Aquarium
Maintaining a home aquarium has become a tremendously popular hobby. Different
people are attracted to the hobby for different reasons. Some appreciate
the decorative value of a tastefully assembled aquarium. Others are drawn
to the peaceful company that fish provide to their caregivers. Some are
attracted by opprotunity to observe the facinating behavior of fresh and
marine water organisms first hand.
Setting up and maintaining an aquarium is not necessarily an expensive
venture. The key to economy is to take your time and not make costly mistakes.
Patience is definitely a virtue starting out in this hobby. Take your time
and you will save yourself money and frustration. Aside from patience and
good judgement, the size of your investment will depend on the size tank
you set up and how expensive the fish are you choose to purchase.
A freshwater aquarium is ideal for the beginner. Maintaining good water
quality is easier than for a saltwater tank and there are many hardy and
attractive varieties of fish to choose from. Some aquarists go on to set
up saltwater tanks once they have gained experience, but many find that
freshwater offers everything they want. Wherever your interests may lead
you, almost all of the equipment you use to set a freshwater aquarium will
also be used in a saltwater setup.
Home aquariums range in size from one gallon up to hundreds of gallons.
Selecting the right size is important. Large aquariums are more expensive
and harder to move, however they are generally easier to maintain and are
more attractive than smaller ones. Many beginners choose a ten gallon aquarium
because they are inexpensive and readily available. However, a twenty or
thirty gallon aquarium will provide a better display and will greatly increase
the variety of fish you can keep.
Shape is another important consideration. For example, 20 gallon tanks are commonly available in three shapes, standard, high and extra high. The "higher" the tank, the taller and narrower it is.
Since oxygen must be absorbed from the air, the number of fish that can be safely kept in an aquarium is partly determined by the size of the surface area where the water is exposed to the atmosphere. A tall narrow tank has less surface area exposed to the air and will support fewer healthy fish than a shorter, wider tank of the same volume. However, taller tanks provide a larger viewing area and generally provide a more attractive display. Considering their modest volume, 20 gallon "extra-high" aquariums make spectacular display tanks, but keep in mind that they have the same surface area as a standard ten gallon tank.
Most aquariums have a rectangular "footprint." However, other
shapes are available which may be more attractive in certain settings. Bear
in mind that these odd shaped aquariums may limit the placement of accessories
and that an odd shape will not necessarily seem more attractive once the
novelty wears off.
There are a small number of basic accessories which are needed to maintain
a basic aquarium set up. Together these items generally account for most
of the expense involved in setting up an aquarium.
The most basic aquarium accessory is a filtration system. Several types
are available and they come in a wide variety of sizes and price ranges.
All employ the growth of beneficial bacteria to break down toxic waste products
into less toxic compounds. Many filters also employ some type of carbon
medium to absorb harmful materials from the water. Besides cleaning the
water, filters provide essential water circulation.
An aquarium thermometer is needed for determining the temperature of
the water. These units are very inexpensive and should be considered a necessity.
The most popular common type is a glass tube with a thermometer and scale
inside. These may be designed to float or may be weighted so they remain
on the bottom. A newer type of thermometer consists of a thermosensitive
strip which is applied to the outside of the aquarium glass. Although they
are advertised as being reliable, it is difficult to believe that the reading
on these units would not be influenced by the air temperature.
Another basic accessory is a heater. Some degree of temperature regulation
is desirable for most species and essential for others. Most heaters consist
of a heating coil and thermostat enclosed in a glass tube.
Lights are usually placed over the tank, often as part of the cover unit.
They provided the light plants need to thrive and greatly enhance the appearence
of the tank providing an attractive source of illumination. In an aquarium
without plants or near a natural source of light, artificial lights may
be optional. However they almost always add considerably to the appearence
of the tank.
The cover is another accessory which may sometimes be optional but is
almost always desirable. A cover will stop fish from jumping out and reduce
the rate at which water evaporates. If you have a light unit, a cover should
be considered a necessity for safety reasons. A lighting unit sitting on
an uncovered aquarium is a serious electrical hazard. many covers come with
built in lighting units. Others are simply two pieces of glass hinged together.
Large volumes have been written on the many varieties of fish available for both fresh and salt water aquariums. Beginners are well advised to begin with a few hardy, attractive species that will survive in a fairly wide range of conditions. As the aquarist learns how to maintain water quality within a precise range he or she may wish to experiment with more delicate varieties, however there are a vast array of very attractive fish which will tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
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