Pets come in different flavors and sizes. There’s something for everybody, kind of like searching for the right Pokémon in your quest for a happier life.
Now if you are a tranquility seeker, you may have considered dipping your toe into the world of aquatic pets and we are here to tell you that it’s going to be an exciting journey ahead! Fish tanks are perfect for individuals who have a busy lifestyle and want pets that need little to no maintenance.
The only thing you need to keep in mind while getting home a fish tank is that while the fish themselves don’t take much in terms of maintenance, their fish tanks have specific needs.
Here’s what you need to know and prepare for when bringing a fish tank home:
- Know your fish: Just like you, your fish prefers a certain kind of set up where they can chill. So research the species, what kind of water they like, what they eat, and if they should be added alone or in groups.
- Tools maketh the tank: All tanks need a couple of equipment and tools to function properly and to create a safe ecosystem for your fish. So invest in a good filtration system, heater, air pump, thermometer, and lighting. As for the tank itself, the bigger the tank the easier it is to maintain.
- Deter from detergents: Avoid using cleaning products like dish cleaners and detergents as these are toxic for your fish. Buy a siphon gravel cleaner to take care of the waste at the bottom of the tank.
- Never forget the conditioner: Regular tap water comes in with some funky stuff that your fish does not like, so it needs to be washed with a conditioner. Your local pet store will have what you need.
- Plant the plant: Get aquarium friendly plants so your fish can have a cool place to hangout after work. The plants provide shelter on top of keeping the water clean.
- Start Nitrogen cycling: Research and read up on an aquarium’s nitrogen cycle to maintain a healthy ecosystem for your fish
- Kickstart in advance: Start the filtration and heating system of your aquarium at least a week or two before you introduce your fish into the tank. This will help you keep the ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 and the nitrate levels at 20 parts per million.
- Clean but not too clean: You need to clean no more than 25% of the water in the tank every week so as to not stress your fish. Clean the filters in the filtration system weekly but replace them monthly.
Here are the precautions you need to make at home when building an aquarium:
- Sounds fishy: Keep your aquarium away from too much sound and vibration since fish are super sensitive to them. Find places in your house with the least amount of noise interference
- Let there be barely any light: Keep your aquarium away from direct sunlight to avoid algae formations. A little light is okay if you have plants in your aquarium, time your lighting system instead.
- Traffic control: Keep your aquarium out of harm’s reach in case you have jumpy pets or kids running around. Place it where there’s not too much movement instead of high stress areas like the house entrance.
- Power up: Make sure your tank is close to an electrical outlet for consistent filtration and lighting. Since you will be working with the water often, buy a ground fault circuit interrupter(GFCI) to avoid electrocution or a short circuit.
- Weight of the world: While small aquariums are easy to place around the house, big ones need a little more consideration. Place them on a platform that can hold their weight and keep it steady to avoid cracks and leaks.
Maintaining an aquarium will turn into a hobby in no time once you realize the cathartic benefits of raising a fish. Just ensure you know the basics of maintaining a tank and you will have a thriving ecosystem in your home in no time. Remember that taking care of a fish tank is not just about the tank but also about how prepared your house is for it.
Interested in how to prepare for a reptile or your furry pets? Check this link!
