How To Make a Tropical Fish Tank
A tropical fish tank provides an enjoyable and relaxing hobby. A tropical fish tank can be set up in most areas and even rental housing usually has no restrictions against fish as pets. It is important to know how to set up your tank for your specific choice of fish so that they remain healthy and your tank remains a beautiful part of your environment.
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Instructions
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Learn about the types of tropical fish. There are two types of tropical fish tanks: fresh water and salt water. They are not interchangeable and the types of fish that live in each require that type of environment to survive. Most beginning tropical fish owners start out with freshwater tropical fish--they are easier to maintain and the tank is less expensive to set up. Freshwater tropical fish are colorful and come in a wide variety so they make fantastic aquarium pets. Saltwater tropical fish are considered the epitome of aquarium beauty; however, the fish can be expensive to obtain.
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Choose your tank size wisely. Tank size is important as most tropical fish can grow quite large making tropical fish less suitable for smaller tanks under 50 gallons. When buying a tank that is 50 gallons or larger, you must consider what base you will set it on. Unlike smaller tanks, a large aquarium needs firm and sturdy support. It is best to use a stand built specifically to hold such a large aquarium. Remember that a 50 gallon tank may only weigh 50 pounds empty, but when it is filled with water, decoration, filters and fish. it will likely weigh in excess of 600 pounds (larger tanks will weight proportionately more).
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Buy a filter and install. There are reliable filters ready to use right out of the box and have refillable cartridges that can be changed when needed to maintain a clean environment. These are much easier for beginners to use than charcoal filters and those that require delicate maintenance.
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Buy an appropriately sized aquarium heater. All tropical fish tanks need to be heated regardless of where you live or what type of tropical fish you choose. The water temperature must not dip below 68 degrees and should be kept at a level 72 degrees for optimal temperature. Aquarium heaters will automatically turn on and off as needed. You can buy thermometers to keep track of the water temperature in your tanks.
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Choose the type of decorations desired. Gravel is not necessary, but it does provide a nicer backdrop for your fish than a glass bottom. It also helps the tank environment by giving the beneficial bacteria you need to grow in your tank to help fight ammonia buildup. Other decorations are largely up to the aesthetic desire of the owner; however, some fish like to have places to hide so you need to consider that and provide plants and rock formations if you own those types of fish.
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Stock your tank. Remember that the cute little 1-inch fish you see in your local pet store is not going to stay that size. Check with the personnel working at the store, or look for a sign on the fish tank in the store to see what the predicted adult size of the fish will be to consider if you have the room in your tank for that fish. You also need to consider how each fish typically lives, if it is happier in groups of three, five or more or if it will do okay on its own in a tank of other species as well as which other species it will co-exist with peacefully.
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References
- Photo Credit Tami Parrington
