How to Keep Trout in an Aquarium

Trout are normally game fish that can get very large, up to 22 inches. They are also cold water fish, desiring temperatures between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Taking care of a trout in a home aquarium is not much more difficult than taking care of any other fish, but they do require a large tank of at least 120 gallons, proper filtration, and an adequate aquarium chiller to keep the water cool.

Things You'll Need

  • 120-gallon aquarium
  • Gravel
  • Two 90-gallon hanging filters
  • Dechlorinator
  • Aquarium chiller
  • Aquarium thermometer
  • Hood and fluorescent light
  • Various decor
  • Crickets, worms, other meaty foods
  • Siphon, gravel vacuum
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Instructions

  1. Setting Up the Tank

    • 1

      Layer the bottom of the tank with about 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches of gravel. This gravel will provide a surface area for the proliferation of beneficial bacteria.

    • 2

      Fill the 120-gallon tank with freshwater and dechlorinate it using a liquid dechlorinator. This is an additive that will remove any chlorine and other harmful chemicals. The proper dosage will be listed on the packaging.

    • 3

      Install the two hanging filters. These filters should both be equipped for 90-gallon aquariums and will combine to provide enough filtration for the 120-gallon tank. Consult the owner's manual for specific instructions, but most hang on the back of an aquarium wall and suck up water using an intake tube. They will then clean the water and expel it via a spillway.

    • 4

      Install the aquarium chiller. The aquarium chiller will keep the aquarium water cool and is often adjustable. Aquarium chillers all have different means of installation, so consult the owner's manual for specific installation instructions.

    • 5

      Lay out various decor. Decor should include aquarium-safe wood and plants. Trout like to hide beneath plants and logs. Allow any logs to soak in a bucket of water for 24 hours prior to placing them in your aquarium to avoid clouding the tank with sediments.

    • 6

      Install the aquarium thermometer and allow the filters to run for several days before introducing your trout. Keep the lid on tight to avoid them jumping out.

    General Care

    • 7

      Feed the trout crickets, worms, or other meaty foods every day, but never more than they can eat in a few minutes. Crickets and worms can either be purchased live or freeze-dried in cans. Trout will not eat standard flake food.

    • 8

      Keep the lights on a 10-hour cycle to simulate the natural sun cycles. You can either keep them on timers or manually turn them on and off at set times every day. Keeping the lights on too long may lead to profuse algal growth.

    • 9

      Keep the water temperature between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 65 degrees Fahrenheit using the aquarium chiller. Watch the thermometer closely and keep the water at the appropriate temperatures. If the fish are swimming near the bottom of the tank, it means that the water temperature is too warm and they are attempting to reach the colder water at the bottom of the aquarium.

    • 10

      Change at least 1/4 of the water at least once a week. Trout are messy fish that will expel a lot of potentially toxic waste products, so changing the water using a siphon/gravel vacuum is imperative. Replace the swapped water with dechlorinated freshwater.