Did you know that humans have kept marine life in aquariums for around 4,500 years? The Sumerians, Ancient Egyptians, and Chinese all kept and bred fish. Luckily for the fish, aquariums are much better now than they were thousands of years ago.
But that doesn’t mean building an aquarium is easy. You’re responsible for living creatures, so it’s important you cater to their basic needs.
Are you new to aquariums and need some advice? Don’t worry; as long as you consider these tips, you’ll no doubt build a beautiful tank!
1. Choose the Right Size Aquarium
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right-sized fish tank. These are:
- Budget
- Space
- Type of fish
- Amount of fish
Choosing a freshwater or saltwater tank larger than 30 gallons will skyrocket your costs. You’ll likely have to get a special stand for it, bigger equipment, and spend more time cleaning it.
A freshwater or saltwater aquarium 20 gallons or under is much more manageable for a newbie. Plus, you’ll be able to put it on a simple, sturdy table or sideboard.
2. Saltwater or Freshwater?
One of the first things you will need to do when building an aquarium is to choose a freshwater or saltwater/reef aquarium. Freshwater fish come from lakes and rivers, so they are less vibrant but easier (and cheaper) to care for.
But saltwater fish come from the ocean, so they will look vibrant, and you can add colorful corals, phytoplankton, and rocks. Saltwater tanks are also more fragile, and the fish can be more expensive. So the choice is up to you!
3. Start With a Couple of Fish First
Building an aquarium is exciting, and it’s tempting to buy tons of fish and put them all in at once. Instead, start with one type, see how they adapt, then consider adding more.
Schooling fish like to live in groups of five or more, while others are better in pairs or trios. You also need to buy compatible species. Do your research before introducing new fish friends.
4. Buy the Right Aquarium Supplies
To build an aquarium, you need a lot more than a tank, water, fish, and food. You also need other aquarium supplies like a thermometer, filter, heater, light, and plants to create the right ecosystem. Don’t skimp on lighting because this is vital for creating day and night for your fish.
5. Clean Your Tank Often (But Not at First)
During the first few weeks, your fish are getting used to and establishing the bacteria they need to live in a tank. That’s why you shouldn’t touch anything for around one month but keep testing the water for nitrate and ammonia.
After the first month, clean the filter and invest in a magnetic tank cleaner to remove algae from the tank’s glass walls. You should only undertake a full water tank change if it’s 100% necessary to avoid disturbing the fish as much as you can.
Start Building an Aquarium With These Tips
Building an aquarium can be a fun hobby if you love marine life, and watching fish swim is super relaxing. However, lots can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. But now you know these tips, you’re far more likely to keep healthy and happy fish.
Picking up new skills and trying out hobbies is what makes life interesting. If you’re in need of ideas, browse our website for tons of cool lifestyle articles.
