6 Things You Should Ask Experts Who Work at the Aquarium Store

Aquariums are a beautiful and elegant addition to any home. However, it’s vital to make sure you have all the information you need when first setting up an aquarium so your fish remain healthy and happy. Your best bet is to ask the experts at an aquarium store such as Aquatic Warehouse the following key questions.

1. What Size Aquarium Do I Need?

The size of the aquarium determines a lot, from the type of fish that can live in it to how much time it takes to be properly cleaned and maintained. If you know what kind of fish you want or how much time you want to spend on maintaining your tank, provide that information to get a better answer tailored to your needs.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Own an Aquarium?

The tank itself isn’t the only expense. Depending on the tank you choose, there are several freshwater or saltwater aquarium supplies you’ll need to obtain. For instance, the more water there is, the more work the water pump has to do, as well as the more money being spent on maintenance and cleaning costs. Have a good idea of your budget, and make sure to get estimates for how much the entire setup—not just the tank—will cost.

3. How Many Fish Can I Keep in My Tank?

The size of the tank determines the maximum amount of fish that can be kept in it. If you want a saltwater tank, they hold fewer fish per gallon of water. Even if you only plan to buy a single fish for now, it’s good to know what your upper limit is with the aquarium you purchase, in case plans change in the future.

4. Which Fish Get Along Well?

The betta fish is famously a loner, but other fish may have conflicts that are less well-known. If you plan to have multiple fish, especially of different varieties, make sure you ask which types are compatible before putting them in the water together. Many aquariums sport huge varieties of underwater life living in harmony, but not all the fish you can get will play well with others.

5. What Do I Need to Do to Safely Have an Aquarium in My Home?

An aquarium isn’t simply a glass box filled with water. It also has electronics submerged in the water, such as a heater and water pump. Though you normally wouldn’t put electronics in water, there are exceptions when it comes to aquariums. However, you still need to take the correct precautions. One solution is to get a GCFI outlet to plug in the aquarium and its components. Always incorporate a “drip loop” so the potential water drips off the cord loop and not into the outlet.

6. Do I Have Everything I Need for Happy, Healthy Fish?

First-time aquarium owners might look at the wide array of items in their cart and think they must have everything. But when first putting together an aquarium setup, it’s easy to overlook something. Maybe you purchased decorations but overlooked gravel. Or you acquired cleaning supplies but no water treatment. Make sure to ask the experts before you leave the store if you need anything else for the setup before putting any fish in your tank.

At Aquatic Warehouse, we can answer any questions you have about proper care and maintenance of freshwater and saltwater aquariums, and we also carry all of the supplies you need. Whether you need a dosing pump, LED lighting, beneficial bacteria, or a protein skimmer, you can find all of these items and much more at Aquatic Warehouse. Check out our website, stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, or give us a call at 858-467-9297 if you have any questions.