Fish
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.
There are many other accessories available in addition to the
basic ones listed above.
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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