| There are several things that are available in your | | | | to provide better oxygen content in the aquarium |
| surroundings that you can include in your | | | | for a healthier environment for your fish. Some |
| freshwater tank. But five things are most | | | | types of plants are excellent for removal of |
| essential for your aquarium: fish, filter, live plants, | | | | nitrate and even ammonia. If levels of nitrate and |
| water heater and lighting. | | | | ammonia have risen to unacceptable levels, then it |
| 1. Fish. Many types of fish are available depending | | | | could be dangerous for your fish and may even |
| on your choice and preference. You need to take | | | | lead to their death if not addressed. |
| care of your fish and feed them to keep them | | | | 4. Water heater. Some aquarium owners have no |
| healthy since that is the main reason for the | | | | idea about the benefits of using a water heater. If |
| existence of your aquarium. | | | | you have fish that are not prone to cold water, it |
| 2. Filter. You also need to include a filter in your | | | | is important that you purchase a water heater to |
| freshwater tank. Experts, however, recommend | | | | keep the temperature within the appropriate |
| two filters per aquarium for redundancy and for | | | | range and at acceptable levels. Once you have a |
| improved water filtration. For a small aquarium, a | | | | water heater, you also need to measure the |
| combination of a 'hang on the back' and a 'sponge' | | | | temperature to maintain the temperature |
| filter are recommended. But you have to make | | | | essential for the healthy living of fish and to |
| sure that you clean your filters very well. Filters | | | | sustain a healthy, constant environment. Monitoring |
| can stop working for no apparent reason so it's | | | | and adjusting the temperature are necessary, |
| advisable that you check them regularly. If you | | | | particularly if you have carried out water changes. |
| notice cloudy or smelly water, immediately | | | | 5. Basic lighting. For the small or average |
| remove your filter from the aquarium and clean it. | | | | freshwater aquarium, lighting is not an important |
| The main rule when it comes to any type of | | | | consideration. But if you have a larger aquarium |
| filtering system is to be on the lookout for any | | | | and you have included live plants, you need to |
| signs that the water quality is poor or the fish | | | | include lighting to keep your plants healthy. Plants |
| seem to be struggling. A filter is a 'must-have', but | | | | need lighting as a substitute for sunlight to survive. |
| it is meant to work hand in hand with proper | | | | Installing the basic equipment and keeping your |
| maintenance in order to do its job effectively. | | | | fish alive and healthy come with appropriately |
| Even the most expensive and modern filters will | | | | maintaining your freshwater aquarium. Your effort |
| fail if not handled and maintained properly. | | | | will be unrewarded if you have an unhealthy tank |
| 3. Live plants. Live plants are desirable but many | | | | and as a result, lose your fish. Don't forget to |
| artificial plants can look quite realistic when | | | | take the time to sit back, relax and enjoy your |
| properly arranged or used as an accessory in | | | | aquarium. |
| conjunction with live plants. Live plants are known | | | | |