Tropical Fish Tanks – Planning and Setup

When making the decision to create the first of your tropical fish tanks, you must consider the kind of fish you want and the amount of work you want to do. The good news is that the tropical fish are among the easiest to maintain. Instead of struggling with a saltwater tank that requires a more delicate balance to keep the fish alive and happy, the tropical fish tanks only require a few things which makes them the best beginner’s investment.

The first thing is the tank itself. Make sure you get one that is large enough for the fish you wish to start with and also the ones you may want to add before you must get a bigger tank. Different fish have different space requirements so talk to the pet store staff to be sure you get what you really want. Remember also that if you wish to breed your fish you will need some ‘growing room’ for the babies as well. You don’t want to end up with an overcrowded tank the first time a momma fish gives birth.

In your tank you will need some gravel for the bottom. The rule of thumb is one pound of gravel per gallon of water. You will also need a place for your tank that is out of direct sunlight and protected against tipping over or breaking. Don’t place it in the main walkway of your home unless it is well secured and out of the way. Not only do you want to protect it from tipping over but you also want to make sure nothing hits it that could compromise the integrity of the tank. Although thick glass is not easy to break with normal accidents, one crack could be tragic if left to its own. The last thing you want is to find that the innocent little crack from last week became a huge split and there are 20 gallons of water on your carpet and your fish are all crammed into the half-gallon of water still left in the bottom of the tank. This is why it is important to have a safe place for your fish to live and to do regular inspections for any potential problems, fixing anything wrong as soon as possible.

Ok, I have my tank figured out, now what?

The next thing to consider is the kind of fish you want. Some are aggressive, some are passive, some eat others and some run away and hide, some live a short time and others live for many years. It is important you have the right mix of fish in your tank and your local pet store can help you with that. Sometimes the size is important too, certain large fish will eat anything small enough to swallow so keep that in mind as well.

You should also find out about the tools you will need for your tropical aquarium as well. You’ll need some basic tools but there are also other gadgets you can get that will make it easier to maintain your water-world. For example, there are suction tubes that help you clean the gravel without having to dump it out or other drastic world-changing event that could shock your fish and harm them.

The environment of your new fish-world

Learning what to do should something bad enter the environment and how to determine that is important. There are chemical concerns as well as biological ones. You must have a biological filter to keep the water clear of contaminants but you should also learn what to look for that could cause problems so you can head them off before they become serious. This includes dead plants, if you have plants in your tank, diseased fish, algae growth etc. These can destroy the entire environment if left unhanded.

Some things to watch for are floating debris, white spots on your fish or a fish that always hangs right below the water surface. These can be signs of illness or another need in your tank so check the water immediately for problems. If the problem is not clear then consider taking a sample to the pet store for help. You should have on hand chemicals necessary to remove chlorine, chloramines and ammonia from water as well as pH raising and lowering chemicals and, of course, a test kit. A close watch and attention when you first detect something wrong can save you and your fish a lot of trouble later.

With a little planning and learning what influences your little fish friends you can have a fun and relaxing time with your tropical fish tanks because when you get the hang of one you will want another!

As a toddler, my grandmother loved her tropical fish tanks. I just wanted to reach in and play with the fishes. As an adult I see now the joy and relaxation she got from her fish friends and, like her, I could spend hours watching them swim around.

Join with me as we journey into the world of home aquarium ownership.

— Jimmy Angle

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