Keeping a fish tank is a fun hobby to have. Aquariums are very restful and beautiful conversation pieces which add appeal to a room. It is actually fairly straightforward to set one up too when one knows what aquarium supplies Austin TX customers should buy first.
The actual tank should be the first item selected. There are many different shapes and sizes to choose from, it all depends on where it will be located, the amount and type of fish one wants, and the cost. A strong aquarium is made of glass instead of plastic. A stand may be needed if there is not an ideal structure that can safely withstand its weight.
An air pump and filtration system for the tank is also necessary. There are different designs available, some are placed under the gravel while others hang from the back of the aquarium. These must be capable of circulating water to match the tank's capacity, ideally this works out to 5 gallons per hour for each gallon of volume. Fish often enjoy a bubbling system and will play amongst the air bubbles.
Heating the water in the tank to the correct temperature is essential to the health of the fish. A heater will be needed for this purpose. It should have an adjustable temperature control, as different fish require varying water temperatures. Generally between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended, and a thermometer should be purchased to accurately gauge this.
It is also necessary to choose a substrate which will cover about 2 to 3 inches of the tank's floor. This can be either sand or gravel, however the latter is easier to clean since there is a device which can be used to vacuum it. Generally about 1.5 pounds of substrate for every gallon of the tank is required. Many colors are available, but it is best to choose those which resemble the natural environment of the fish.
Live plants make a tank look nice and also keep it balanced and healthy. They reduce the overgrowth of algae and provide a good hiding place for fish. Real plants do need light in order to thrive however, so it is necessary to ensure that the light provided by the tank's canopy is adequate. A minimum of 8 hours per day is normally needed.
Ornaments not only add beauty to the tank, they also provide interesting places for the fish to swim through which keeps them entertained and happy. They should be specially made for aquariums and not contain any harmful chemical paints and such. Only a couple of these are needed, or the tank may become crowded and prevent the fish from being able to swim freely.
When going to the store to purchase aquarium supplies Austin TX customers should also make sure they pick up some important maintenance tools. This list includes a gravel vacuum, fish net, scrub brush, master test kit, and water dechlorinator solution. When all necessary supplies are ready, the tank can be set up and some beautiful fish can be added to this inviting new home.
The actual tank should be the first item selected. There are many different shapes and sizes to choose from, it all depends on where it will be located, the amount and type of fish one wants, and the cost. A strong aquarium is made of glass instead of plastic. A stand may be needed if there is not an ideal structure that can safely withstand its weight.
An air pump and filtration system for the tank is also necessary. There are different designs available, some are placed under the gravel while others hang from the back of the aquarium. These must be capable of circulating water to match the tank's capacity, ideally this works out to 5 gallons per hour for each gallon of volume. Fish often enjoy a bubbling system and will play amongst the air bubbles.
Heating the water in the tank to the correct temperature is essential to the health of the fish. A heater will be needed for this purpose. It should have an adjustable temperature control, as different fish require varying water temperatures. Generally between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended, and a thermometer should be purchased to accurately gauge this.
It is also necessary to choose a substrate which will cover about 2 to 3 inches of the tank's floor. This can be either sand or gravel, however the latter is easier to clean since there is a device which can be used to vacuum it. Generally about 1.5 pounds of substrate for every gallon of the tank is required. Many colors are available, but it is best to choose those which resemble the natural environment of the fish.
Live plants make a tank look nice and also keep it balanced and healthy. They reduce the overgrowth of algae and provide a good hiding place for fish. Real plants do need light in order to thrive however, so it is necessary to ensure that the light provided by the tank's canopy is adequate. A minimum of 8 hours per day is normally needed.
Ornaments not only add beauty to the tank, they also provide interesting places for the fish to swim through which keeps them entertained and happy. They should be specially made for aquariums and not contain any harmful chemical paints and such. Only a couple of these are needed, or the tank may become crowded and prevent the fish from being able to swim freely.
When going to the store to purchase aquarium supplies Austin TX customers should also make sure they pick up some important maintenance tools. This list includes a gravel vacuum, fish net, scrub brush, master test kit, and water dechlorinator solution. When all necessary supplies are ready, the tank can be set up and some beautiful fish can be added to this inviting new home.
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