Setting Up Fish Tank/Aquariums

By myarn • July 4, 2009

True beginners may prefer to start with a ready-made tank, to make the relatively easy process of setting up a fish tank as easy as plug-and-go. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about aquariums and save you frustrations of unexpected events like mass fish death. Also a ready-made tank avoids issues with leaking or with needing specialized accessories.

Having said that, if you are ready to build your first tank, you really need to pass through the necessary process. Planning is the first step to undertake.

You should ask yourself a list of question that will help you be successful as an aquarist. Questions like:

•    What is your goal for your fish tank?
•    Will your tank be fresh or salt water?
•    What type of fish do you want?
•    What is the necessary equipment for the type of aquarium you want?

Read online articles and other information to discover what equipment is needed for different types of tanks. Investigate the equipment you’ll need for your tank by doing a little looking at some directories online.

Equipment for Your Tank

Tanks in which all four sides and the bottom are made entirely of glass provide an attractive, modern look. They are held together with a silicon sealant, which is inert and more pliable than old style aquarium cement. Below is a list of basic equipment you will need, with the exception of fish and plants, which you don’t need at first.

• Tanks come in two basic styles: high and low. The high tank has a greater vertical height but a reduced surface area.With their low vertical profile and large surface area, low tanks are the opposite. Low tanks are preferable because it’s better to have surface area rather than water depth. Your tank must be 25 to 50 gallon capacity range in order to provide stable environment for your fish.

• Aquarium light.

• Aquarium heater. Semi- or fully-submersible, 100-150 watt aquarium heater.

• A biological filter.

• Canister or cartridge filters. This is necessary if you are using an under gravel filter. These aren’t needed if you have a good biological filter instead.

• An air or water pump.

• Coarse sand or non-coarse gravel.

• Solids stand.

• Rocks and driftwood for decoration and the security of the fish.

• Tank glass scraper for algae cleaning.

• A soft fish net.

• A good thermometer.

With that list of l2 or fewer items, you can put together fish tank/aquariums that are ready for the aquatic plants and fish that will bring you happiness for years to come.