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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12 March 2010
With matching cabinet, all accessories included, ( lights, filter, heater, air pump, etc) all in excellent condition, 14 fish included if required. tel: 01229 585875 or 07845 892906 please note i live in ulverston in cumbria.
£80
10 March 2010
30 inch x 28 inch fish tank with matching cabinet, all accessories included, ( filter, heater, air pump, etc), all in excellent condition, will include fish if required,.
£80
28 February 2010
Boxed baby biord unwanted gift with accessories.
£25
GL2
19 February 2010
I have for sale a 125 litre juwel rio fish tank which has been used has a marine tank, it comes with everything you need to have a marine tank protein skimmer (v2), thermometer, heater, 600 litre external filter, 600 ltr internal filter built in, 2 x air pumps, 1 x ph buffer, p. .
£220
WN3
17 February 2010
Juwel rekord 800 aquarium 81 x 36 x 45 cm comes with a rekord 800 hood & light, built in pump, filter & heater. the tank holds 110 litres also comes with marine stone, 2 bags of coral sand, box of marine salt, hydrometer & 25kg of live marine rock. would make. .
£120
WR14
Clear fish bowl, pink lid and base. also comes with, purple and white gravel, pink and purple plant, food, and aquarium chlorine, in excellent condition. .
£15
TR14
16 February 2010
Hello, i have marine fish and anemones and 16 kilo of live rock and loads of base rock for sale. breeding pair of tomato clowns 1kilo of fiji rock and anemone £65. (must be sold altogether as all lived together for 2 years, quite often lay eggs ) - sold 2 yellow fin. .
CM16
06 February 2010
Recent new impeller and sponge , twin taps for easy cleaning and repriming, excellent condition , no rattles . comes with pipes etc . can post if required and paypal.
TS25
03 February 2010
Tank and stand including a large amount of living rock, various corals , shrimp, crabs, fish. red sea salt, coral and fish food, scales etc. all 13 months old, very healthy tank, cheap price as moving and cant take with me. please call for full list of what is in the tank . over. .
£580
BN14
29 January 2010
large 400 gallon fish pond for sale,complete with all hoses and leads,filter box internal ultra violet light, submersable pump ,2 air blocks, ,every thing to get some body up and running from scratch, !!!! only 6 months old ,£600 new but willing to take £450 or over. .
£400
CB4
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