5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Fish Tank
My children had been clamoring for a fish tank ever since they saw fish tanks for sale at the local pet store. After doing some research on the Internet, they brainstormed and came up with ideas on how to choose the perfect one.
Size and Material: There were fish tanks made of glass, acrylic, fiber glass, and even concrete (best suited for an outdoor garden). The children decided that fish tanks are best kept outside, yet protected. The patio of the house had a covered corner where it could be kept on a stand away from Ginger the cat’s hunting forays. They chose a rectangular glass one, with a pagoda like canopy made out of wood, but with ample space between the top of the tank and the canopy to allow in air. Fish tanks must be chosen according to the size of the fish that are to be put into them!
Fittings: Fish tanks need to be connected to an electrical plug point for the aeration system to be working at all times. A water source nearby is useful when fish tanks have to be cleaned. Dechlorinated water should be used or if this is not possible then there should be a method used to remove the chlorine. Ensure direct sunlight does not fall on fish tanks as this can lead to the growth of algae.
Filteration: Aeration is very important in fish tanks. Fish get their oxygen from the water, and the water must be constantly aerated by mechanical means. Usually an aerator is connected to an electrical point and fitted under the layer of gravel in fish tanks. This is kept working throughout and the bubbles springing to the top is a good indicator that the aerator is functioning normally. Ammonia build up occurs in fish tanks because of fish droppings and rotting fish food. There are certain bacteria which work on breaking down the ammonia, which is toxic to fish, but this takes time so it is better to leave the aerator on in fish tanks for about a week, before the fish are introduced.
Accessories: Perfect fish tanks contain accessories which look pleasing and are beneficial to the fish at the same time. These could be pebbles or gravel at the base with small uneven shaped rocks placed strategically in the fish tanks so that fish can hide or use these as resting points. Plants are best bought from the stores and placed in fish tanks, rather than brought in from the garden. Small non toxic plastic frogs or other aquatic baubles can also be added. Some people like to light up the fish tank by using colored aquarium lighting on the sides of the fish tank.
Maintenance: Factor in ease of maintenance while choosing the perfect fish tank. Fish tanks should be easy to clean and maintain. Make a chart and schedule activities like daily feeding, weekly chores of cleaning the glass and ensuring that the aerator is working, to monthly changes of water and cleaning the tank. This will keep the fish healthy and alive and afford everyone hours of serene viewing.
