What Equipment Is Needed to Start a Brand New Freshwater Aquarium?

Freshwater aquariums, with their luxuriant plant growth and beautiful fish, remain popular with aquatic hobbyists. Well-designed and correctly maintained freshwater aquariums do not look out of place in any lounge. Although most people set up freshwater aquariums to keep and to enjoy their fish, a number of enthusiasts breed both common and rare fish species in their aquariums. Much has been learned about fish behavior from careful observations of aquarium fish. Provided certain important pieces of equipment are purchased, starting up a new aquarium is easy.

  1. Aquariums and Stands

    • The most basic and important piece of equipment is the aquarium. Aquariums are available in various sizes, but the larger the tank, the more stable the water chemistry, which is an important consideration. Many freshwater fish are also more social than their marine counterparts, so an aquarium of 60 gallons will be a good size, not only for water stability, but for fish living space. A sturdy and level stand for the aquarium is equally important. The aquarium should be positioned away from drafts and direct sunshine, which will cause excessive algae growth.

    Canopy and Lights

    • Canopies prevent fish from jumping out of the aquarium and prevent dust from falling in. Canopies are also used to house the light units that used to encourage plant growth and to show up the normally beautiful colors of fish. Most hobbyists place a glass cover over on the aquarium rim to protect the lights from splashing and water evaporation.

    Heaters and Thermometers

    • The majority of tropical fish are found in warm-water lakes and rivers. Most of these fish will require a water temperature around 76 degrees. Modern aquarium heaters have built-in thermostats, which are used to set the temperature. Once the heater has been in operation for a day, it is important to check the temperature with an accurate thermometer. Digital thermometers are more accurate that glass thermometers that float in the aquarium.

    Aquarium Filters

    • Fish pollute their water environment with metabolic waste. Aquarium filters are used to remove this organic material. Mechanical, biological and chemical filters are typically required for each aquarium. The mechanical filter traps relatively large pieces of dirt, mainly uneaten food and decomposing aquatic vegetation that is circulating in the aquarium water. Beneficial bacteria converts toxic waste products, such as ammonia, into less harmful substances, while the chemical filter material binds and removes additional unwanted elements from the water.