| Tropical fish are animals that have specific needs, the | | | | tank at the same temperature, so your heater should |
| basics will be outlined here. Make sure to get a tank | | | | never be unplugged. |
| that is large enough to store the fish you want. | | | | Be sure that the filter you choose fits in your tank. |
| Different fish have different requirements, so be sure | | | | Filter size will depend on a few things. |
| to research your specific interests. Having a bigger | | | | - Size of the tank |
| tank is recommended because it is always okay to | | | | - Amount of Fish in the tank |
| play it safe and then it would be easier to maintain | | | | - How many plants in the tank |
| your tank anyway. There is some important | | | | Many different styles of filters are available, each |
| equipment that you should get to be able to keep | | | | with different advantages and disadvantages. |
| your tropical fish. | | | | Generally there are gravel filters, internal filters and |
| Temperature is one of the most vital parameters in a | | | | external filters. |
| tropical aquarium. Most tropical fish will like water | | | | Aquarium gravel is great to make your tank look |
| temperatures of about 25 Degrees Celsius. You will | | | | natural. Gravel is required to give plants something to |
| require a heater having about four watts for every | | | | dig their roots into. Planted tanks will need more |
| gallon of water in your aquarium. It is best to have | | | | gravel, about two or three inches, otherwise one-half |
| two separate smaller heaters for large tanks because | | | | inch to one inch is recommended. Gravel is also good |
| it will act as a fail-safe if one breaks or malfunctions. | | | | because it gives bacteria a good place to occupy. |
| Modern heaters all have thermostats, keeping the | | | | |