Starting a Fish Tank For Beginners – Fish Keeping Basics Guide
Last updated: January 13, 2024
Summary
- Doing research on aquarium basics before getting started is very important to be prepared and avoid frustrations or fish health issues.
- Think of the fish as pets, not just decorations, and provide them a healthy environment.
- Choose between a freshwater or saltwater aquarium, considering factors like cost, maintenance needs, and types of fish desired. Freshwater is simpler for beginners.
- Basic equipment needed includes tank, filtration, heater, thermometer, test kits, decor, gravel or substrate, net, and proper foods.
- Select the right size/type of aquarium and optimal location for lighting and accessibility. Bigger is usually better.
- Maintain proper water conditions by testing for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH, cycling the tank, and doing regular partial water changes.
- Let the tank cycle first before adding any fish to allow bacteria colonies to develop.
- Research and select compatible fish types for your tank size, water conditions, and desired community/species. Popular choices include tetras, goldfish, guppies, bettas.
- Feed fish proper amounts and type of food to avoid overfeeding and water fouling. Follow package directions.
- Avoid common beginner mistakes like too small a tank, overstocking, adding fish prematurely, or infrequent water changes.
Has the world of marine creatures fascinated you always? A Home Aquarium can help you recreate the magical aquatic world within the walls of your house. Have you just made up your mind to add the positivity and liveliness of this natural wonder to your home? Well! If you are a novice at this, the moment you let the word out, you must be overwhelmed with the advice and suggestions you have received.
While it might look all that easy to own an aquarium, there are quite a few things you should be aware of before deciding to have one. In this article, you will find all the facts you need to know to make sure your newfound hobby goes by as a smooth and rewarding experience.
Freshwater or saltwater? What types of fishes should I choose? How many can I have in one aquarium? You will have all the answers to your questions by the time you are done reading this fish tank for beginners guide.
Whether you’re a cat, dog, fish, bird, or reptiles enthusiast, Make sure to follow Pet Supplies Unlimited for more expert guides and product reviews.
- 1) Importance of doing your research
- 2) Thinking of your fish as your pets
- 3) Freshwater Vs. Saltwater Aquarium
- 4) Basic equipment Checklist
- 5) Picking the right aquarium
- 6) Set up optimal aquarium water conditions
- 7) Before adding fish
- 8) Aquarium Fish
- 9) How to Properly Feed Your Fish?
- 10) Common Mistakes To Avoid When Starting a New Aquarium
- 11) Frequently Asked Questions
- 12) Conclusion
Importance of doing your research
One cannot emphasize the importance of research for anything that you are about to begin for the first time. You will also be investing a considerable amount of money in setting up your home aquarium, the gear, fishes, and other accessories. A bit of research will go a long way to get what you need without much hassle. It’s a great way to get yourself prepared to welcome the new pet’s home. Research can also do away with the common myths you may have about fish keeping. For instance, most of us think that fishes have a short life span until you have raised some at home. You will be surprised to know that fishes can live for more than a decade if they are taken care of properly.
Besides you should also know what to expect, the do's, don'ts and other things to take care of when you have these finned companions at home. The research will also fetch you some fantastic deals and best accessories if you have had the time to go through user feedback and review articles.
Thinking of your fish as your pets
Fish as pets are the easiest. most convenient, and less expensive companion animals you can have in your home. It does not take much of your time or effort to maintain it. They do not need any grooming.
Fishes are safe to have even around kids; it is an excellent way to introduce your kids to pet keeping. There is not much fuss around feeding or cleaning them. If you are not so tolerant of noises (barking, squeaking, or chirping) that most pets produce, fishes are the best pets you can have.
You will be in awe of the number, variety, and vibrant hues you will find of these aquatic creatures.
These silent yet beautiful creatures are also capable of bringing in a lot of positivity into your homes. They can give a calming effect while you watch them move through the water effortlessly. Get the best aquarium fish to spice up your interiors.
Freshwater Vs. Saltwater Aquarium
This is probably the first thing you would want to consider if you have decided to buy fish as a pet. You will need to know the advantages and downsides of having both types of aquarium to choose the one as per your preferences and ease of handling.
Freshwater aquarium
Fishes would be an ideal choice for beginners owing to the following reasons
- Easier to maintain
- Less expensive.
- Tanks can be of any size and will not have very expensive filtration systems.
Saltwater aquarium
These are a lot more beautiful and difficult to maintain at the same time.
- Expensive and complicated filtration systems
- Saltwater fishes are costly.
- Provides for a more vibrant and colorful setup
Choosing fish for your home aquarium, whether freshwater aquarium fish or saltwater depends on your budget, the space available, time, and efforts you can put in to set it up. If you are a fan of the ocean and the incredible life underwater and have a reasonable budget, you can go for a saltwater aquarium. Beginners can start with freshwater aquariums as it is easy on your pocket, effort, and time.
Basic equipment Checklist
It's time we make a quick list of all the essentials we need to welcome these lovable pets into your home. The items we have explained below are a necessity irrespective of saltwater or freshwater aquarium. This is not an all-inclusive list as you may want to have additional accessories for the saltwater aquarium
Aquarium
This is the first item on the list as you cannot have them swim around in joy. People do keep them in a big bottle. Glass bowls etc. However, if you have a good number of fishes, it is ideal you have them in a fish tank that gives them enough space to move around.
Small and restricted spaces will reduce the life span of the fishes. Choose a tank that has at least 5 gallons capacity. With tanks that are smaller than this will make it difficult to maintain ideal temperature, pH, and mineral levels in the water. Large variations in these conditions can be fatal to the fish.
Fishnet
A fishnet is required at the time of cleaning, as well as to remove any debris in the water. Do not put your hands into the aquarium rather have a fishnet handy. You can also use it to remove algae or any dead fish from the tank. Please ensure you use it with caution as the fins of the live fish are likely to get caught in the net.
Fishnet is also required at the time of your routine cleaning of the tank to remove and put them back safely into the aquarium. These are not very expensive and must-have if you are planning to have an aquarium at home
Aquarium filter
This is one of the essential equipment next to having an aquarium. It is not advisable to have a fish tank without a proper filter. Over time, the ammonia levels in the water will get to a toxic level, and the fish will eventually die an unnatural death. The tank will also look messy with leftover fish food and accumulated fish waste if you do not have a good filter. Some fish species are quite sensitive, so it is essential to keep the water in the tank clean. It is not possible to have fish tanks at home without a proper filter