Home Aquarium Tips

Starting a home aquarium can be a rewarding, exciting hobby. It also requires planning and patience. A little knowledge beforehand will save a lot of money and disappointment later on. There is nothing more disheartening than a tank full of dead fish when something as simple as knowing the proper chemical balance or adding an aquarium heater would have made all the difference.

  1. Freshwater Aquariums

    • Freshwater aquariums are less expensive to start and easier to care for than saltwater aquariums. Beginners may be tempted to start with a small aquarium, but smaller aquariums are actually harder to maintain.

      Start with an aquarium that is at least 20 gallons, keeping in mind that water weighs about eight and a half pounds per gallon. Make sure you have a place to set up an aquarium that is not too close to any windows, outside doors, heat sources or air conditioners. Once it is set up, it will weigh close to 200 lbs., including the weight of the tank, gravel, water and decorations. Rinse it out to remove any dust.

      Fill the aquarium about 1/3 full, and check for leaks.

      If you are using an under-gravel filter, install it now but don't plug it in. If not, skip to the gravel. Rinse gravel and any decorations to be added. Use a plastic colander for the gravel. Place the gravel and decorations in the aquarium.

      If you are using another filter, install it according to the manufacturer's directions, but don't plug it in yet. At this time you should install any airstones, and continue filling the tank.

      Add the heater and thermometer to the aquarium, making sure they are on opposite ends of the tank. Don't plug the heater in for at least 20 minutes after immersion, then follow the instructions to adjust the temperature of the water to between 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the water has reached the desired temperature, you will need to wait 24 to 48 hours to make sure the temperature remains stable, and any cloudiness in the water clears up.

    Adding Fish

    • Now that your freshwater aquarium is ready, you may begin adding fish. Starter fish such as Zebra Danios, White Clouds and Platys are the best choices for new tanks, according to the article "How to Start an Aquarium" by Catherine Tulley, in the April 2006 copy of Boy's Life. You will only want to add one or two fish at a time, and remember to choose freshwater species that live and work well together.

    Maintenance

    • Check the water temperature regularly and adjust as needed. Change the water a little at a time so it stays healthy and balanced. Remove chlorine with water-cleaning drops if necessary. Do not over feed your fish. Over feeding makes the water dirty, and is not good for the fish. Regular maintenance will keep your fish happy, healthy and swimming around.