Helpful Advice for All Aquarium Owners: What Your Tank Needs
When you purchase an aquarium for your home, it needs to be filled with a mix of different water types that are able to support the different types of fish and other aquatic life. If you are purchasing a new aquarium or replacing the old one, then you should think about what factors you need to consider.
This includes the size of the tank, the number of fish that will live in it, and what type of fish they will be. If you’re purchasing a new tank then there are some additional factors that come into play, such as filtration and lighting. Here is some helpful advice on what your aquarium needs.
What Your Tank Needs
The number one thing that you need to think about is the size of the tank. The bigger your tank, the more fish and other aquatic life that can live comfortably in it. Tanks are measured by gallons so it is important to have a range of what your tank will be able to hold. You’ll also want to consider the number of fish that you plan on having in your aquarium.
This will depend on what type of fish you choose and how many fish you have chosen to purchase. If you just want a few fish then all you need is 1 gallon per 3-5 pounds of total weight, but if you plan on having much more fish then this would require a larger space for them to live in.
Aquariums need lighting, filters, substrate, and decorations as well as a water conditioner and food for their inhabitants.
Factors to consider when purchasing an aquarium
The size of the tank is a factor that needs to be considered. It’s important to know how big you will actually need the aquarium to be because it isn’t just a question of how many fish can live in the tank. The more fish there are in an aquarium, the more they will produce waste, and the more water they will need.
If you are considering more than one type of fish, then make sure you have enough space for them in the tank. Additionally, if you are purchasing a freshwater tank, then make sure that there is sufficient filtration and aeration for both fresh and saltwater tanks. You also want to consider what type of fish you will be keeping in your aquarium; for example, if you’re purchasing an Amazonian cichlid tank then selecting one with plenty of hiding places will be beneficial.
If you’re purchasing a new aquarium that is going to house tropical fish then think about what type of lighting you want it to have. This includes fluorescent lighting or UV lighting for their wellbeing; however, this can also depend on the type of plants that live in the water as well.
Care must also be taken when purchasing light fixtures because some may not provide adequate heat or light while others might add too much heat or light which could harm your aquatic life. Another factor to consider is whether your aquarium contains any other features such as waterfalls or caves where animals can hide and feel safe from predators in their natural habitat.
Fish And Other Aquatic Life That Requires Special Care
There are different types of fish that require specific care and attention. If you’re buying a new tank, then you should make sure to research the type of fish that will live in it because they need different water conditions. Some fish, like Oscars, do not do well in strong currents so it’s important to have proper flow and filtration.
Other fish like bettas, guppies, and mollies need low lighting levels. All these factors contribute to your success with your aquarium. Take a look at all the different fish available at local pet stores or online vendors and decide what type of tank works best for your needs.
Size Of The Tank
The size of the tank is important and it depends on what type of fish you are going to have in the aquarium. If you are going to have a lot of bettas, then your tank needs to be a minimum of five gallons, but at least twelve gallons. A ten-gallon tank should work for smaller fish like guppies and mollies, but if your plan is for some larger fish like angels or catfish then you will need at least twenty-five gallons.
Lighting
The lighting in your tank is just as important as the type of filtration you have. Your lighting should simulate sunlight to help stimulate the growth of plant life, which is a natural part of any fish’s life cycle. It also helps with the development of healthy and vibrant colors.
If your aquarium has a large body of water then it also needs full-spectrum lighting. Your tank will need to be lit up during the day so that your fish can see where they are going and at night so they feel safe while they sleep.
Filtration
The aquarium filter is one of the most important parts of your tank. Without it, the fish would be exposed to harmful toxins and pollutants that can cause serious damage. The filter helps to remove these things so that the water inside your tank stays as clean as possible. In order to maintain a healthy aquatic life in your tank, you’ll need to change the water frequently. If you’re unsure about how often you should change the water, then follow the guidelines below:
– One gallon of freshwater per every 10 gallons in capacity:
This means that if your aquarium has 100 gallons of capacity then you will need 10 gallons of freshwater for every 10 gallons in capacity. For example, if your tank has 150 gallons in capacity, then you will need 15 gallons of freshwater for every 10 gallons in capacity.
– Two percent weekly changes:
If your aquarium has 180 gallons in capacity, then you will need 2% of 180 or 18 gallons of freshwater for every 10 or 20 feet it is deep. In this case, if your tank is 15 feet deep, then you will need 2% x 18 or 36 gallons of freshwater for every 10 or 20 feet it is deep. So if an average person changes 50% per week and they have a 15-foot deep aquarium with 180-gallon capacity, they will be needing 3 times 50% which is 150%.
– Three times weekly changes:
For those looking to change their water more regularly than once during the week and twice
Conclusion
There’s so much to know about aquariums. Knowing what your tank needs will help you get the most out of your investment and make sure you’re keeping your fish happy and healthy.
