Making Every Freshwater Aquarium: The Best Freshwater Aquarium Ever
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Making The Best Freshwater Aquarium Ever
Every freshwater aquarium can be the best freshwater aquarium ever. All a person needs to know is how to make it into the best freshwater aquarium ever. I am going to fill this page full of all the advice and tips to make any aquarium into the best freshwater aquarium ever.
The Basic Needs Of Any Freshwater Aquarium
For any freshwater aquarium to be the best ever it requires some basic things. These basic needs are listed below and I will go over each of these in more details.
- Adequate size for the inhabitants
- Adequate filtration
- Adequate heating
- Good regular maintenance
- Learn the living conditions needed for the fish
- All inhabitants are compatible with each other
Related Links
Visit some of this links to learn more about aquarium fish keeping and good tank maintenence.
Home Aquarium Supplies
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Bala Shark Bay Aquariums
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Information on Breeding Angelfish
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Information On Guppies, Mollies, Platys and Swordtails
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Adequate Aquarium Size
The very first step to getting the best freshwater aquarium ever is getting the actual fish tank. Some research should be done before the tank is bought so the types of fish that will be living in the tank have been decided on. With that information the tank then should be big enough in size to keep the desired fish. But don't just get a tank that will meet the minimum size requirements of the inhabitants. Providing a larger more spacious tank will result in less tank maintenance, better tank water quality and healthier fish. The best plan is to get a tank that is as large as money and space will allow.More information on fish tanks and stands.
Provide Adequate Filtration
Part of keeping a healthy aquarium is providing adequate filtration. The filter used in the aquarium should provide mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. To provide mechanical filtration it needs to be able to physically clean the water and remove dirt from the water. To provide chemical filtration it should remove chemical and toxins from the water. To provide biological filtration it should promote the growth of bacteria that is needed for a healthy nitrogen cycle.There are several different types of aquarium filters available for aquariums each with their own pros and cons. Power filters are the most popular and will provide adequate filtration for any size of aquarium. Canister filters and more expensive but provide superior filtration over that of power filters. There are also undergravel filters which use the gravel of the aquarium as the filter medium and can provide good filtration.
More information on aquarium filters.
Provide Adequate Heating
Most freshwater fish are tropical fish and require that the water is at a certain temperature range to survive. An aquarium heater will keep the water at the optimal temperature. Aquarium heaters have thermostats that detect when the water temperature drops below the desired range. The heater then turns on to warm the water back up to the right temperature.More information on aquarium heaters.
Good Regular Maintenance
Maintenance is the key to having the best freshwater aquarium ever. Regular partial water changes are needed to remove dirt from the water and maintain optimal water conditions. Water changes can be done using a gravel vacuum and should be done once or twice a week. A partial water change consists of removing 10% to 20% of the water by sucking it out with a gravel vacuum. The water is then replaced with fresh water that has been treated to remove the chlorine from it before adding it to the tank.More information on aquarium water treatment.
Learn the Living Conditions Needed for the Fish
Every aquarium fish is different and has different preferences when it comes to water conditions and how a tank is set up. Some fish like to dig and should have fine gravel or sand for the aquarium substrate. Some other fish like to have places to seek shelter in like caves and passages between rocks. Some fish prefer water that has a little salt in it.It is wise to study the needs of the fish that will be living in the aquarium before getting them for the aquarium. Books and various websites can provide great information that will help a person to know the specific needs of the fish that will be living in the aquarium. Learn the needs of the fish, prepare the tank then purchase the fish.
More information on living conditions and aquarium decorations.
Keeping Compatible Aquarium Fish
Keep compatible fish in the aquarium to promote healthy fish and turn the tank into the best freshwater aquarium ever. Do not mix passive fish with other more aggressive or territorial fish. Plan to have either a community tank or a species tank.A community tank can hold several different types of peaceful fish that will live well together. It may have a small shoal of one type of fish and a larger fish that can be the centerpiece of the tank. A species tank is an aquarium that holds a pair or small group of the same type of fish. If they are territorial or aggressive then the tank should be of adequate size to allow for each fish to claim it's territory.
More information on types of freshwater fish.
Find out how to set up a new fish tank.
Cycling a New Aquarium
Don't forget to cycle the new aquarium!
All new aquariums need to establish a biological cycle. Be sure to read my lens about cycling an aquarium.-
New Tank Syndrome and the Nitrogen Cycle
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Often a person just getting into aquarium fish keeping will buy their first tank set it up and add their favorite fish to it all excited to watch their new pets adjust to their new home. A few days later they find their fish have died and don't under...
Search For More Information On Freshwater Aquariums
Links to Great Information on Aquarium Fish
Knowing about the needs of the fish living in the aquarium is one of the most vital parts of making any freshwater aquarium into the best freshwater aquarium ever. The following are links to great sources of information on freshwater aquarium fish.
- Keeping and Breeding Black Mollies
- The Black Molly (Poecilia Sphenops) is a popular color variety of Molly that is distinguished by a completely black body. They grow to be about 3" in length and do well in an aquarium that is 20 gal. or larger. Black Mollies are from a species of tropical fish that give birth to live fry called "Live Bearers".
- Keeping and Breeding Platys
- A Platy (Xiphophorus Maculatus) is an extreamly popular live bearing fish found in the aquarium hobby. Platys come in a wide range of colors and shapes. Their bright colors and ease of keeping have made them a very popular freshwater aquarium fish for both beginners and advanced aqaurium owners.
- Keeping and Breeding Freshwater Angelfish
- Freshwater Angelfishes are very popular among aquarium owners. They are the best known fish of all the cichlids. Angelfish are can be found in a variety of shapes and colors with as many as 30 different species found in the hobby today. They are very hardy and easy to care for. A breeding pair will readily spawn with little to no effort on the part of the aquarium owner.
- Keeping and Breeding Fancy Tail Guppies
- The Fancy Guppy (Poecilia Reticulata) is one of the most popular fresh water fish and the most popular live bearing fish in the hobby. They can be found in a wide range of ornamental shapes and color varieties. Guppies are low maintenance and fun to keep. The bright colors can add a spark of beauty to any freshwater aquarium.
- Keeping and Breeding Dwarf Gouramis
- The Dwarf Gourami (Colisa Lalia) is the most popular of all gouramis found in the hobby today. Their bright colors and peaceful temperment make them an attractive addition to a community tank. They are bubble nest builders and build nests of bubbles at the water's surface to hold their eggs after spawning. Color variants are Neon Blue Dwarf Gouramis, Powder Blue and Neon Red Dwarf Gouramis.
- Keeping and Breeding Convict Cichlids
- Convict Cichlids (Archocentrus Nigrofasciatus) are very popular aquarium fish despite their extremely territorial and aggressive nature. A well matched pair of convicts will readily spawn in an aquarium and produce many fry. They are very hardy and require very little maintenance. Convict Cichlids a
- The 3 Most Popular Cory Catfish
- Of all catfish that can be kept in a home aquarium, cory catfish are the most popular. Cory catfish come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Of all the varieties found in the hobby, 3 of them stand out as being the most widely available and most poplar. They are the Bronze Cory, the Panda Cory and
- Keeping Cool Cory Catfish
- Cory Catfish are a small, peaceful species of catfish that usually only grow to be between 2" and 3" in size. Out of all the aquarium catfish, Corydoras or cory catfish are by far the most popular.
- Freshwater Aquarium Sharks
- The Bala Shark, also called a Tri-Color Shark or Silver Shark is a freshwater aquarium fish. Even though they look very much like a shark, these fish are not sharks. They get their name from their shark like appearance but they are actually part of a group of freshwater fish called Cyprinids.
- Neon Tetra: The Coolest Tetra
- The neon tetra reigns today as the most popular of all freshwater aquarium fish. Neon tetras continue to add beauty to many home aquariums. They display brilliant red and blue coloration and are very easy to keep.
- Fire Eel: The Coolest Freshwater Eel Ever
- Fire Eels are just one of a variety of freshwater eels that can be kept in an aquarium. They have a dark colored body with some yellow and orange to red lines running the length of their body. These eels look cool, have their own unique personality and are fun to keep in a large aquarium.
- Keeping and Breeding Swordtails
- The Swordtail is one of the more popular of the live bearing fish. Male Swordtail fish have a long and pointed bottom half on their tail fin. This is what helped them to get the name of Swordtail. Swordtails can be found in a variety of colors and shapes. They are fairly hardy and easy to care for.L
- Keeping and Breeding Tiger Barbs
- A Tiger Barb (Barbus Tetrazona) is a small round shaped fish that has tiger like stripes on the sides of it's body. They are very popular and can be found in most pet stores. Tiger Barbs a schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 6 or more. They very active and look great in a home aquarium.Le
The Best Series of Freshwater Aquarium Books
Aquarium Atlas (Baensch Freshwater) Vol. 1
Amazon Price: (as of 02/04/2010) 
Baensch Aquarium Atlas Vol. 2
Amazon Price: (as of 02/04/2010)
Baensch Aquarium Atlas, Vol. 3 (Third Revised Edition 2004) (v. 3)
Amazon Price: $79.99 (as of 02/04/2010)
Usually ships in 9 days
Baensch Aquarium Atlas, Vol. 4 (v. 4)
Amazon Price: $79.99 (as of 02/04/2010)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Freshwater Aquariums at a Glance
A freshwater aquarium is a receptacle that holds one or more freshwater aquatic organisms for decorative, pet-keeping, or research purposes. Modern aquariums are most often made from transparent glass or acrylic glass. Typical inhabitants include fish, plants, amphibians, and invertebrates, such as snails and crustaceans.
Category: Image - :Aquarium 60cm.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Tropical freshwater aquarium
Freshwater fish may be either coldwater or tropical species. Although freshwater aquariums can be set up as community tanks, coldwater and tropical fish are generally not mixed due to incompatibilities in temperature requirements. Coldwater aquariums house goldfish and other species that do not require a heating apparatus. Warmer temperatures would actually increase their metabolism and shorten their lifespan.Johnson, E. L., & Hess, R. E. (2006). Fancy goldfish: A complete guide to care and collecting, Weatherhill: Shambala Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-8348-0448-4 For a tropical fish tank, maintaining a warm environmental temperature ranging between 75 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C) enables the fish to thrive.Hagen, R. C. (2006). Basic aquarium guide: A guide to setting up and maintaining a beautiful aquarium. Montreal, Canada: Hagen.
Aquariums may be decorated with sand or gravel, live or plastic plants, driftwood, rocks, and a variety of commercially made plastic sculptures. The smallest aquariums are fish bowls, but these are not recommended for most fish as they are generally too small.
Questions, Comments and Tips About Freshwater Aquariums
Share tips, ask questions and leave your comments about freshwater aquariums.
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- hallow hallow Dec 10, 2009 @ 1:51 am
- Nice tips and advice on fresh water aquarium. I think this is very helpful. Keep sharing. By Portable Propane Heaters
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- CoolFoto CoolFoto Dec 13, 2008 @ 7:51 pm
- Welcome to Tropical Fish group www.squidoo.com/groups/tropicalfish . 5*.
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- rionne rionne Dec 7, 2008 @ 4:42 pm
- . I found most of your comments very familiar because I have had similar experiences with my aquarium plant challenges. Getting plants to grow well and positively impact my aquariums was my biggest challenge until I a friend of mine suggested I read this book called "Ecology of a Planted Aquarium". This book really shows you how to manage plants in an aquarium and how plants can impact every part of aquarium chemistry.
If you have a chance check out this book here: http://homeaquariums.webjobdaddy.com/
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- Berta Berta Nov 3, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
- Thanks. I'm planing to have fish :)
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- rms rms Oct 29, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
- Thanks for all the info on the freshwater fish tank. We're thinking of setting one up.
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- Oct 9, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
- Wow! Lots of good information here. This is a valuable resource to anyone who is in the fish keeping hobby.
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- Sep 8, 2008 @ 10:49 pm
- Great information on setting up a fish tank. I am adding this to my favorites.
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- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Jul 25, 2008 @ 5:29 pm
- I used to love to sit and watch the fish. I need to get my aquarium up and running again.
Great lens.
Lizzy
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- TDavis TDavis Jun 23, 2008 @ 10:58 pm
- Lots of valuable information. Thanks for making the lens. This will be a good reference for people setting up their first tank.
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