Aquarium Setup: How To Setup Fresh Water Aquariums
Fresh Water Aquariums - How to Set Them Up
A beautiful aquarium full of vibrant fish can be the centerpiece of any room, but it can be difficult to know where to start when choosing equipment and setting up your tank. Fresh water aquariums are a good choice for beginners because they are simpler to care for than salt water. Here are a few things to consider when investing in a new aquarium.
Setting up fresh water aquariums starts with choosing the right tank. Tanks come in all sizes and shapes. The size of your tank will depend on where you plan to put it and how many fish you want. Consider the placement of the tank-- is it free-standing? Do you prefer it to sit on a cabinet, where fish supplies can be kept out of sight? It can be beneficial to consult a professional to help you design your tank. Aquarium professionals can help you choose equipment like heaters, filters, and decor that best suit the needs of you and your fish. A professionally designed product will fit seamlessly with the style of your home or business, and can even be incorporated into a wall. It is also likely to be made with higher quality materials than a department store tank, meaning that it is less likely to crack or leak, putting your investment and the fragile lives inside of it at risk.
Cycling Fresh Water Aquariums
When setting up fresh water aquariums, it is critical to cycle any new tank before adding fish. This involves filling the aquarium and decorating it, then allowing it to run in order to allow beneficial bacteria that help clean waste products to grow in the filter and gravel. Without this bacteria, waste products will build up in the tank and poison the fish. Aquarium professionals are very valuable at this stage, as they can help you test your water and know when it is safe to add fish.
Finally, it's time for the most exciting part of setting up fresh water aquariums: the fish! One of the biggest mistakes people make is overstocking the tank. More fish means more color, activity, and visual interest, but there is a limit to how many fish can live in a space and still be healthy. A good rule of thumb is to stock no more than one inch of fish per gallon of water. Aquarium professionals will be happy to help you choose an appropriate number and size of fish for your tank and pick species that can live together in peace and safety for a beautiful end result.
