So, you’d like to set up your first freshwater aquarium, but you’re not sure where to start.
Well, you’re not alone. Many people want to have beautiful aquariums of their own, but aren’t certain what kind of filtration and environment their new pets will need.
No one wants to set up a tank and discover that it’s unhealthy because they cut corners somewhere.
Here’s a look at filtration basics for your freshwater aquarium.
First, you need to know what kind of aquarium you’ll need to get. The amount of water can affect filtration significantly. Get the biggest aquarium you can afford, make sure it fits the space available in your home or office, and choose the right fish for it.
Narrow bodied fish should have a gallon of water available for every one to two inches in length. That means that a single narrow bodied fish three inches long would need three to six gallons of water in its tank. Two fish of that size would need six to twelve.
Goldfish, while popular, are much more likely to dirty their water quickly, and need more water and better filtration. Double or triple the amount of water you allow for goldfish - two gallons per inch is not unreasonable.
Bigger fish also need more space to swim, and you’ll need to keep the eventual size of your fish in mind as well as the current size. Your fish are going to grow, and some (such as koi, goldfish, catfish and other similar creatures) will get a lot bigger than you might think.
You might have to purchase a new aquarium a few years down the line.
Once you know how much water and how large the aquarium should be for the fish you want, it’s time to check out filters.
There are four basic types of filtration available for a freshwater tank. These are biological filtration, mechanical filtration, chemical filtration and germicidal filtration.
Mechanical action is performed by the aquarium filters we’re all familiar with - they remove large debris before it can go through the nitrogen cycle and poison your tank.
Biological filtration is the removal of ammonia and other nitrogenous waste, chemical filtration is the removal of contaminants using carbon, zeolite, and similar products, and germicidal filtration is the use of UV light or ozone to kill pathogens that might cause disease.
Every tank is different, so you’ll need to be careful which you choose. However, biological and mechanical filtration should be going on in any tank.
This is why you need to get the tank going before adding fish. Start the mechanical filter, get everything set up, and start the biological filtration using a cycling product or gravel from a functioning aquarium.
Then let it run for six weeks or so to get the cycle going properly. Only then should you add your fish.
This will keep all your pets healthier, more vibrant, and in better condition. The right set up and enough patience will result in a healthy freshwater aquarium - it’s worth it.
Adam McConnell is the author of “The Ultimate Guide To Freshwater Aquariums” which provides more detail on freshwater aquarium filtration - compulsory reading for anyone considering a freshwater aquarium.
The website contains valuable information on how to easily create and maintain your own stunningly beautiful freshwater aquarium with lively and healthy fish, even if you have never owned fish before!
For a FREE 10 part mini-course “Learn The Secrets To Creating & Maintaining a Stunning Freshwater Aquarium With Lively & Healthy Fish” go to => http://freshwateraquariumhelp.com/
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0 comments North J. Kroster | Freshwater Fish, Tropical Fish Tank, aquarium |