Water is soothing in more ways than one. It is obviously essential to our basic survival, for drinking and to maintain hygiene. It's eve...
Water is soothing in more ways than one. It is obviously essential to our basic survival, for drinking and to maintain hygiene. It's even more soothing when you can have an aquarium with fish. An aquarium not only enhances your decor but also generates positive energy in your home. Much has been written on the benefits of fish at home covering the benefits it brings in terms of enhancing your fortune and improving concentration. Some have gone to the extent of saying that watching fish swim around is a form of meditation by itself. Even if you were to discount all the fringe benefits, you will agree that having fish at home has an intrinsic charm of its own. So, how would you go about setting up an aquarium? You need to take some basic decision before you get one. Would you like fresh water or salt water fish? Irrespective of which one you decide to go with, you will need to plan for setting up an aquarium at home.
Location
Probably one of the easier water bodies to bring indoors, depending on the space you have available you can place the aquarium on a table, have it free standing, or even build it into a wall, using it like a partition. Nothing is more relaxing than watching fish swim. You may even start with a basic bowl with the traditional gold and black fish. Once you are comfortable with this, you can look at larger sizes. Do remember to decide on the location of the aquarium before you buy it. The location will help you decide on the size of the aquarium.
Material
The more traditional aquariums have always been glass. Nowadays, you may also consider acrylic ones. Both glass and acrylic have their advantages and disadvantages. Acrylic is prone to scratches and may blur vision after prolonged use. The acrylic ones are usually more expensive than the glass ones. Aquariums come in different sizes and each kind of fish may have their own needs. Always buy your equipment and fish from a well known pet shop. The shopkeeper will be able to guide you on the basic dos and don'ts of maintaining your aquarium and how to take care of your fish. This would include feeding the fish and frequency of cleaning the tank among other things.
Accessories
Choose the accessories for the aquarium as carefully as you pick the fish and aquarium. You have to be careful while cleaning the equipment and the accessories. Make sure you clean all of the accessories with a non soap or detergent based product. The concern is that if any traces of soap remain on the accessories they will mix in the aquarium water and soapy water could kill the fish. Add some clean gravel to the tank, and put in the accessories that you want, like a small plastic diver or some weeds. Ensure that the accessories are anchored to the bottom of the aquarium so that nothing floats on top once you turn on the filtration system.
Maintenance
After placing the aquarium and setting the filtration system, fill water into the aquarium but don't put the fish in just yet. Keep the water level about an inch below the top of the aquarium. Ensure you add the lighting and thermometer. Run the system without the fish for at least two days. This way the water will reach the required temperature and the water will set into a regular movement. Only then add the fish.
Do remember that like any other pets, fish also need care. Take care of them and enjoy their tranquil presence in your home.
Location
Probably one of the easier water bodies to bring indoors, depending on the space you have available you can place the aquarium on a table, have it free standing, or even build it into a wall, using it like a partition. Nothing is more relaxing than watching fish swim. You may even start with a basic bowl with the traditional gold and black fish. Once you are comfortable with this, you can look at larger sizes. Do remember to decide on the location of the aquarium before you buy it. The location will help you decide on the size of the aquarium.
Material
The more traditional aquariums have always been glass. Nowadays, you may also consider acrylic ones. Both glass and acrylic have their advantages and disadvantages. Acrylic is prone to scratches and may blur vision after prolonged use. The acrylic ones are usually more expensive than the glass ones. Aquariums come in different sizes and each kind of fish may have their own needs. Always buy your equipment and fish from a well known pet shop. The shopkeeper will be able to guide you on the basic dos and don'ts of maintaining your aquarium and how to take care of your fish. This would include feeding the fish and frequency of cleaning the tank among other things.
Accessories
Choose the accessories for the aquarium as carefully as you pick the fish and aquarium. You have to be careful while cleaning the equipment and the accessories. Make sure you clean all of the accessories with a non soap or detergent based product. The concern is that if any traces of soap remain on the accessories they will mix in the aquarium water and soapy water could kill the fish. Add some clean gravel to the tank, and put in the accessories that you want, like a small plastic diver or some weeds. Ensure that the accessories are anchored to the bottom of the aquarium so that nothing floats on top once you turn on the filtration system.
Maintenance
After placing the aquarium and setting the filtration system, fill water into the aquarium but don't put the fish in just yet. Keep the water level about an inch below the top of the aquarium. Ensure you add the lighting and thermometer. Run the system without the fish for at least two days. This way the water will reach the required temperature and the water will set into a regular movement. Only then add the fish.
Do remember that like any other pets, fish also need care. Take care of them and enjoy their tranquil presence in your home.
