Aquariums today come in many different sizes. You may want to keep a small desktop sized or a large one to proudly display in your family living room. A gallon of water weighs approximately 4kg, which means a ten-gallon tank will weigh at least 40kg, excluding the weight of the tank itself and other equipment. The ideal location for an aquarium is a low people traffic area, away from windows. Fish are startled when large objects (like you!) pass by. Windows allow cold draughts in winter and let the hot summer sun heat the tank, causing water temperature swings, which is not good for the fish.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
The amount of products and brands available can seem overwhelming. However, start by asking questions (always ask questions, no matter how "daft" they are) and doing a little research. Don't buy cheap, low quality products. They may seem great for the first few days but eventually result in major problems. Always aim for quality equipment. It is more efficient and lasts longer.

Tank
There are many different sizes and shapes available. The larger the aquarium, the easier it will be to maintain. The larger the volume of water, the larger the margin for error. Diseases will not spread as fast and the temperature will remain more constant. Additionally, a larger aquarium allows you to keep more species of fish.

Filtration
Adequate filtration is necessary for a healthy aquarium. It encourages water movement, filters out debris and helps keep the water clean. A good filter offers all three different types of filtration, namely mechanical, chemical and biological. Many people think that fish can be added the same day an aquarium is set up or when they let their aquarium "run" for a couple of days. This does nothing to prepare your fish and can lead to their early death. An aquarium is a piece of a natural environment. To simulate these natural environments, you'll have to build up a good biological filtration. Beneficial bacteria help to break down waste to less harmful components, which you remove during a weekly water change.

Heater
For a tropical fish aquarium, a heater is necessary. Most tropical fish enjoy a temperature between 76-78�F. Some like it warmer between 80-82�F dependent on species. Heaters warm the water and keep the temperature constant. This is important to fish because they are extra sensitive to their environment. Not all fish require heaters. Most goldfish, for example, are considered "cold water" fish and prefer water temperatures between 60-70�F.

Decor and Ornaments
Decor and ornaments serve the purpose of sheltering certain fish, which would be vulnerable in the open. Decor can make your fish feel safer.

Lighting / Hoods
If there are no live plants, lighting is optional. Basic lighting includes incandescent lights and fluorescents. Incandescents are cheaper and give you a higher wattage, but get hotter and use more electricity. Fluorescents are a bit more expensive, but offer the widest variety of lighting options. Hoods prevent fish from accidentally jumping out and slow down water evaporation.

Gravel / substrate
Gravel comes in various colours and sizes. Smooth gravel, which is gentler on their skin, is good for a tank containing bottom feeders. Some substrates come with nutrients packed inside, beneficial to live plants.

Plants
Live plants require more care than artificial, but give your aquarium a more natural look. In addition, they remove nitrates from the water. Many fish will enjoy plants; it gives them something to play in and gives them a hiding place making them feel safer.

Water conditioner
Tap water contains chlorine and chloramines, meant to clean the water and make it safe for human consumption. When filling your tank or doing a water change, always add a dose of water conditioner. It makes tap water safe for your fish.

Thermometer
Monitoring your water temperature is important. Deviations in water temperature cause stress to fish. Thermometers can use a suction cup to hang on the inside of your tank or stick onto the glass.

Freshwater Testing Kit
A test kit is used for testing tap or aquarium water. It is important to have when your first setting up your aquarium. You can monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate concentrations.

HOW TO CARE FOR GOLDFISH
Goldfish can be divided into two categories- fancy goldfish such as fantails and orandas, which are the most suited to the indoor aquarium, and the larger commons and comets, which are suited much better to life in a pond.

There are common myths about keeping goldfish:

1. A goldfish will not grow to its environment. It is often accepted that its body may stop growing; however, the internal organs will not. This can lead to serious problems with deformities and death.

2. It is commonly accepted goldfish do not live very long. A common goldfish should live for over 20 years.

Fancy goldfish come in many different mutations, each with different temperature and care requirements. This is beyond the scope of this guide, hence the need for appropriate research!


KEEPING AND CARING FOR POPULAR TROPICAL FISH

Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)
Neon tetras are amongst the most popular "community" fish and an excellent choice for those new to keeping fish, as well as an excellent addition to more seasoned collections. At full size, they reach no bigger than about 4 cm in length. If you like colour, the Neon tetra will add real sparkle and flash to any aquarium. A silvery fish, which darkens to a pleasing iridescent blue along its back, the neon tetra also, has a bright red tail. In addition, these active little fish like to shoal in groups of six or more, so a tank of neon tetras continually flashes with red, silver-white, and blue. There diet can consist mostly of commercially available tropical fish flake, supplemented with bloodworm, brineshrimp etc.

Plecostomus
The "Plec" is a popular favourite among tropical fish keepers. They are sucker mouthed catfishes, which originate from South America. Most are herbivores, and feed on algae and small animals in it, which they rasp from the surfaces of rocks and the aquarium glass. They are generally nocturnal, at least preferring to search for their food at dusk. When planning the layout of a tank, which will incorporate a plec or similar fish, an improvised cave will allow the fish somewhere to hide from daylight and strong aquarium lighting. There is a large range of commercially available food for these fish. Dried sinking food such as should be placed in the tank at "lights out." Supplement their diet with cucumbers and blanched spinach.

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26 August 2010
Fish Tank/Aquarium..
Three fish tanks in great condition avaliable. 3ft x 12" x 15" - £50 ono 4ft x 15" x 18" with stand - £80 ono wall mounted fish tank approx 2ft x 1ft x 6" - £60 ono any questions contact craig 07854872548 .
£50
KY11
18 August 2010
Hawaiian box fish Pair (Saltwater Fish)..
Saltwater marine - hawaiian box fish the male is a spectacular bluish purple with golden spots. the female is typically a chocolate brown to black with white spots. other saltwater fish yellow tangs £34. 99 - green chromis £8. 99 buy 2 get one free - seahorses (sma. .
£110
SE1
16 July 2010
Free to good home.red claw shrimps ..
Please see links below for details of shrimp these shrimp are from approx 1inch and most can not be sexed at this age please note these will eat small fish and fry they will also nip fins of larger fish best kept in a species tank sorry no postage. .
SS15
08 July 2010
Tropical fish tank..
Fluval , 4ft x2. 5 x2. 5ft full set up including external fillter pump and 2 door beech coloured cabinet .
£225
NG13
06 July 2010
Fish tank and large oscar fish for sale..
100cm x 40cm x 40cm tropical fish tank including hood, lights, fluval 104 filter unit, heater ect. plus cabinet (light pine effect) and a large oscar fish. £100 ovno, buyer to collect. .
£100
NG17
14 June 2010
LAKE MALAWI CICHLIDS FOR SALE..
We have various types of n. venustus male and female cichlids and other like super red empress for sale. looking for a nice home. i all so have 6 2"inch baby fry for sale. if intrested or have questions pleas feel to get back to us and asked. the various types rare hard to get 1. .
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