| An aquarium is a place where people keep fish | | | | radiators. The gravel should be rinsed and put into |
| and other water animals. Aquariums range in size | | | | the tank in a layer 1inch deep. The tank should be |
| from small glass tanks to large buildings that | | | | filled with tap water. It is best to fill the tank a |
| display water animals of all kinds and sizes. Large | | | | little at a time and to watch for leaks. Plants |
| tanks called oceanariums are used to keep large | | | | should be placed into the tank when is two thirds |
| (salt water) animals like dolphins and porpoises. A | | | | full. The filter should be put in just before the tank |
| person who has an aquarium is called an aquarist. | | | | is full. The water will be suitable will be suitable for |
| Most home aquarists have fresh water aquariums | | | | fish two to three days after the tank is filled and |
| rather than marine ones. | | | | the electrical equipment is started. |
| The fresh water type requires less expense to | | | | Beginners should choose hardy, inexpensive fish |
| set up and maintain. | | | | that do not tend to fight or chase other fish. |
| The basic equipment for a home aquarium | | | | Popular fish for beginners include angel fish, |
| includes a tank and a tank cover, a filter, a heater | | | | guppies, cardinal tetras, platies and white clouds. |
| and a thermometer. A rectangular tank that holds | | | | The aquarist must be careful not to put too |
| 10 to 20 gallons of water makes a good aquarium | | | | many fish in the tank. A good rule of thumb is the |
| for a beginning aquarist. A popular type of tank is | | | | total length of the fish in inches should not be |
| one that has a metal frame, glass sides and ends | | | | greater than the number of gallons in the tank. |
| and a slate or glass bottom. Most covers include a | | | | Plants make the aquarium more attractive and |
| fluorescent or incandescent lamp that shines down | | | | provide some food and shelter for the fish. |
| into the tank making it easier to see the fish. Lids | | | | Vallisneria is an example of a plant that takes root |
| that cover the top prevent the fish from jumping | | | | in the gravel. Now-a-days most aquarists use |
| out of the tank and reduce the amount of heat | | | | plastic plants which require no special maintenance. |
| lost from the tank. The filter removes dirt | | | | Most aquarium fish should be fed at least once a |
| suspended in the water and keeps the water | | | | day. At each feeding fish should receive no more |
| clean. Most filters are connected to an electrically | | | | than they can eat in five minutes. Some fish can |
| operated air pump. The pump produces a stream | | | | find particles of food overlooked by others. These |
| of air that pushes water through the filter. | | | | fish include catfish and algae eaters. New fish |
| A new tank should be washed thoroughly inside | | | | should not be placed directly in the tank. The fish |
| and out. The tank should be placed in a | | | | should have a chance to adjust to the |
| permanent location on a level on a strong surface | | | | temperature of the water. A good way to help |
| near an electrical outlet. The aquarium should be | | | | the fish adjust is to float the plastic bag containing |
| located away from direct sunlight, drafts and | | | | the new fish in the aquarium for several minutes. |