A tank full of lively tropical fish can be a thing of beauty. The vibrantly colored fish and the silent way they glide around in the water can make it the focal point of any room. Watching the fish swim while the filter quietly gurgles can be a very relaxing experience. However, if proper care is not taken of the fish and the tank itself, it can very quickly turn into an eyesore that still attracts the eye but now for all the wrong reasons. Here are some basic guidelines to tropical fish care that will help you get started.
Now that you have decided that you want to set up a fish tank, what are the things you need to make that happen? Obviously you will need a tank. The size and shape of that tank is entirely up to you, but keep in mind that the larger the tank the more it will cost to set it up. There are a multitude of choices as to the types of decoration and fish to put into the tank but there are some things that you simply must have. They include gravel, a filter, a heater and a light source.
When you look at the many types and colors of gravel in your local pet store you may feel overwhelmed by the choices. The choice is completely up to you. There is no one color or size that is better than the others. Do keep in mind the the gravel will be a very visible part of you tank. Make sure that the one you choose fits the room you plan on putting it in and the overall theme of the tank.
There are many types of filtering systems available but they all fit into two basic categories. Those that go under the gravel and those that hang on the outside of the tank. Both accomplish the same thing: to filter the fish's waste and excess food particles out of the water. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. In larger tanks, you may need both types to maintain clear water and healthy fish.
A heater is usually necessary to keep the water at the ideal temperature. A temperature of 72 to 76 degrees is what is required to keep most tropical fish healthy. If the temperature drops too far below this, your fish will slow down and may stop eating. A temperature that goes above this will encourage the growth of bacteria that may kill your fish. A warm tank will also grow algae faster and although this will not harm the fish, it does make the tank unpleasant to look at.
Light fixtures often come as part of the tank's hood. These hoods are designed to cover the entire top of the tank. This will keep the fish in and everything else out. You will have a choice of incandescent or fluorescent light fixtures. Fluorescent may be the better choice. The light bulbs last longer and they do not add any additional heat to the tank.
Once you have acquired all of these things and set up the tank, you will need to fill it with water and let it sit empty for several days. This will not only give you time to ensure that everything is working properly but will also allow the chlorine and other chemicals to be filtered out of the water.
Finally you are ready to add the fish. When you bring them home it is important to let the bags sit in the tank water for at least fifteen minutes before releasing the fish. This will give the fish a chance to acclimate to the temperature of the tank gradually. Now you can release them and enjoy their quiet grace as they move around the tank.
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