How to Set up a Tropical Fish Tank
A tropical fish tank is like a living work of art. Tanks are highly customizable, and can by stocked with species of fish and plants in any color imaginable. Though many people love tropical fish tanks for their beauty, it is important to keep in mind that fish and plants are living things that require very specific conditions and care. The ideal tropical fish tank set up will depend on the types of fish and plants that will live within it, but there are good practices that hold true for tanks that house any type of life.
The size of the aquarium in which your tropical fish will live dictates how many fish and plants you can have; which filter should be used, and the type of heater that will be required. Most experts are of the mind that larger fish tanks are easier to care for, so get the biggest tank that your available funds and space will allow. Large tanks will make it easier to control water quality and temperature. They will also allow for the addition of more fish and plants as interest grows. Even for those who are just starting out, an investment in a large fish tank at the outset will eliminate the need to upgrade to a bigger tank in the future.
Your tropical fish tank should try to simulate an actual coral reef.
In general, aquariums can comfortably hold 1” of fish per gallon of water. This rule applies only to smaller fish. For those with smaller tanks, it is better to air on the conservative side of this estimate, particularly if fish will be sharing the space with tropical fish tank plants. Plants are a great addition to any tank, as they will help filter and oxygenate the aquarium’s water. Do be careful not to overplant, though. Too many plants will mean a dearth of carbon dioxide. In this case, plants will be unable to carry out photosynthesis and die. Some aquarists choose plants on which their fish can nibble, while others add plant species that the fish will not be interested in. This is largely a personal choice.
There are a number of tropical fish tank supplies that are vital to the functioning of any successful tank. Finding the right aquarium lighting system is very important to the health of an aquatic ecosystem. Bulbs are sold in different wattages, and planted aquariums will need around 5 watts per gallon of water. Filters will help stabilize the water quality and remove debris. One of the most popular models is the under gravel filter. As the name implies, it rests on the bottom of the tank, under the gravel, and should be one of the first things installed in a new aquarium.
The undergravel fish tank filter.
After a tank has been filled and the filter has been run, it is important to begin testing the water. An ideal tropical fish tank temperature is usually around 74° F. A thermometer will help you determine the natural temperature of the water in your tank. In most homes, a tropical fish tank heater will be required to bring the water up to an acceptable range for inhabitability. Instability in water temperature can kill fish, so be vigilant in making sure that your heater is high quality and consistent. Thermometers are usually inexpensive, easy to read, and can be purchased from the same dealer who sold you your tank.
The last must have piece of equipment for any aquarist is a water testing kit. When initially setting up a tropical fish tank, water should be checked very frequently for the presence of chemicals that may be harmful to your fish. For those who filled their tank with tap water, chlorine levels should be closely monitored. If you cleaned your tank with a bleach solution at the beginning of the tropical fish tank setup, a filter should be enough to remove any traces of ammonia, but be sure to test for this before adding any fish. After your tank is stocked, water should be changed gradually (about 10%-20% per week). Test the water sporadically after these changes are made.
Careful planning and allowing enough time for each step in the setup process will help ensure the success of any tropical fish tank. If setup is done too quickly, plants and fish may not adjust well to their new home. Books and videos are available that discuss with more depth best practices in how to set up a tropical fish tank, and most stores that sell tropical fish offer a wealth of information for anyone who is just starting out.
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