| Watching fish swimming peacefully in fish tanks is a | | | | biological, and mechanical filtration, making them most |
| fascinating hobby and one that can be started easily | | | | effective. Other types of filters include the |
| even if you've never set up an aquarium before. It | | | | undergravel filter, sponge filter and canister filter. Each |
| can be overwhelming for a beginner, though, since | | | | one is suited for different types of fish tanks. |
| there are so many choices you need to make - what | | | | A water heater is another basic piece of equipment |
| type and size of aquarium to buy, how you'll maintain | | | | you'll need, especially if you're going to have tropical |
| it, what kinds of fish to keep in it, and even where | | | | fish. Most heaters come with a thermostat, which is |
| to put it. | | | | important to keep your water temperature within |
| The first thing you'll need to decide is what type of | | | | the range you set. Make sure any heater you buy is |
| fish tank you want. They come in different types of | | | | UL approved and made specifically for fish tanks. |
| materials such as glass or acrylic. An acrylic tank is | | | | Lighting is necessary for your fish and any plants you |
| usually seamless and will be lighter and more durable | | | | may have in your aquarium, but remember that |
| than a glass fish tank. Aquariums come in all shapes | | | | lighting also adds beauty to your aquarium. The type |
| and sizes, from 5 gallons all the way up to custom | | | | and wattage of bulbs that you use will depend on |
| tanks of 200 gallons or more. It's important to buy | | | | whether or not you have live plants growing in your |
| the largest tank you can afford, since the larger the | | | | fish tank. If you do, then you'll need between 2 and |
| tank the more stable the water quality will be. | | | | 5 watts of light for every gallon of water. You'll also |
| Another important consideration when setting up | | | | need to take into account the species of plants in |
| your first fish tank is exactly where you'll put it. | | | | your tank and how quickly they grow. If you |
| Water is very heavy, weighing approximately 10 | | | | purchase an aquarium starter kit, it will most likely |
| pounds per gallon, so you need to plan on whether | | | | come with basic lighting, which means regular |
| to set it on an existing piece of furniture or purchase | | | | fluorescent bulbs. These are fine for a basic fish tank. |
| a separate aquarium stand. Just make sure that | | | | Aquariums without plants only usually need between |
| whatever it's setting on can support the weight of | | | | 6 - 12 hours of light, while tanks with live plants need |
| the full tank and that it's level. | | | | anywhere from 10 - 12 hours for optimum plant |
| There are other basic equipment requirements for | | | | growth. |
| your new fish tank. You'll need some sort of filtration | | | | The basic aquarium equipment here is all you need to |
| system to filter out harmful materials and aerate the | | | | get started with your new hobby. Fish tanks for sale |
| water. The most common type of aquarium filter is | | | | can be found at any local pet store and there are |
| the power filter. This type is popular as it's efficient | | | | many online stores devoted solely to the fascinating |
| and easy to maintain. They work well for most | | | | world of fish-keeping. |
| aquariums, as some of them combine chemical, | | | | |