Andrew Bicknell asked: Adding a freshwater fish tank to your home can be a great way to add a decorative focal point that is fun for everyone. And because home aquariums are becoming more and more popular there is no shortage of fish shops supplying the latest and greatest tanks, accessories and of course fish. The good news is that most of these fish shops are owned by people who like to share their great enthusiasm for all things fish with their customers.
When you decide you would like to enjoy a freshwater fish tank there are several things you will need to keep in mind. Where would you like to put your new fish tank and what size will fit best in the area designated. Fish tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes so it is best to visit your local fish shop to get a good feel for what is available to fit your needs. Be sure to ask questions about what you are looking for and the shop employees will be able to point you in the right direction.
As you are deciding on the type and size of tank you will also need to think about the type of fish you would like to keep. This is where research into the different species of fish is a must. You cannot simply just pick out the fish you like best at the store and mix them al together. If you are going to have a community tank, that is a tank with many different types of fish in it, then you need to have fish that get along well with others. If you are leaning more towards a Cichlid tank then you need to be more careful as most Cichlids are aggressive towards other fish.
Once you get your new freshwater aquarium it is time to set it up. While most people don’t have the patience the best thing to do is to fill your tank with water, set up you decorative gravel, rocks, plants and anything that catches your eye and let it sit for a few weeks. Be sure to have all your filtration and air supplies running during this time. The reason it is important to do this is to let any chlorine dissipate out of the water and get the beneficial bacteria a chance to develop.
If you put fish in a tank that has had time to get established you will end up with new tank syndrome, which can be extremely harmful to any fish and cause them to die. This bacteria is the primary fish waste disposal resource. Without it toxic levels of ammonia and other waste gases will build up rapidly in the water. Giving the bacteria a chance to cycle will create a fish friendly environment that will protect your purchases.
A freshwater fish tank does take some work, both setting up and maintaining. But the rewards of its look in your home are more than worth it.
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