Here’s What You Should Know Before Buying A Fish Tank
You’re not alone if you’re nervous about getting a fish tank. An aquarium is a big commitment, so it’s understandable if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide full of everything you must know before buying a fish tank.
Make sure to buy a tank that is big enough to support the amount of fish you want to get. Get a tank that can support 1 gallon of water for every inch of fish. You must also change the water every 7-14 days and keep the tank out of the sunlight to avoid problems with algae.
Avoid keeping male and female fish together if you don’t want them to reproduce, as it can happen quickly. Follow along as we highlight what you should know before buying an aquarium.
What To Know Before You Buy An Aquarium
1. Not All Fish Get Along
Sadly, not all fish can live in harmony in a tank. Sometimes it’s because of behavior patterns, and other times it’s because of dietary and water temperature requirements. For example, you shouldn’t put aggressive fish in tanks with mellow fish that can’t defend themselves.
Some fish, such as corys and loaches, can get along well with nearly any other freshwater fish. Angelfish and guppies also get along with most fish. However, aggressive fish often target and eat small guppies, so you must keep an eye on them.
Aggressive fish like flowerhorn cichlids and black wolf fish aren’t very compatible with docile fish. However, they do fine in a tank when grouped with their own species. It’s also important to remember that most saltwater fish can’t survive in a freshwater tank, and vice versa.
2. Tank Size Matters
The size of your tank is important and affects oxygen levels and the growth of your fish. You must fill your tank with one gallon of water for each inch of fish. Having too many fish with too little water can make it hard for them to breathe.
Tank size affects the surface area, which helps oxygenate the water and let contaminants out. Some bacteria are essential for a fish tank, but unhealthy bacteria build up quickly in small tanks. That’s especially true if you have many fish.
3. Lighting Is Important
Lighting affects everything from algae control and energy levels to the oxygen in a fish tank. It also help the plants in your fish tank grow, and many fish love that. Ideally, you should keep the light on in your fish tank for 8-12 hours per day.
Avoid running the light 24/7 as it can cause algae to grow and thrive in the tank. Lights between 5,000 K and 6,000 K are the best for fish tanks. Avoid LED lights, as they often aren’t strong enough, and they can break due to moisture.
4. It Requires A Lot Of Maintenance
Fish tanks come along with a lot of maintenance, and it can be a lot to keep up with. That said, the maintenance is worth it as it affects the health of your fish. For example, you must change the water in a fish tank every 1-2 weeks in most cases.
Fish tanks become dirty quickly, especially if you have a lot of fish. The ammonia level in your tank can quickly rise if you don’t change the water often enough. Change the water regularly, so the ammonia level stays between 0.0 and 0.25 parts per million.
You usually only need to change 25% of the water in a fish tank. However, bacterial imbalances and algae can make your fish tank unhealthy to inhabit. In that case, you may need to change up to 50% of the water in the tank.
5. Fish Have Feelings
Just like us, fish have feelings, and it’s important to do your best to keep them happy. Fish often become inactive when they aren’t engaged or simply feel sad. Inactivity and refusal to eat food are both signs that fish are unhappy.
One great way to keep your fish happy is to increase engagement and stimulate them more. For example, fish love obstacles and plants to swim around. They also like toys and decorations that float on the surface.
Everything from water temperature, cleanliness, and lighting can affect the happiness level of your fish. That’s why maintenance is so important.
6. They Reproduce Quickly
Reproduction is inevitable when you have male and female fish in a tank. Guppies are among the best examples of fish that reproduce quickly and often. This can get overwhelming because you may run out of space in the tank.
In that case, you must get another tank to ensure your fish get enough oxygen. Another problem to consider is that mother guppies often eat their babies. It’s hard to keep baby guppies alive if they reproduce too quickly because of the dietary demands, and predatory behavior of older fish.
There’s no reason you shouldn’t keep male and female fish in a tank, however. Simply do your best to monitor your fish and sequester the pregnant fish when they’re ready to give birth. This helps you protect the babies and figure out whether you need a new tank or not.
7. It’s A Long-Term Commitment
Having a fish tank is more than just a fun hobby. It’s a long-term commitment that requires a lot of dedication. Some fish, such as guppies, live for 2 years, whereas cichlids live up to 20 years.
That’s why it helps to research the life expectancy of each species in your tank. This can help you understand how long you can expect to take care of them. It’s also helpful when you notice strange behavior, as you can figure out if it’s age-related or a health problem.
8. Placement Is Important
The location of your fish tank is important. For example, you can overheat your fish and cause algae to take over if you put a fish tank in front of a window. The same thing can happen if you put the tank near a vent, as the air will affect the temperature.
You must also consider the location of your fish tank if you have pets. Cats are curious, and they love to try to get on top of fish tanks. You must keep your cats away from the tank so they don’t tip it over or harm the fish.
9. Aquariums Require Trial And Error
Don’t beat yourself up if you struggle with your aquarium at first. Fish tanks take a while to master and everyone handles them differently. Everything from the lighting and decorations to the feeding schedule requires lots of trial and error.
At first, you may overfeed or underfeed your fish. Fish typically require less food than you might think. There’s too much food in the tank if your fish can’t eat it all in 3 minutes or less.
You may also need to switch heaters and pumps if the first models you buy aren’t compatible with your tank. That’s not the end of the world, and it’s never been easier to find great aquarium equipment. Don’t hesitate to ask questions at your local pet store or visit one of the many online aquarium communities if you’re confused.
Summing It Up
It’s important to know that fish tanks require lots of maintenance, and you must regularly change the water. Not all fish get along well in a tank, and you must provide one gallon of water per inch of fish so they can breathe. Keep in mind that fish have feelings, so you must create a fun environment for them to thrive and stay stimulated.
Related Guides:
Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
More by Nick Durante
