If you’re considering getting a pet but don’t have a lot of time on your hands or have space for other popular pets, then you should consider getting a pet fish. They have less stress and would only take a little bit of your time when setting up their aquarium. Selecting and decorating the aquarium for your fish is an interesting process that can also brighten up your home.
Also, research has shown that just watching fish in an aquarium helps to improve your stress levels. There are different types of pet fish in various shapes, colours, and sizes to choose from when you’re ready to get started.
Now, starting an aquarium is not really difficult as many people think. Just like any endeavour, more knowledge makes you enjoy the process more. This article is for people who want to start keeping pet fish. Here’s how to get started:
Get an Aquarium
When you’re expecting a baby, one of the first things to get ready for is its crib. Even though you might be too excited to let the baby sleep alone, you still try to make sure it is available. A similar principle applies to your pet fish too; the aquarium needs to be ready before the fish arrives.
Most experts believe that the bigger the aquarium, the better for the fish because even though the fish might be small in size, it needs enough room to swim around. More importantly, if you intend to keep more than one. No, it’s not going to be more work for you because aquariums are easier to maintain than you think. Large-sized aquariums with enough water make it easy to maintain balance in your ecosystem. Part of the reason why it’s recommended to begin with an aquarium with a 20-gallon capacity.
Get The Necessary Equipment
There are certain pieces of equipment you’d need to properly aquarium and ensure the fish is safe. These aquatic supplies make your work as a pet owner quite easy if you get the right ones of course. Here are some of them:
This is the part of your aquarium that provides clean and healthy water for the fish. There are various types of filtration systems that make it easy to maintain an aquarium for both beginners and hobbyists alike. It’s advisable you go for simple systems that won’t give you a tough time to operate. A filter that uses time strip technology just might be convenient for you.
The air pump provides an extra boost of oxygen. The Whisper 10 is a good option to go for. With a distinct dome shape, the pump’s sound dampening chambers are able to provide a quiet stream of air. Go for air pumps whose design is able to produce silent vibrations.
Another important piece of equipment that’s made to ensure your fish is in good health. Fishes depend on the temperature of the water to give them heat as their bodies can’t produce heat. That’s why a heater is essential.
Ensure you purchase the heater that is fitting for your tank size. When it is too small it causes under heating and too big causes overheating. Find out from an experienced hobbyist if you don’t know which is right for your tank. Furthermore, you need to get a lid for your tank so the heat is contained inside.
You need a thermometer for your aquarium. It’s no news what it is you should start using for. You need to keep your pet within its ideal temperature.
The beauty of your aquarium is in these two pieces of equipment. Decorations make it feel like it’s still in its habitat while lightning apart from making it a beautiful scenery for you, helps them differentiate daytime from the nighttime.
Apart from adding beauty to the aquarium, gravel gives helpful bacteria a place to thrive. The bacterias in turn help to break down the wastes created by your pet.
Where Do You Want it Located?
The location of the aquarium matters a lot in fishkeeping. You don’t want your pet fish to be in an uncomfortable position while it’s in your care. Your aquarium should always be placed in a location that’s capable of supporting its entire weight. Keep in mind the average weight of an aquarium that’s filled with water and gravel is approximately 10 to 12 pounds per gallon.
Your tank should never be placed close to the air conditioner or a heat source. Here are two more ‘nevers’:
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Never place your tank in direct sunlight as this can cause sporadic algae growth.
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Never place it close to the window to prevent it from heating; you wouldn’t want the water in your tank heating up and killing your fish.Add Water
Would there be a living fish without water? Certainly not, the water in a spacious aquarium is what majorly ensures the fish is healthy. As such, you need to make it livable and breathable.
If you’re going to be adding water directly from your tap, you need to make sure you always add a condition to dechlorinate it. That is very essential.
Equally important is the need to cycle the aquarium. By cycling, we mean growing healthy bacteria on a new filtration system so it can filter dangerous toxins out. If this can be done quickly, your fish can be added quickly.
Adding water treatment when changing water can help replenish important trace elements and minerals which would help prevent the water in your tank from becoming stale.
Fish
Finally, you get to add your fish after getting the above accessories in place. If you want more than one fish, it’s advisable you start with just one inexpensive fist first.
Just one fish because it’s your first time and inexpensive because you want to be sure all the equipment is working properly and the water in the tank is well cycled. It wouldn’t make much sense to use 4 or 5 fishes to test the waters and end up losing them.
You shouldn’t also make the mistake of mixing any kind of fish together. Each species has its own unique personality. Keep that in mind before purchasing. If you want to mix, find out from professionals what species can go along well.
Fishes are gentle, easy-going pets. They don’t make funny noises when they’re hungry or give you extra work by defecating anywhere. Giving them the best care you can provide is the least you can do for them as your pets. Since they can’t talk or move around with you, they rely on you to keep them safe and healthy.
