How to Make an Aquarium Successful

There are various ways to measure success in the world of fish keeping. Some aquarists are fully dedicated to creating habitats worthy of winning competitions such as the International Aquatic Plants Layout contest or the Aquarama reef tank competition. Other fish keepers enjoy dazzling members of their household and guests with elaborate tanks set up on custom-made cabinets. Perhaps a better way of determining success among fish keepers would be to focus on the ultimate goal of providing a healthy and balanced ecosystem for all species. Creating a self-enclosed habitat is a rewarding experience in and of itself, but it should be equally rewarding for fish, invertebrates, plants, and microorganisms. Here are some steps you can take to ensure the success of your aquatic habitat.

Get a Bigger Tank if You’re a Beginner

Those images of a child getting a goldfish in a bowl at the county fair quickly dissolve when you realize that very small tanks require frequent cleaning and water changes. Many beginners gravitate toward 10-gallon tanks because they’re easy to fit in smaller spaces, but they would be better off with a 20-gallon tank equipped with a good aeration and filtration system. It’s better to change 5 gallons of water every 10 days than 2.5 gallons every other day.

Add Plants

You should always keep a few plants in your freshwater tank. Your fish will appreciate them and the plants will also help in terms of oxygenating the water through biochemical processes. Freshwater planted aquariums look great, and plants consume plenty of nutrients that algae need to bloom, thus giving you a better chance of not having to deal with pesky algae. Territorial species need plants for cover, and they can also provide supplemental nutrition in some cases.

Take Your Time Establishing the Nitrogen Cycle

While you can set up a tank in just a few days with bottled bacteria, a much better option is to start with plants and let them balance oxygen and nitrogen for a few weeks. Once the water testing strips (titration tests work best) start showing adequate levels, you can stock the tank with a couple of hardy fish to help with bacterial bloom before introducing less hardy species.

Limit Direct Sunlight

Unless you’re an experienced aquarist, you shouldn’t place a tank in a spot where it will be exposed to sunlight for more than two hours each day. The problem with sun rays reaching the tank is that they’ll stimulate algae growth. Timed aquarium lamps are better options that can provide species with the light and dark periods they need to regulate their sleep cycles.

Never Stop Learning

Keeping an aquarium will teach you about marine biology and biochemistry, but there’s a lot to learn in relation to these topics. You should take time to do online research each time you’re interested in a new species. The information you need will include water temperature, behavior, cohabitation temperament, nutrition, and special needs such as specific plants or sandy substrates.

One of those most essential tips for having a successful aquarium is always having the necessary supplies on hand. You can find everything you need at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of aquarium and koi pond supplies. Order what you need from our website, or come pick it up at our store in Kearny Mesa. Don’t hesitate to call us at 858-467-9297 if you have any questions. One of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives would be happy to assist you.