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FISH TANKS: THE BASICS OF YOUR AQUARIUMOnce you’ve decided on your fish tank, the next step is acquiring the support accessories. Remember: an aquarium is an alien environment, and a very complex one. The large bodies of water your fishes come from – big lakes, or in the case of saltwater fish, the oceans – have very stable environments. Changes take place slowly, so the fish born there are unable to cope with drastic changes in temperature, PH levels, nitrate levels and dietary changes. Your job as an aquarist is to keep your fish tank as stable as possible. Here’s some information that will make your job easier. Some New Ideas The entire thinking about fish tanks has changed over the past few years with some aquariums now referred to as aqua furniture or aqua art. There are aquariums made to be recessed into a wall, or designed to fit into a corner. Fish tanks can even be special ordered in most shapes to fit your needs. Those in the wall, framed by wood, may appear to be a living painting. Materials used in fish tanks also changed over the years. Clear, molded acrylic is gradually replacing glass as the primary material since it has been developed not to become cloudy over time. This also reduces the danger of breakage that exists with glass and can add years of enjoyment to you fish tanks. Accessories Enhance Success Having one or two small gold fish in a bowl does not require a huge investment. Food for the fish and the willingness to change to the water when needed will usually keep the fish alive for the duration of their life span. Planning to raise more or bigger fish will require more accessories for your fish tank. With fish tanks holding ten gallons or more of water, you will need a water pump and filter set to keep the water clean and moving. Without them the water will need to be changed frequently as it begins to get dirty. An air filter will also be required to keep air flowing through the water. Fish require oxygen to survive and without fresh air being introduced, they may suffocate. Fish tanks also will need a light, usually a fixture that attaches to the top and provides light into the water to keep the fish from sleeping all the time. A heater is also a good idea for fish tanks as it will help maintain the water at a constant temperature ensuring your fish won’t be cooked if it gets too hot or lethargic if it is too cold. Bigger fish tanks will require bigger accessories, and if you have fish tanks special ordered in unusual shapes, the manufacturer of the fish tanks will most likely be your only source for accessories such as the bottom filter and lamp hood. |
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