Choosing an aquarium:
1. Get the size aquarium you can handle and the size you
want. Be reasonable
2. Low profile tanks have more surface area and allow more
gas exchange at the surface of the
water. This creates more oxygen for the fish.
3. The larger the tank the better it is for the
fishes. The smaller the tank is the less work it is on you, but only in the short run.
4. Live bearing fishes such as platys, swordtails and mollies
will reproduce rapidly as will guppies. Consider the
types of fishes you plan to acquire and if more room will be required
later.
5. Consider the accessories you will need and what your
budget can accommodate.
Increasing tank capacity:
The best way to increase Tank Capacity is to…
1. Have fewer fishes.
2. Have smaller fishes
3. Have less active fishes.
4. Acquire another aquarium.
5. Use an air stone.
Avoiding Diseases and Injuries among your fishes:
IMPORTANT: From the beginning determine the housing capacity of your
aquarium and never exceed it.
01. Don’t fall into the habit of collecting fishes as if they
were nicknacks.
02. Isolate new fishes until you are sure that they are not
diseased.
03. Keep aggressive fishes among their own kind and not in
community situations.
04. Always consider the temperament of the species when you
purchase a specimen.
05. Once your aquarium is established do not add more fishes
unless there is a vacancy.
06. Don’t put too many doodads in your aquarium; If
your tank looks like an amusement park, get them out.
If you have nervous fishes like neon tetras, don’t have any at all.
07. Don’t medicate the whole tank if only a few fish are
ill. Never medicate a healthy fish.
08. Keep unwashed hands or contaminated tools or hardware out.
09. Avoid adding plants that are not needed or are not healthy.
10. Anytime material or livestock is added to your aquarium
monitor the tank closely for a few weeks.
11. Don’t allow others to peck on the glass.
12. Don’t allow people or other fishes to intimidate or
harass the fishes.
13. Avoid smoking in the same room your fishes or equipment
is in.
14. Check your tank once or twice a day. Having a
checklist helps.
15. Keep an extra aquarium for aggressive, ill, or suspect
fishes. It need not be large as it is temporary
housing. But it should be kept operating at all times if you
are an active hobbyist.
Checklist for inspecting your aquarium:
01. [ ] No fish are listless (tired in appearance).
02. [ ] No fish are hovering near the top as if
they are not getting oxygen.
03. [ ] Water is not cloudy or discolored.
04. [ ] Water has no odor such as sulfur, rot,
chemical, or anything other than a clean earthy fragrance, similar to healthy soil.
05. [ ] All fish are present and accounted
for. If one is not in view, find it immediately.
06. [ ]Glass is clear. Some Green Algae
is acceptable. Brown Algae is never acceptable.
07. [ ] Air stone output is vigorous.
08. [ ] Water flow through filter is
adequate. Water should never flow around the filter inserts
in a power filter.
It needs replaced or cleaned if it does.
09. [ ] Too much detritus or sediment in bottom of
tank.
10. [ ] Have you changed out 10 percent of the
water this month?
11. [ ] Are all electrical Devices in order.
12. [ ] Feel the water to see if it is too warm or
hot to the touch. You can’t trust any aquarium heater.
Note: Never use an aquarium heater in hot climate or weather.
Goldfishes, White Clouds, and other cold water
fishes do not need a water heater if kept indoors.
13. [ ] Feel the air pump, if it is the
vibrator type, to see if it is too hot.
14. [ ] If you have a piston pump watch that it
does not overheat the water or that it does not burn up itself.
15. [ ] If the air output of the air stone or box
filter is not up to par and the air stone is not clogged, your
air pump may be worn and in need or repair or replacement.
16. [ ] Check for slow water leaks at the seams of
your aquarium. If possible feel the bottom of your aquarium.
17. [ ] Check for cracks in the glass, especially
if children have been playing about the aquarium.cordless tank heater
18. [ ] Make sure screen or strainer is on the end
of the intake tube of your power filter. It could draw small fishes in and kill them.
NOTE: If your power filter is noisy it may be that your water level is dangerously low.
19. [ ] If your Power filter has become noisy and
is not low on water it may need a new impeller or the unit replaced.
20. [ ] Check your water level. Remember:
Adding water does not compensate for a monthly 10 percent water change.
21. [ ] Have you spent at least 15 minutes sitting
and enjoying the beauty of your aquarium today? It is good
for both you and your fishes.