Many of us want to have some kind of pet that will bring joy and pleasant emotions. It’s not always possible to get a cat or a dog for some reason, and therefore often people give preference to various guinea pigs, hamsters, parrots. One of the rather interesting options can be an aquarium with fish. Probably, you can not find a person who would remain indifferent to them. But deciding to get fish is one thing. But to know what is needed for this is another. And we will talk about this in more detail.
Aquarium Selection Criteria
A person who decides to put a simple aquarium with fish at home often does not know what a beginner aquarist needs. And the first step should be to choose the right capacity. To do this, determine where it will be located. It is not even necessary to be clearly defined immediately. But at least you need to have an approximate idea, because when there are already some considerations, it will be possible to select the shape of the aquarium and its design. For example, it can be located on legs or a stand, have a frame base or, in general, be suspended. Yes, and there are many forms of an aquarium:
- rectangular;
- round;
- panoramic;
- triangular;
- square;
- prismoid.
And depending on the form, certain installation features appear. For example, triangular aquariums are only closed, and prismatic can only be installed on the floor.
Another important criterion for selecting an aquarium will be various factors in keeping and caring for fish. Correct installation of the container greatly facilitates access to it and carrying out various actions: cleaning filters, changing water, caring for plants, feeding fish.
It is difficult to give preference to some form of aquariums. Although experts argue that it is best to choose the classic rectangular version. Some say that the capacity of an unusual shape, even spherical, can become a source of stress for fish.
Another very important criterion is size. Everything will depend on how seriously a person will do this. If he is going to breed fish or keep quite large specimens there, then he will need a solution of 50 or more liters. And if he just wants to enjoy the life of these beautiful creatures, then a beginner will only need an aquarium on:
- 10 liters;
- 20 liters;
- 40 liters.
In simple terms, a small aquarium is an ideal solution for an inexperienced person in this matter. True, in a small aquarium, water deteriorates faster, and more thorough care is needed for it. The choice of size will also be influenced by the fish of which breeds the aquarist is going to start.
Where to put?
The correct location of the container is very important, because it will allow pets to create comfortable living conditions. For proper installation of the aquarium, a beginner should adhere to the following principles:
- the surface on which the tank will be placed must withstand the mass of the aquarium and the water that will be in it;
- all actions with capacity should be carried out without any obstacles or inconveniences;
- the place should be such that it is easy to connect the necessary equipment;
- the tank is placed in a place where direct sunlight does not fall, and there is no constant movement and noise - this can harm fish and some types of algae.
Necessary equipment
The next step will be the acquisition of the necessary equipment for the normal functioning of fish. Its list includes several devices.
- Temperature regulator. It will be necessary on hot or cool days, as it will allow you to adjust the temperature of the water in the direction of increase or decrease.
- Thermometer. Gives the owner information about the temperature regime of water.
- Lamp. Lighting will be necessary for plants, because the light ensures the normal growth of the aquarium flora and allows you to simulate the natural habitat.
- External filter. Suitable for filtering fluid in a large aquarium.
- Internal filter. Essential for small capacity. It makes it possible to filter water, avoiding stagnation and turbidity.
- Compressor. It allows you to saturate the water with oxygen, which increases the comfort of fish in the aquarium.
It should be noted here that either an internal or an external filter is usually purchased.
In addition, you will need to purchase:
- a butterfly net;
- feeders where you can put live food;
- siphon, which allows cleaning soil from fish waste products;
- a scraper that allows you to clean the glass of the aquarium from algae.
Scenery & Accessories
The next stage is the purchase of decorations and accessories. The scenery makes it possible to give atmospheric aquarium and make it more beautiful. The fry are often hidden in them and various snags, because often parental individuals simply eat them for some reason. There are no special recommendations for the purchase of decorations. Everything is limited only by the imagination of the owner and the availability of funds. Too many should not be bought, because this can complicate the process of servicing the tank.
Before use, they must be collected if they consist of several parts, and washed with running water, and then dried. And only then they can be lowered into a container with fish.
If we talk about accessories, it often happens that bedside tables, as well as covers with built-in lamps, are supplied with the container. Such a solution would be good if there is very little space for mounting the aquarium.
Naturally, the cabinet is designed for the mass of an aquarium with water. And on the shelves below it you can easily place the necessary aquarium accessories. A lid will be necessary to prevent fish from jumping out. For beginners, it will be convenient also because you do not need to spend time installing lighting.
How to choose fish and plants?
Now you need to choose the fish that will live in the aquarium of a beginner aquarist. It is best to begin your journey in this with such breeds:
- laliuses;
- cardinals;
- zebrafish;
- various breeds of catfish (corridors or antiscistruses);
- viviparous fish (pecilia, guppy, swordsman, mollies).
These types of fish can live at different characteristics of water and temperatures, which means they will be ideal for beginners.
If we talk about plants, then they are necessary in the tank, because they form the most approximate conditions to natural ones. They should be unpretentious and able to live at different levels of temperature, water and light. For beginners, it will be best to use in an aquarium:
- hornwort;
- pinnacles;
- Amazonian Echinodorus;
- an elodea;
- Wallisneria
- floating riccia;
- mosses (key or javanese);
- ferns (pterygoid or Thai).
In no case should plants placed on their own be placed in the aquarium. The reason is that it is unlikely that a beginner knows what they have collected. And it can harm the fish.
Before placing the acquired plant species in a container, they should be treated in a pre-prepared aqueous solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide or a solution of methylene blue.
It is necessary to periodically cut the greens and carefully monitor so that a dark coating does not appear on the leaves of the plants, which can poison the water.
How to start the aquarium step by step?
Before settling fish, the biological balance of the reservoir should be stabilized as much as possible. In no case should you place them in a new, just launched aquarium. It is known that up to 30% of individuals die due to improperly organized settlement in the aquarium.
So, the start of the water tank should start with:
- filling with water and checking the integrity of the seams for leaks;
- laying out the soil and subsequent planting;
- installation of various decorations and decoration;
- placement and inclusion of the necessary equipment.
Typically, the bio-balance in the aquarium is normalized within 7-10 days. A beginner aquarist can use this period to determine the types of fish that he is going to settle in his aquarium and purchase them. To accelerate the normalization of water parameters, professional aquarists advise to dilute some mineral fertilizers in water. But the calculation of fertilizer dosages is best done by consulting with a specialist.
As soon as the biological balance in the aquarium is normalized, you can start the first inhabitants - various mollusks, frogs and shrimps. If they feel comfortable, then in a few days it will be possible to add fish to the tank.
How to care?
Now let's say how to properly care for an aquarium placed at home. Quality fish maintenance begins with proper feeding. It should be carried out sparingly. Overfeeding fish is not worth it, because they can get used to it. Therefore, do not give them food more than 1 time per day. And you need to give so much that they ate it instantly. It should not sink to the bottom, because it can begin to rot, which will cause the development of bacteria and fungus. And this will entail the illness of the inhabitants of the reservoir, and their possible death.
When the population of the aquarium is fully adapted, it is possible to give food a little more often. Well, one day a week must be made unloading for prevention.
Another component of proper care is maintaining the temperature and cleaning the aquarium. The temperature regime must be stable, its differences can be fatal to fish.
Timely filter change and soil cleaning, as well as algae care - The key to creating a favorable and healthy environment for fish. Filters should be cleaned exclusively in aquarium water. Otherwise, the water balance of the tank may be disturbed.
If we talk about replacing water, then the first time it is carried out no earlier than a few months after launch. Moreover, only part of it needs to be changed - about 20-25 percent. That is, each time a partial replacement is carried out, and not a complete one at a time.
Secrets and tips for fish farming at home
It will not be superfluous to keep and breed fish at home Follow the advice of experienced aquarists.
- It is better to choose a classic rectangular aquarium.
- The container should be placed on a flat plane, and its edges should not hang from the surface on which it stands. Otherwise, the aquarium may collapse.
- Observe the temperature conditions in the tank very carefully. Temperature changes negatively affect the inhabitants of the aquarium.
- Periodically check the operation of the aerator and filter for malfunctions.
- The daylight hours in the aquarium should be at least 11 hours. Otherwise, parasitic algae may appear in the container.
See how to take care of your home aquarium in the next video.
