Freshwater Aquarium Equipment: 4 Crucial Components To A Beautiful Fish Tank

     It is quite amazing to watch beautiful little fishes of different colors and sizes gently move around an aquarium. If you are one of those people who love aquariums and are thinking of having one at home, this article will provide you with an overview of essential freshwater aquarium equipment that you need to set one up.

To the beginner aquarist, the task of setting up your aquarium can appear daunting. But you really only need a few basic elements to get started.

Component 1:

First and foremost is the fish tank. While tanks come in a variety of sizes, you can easily narrow your search by answering two questions. The first is "Where do you want to place the fish tank?" In choosing location, you need to consider a few factors, including the amount of sunlight in the space, its closeness to an outlet, and your regular routine for tank maintenance. You can then choose a tank that would suit your chosen space. This will also dictate if you need to buy a stand that will support the tank's dimensions and weight. Next is "What species of fish are you are going to put in your aquarium?" You will need to buy a tank that would accommodate their full-grown adult sizes. For freshwater systems, it is recommended that people begin with a tank that has a capacity of ten gallons (or thirty eight liters).

Component 2:

Another key piece of freshwater aquarium equipment that you need to think about are aquarium filter systems. Filters are important because they eliminate both physical and chemical wastes, keeping the aquatic environment healthy and able to support life. There are several filters available in the market and it is easy to get confused by the technology.

A lot of beginners commonly opt for an external power filter that hangs on the outside of the fish tank. They are easy to clean and maintain, and utilize both mechanical and biological filtration methods, thus making them a popular choice. Undergravel filters with one or two airlift tubes are also recommended. Note that whatever filter type you decide to go with, you should get a filter that is appropriate for the volume of the water in your tank.

Component 3:

A third piece of freshwater aquarium equipment - and perhaps the most essential once you setup your aquarium - is the heater. The temperature of the water is of utmost importance because it affects all the life in the aquarium and installing a heater would allow you to maintain the ideal temperature required for all the life in the tank at all times. There are several types of heaters to choose from, and the right one should be dependent on the volume of the water in the aquarium. It is also advisable to secure a heater that has an adjustable thermostat since various species of fish require different temperatures.

Component 4:

A fourth essential component is the substrate. You might think substrates are simply decorative elements in an aquarium system but they are actually also essential to a healthy environment. They can impact the chemistry and filtration of the water as well as the well being of all the life in the aquarium. Two to three inches of gravel at the bottom of the tank would work wonders in a freshwater aquarium.

Because many mechanical filters require an air pump to operate, you may also need to think about pumps along with the previously mentioned freshwater aquarium equipment. Like other components, air pumps also come in several models and sizes. Air stones and power head pumps, for example, help aerate and keep oxygen levels up. A good rule of thumb is to always base the equipment you are procuring on the size of your tank.

There are many other components that one might encounter when shopping for your freshwater aquarium equipment, but the above components are the most essential. Once you get all the necessary components, make sure they are installed properly and operate the way they are supposed to. All of them are critical to both maintaining a beautiful and attractive freshwater aquarium and ensuring the health all those living in it!