Mary Allen
Aquariums are not only beautiful to look at – aquarists can be a comprehensive, new hobby for you. The focus should of course not be placed primarily on the appearance, but on offering the fish a species-appropriate home. We give you tips on how to set up your aquarium correctly.
In connection with goldfish, one often thinks of the small, round water glasses in which the fish were kept a few decades ago. But one thing is clear: this type of keeping is absolutely unsuitable for any fish. The basin of an aquarium should hold between 100 and 200 liters for beginners. Larger aquariums must be placed very stably and safely, while only a few species of fish can be kept in smaller ones. So-called complete aquariums already offer a good basis for basic equipment.
The Right Location
The location is also important in terms of the size of the aquarium. If you have decided on an aquarium without a base cabinet, you should choose a stable piece of furniture as a base. Make sure that the aquarium is stable and straight.
Direct sunlight should be avoided as this promotes algae growth in the pool. You should also not place the aquarium directly on the door or near the stereo system. Find a place where you can comfortably watch the aquarium from the sofa, for example, but where it is not in the way or where there is a risk that it may accidentally tip over.
The Technology in the Aquarium
Put the water in and you’re done – that’s not how an aquarium works, of course. There has to be a balanced ecosystem in the pool and that also requires a lot of technology.
The Filter
The filter is particularly important: it keeps the water moving and, through bacteria, ensures that toxic excretions are broken down. The filter also reduces the growth of algae. The filters vary not only in price but also in the location. Some filters are placed in the aquarium, others outside the aquarium.
For pools with a capacity of up to 120 liters, internal filters are recommended, which can be attached with suction cups and hidden, for example, by plants. External filters should be used for pools with a larger capacity. These can be placed in the base cabinet and do not take up any space for the fish in the aquarium. In any case, you have to note that both filters must be in continuous operation.
The Lighting
The lighting simulates daylight in the aquarium. This is important not only for the fish but also for the plants. In addition to daylight tubes, colored light sources can also be used. The lighting time should amount to a total of ten to twelve hours per day. In order to keep this continuous, you can use a timer.
The Heating Rod
With the heating rod, you ensure that the temperature in the aquarium remains constant. Even small differences in temperature are a burden for fish and should therefore be avoided. Make sure that the heating element is always supplied with power. The temperature is set to 24 to 26 degrees and switches on or off automatically depending on the temperature.
The Perfect Facility for the Aquarium
A colorful and lovingly designed aquarium is of course nice to look at, but should never lose focus on what is really important: the optimal habitat for the fish. Of course, nothing speaks against it if you place a shipwreck made of plastic in the aquarium as a decoration, for example, and of course, it is also a lot of fun to create a great underwater world. However, you always have to make sure that the material does not negatively affect the water. So be sure to buy in specialist shops, materials from the garden at home are not suitable. Roots, for example, can begin to rot, which is why you should – especially as a beginner – buy the interior fittings from specialist retailers.
Well-washed sand or gravel, for example, is suitable as a substrate. As a rule, the soil consists of two layers: gravel is scattered over a nutrient soil for the plants. Make sure that the edges of the gravel are rounded so that there is no risk of injury. This is especially important for bottom fish.
In addition to roots and stones, plants of course also offer a good hiding place for your fish and look beautiful at the same time. You should set up around two to three plants for every ten liters of water. These should be fertilized weekly with full and iron fertilizers.
The Water of the Aquarium
The quality of the water is extremely important for the well-being of your fish and also for the plants in the aquarium. Therefore, you have to test the water regularly and use water additives. Important are: A water conditioner to clean the tap water, filter bacteria to activate the self-cleaning process, and plant fertilizers as nutrients for the plants.
You can use test strips to test the water. Clearwater is not an indication that everything is okay with him. Drop tests are an alternative, but they are more expensive. However, they are a lot more accurate than the test strips.
Before you let your fish move into the aquarium, you should wait about two weeks. The reason: there are not yet enough bacteria in the water to break down the excretions of the fish. This can be fatal for your fish. You should also let the fish move in one by one and not all of them at the same time.
If you want to create a visually appealing aquarium for both the fish, you have to pay attention to a few things. In specialty shops, the experts will be at your side with advice and action in case of doubt.