| Most people are impressed by the beauty of a | | | | at the back to 5cm in the front of the tank. |
| well maintained aquarium and watching the activity | | | | Depending upon your preferences you can choose |
| within can be very relaxing. For some it sparks | | | | to add stones and other ornamentation. |
| the desire to own a tank and so the aquarist is | | | | These will help to make the tank more attractive |
| born. | | | | and interesting for you and the fish. |
| For your freshwater tank to be a success it's | | | | They are excellent for concealing the tubing and |
| important to remember that you need to | | | | wiring. |
| replicate a natural environment as closely as | | | | Plants are very important in any freshwater tank |
| possible and there are many items on the market | | | | and provide oxygen for the fish. |
| today to help you to do that. | | | | They also help to prevent algae growth, however |
| The first item you will need is the tank itself. | | | | certain plants are easier to care for than others |
| Large tanks are always preferable to small ones | | | | and therefore you should take the time to find |
| as they're better for the fish and require less | | | | out about the different plants available. |
| maintenance. | | | | When selecting fish for your tank it is advisable to |
| Space is important, not height, so opt for a | | | | begin with species that are not too demanding, |
| rectangular tank that you can accommodate and | | | | such as Tetras and Guppies. |
| afford. | | | | Although you may think that your tank is large |
| It's important not to keep the tank near to a | | | | enough to accommodate many fish it's important |
| large light source such as a window as this will | | | | to remember that you will need around 1 gallon of |
| promote rapid algae growth which is not desirable. | | | | water for 1 inch of fish length to avoid |
| Filters not only remove toxic wastes they also | | | | overcrowding. |
| aerate the water. | | | | Freshwater aquariums don't require that much |
| Of course too much oxygen will not benefit the | | | | maintenance, especially if you've taken the time |
| plants in the tank so this must not be overlooked. | | | | to do things properly from the start. |
| Choose a good quality internal or external filter | | | | Fish need feeding twice a day but only as much |
| and remember that larger freshwater tanks will | | | | as they can consume with as little as possible |
| require more than one filter. | | | | reaching the gravel. |
| Aquarium lighting is not only necessary for the | | | | Filters should be cleaned every two months as |
| plants, which require at least 10 - 12 hours of | | | | frequent cleaning will destroy necessary bacteria |
| lighting per day, but also adds to the beauty of | | | | in the tank. |
| the tank. | | | | To keep ideal water conditions a 20% water |
| A good fluorescent tube will suit your needs quite | | | | change is advised every fortnight. |
| satisfactorily. | | | | Algae growth on the glass can be removed with |
| Heaters are not always needed but it's important | | | | a scraper and old and discolored leaves can simply |
| that you maintain the proper water temperature | | | | be cut off the plants. |
| for your fish. | | | | Before starting do some more research on |
| Certain species require warmer water than others | | | | keeping a freshwater aquarium, as this will |
| and it's therefore important to bear this in mind | | | | minimize difficulties and problems for you and the |
| when you select fish for your tank. | | | | fish themselves. |
| Gravel is also an important part of your | | | | Keeping a fresh water aquarium is both a |
| freshwater tank and not only from an aesthetic | | | | pleasurable and rewarding hobby that can provide |
| point of view. | | | | years of enjoyment while always being an |
| Choose dark instead of light gravel that isn't too | | | | interesting conversation point. |
| fine so that the necessary bacteria can move | | | | They add beauty to almost any home when they |
| through it. | | | | are properly cared for and maintained. |
| Ideally the gravel should slope from about 10cm | | | | |