From Style to Maintenance
All About Aquariums
Some of you have probably had an aquarium at some point in your life, whether a large tank or a small one-fish bowl as a child. However, some people are extremely frightened by the idea of getting an aquarium. They worry about the expense and work associated with the care and maintenance. However, aquariums can be very inexpensive. You simply do not need all the extra gadgets sold to you by pet stores. If your aquarium is correctly stocked and maintained then it is a cheap, hassle-free item to own.
Size and Style of the Aquarium
The size and style you choose for an aquarium really depends upon how much room you have and how many fish you want. However, small bowls seem somewhat like prisons and slightly larger square designs are preferable. These flat sided aquariums are also the easiest to clean and offer the best view of the fish. You can purchase them new or used relatively inexpensive these days.
The Aquarium Floor
The aquarium floor covering is one of the most important aspects of the aquarium. The ideal covering is medium-coarse sand like that used for concrete. This type of sand remains loose enough to allow plant movement but not too coarse so food becomes hidden. Use a one or two inch layer of the sand over the bottom of the tank. Stones, marbles and pebbles should be avoided as they also trap food and droppings, causing the tank to become dirty.
Sometimes, sand will become dark and foul-smelling. This is usually due to a lack of sunlight. To remedy this problem, wash the sand and then put it in the sun to dry.
Aquarium Maintenance
Maintaining your aquarium is important but it does not have to be a lot of work. You can scrub your aquarium with virtually any household cleaner as long as you rinse it thoroughly before using it again. However, do not use abrasive substances like wire wool or sand to scrub the sides as this will scratch and dull the glass.
Although you might hope the water will remain clear, it should naturally and eventually turn a greenish color. This is the result of algae growing and you should not worry about it. However, if the tank is overcrowded or exposed to too much sunlight then the algae might get out of hand. If the water becomes opaque then change it promptly.
Also, if the water appears very cloudy this is probably due to decomposition of either a dead fish or other organisms. Check for this immediately and clean the water to stop fish from becoming sick.
Fixing Leaks
If your aquarium has a leak, you will need to tend to it quickly. However, do not try to fix a full aquarium from the outside as this will not work. If the aquarium is leaking only slightly, throw some mud in the water and leave it to set overnight. If this does not work then use clay or sealant to seal all inside edges properly. This will usually do the trick and keep your aquarium from further leaking.