Aquarium Power
Planning Your Hobby Aquarium
So you've decided to start a hobby aquarium. That's a great decision! Keeping fish as pets is a rewarding hobby that will give you hours of pleasure, and not so demanding on his time as other pets. In addition, an aquarium will house inside any more beautiful.
But do not be fooled. Not just a matter of filling a tank with water, adding some fish, and sit back and enjoy them. There are some decisions important to be upfront and must make some compromises regarding the maintenance of your tank.
One of the first decisions you'll to make is what kind of fish do not want to keep? For a beginner, I advise against a salt Water Aquarium, as they require more time, care and maintenance of a tank freshwater. For the sake of this article, we will assume that you have decided to go the route freshwater.
Now, you're obviously going to have to acquire some equipment and supplies, even before thinking about getting the fish. So what should be the tank size? You may be surprised to learn that a smaller tank is not necessarily easier to care. Because a smaller tank contains a small amount of water, small changes in water quality and chemistry have more effect on the fish. Usually a deposit of at least 30 gallons (120 liters) is a starting size, but certainly can go if you like!
So what more is needed besides a tank? At least, you also need:
– A filter
– A support
– A hood and lighting
– Gravel
– A heater
– A thermometer
– Maintenance items, such as nets, cleaning equipment, etc.
– Decorations (not an absolute necessity, but an aquarium looks pretty bare without them)
An important decision to be made is the location of the tank. Choose a site is far from direct sunlight, as sunlight promotes excessive algae growth – something that is very desirable in an aquarium. You also want to use a little sense common placement near high vibration or objects, which could lead to alter their fish.
Keep the tank far enough away from heaters and air conditioners so as not to affect the water temperature.
You also want to put your deposit in a place that is easy to reach, and as near of a possible water supply, as water is added and the evacuation of water every time you perform tank maintenance.
And of course you want to place your aquarium in a place where you can enjoy your family and guests. After all, the main reason for keeping fish is admiring her beauty. Surely you do not want to hide your aquarium where anyone can see.
Choosing a tank
The tanks come in many different shapes and sizes, and also a variety of materials. If price is a problem, the cheaper tanks are rectangular and made of glass. If money is not really a restriction, you might consider a bow front aquarium, hex or corner, or one made of acrylic instead of glass. For a beginner, it'sa good idea not to get a tank that is very deep, such as uneven light penetration between the top and bottom of the tank can cause problems, and a deep tank is more difficult to clean. The acrylic tanks, though lighter and clearer than glass tanks, require more support, and scratch easily.
Your Aquarium Stand
Is imperative that the tank is placed in a position that is robust and stable. Aquariums are heavy (about 10 pounds per gallon), and using inadequate support could take some very messy and / or dangerous results. Instead of using a table or other piece of furniture you may have in the house, it's much better to buy a stand that is manufactured specifically to maintain an aquarium, and is rated for the size of your tank. It is common for tanks and is available for sale together as teams, which, besides the safety factor also ensure that they complement each other aesthetically.
Deciding on a filter
The type of filter you buy it somewhere decide on the type of tank you purchase, but the main factors are the ease of cleaning and appearance. In general there are three popular types of filters – A Filter Cartridge, a Power Filter and an underground filter.
An Aquarium Filter performs three types of filtration – mechanical, chemical and biological. For a healthy aquarium, the three types of filtration are important. Since an under gravel filter not only mechanical filtration, and it is difficult to clean, I would recommend against this type of filter. A cartridge filter is often placed below the tank inside the stand, so it is hidden, except hoses into the tank. A power filter hangs on the back of the tank, and is generally considered the easiest to maintain because of its easy accessibility.
Choosing Your Aquarium Lighting
The lighting is very important to the ecology of the aquarium, especially if the tank contains live plants. Too much light will result in growth Excessive algae, which is unsightly and causes additional maintenance tasks. While you have a choice between the use of incandescent or fluorescent lighting, Most aquarists choose fluorescent bulbs, as they are more profitable, generate a large amount of heat (which affect the water temperature), and can radiate different spectra of light.
By planning well for your new aquarium, you are guaranteed to have a thorough knowledge of what is needed, the ideal location for your tank, and can ensure that everything that is required before purchasing your new hobby. As with most things in life, a good plan can help you avoid making errors.
About the Author
Nick Bulka operates a number of pet related web sites. For more great aquarium information, visit Best Aquarium Resources and The Pet Guide
DIY 125 Aquarium Pluming Drain & Power Heads
|
|
6x 65 Watts Power Compact Light Bulb Aquarium Square $35.00 |
|
|
2x Filter Sponges for Rio 90 180 Aquarium internal Power-Filter Pump Powerhead $2.00 |
|
|
AQUARIUM TANK PROTEIN SKIMMER FILTER W/POWER HEAD PUMP $89.95 |
|
|
Energy-saving Quiet Safe Aquarium Internal Power Filter $1.57 |
|
|
72” Aquarium Light 8x 96 Power Compact Reef w/ Lunars $549.99 |
|
|
36” Aquarium Light 4x 96 Power Compact Reef w/ Lunars $299.99 |
|
|
19 INCH 57 LED Aquarium Fish Tank Submerged Bule Bar Strip Lights & Power $1.25 |
|
|
24” METAL HALIDE POWER COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 380 WATT FISH TANK LAMP 2012 Ver $169.99 |
|
|
14 inch 42 LED Blue Aquarium Fish Tank Submersible Lights Bar Strip + Power New $0.76 |
|
|
AQUARIUM TANK PROTEIN SKIMMER FILTER W/POWER HEAD PUMP $39.95 |
|
|
Deluxe Aqua-Tech 5-15 Power Aquarium Filter – NEW $3.29 |
|
|
AquaClear 70 Aquarium Power Filter Up to 70 Gallon Aquariums salt or fresh usage $21.50 |
|
|
AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON POWER FILTER 40 GALLON $27.49 |
|
|
Sunsun 12W 6000L/H Fish Tank Dual Wave Maker Aquarium Pump Power Head JVP-201 $7.90 |
|
|
6000 L/H AQUARIUM DUAL POWER HEAD WATER PUMP WAVE MAKER $25.99 |
|
|
AQUARIUM DUAL POWER HEAD WATER PUMP 360 ROTATION WAVE MAKER $25.99 |
|
|
Amazing 57 Bright White LED Lighting New Bar & Power 3.4W For Aquarium Fish Tank $1.57 |
|
|
1600 GPH AQUARIUM DUAL TWIN POWER HEAD WAVE MAKER PUMP $25.99 |
|
|
1600 GPH MARINE AQUARIUM TWIN POWER HEAD WAVE MAKER PUMP $25.99 |
|
|
3000 L/H CORAL REEF AQUARIUM FISN TANK WAVE MAKER POWER HEAD $19.99 |
|
|
Coralife 01692 Digital Power Center $23.44 The Aqualight Digital Power Center is a 24-hour day-night alternating timer device that can be set to turn on/off 7 times per day at different days of the week. The power center has 4 constant power outlets and 4 alternating timer controlled outlets (2 daytime and 2 nighttime) to make the day and night lighting applications easier to manage. When the 2 daytime timer-controlled outlets are on, the … |
|
|
Aqueon Coralife 05151 Power Center Dual Day Night Timer $27.95 Coralife Power Center Day/Nite & Wave Timer Dual… |
|
|
Sandman 3 Stage Power Filtration System $16.99 … |
|
|
Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals; Organ Symphony $2.93 … |
|
|
Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats $29.33 Hydrofarm MTPRTC Electronic Heat Mat Temperature Controller Hydrofarm MTPRTC Electronic Heat Mat Temperature Controller Features: Electronic temperature controller for heat mats Provides constant optimum temperatures for specific crops Controls temperature in colder or warmer environments Compatible with all heat mats Optional for Hydrofarm Seedling Heat Mats Illuminated indicator light Three pron… |
