Aquarium Diary...!! How to set up your Dream Aquarium...

Setting up an Aquarium can be quite a demanding and challenging task at the same time simply wonderful experience too, so do take the effort to setup the aquarium by yourself personally....its worth the effort every bit. So what are the facts You need to know and keep in mind when setting up an Aquarium...

-Type of Aquarium - Fresh water, Marine, Pond style [open tank]

-Size of tank.

-Climate of your region.

-Types of Fishes.

-Artificial or Natural plants

-Types of Filter- External , Internal or Mechanical, Chemical , Biological.

-Aerators

-Accessories that maybe handy.

Lets discuss the pros and cons in detail now......

1)Fresh Water vs Marine Aquarium:

Fresh water:

Pros- Ease of setup and availability, Easy to maintain, Fishes readily available , Less time consuming, Water changing and composition easier, Less technical knowledge required.

Cons- Lesser variety of fishes, Marine fishes more colorful and spectacular.

Pond type: Here fishes like Koi or Cat fishes are grown in an Open shallow tank....feeding regularly and cleaning once in a while is required but generally much easier to maintain than a glass tank.

2)Size of tank: Don't plan for too big a tank for Home purpose if you are planning to maintain it yourself personally as Larger the tank more difficult it is for cleaning and water changing and better for fishes as toxins get diluted more. So go for a Mid to large size tank. A 30-gallon aquarium weighing approximately 300 pounds should not pose a structural problem, especially if placed against a weight-bearing wall.

3)Climate: If you are in a Temperate zone or were there is too much of temperature fluctuation its better to get a Temperature regulator for your tank. This also required for certain species of Fresh water fishes and most Marine fishes.

4)Fishes: You can have 3 groups of fishes broadly- Bottom feeders, Herbivores and Carnivores. Its better not to mix up the Herbivores and the Carnivores in the same tank, bottom feeders can be mixed with both. Another important factor is not to overcrowd your aquarium with fishes No: of fishes depends mainly on Size of tank and size of fish. The most widely known rule for stocking a tank is one inch of fish per gallon of water.

5)Plants: You can have either Artificial or Natural flora. Artificial flora are easy to maintain but requires frequent cleaning and proper filtration. Natural plants are anytime better as they naturally purify the water and provide oxygen and natural environment for the fishes and more pleasing to the eyes also and requires cleaning and filter change once or twice in a year. But are more cumbersome to setup and require specialised UV lamps for the plants to survive.

6)Filters: Type of filter required also depends on Size of tank and volume of water.Larger tanks requires external filters for efficient purification so as to complete required cycling of water for toxin removal.

• Under-gravel Filters - These are plastic-slotted plates placed at the bottom of the tank, under the substrate. For best results, these plates must cover the whole tank floor. Working in conjunction with the air pump, the filter pulls the floating waste, uneaten food, and decaying plants onto the gravel. The waste products accumulate in recesses in the gravel, where they can be easily siphoned off.
• Box Filters - These are plastic boxes that are put in the corner of the tank. They also require the assistance of the air pump. This filter uses activated carbon and glass wool (or peat moss) to serve as biological filters. They absorb and retain the fine waste products that float in the water, along with the harmful nitrates and ammonia by-products. Compared to under-gravel filters, box filters are easier to pull out and clean.
• Power Filters -- These are usually external filters attached to the back of the tank. With its own power motor, it sucks water from the tank, passes the water through a sponge (or glass wool and activated carbon), and pumps the filtered water back into the tank. The sponge needs to be cleaned regularly.

7)Aerator: Aeration is the generation of tiny air bubbles in water supplementing the tank's water surface area critical for exchange of gases with atmosphere increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen for fishes.Choose aerators that suit your tank size and your taste.various models of air-pumps and air stones are available.Tubing, connectors and accessories make installation convenient and organized.A spare air-pump will be valuable in case of a breakdown.

8)Accessories: Nearby power point and water tap, Filter-bed cleaner, Water pump for replacing water, Quality Fish food 2 or 3 types, Antibiotic and Anti-fungal solutions, Net for catching fish, a spare tank and water storage provision for keeping fish at the time of cleaning/filter change.

Above all what you require most is - Creativity , time and a lot of reading and learning to make your aquarium a marvelous and unique one which is reflection and extension of your Personality and style. A work of Art which makes you proud each time you see it. Hope whatever tips i gave are helpful... ALL THE BEST... do give me your feedbacks , queries and suggestions....