A pump is something that isn’t essential in an aquarium set up but it is desirable as this causes more oxygen for the fish. The pump is usually attached to a long tube which is in turn connected to a long stone that has small holes through out it; the pump blows air into the holes creating bubbles in the aquarium. This creates a larger surface area therefore creating more oxygen for the fish.
It is also good for decorative purposes. Bubbles can look attractive in a tank and also you get special statues that require pumps, such as opening treasure chests and so on that are used for novelty tanks. Pumps are generally expensive but very easy to get. When purchasing a pump you have to buy the special plastic tubing and the ornament that you want to buy with it, whether it is the long stone or the novelty statue that you want.
Aquarium pumps are easy to buy but are quite expensive however the equipment that goes with the pump is cheap. It is up to you whether you have a pump in your aquarium ,because like I said, it is not essential and only there for decorative purposes and only a small amount of extra oxygen. Most simple fish set ups have pumps but harder fish such as cichlids are fussier about what goes in their tanks and they do not like a lot of bubbles, I speak from experience! Don’t worry if bigger cichlids re-arrange your tank, it happens!
When purchasing a pump make sure that you have everything that you need to go with it, the hose and the statue, not to mention a free plug socket. Aquariums use a lot of electricity and you may think that it does not matter but this will of course add to the bill. The statue or the long rock that comes with the pump needs to be maintained to prevent any blockages; you don’t want your bubbles to be stuck… now do you! Just give it a clean ever few weeks (in a separate bowl of your tank water) and this will help to prevent blockages. Other than that, that is all you really need to know about pumps. All I can say now is have fun with your new aquarium.
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Congratulations! You’re about to create one of the most unique forms of entertainment that there could ever be. Whether you’re a lone pet lover or a staff biologist – you’ve got to admit that aquariums are pretty cool! In no other receptacle can you literally take a slice of aquatic life and enjoy its beauty on dry land. Just think about it – the only thing separating you from exotic plants and interesting swimming or crawling creatures is… glass. Ready? Let’s go!
Prepare the Aquarium
If necessary, clean the tank with a non-soapy solution of warm water and elbow grease. We’re not kidding about the non-soapy solution. You never want to use soap while cleaning any part of your tank because in doing so, you may inadvertently pass on toxic chemicals to your fish (regardless of how well you think you rinsed everything). The only place that’s appropriate for a soapy application is the outside of the tank!
Once the aquarium is dry, place it in – and on an area that is capable of supporting a heavy object. The aquarium may not feel heavy now, but it will feel heavy after you’ve added the water. If your home is filled with other pets or a couple of curious young children, you might want to place the aquarium in a place that is easy to view, but difficult to topple over.
Add Gravel And Plants
Insert the aquarium’s filtering system according to manufacture instructions. If you’re including gravel, gently pour or scoop in 1 lb. / gallon of gravel. If you’re including plants, now is the time to snugly positing them within the gravel that you just put in.
Add Water
You can fill your tank with regular tap water because you’ll immediately apply a conditioner that will remove all present toxins.
You’re halfway there!
Now you can turn on the aquarium’s filtering system after you’ve added its heater and thermometer. The whole aquarium should be about 70 degrees F, so while you let the filtering system operate for at least twenty-four hours, monitor the temperature so that you can get it to read at the proper mark.
After verifying that the aquarium’s temperature, pH level, and salinity level is safe for your particular kind of fish, you can add the fish you’ve always wanted but you should add them in small numbers. Adding a large number of fish at one time will upset the balance of the cycle that’s begun and prolong its completion!
So you’ve finally decided to bring a new hobby to your life and that’s keeping a tropical fish, you might need all the equipment in order to keep the fish full alive. It’s true that before getting a fish, there are lots of thing to do. In maintaining an aquarium, you can actually take care of it without much work at all. Before anything else, you should know how to keep the tank in good condition.
To get started, you should choose what size of tank will fit your style. If you’re a beginner, it will be good if you start with a small aquarium first. This will take less expense plus the fact that it helps you concentrate in taking care of your aquarium. If time comes when you are at ease in keeping a small aquarium, you can shift to a larger one.
One of the important equipment for you to have in your aquarium is the filter. Filter is a device that removes impurities from the water of your aquarium by way of fine physical obstacle or by chemical procedure. It is recommended that you use an undergravel filter since it’s not expensive and it keeps the debris totally out. But how you can choose the best filter for your aquarium? Furthermore, getting the right filter can save you lots of hours in maintenance.
The following tips can be helpful for you to find the best filter around.
1. You should know the three kinds of filtering systems that is needed in your tank: biological, mechanical, and chemical.
2. Think about the different types of filters and their functions. Wet-dry filters are compatible to saltwater tanks since they give biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration. Although they are quite expensive but entail less maintenance operation than other types.
3. Mechanical filters are designed to remove impurities by way of filter floss and filtering particles.
4. Chemical filtration process uses activated charcoal just to remove unwanted dissolved wastes in the water.
5. Set up first the biological filter before adding fish to the tank. Biological filters use bacteria to crack ammonia and nitrates. If you wish to add more fish too soon, the bacteria can’t keep up then the level of ammonia will rise in the tank thus killing the fish.
6. In buying an aquarium kit, you will get an undergravel filter. This kind of biological filter pulls water that is rich in oxygen through the gravel.
7. You can opt to some sponge filters. Sponge filters are efficient and cheap.
With the above tips, finding the best filter for your fish will be easy for you.
This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on aquariums, how to maintain, the basics of owning one, please visit
If you have done the proper planning for your new aquarium, you’ve already purchased, or otherwise acquired, everything you need to set it up, and have prepared a location in your home where your family and guests can get the most enjoyment from it. If you haven’t, you should do your research and planning, and then go out and get your equipment. Do not get your fish yet. Wait until your tank is set up and running correctly. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to have to worry about where your fish will live while you deal with the problem.
Okay, let’s get started. Whether you have a new or used tank, you should clean it thoroughly. Avoid soap and chemical cleaners, as they can leave a residue that could make your fish sick or even kill them. Use clean water and a sponge or brush manufactured specifically for aquarium use. Fill the tank and check for leaks. It’s much easier to deal with a leak now than after you’ve installed everything. Once you’ve determined that the tank is okay, drain it and let it dry.
Place your stand in the location you have selected. Make sure it is stable, sturdy, and level. It’s important that it be level, otherwise you could end up with a leaking or broken tank. Remember that you should locate the aquarium away from direct sunlight to avoid excess algae growth.
If you are using an under-gravel filter, rinse it, place it in the bottom of the tank, and connect the air hoses according to the instructions that you got with the filter. If you are using a different type of filter, skip to the next step.
If you have purchased a background, apply it to the outside of the tank now. Take your gravel, and wash it in a bucket. Remember the implications of commercial cleaners. Use clean water only. Drain the bucket when the gravel cleaning is complete.
Place the gravel in the bottom of the tank, approximately two inches deep. Spread it so that it is slightly deeper at the back of the tank, and slopes very gradually towards the front.
Assemble and set up your filter (unless you have already installed an under-gravel filter). Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for any pre-installation requirements. If you are using an air pump, install that now as well. If you are using a hanging heater, hang it near the back of the tank, but in a place where it is easily accessible. If you have a submersible heater, install it in the tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not plug anything in yet. Attach or hang your thermometer, depending on which type you have.
Now it’s time to add the water. Take a clean dinner plate, and place it upside-down in the center of the tank. Fill a bucket with water, and carefully pour the water onto the top of the plate, thereby preventing the gravel from being disturbed. Fill the tank almost to the top.
An aquarium should look as natural as possible, both because it is more pleasing to the human eye, and because the behavior of the fish will be closer to what it would be in their natural habitat. Therefore, you should install some decorations in your aquarium, and now is the time to do that. Pet supply stores and fish stores stock a wide array of aquarium decorations. You should be sure to include plants, whether live or imitation. Live plants will give off oxygen into the water, but will also require some extra care, and will need to be removed if they die. For a beginner, realistic looking plastic plants are a good choice. Place the largest plants at the back of the tank, and the smaller ones at the front.
Place the hood and lights on top of the aquarium, and plug everything in. You should make sure that all electrical cords are positioned in such a way to have a “drip loop”, so that if water happens to run down on them, it drips onto the floor rather than into the electrical outlet.
Okay, we’re ready to perform a test. Make sure filters that need to be filled with water have been filled, and turn on the filters and/or air pumps. Verify that they are working correctly, and that the water is flowing at the rate expected. Turn on the lights, and make sure they are working. If the water is a little cloudy, don’t worry, it will soon clear. Adjust your thermometer according to the breeds of fish you are planning to keep. Your fish store can supply this information if you can’t find it elsewhere. Most freshwater tropical fish like a water temperature in the 75-80F range.
Assuming that no problems are found, you can let your equipment run. I know you’re anxious, but don’t run out and get fish yet. Your aquarium should run for about a week before you add any fish. Leave the lights on for about half the day during this period.
Nick Bulka operates a number of pet related web sites. For more great information on aquariums and tropical fish, visit and
Deciding to put an aquarium in your house will give it a tranquil and natural feel. Since you won’t want to be constantly explaining to your guests why there are fish floating on the top, you need to learn how to look after it properly and maintain a healthy environment for your fish.
It is important you pick an aquarium that is suitable to your house. The deeper the aquarium, the more involved it will be to look after it. If you have a fish that becomes sick or dies, you will have a big job at hand when it comes to cleaning it. It is also much harder to have thriving aquarium plant life in a larger sized tank. This is because the light has much further to travel, so if you buy larger lights this should resolve the problem.
Buy everything you need before you set the tank up. You don’t want any situations to arise for which you are unprepared, so make sure you have all of the following: Aquarium cover, heater with thermostat, filter replacement, glass scrubber and strainer, stones or pebbles, testing kits, plants, spare quarantine tank, fish net and fish food. You may also like to buy a supply of fungal and bacterial medicines, decorations, buckets, gloves, aquarium vacuum and air-stones.
It is important to the survival of your home aquarium that you watch closely for any signs of change in the fish. If you suspect one fish may have a disease, you need to immediately put them into the quarantine tank and clean the aquarium. Most diseases will be undetectable until it’s too late, and the closer you watch the more likely you will be to catch it before they all die.
Whenever you buy a new fish you must quarantine it from the main aquarium for enough time to observe whether it exhibits any signs of illness. When you are positive that the new fish are healthy, add them gradually to the tank. Always be aware of the maximum number of fish you should keep in your size aquarium so you don’t end up with an ammonium problem.
Sometime certain fish can have compatibility problems with other breeds, and they will inevitably end up fighting until one dies. Your aim should be to create a harmonious environment where all your fish can live a relaxed and happy life.
The best thing you can do for your fish is learn as much as you can by reading, talking to pet shop owners and staff and even other aquarium owners. A common problem people have with their home aquariums is over-feeding the fish, so be sure to only give them as much as they can eat before it settles to the bottom as a guide.
If you follow all the above suggestions and be sure to always have clean hands when immersing them into the tank, you should be able to avoid any problems with disease. Owning an aquarium is a lovely way to stay connected with nature, and overall they are a relatively low maintenance pet compared to some. Be sure to have everything you need upfront and you will have smooth sailing for your aquarium owner’s experience.
Lee Dobbins writes for where you can learn more about fish care and .
Tank plants do much more than sit “pretty.” In addition to supplying oxygen, aquariums give fish something to nibble on, work to prevent algae growth, and give aquatic life a natural place to spawn. Plants even play a part in successful filtration by consuming the carbon dioxide that fish put into the water and emitting oxygen. You can fill your aquarium with plants and provide a helping hand toward the birth of a naturally occurring ecological system.
Kinds of Plants
Available in three basic types, your plants can be rooted, bunch, or floating. Rooted plants grow roots along the bottom of your aquarium and have to be planted in the gravel of the tank. Bunch plants don’t require planting, but they will grow roots as well (you can just set them down on the bottom). Floating plants on the other hand, simply float along the surface of the tank’s water.
Among these basic three types, you might enjoy these specific plants:
Elodea – a freshwater perennial Egeria – a tropical aquatic plant Crystalwort – resembling green seaweed or leafy moss Hornwort – with slender hornlike capsules
Landscaping Your Tank
When thinking about inserting aquarium plants, remember that too many of them can cause problems similar to overstocking a tank. The more space that your fish have to move around, the healthier they’ll be. You’ll also want to make sure that you can see and enjoy your fish. So arrange larger plants along the backside of your aquarium and shorter plants along the front.
Plant Care Advice
To prevent plant death and disease, provide them with 12 hours of adequate lighting – that is, lighting that reaches all of the plants in the tank! Light is extremely important to plants, as it contributes to the photosynthesis process. Without it, the plants will die. More importantly, photosynthesis allows the plants to emit oxygen into the tank’s water and with out adequate oxygen, your fish will die.
You can monitor the growth of your plants to determine if your lighting strategy is successful. If they don’t seem to grow as expected, you might need to increase light.
Grow lights encourage the growth of not only the plants and fish in your aquarium (something you want), but they also encourage the growth of algae (something you definitely don’t want). But you can combat algae growth by placing an aquatic snail inside of your tank.
The chances are high that as long as you have kids they will continue to ask for new things, better things, and more entertaining things. They will ask for the latest toys, electronics, and games. At some point they will ask for expensive clothes, cell phones and cars. Probably most kids will ask for a pet at least once during their childhood years. Making a pet a part of your family can actually be a very positive thing for everyone involved. Consider getting an aquarium full of fish the next time your children start bugging you for something new.
I happen to love aquariums, so perhaps I am just a little bit partial. When my own children began bugging me to get a dog or a cat for our family, I compromised and brought home a medium sized aquarium and ten fish to put in it. My children were thrilled and quickly forgot about their “need” for a furry friend. I was relieved for many reasons.
Typical pets such as cats or dogs take a lot of work and require a lot of attention. While most kids want them, few kids have a real understanding of the time and energy it takes to care for pets. Getting an aquarium full of fish can be a great way to teach your kids about responsibility in a way that they can actually handle. Don’t get me wrong – having an aquarium of fish takes work – but not the level of work that typical pets take.
I also love the idea of parents choosing an aquarium for their kids because I think a well kept aquarium adds a lot of beauty and fun to a house. Guests love to look at an aquarium and to learn about the different kinds of fish it holds. Kids will be proud to show off their aquarium and to tell all they have learned about fish and caring for them.
We all know how busy life today is. We know that kids are busy not only with school, but also with many after school and weekend activities. The reality for most families is that a dog or a cat would probably not receive the attention and care that they need. Anyone wishing to own an animal has to have a realistic picture of what kind of pet owner they will be. It is not fair to take a pet into your home unless you can rightly provide the time, attention and care that it needs. Hence the aquarium full of fish. Little time or energy needed, but still something for your kids to focus on and take a level of responsibility for.
Writer Martin Stoleman rightly chose an for his children’s desire for a pet. He thinks it is the right move for most busy families. See www.allaquarium.info for more.
Whether you choose to feed your aquarium fish processed food or live food, it’s important that you make healthy choices and feed your fish in a manner that will contribute to the overall health of your tank’s system.
Number One Rule: Don’t Overfeed
Eager fish fans may misinterpret feeding time with loving time or attention time and as a result, overfeed fish. As innocent and seemingly loving as this act may be, it’s the number one cause of death. And that’s because it negatively affects the balance in the aquarium.
Inside of every aquarium exists an ecological system, and as you know from life outside of your aquarium, too much of anything has a way of throwing a system off balance. The same thing occurs inside an aquarium too and when fish produce more waste than your tank’s filter can handle, fish become stressed and then ill.
Observe Your Fish’s Eating Habits
Watching how much food your fish consumes within a five-minute period will give you an idea of how much they can handle. This may take a little practice but if after five minutes, you notice food floating atop the tank’s surface, sinking to the bottom, or sitting atop gravel rocks, you know that you can give them less food next time.
Some Foods Go Easy on Pollution
Some fish food creates a lot of pollution while others don’t. You may have to experiment with a couple of different brands to discover which food goes easy on your tank’s system. Fish food that contains meat is notorious for creating the most pollution (fish waste).
A Good Filter Goes A Long Way
If you discover that your tank pollutes even after only moderate feeding, maybe it’s time to upgrade your filter. Filtration is extremely important in maintaining the health of your fish, as it keeps ammonia levels in check and provides for a well-balanced (cycled) aquarium.
Other Fish Can Help With Pesky Feeding Problems
A lot of people try to include at least one catfish in a large tank because these guys are nature’s little vacuum cleaners! So if you accidentally overfeed your fish, you can bet that your catfish will patiently wait down at the bottom of your aquarium for food that your other fish apparently didn’t want.
Plecos and snails also consume algae which isn’t really a feeding problem – but contributes to balance problems just like overfeeding does.