36 Tips For Aquariums and Equipment _ Tropical Fish Keeping

An aquarium full of fish is a beautiful and captivating sight. People have enjoyed the wonder of aquariums for ages. Unfortunately, we don’t always understand all that goes into keeping happy and healthy fish before we get started. 

There is much to consider before you begin. As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure you can properly care for any creature before you bring it into your home.

 It is not as simple as providing food and water. Following this guide will help you to avoid the most common mistakes.

36 Tips For Aquariums and Equipment _ Tropical Fish Keeping 

1. Calculate the volume of water in your tank in order to buy the right sized equipment
2. Make sure the aquarium glass is thick enough to not break under the volume of water.
3. Buy a standard sized tank. It is easier to find accessories such as hoods, heaters, filters and stands.
4. Estimate how many fish your tank can hold before you start buying fish.
5. Deep bodied fish need deeper aquariums and taller plants
6. Buy an acrylic tank for extra strength and lightness
7. Very tall tanks are not good for keeping fish
8. Buy the largest thank you possibly can
9. Don’t but a tank with a mirrored back
10. Ideal tank for a beginner is a 20 liter tank.
11. Buying a second hand aquariums can save you money
12. A hexagonal aquarium is an attractive alternative
13. It is better to buy the accessories separately
14. Always shop around for the best deal. Save money with online purchases
15. Make sure your doors are wide enough to fit the aquarium
16. Get your aquarium delivered
17. Inspect your aquarium before you buy
18. All glass aquariums must sit on a cushion of polystyrene foam
19. Large aquariums are heavy so make sure the floor is firm
20. Large aquariums should only be kept on the first floor
21. Position your tank to avoid fumes and fluctuations of temperature and excess light
22. The tank should be at eye level whilst sitting down to enable easy viewing and standing access
23. Aquariums should be placed in the corner of a room near a PowerPoint and water supply
24. Plain dark plastic backgrounds can improve an aquarium's appearance. Fit them first
25. Make sure you have adequate access to the hood of the aquarium with space above.
26. Aquariums can be supported on concrete blocks without the need for a stand
27. Match your aquarium, stand and cabinet colors to your room.
28. Do not store medicines and chemicals near the aquarium. They are dangerous to children
29. Self assembly cabinets can be difficult to piece together.
30. The lower shelf of a frame tank stand can hold a second tank. But consider weight and children
31. Holes may need to be drilled in the back of the cabinet or hood for the equipment
32. Make sure you have good access for feeding and water changes in the hood
33. Make sure you have a cover glass to prevent splashing of lights and fish jumping
34. Attach a handle to the aquarium hood with silicon to help you open and close the hood
35. Hang an air pump on the wall behind a fish tank above water level
36. Buy a UPS which can maintain power during a power cut