliance with the specified conditions, the uniform placement of the aquarium’s water layers, the requirement of each species for water temperature, the peaceful attitude to the community of other species, the number and size of animals at the rate of six to eight liters per fish.
How often do fish eat?
Adult fish are fed once or twice at the same time in a certain place, preferably above the bottom, where there are no large objects and plants. Dry food is placed in a floating feeder fixed on the surface of the water.
Why do you need a water conditioner for a fish tank?
Water conditioner is beneficial for breaking down and digesting any kinds of bacteria from your tank , such as ammonia that is excreted by your fish. For your information, ammonia is a toxic substance that can kill your fish. By having water conditioner in your fish tank, it will prevent the build up of toxic. Lighting.
Why do fish need to be cleaned?
Why? Because fish deserve to get the best care and attention from you as the owner. They really depend on you to keep their habitat , in this case, the fish tank or aquarium, to be clean and healthy. Remember, healthy and clean aquarium will enhance the life quality of your fish.
Why do fish need an air pump?
This is another essential thing you need to keep in your fish tank. Air pump enables the gas to be stimulated between the air and water. Providing air pump will make the water inside the fish tank stay oxygenated and as a result, your fish will be able to breathe easily.
What temperature do fish like?
The common temperature for most fish is from 74 to 77 degrees of Fahrenheit. If your house has lower room temperature, then you will need to provide a heater.
What to put in an aquarium for decoration?
Be sure anything placed in to your aquarium, whether rocks, wood, or other decor items, are safe for the fish, and are thoroughly rinsed before adding them into the aquarium. Many fish prefer to have a place to hide, especially when sleeping, so having rockwork caves in the tank, or decor with big holes in them, will make the fish feel more comfortable.
What to test in aquarium water?
Testing water in a newly set up aquarium is critical. You should have kits to test for ammonia, nitrite, and pH, at a minimum. Nitrate, hardness, alkalinity and chlorine tests are also available. Multi-test strips will do as long as you follow manufacturers directions and store them properly.
How heavy is an aquarium?
Aquariums are heavy, figure 10 pounds per gallon of water capacity, so plan accordingly. A particle board bookcase is usually not sturdy enough to hold anything more than a very small aquarium. Be sure to use a real aquarium stand designed to hold the weight of an aquarium. Most aquarium warranties are void if the aquarium is not placed on an appropriate aquarium stand. There are plans available for making your own stand, if you are handy with a hammer and saw.
What do live plants do to aquariums?
Live plants help remove ammonia, nitrite an nitrate from the water. They provide a hiding place for the fish, and also food for herbivorous species. Plastic plants are also available to give your aquarium a natural look, without requiring the lighting and care that live plants take. Elva Etienne / Getty Images.
Why do aquariums have glass lids?
It also reduces evaporation, and protects the light from getting wet. If the lid is combined with the light, it is often made of plastic, which is less expensive, weighs less, and is not as easy to break. Glass lids are easier to clean, provide a tighter cover, and allow more outside light to enter the aquarium.
How to test water quality in a new aquarium?
Testing water in a newly set up aquarium is critical. You should have kits to test for ammonia, nitrite, and pH, at a minimum. Nitrate, hardness, alkalinity and chlorine tests are also available. Multi-test strips will do as long as you follow manufacturers directions and store them properly. Recently, in-tank testing monitors have become popular. These are placed inside the aquarium against the tank wall and continuously monitor the water chemistry. Generally, these products are only good for a month or two, so take care to replace them regularly. Maintaining proper water quality is the most important part of keeping aquarium fish healthy. 1
What temperature do fish need?
Most fish require a temperature of about 74 to 77 degrees F. Unless your house remains in that range all the time, you'll need a heater. Aquarium heaters come as hang-on-the-tank or submersible models and may have a numerical setting or simply an up and down setting. Go for the submersible with a numerical setting.
