| Aquariums provide a number of great benefits. They | | | | If you're still unsure about which to choose, do some |
| are beautiful additions to the home, for example. | | | | research on the Internet or read a few library books |
| Watching the gentle movements of the fish can also | | | | on the topic to help cement your decision. |
| help reduce stress levels in humans. | | | | Preliminary Steps |
| Before you begin putting together your own dream | | | | After deciding on a type of aquarium, you'll need to |
| aquarium, there are a few points you should consider | | | | begin purchasing supplies. Always purchase the |
| first. | | | | supplies prior to buying the fish. You need the |
| Freshwater or Tropical? | | | | aquarium to be up and running for a few days before |
| The biggest decision you need to make is whether | | | | you introduce any living creatures. |
| your aquarium will contain fresh water or tropical fish. | | | | Obviously, your supplies will include the tank itself, a |
| Obviously, the two can't be blended together. If | | | | cover, a net, coverscape (the material that goes on |
| you're not sure which you prefer, here are some | | | | the bottom of the tank), plants (either real or |
| factors to help you make that decision: | | | | artificial) and some hiding areas (castles, rocks, caves, |
| * Experience - If you are new to aquariums, then go | | | | etc.). Depending on the tank and the fish you choose, |
| with a fresh water tank. Tropical fish are more | | | | you may also need to purchase a heater, a filter, salt |
| difficult to maintain, even for people with lots of | | | | water mixture and other items. |
| experience. | | | | Do your homework before you get to the store so |
| * Budget - If money is tight, then go with a fresh | | | | you'll know what is necessary. Don't let a pushy sales |
| water aquarium. These are usually much cheaper to | | | | clerk convince you to buy things you don't need. |
| set up. | | | | Follow the directions on your supplies and set up the |
| * Appearance - If you have your heart set on a | | | | aquarium. You want to watch the whole thing for 24 |
| gorgeous aquarium full of colour, then you should go | | | | to 72 hours to make sure the water is staying at the |
| for a tropical aquarium. You'll have more options and | | | | correct temperature, the filter is working, and that |
| the colours are often more vibrant. | | | | the environment will be healthy for your new fish. |
| * Room - Space is an important factor. Fresh water | | | | Finally, you'll want to select your fish. Choose fish |
| aquariums can be very small so if you have a small | | | | that will live well together. Also pick fish that eat at |
| apartment then this might be the right choice for | | | | various levels in the aquarium: some eat at the top, |
| you. If you're trying to fill up a blank wall in your living | | | | others from the middle and others from the bottom. |
| room, then a tropical aquarium might be a wiser pick. | | | | Having some at each level means you'll have less |
| * Fish- Go to your local aquarium store before you | | | | food left over in your coverscape. |
| make this decision and look at the selection of fish. | | | | Make sure to purchase the right type of food for |
| Do you see some varieties you'd want to include in | | | | your fish as well. |
| your own aquarium? Find out what type of | | | | By following these basic steps, you can be on your |
| environment they need and let that be a factor in | | | | way to creating your own amazing aquarium in your |
| your decision. | | | | home or office. |