| A freshwater aquarium setup will need all of the | | | | color representing changes in temperature. A digital |
| necessary apparatus, such as lights, filter system, | | | | thermometer may vary in accuracy, depending on |
| heater, and more. All of these are important to have | | | | the cost, wherein the ones with higher accuracy and |
| a freshwater aquarium with healthy vibrant fish. | | | | precision are usually more expensive. If you plan on |
| When purchasing a tank, it is most probable that the | | | | raising fish that are hardy, then an inexpensive |
| lights would be included. However, all other equipment | | | | thermometer will do, such as the liquid crystal type. If |
| will usually need to be purchased separately, unless | | | | you plan to raise fish with a narrow temperature |
| you buy an aquarium kit. | | | | range tolerance, then an accurate thermometer will |
| Buying a heater for your aquarium is probably the | | | | be needed. |
| easiest and least confusing piece of equipment. One | | | | Another important component for your fish tank is |
| must make sure that they buy a heater that is | | | | the substrate that you will need to add to your |
| adequate determined by the size of your fish tank. In | | | | aquarium. Substrate is the rock or sand that sits at |
| other words, the heater must be rated to heat the | | | | the bottom of the tank, and it is placed first in the |
| volume of water (gallons or liters) in your aquarium. In | | | | tank before anything else. There is a specific |
| addition to that, there are different types of heaters | | | | substrate for every aquarium, so be sure that your |
| for you to choose from. | | | | choice would be appropriate for your tank. Plants and |
| In-line heaters are for the advanced aquarium fish | | | | decorations add life to the aquarium and comfort for |
| hobbyists, so a beginner is not likely to start with | | | | the fish. Aquarium plants can be artificial or live, and |
| these. Hang on Back and submersible heaters are the | | | | should be placed in the aquarium after water is |
| choices for a person getting started with their | | | | already in the tank. |
| freshwater aquarium setup. | | | | Your home freshwater aquarium setup is almost |
| The cheaper among the two is the Hang on Back | | | | complete. It is time to add water. The water inside |
| heater. Hang on Back (HOB) heaters are also easier | | | | the tank should be free from chlorine, so use some |
| to use because the knobs are at the back of the | | | | water conditioner to treat it. You can also let your |
| aquarium. On the other hand, submersible heaters are | | | | aquarium set for 24 hours that will allow the chorine |
| better than HOB heaters, because they have greater | | | | to dissipate. I like to setup my aquarium and leave it |
| flexibility in positioning, and can be easily hidden with | | | | for a few days with the filtration system running. |
| decorations or other aquarium landscaping such as | | | | This allows your aquarium to become more balanced |
| aquarium plants. Although both types of heaters | | | | and allows helpful bacteria to grow that aid with |
| offer similar quality, it is still up to you as to how | | | | biological filtration. |
| much are you willing to spend on this device. Both | | | | Lastly, when setting up your freshwater aquarium |
| types come in glass, plastic, or graphite variants, the | | | | tank, obtain as much knowledge as possible. Also, be |
| glass variety usually is the least expensive. | | | | aware that many sales people in large pet stores |
| For measuring the temperature of your fish tank: | | | | may not have all of the correct information. Many |
| glass, liquid crystal, and digital thermometers are the | | | | times it is best to talk to stores that focus on |
| types available. The glass thermometer is simple yet | | | | aquarium fish. Lastly, have fun. |
| reliable, while the liquid crystal thermometer changes | | | | |