About Freshwater Aquariums

Freshwater aquariums are becoming increasingly popular even with the latest technological competition, such as computer simulated fish tanks. Freshwater aquariums are fairly easy to maintain, and some species of freshwater fish live for tens of years. This makes a freshwater aquarium a low-maintenance alternative to traditional pets, such as cats and dogs. Freshwater tanks are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials, and can be customized to suit the needs of any owner.

History

Fish-keeping and freshwater aquariums have been around for a very long time. The ancient Egyptians kept fish for both food and entertainment purposes, and goldfish have been bred in China since before the 10th century. Goldfish were introduced into Europe around 1791, and the London Zoological Society set up the first known public aquarium in 1853. Other large cities followed suit, displaying mainly local species that could be caught from nearby water sources.
Initially, aquariums were heated by open flame, a practice that proved both dangerous and ineffective. Filters were poorly designed and nutrition was not understood, and as a result, most fish suffered from disease and dietary deficiencies and died early. Over the years, aquarium technology has greatly improved, and nutritional requirements for fish are easier to meet with commercial fish food. Today, most aquarium fish are bred in Asia and Florida and shipped around the world for placement in freshwater aquariums.

Types

Two main types of freshwater aquariums are available: glass tanks and acrylic tanks, or plexiglass tanks. Glass tanks are the most popular type of tanks used in the United States, and they are fairly inexpensive and widely available. Two important disadvantages of glass tanks are that they are prone to leaking over time and they are considerably heavier than other tank types.
Acrylic tanks are available in a variety of sizes, but are typically sold in ten-gallon size or less. They are lightweight, less prone to leaking than glass tanks, but they are vulnerable to scratches and bowing. Acrylic tanks are clearer than glass tanks, allowing more natural light into the aquarium. They are also better insulators than glass tanks, and prevent dangerous temperature fluctuations in the water. Most acrylic tanks cost significantly more than glass tanks. Both tank types are available in a wide range of shapes, including rectangular, which is the most common, but acrylic tanks can also be found in round and oval shapes.

Features

Freshwater aquariums are generally set up in similar ways in order to provide a natural and habitable environment for the fish. Gravel added to the bottom of the tank provides support for plants and enables some species of fish an ideal location for laying eggs. Gravel assists in the functioning of under gravel filter systems, and provides aesthetic benefits, as well. Rocks are essential accessories, as they offer places for freshwater fish to breed and hide, and wood items increase the acidity of the tank water, which is beneficial to some freshwater fish. Included plants should be compatible with the type and number of freshwater fish in the aquarium, and lighting should be added to enable the plants to grow. Most freshwater tanks also include a heater, thermometer and one or more filters.

Size

The size of a freshwater aquarium can vary, with typical home tanks ranging from 10 to 55 gallons. Smaller tank sizes are less stable, more prone to temperature changes caused by sunlight and air conditioning, and require more frequent cleaning. However, smaller tanks are also typically cheaper than larger tanks and require less space to set up and maintain. The size of the freshwater aquarium selected depends on the number of fish desired, available space, and budget limitations. The species of the fish should also be a consideration when selecting an aquarium size, as some species of freshwater fish, such as Oscars, require a 20 gallon tank or larger. Aquariums are available in custom sizes, but these are considerably more expensive than stock sizes.

Considerations

It is important to choose fish that will thrive in the size of freshwater aquarium purchased. Some fish require considerably more room to swim than others. Moreover, plants should be compatible with the fish present in the tank, and the aquarium should be cleaned regularly to avoid excess algae growth and the possibility of disease. Sick fish should be promptly relocated to avoid infecting the entire aquarium.

Resources

• MongaBay.com