If you are new to the hobby of raising fish, then there are many choices that you will have to face. Making the right decisions can save you a lot of time and money. Some things to consider are the tank, filters, heaters, lighting and decor.
There are many styles of tanks such as hexagonal, pentagonal, cylinders and even in the wall aquariums. The easiest to maintain is the rectangular style since the edges are minimal. If you have a bigger tank you may need more maintenance items such as filters, heaters and lights.
There are many different types of filters some common styles are: power filters, Bio wheel filters, internal filters, and under gravel filters. Power and bio wheel filters are probably the most efficient and easiest filters to maintain. They hang over the side into the tank and have cartridges that have to be changed about one a month. The under gravel filters have their benefits and drawbacks. They are an older style filter and are placed at the bottom of the tank under the gravel. They do not have cartridges that have to be changes monthly but can get gummed up and have to be taken completely out to clean. They also usually will not clean as well as a power or bio wheel filter but can be made at home and are cheaper.
Usually heaters are fairly the same, submersible heaters are the way to go. Usually it's a good idea to have two heaters in the tank so that if one breaks you have another going so the fish have a temperature that they can survive in.
Lighting is important if you have live plants in your aquarium so they can flourish. Most lids for the tanks come with a standard fluorescent bulb, but brighter bulbs are advised for optimal lighting for aquarium plants.
Lastly, any decor and extra utilities like bubblers can be added for look and to help the fish have a happy and secure habitat. - 29958
There are many styles of tanks such as hexagonal, pentagonal, cylinders and even in the wall aquariums. The easiest to maintain is the rectangular style since the edges are minimal. If you have a bigger tank you may need more maintenance items such as filters, heaters and lights.
There are many different types of filters some common styles are: power filters, Bio wheel filters, internal filters, and under gravel filters. Power and bio wheel filters are probably the most efficient and easiest filters to maintain. They hang over the side into the tank and have cartridges that have to be changed about one a month. The under gravel filters have their benefits and drawbacks. They are an older style filter and are placed at the bottom of the tank under the gravel. They do not have cartridges that have to be changes monthly but can get gummed up and have to be taken completely out to clean. They also usually will not clean as well as a power or bio wheel filter but can be made at home and are cheaper.
Usually heaters are fairly the same, submersible heaters are the way to go. Usually it's a good idea to have two heaters in the tank so that if one breaks you have another going so the fish have a temperature that they can survive in.
Lighting is important if you have live plants in your aquarium so they can flourish. Most lids for the tanks come with a standard fluorescent bulb, but brighter bulbs are advised for optimal lighting for aquarium plants.
Lastly, any decor and extra utilities like bubblers can be added for look and to help the fish have a happy and secure habitat. - 29958
About the Author:
Roshan Goodman writes articles with advice on fish tanks and also on fish tank tips.
