Get Your First Aquarium Up And Running With A 20 Gallon Fish Tank

Get Your First Aquarium Up And Running With A 20 Gallon Fish Tank

Aquariums come in different sizes which are chosen as per different aspects such as space, species of fish, cost and maintenance. If you are a rookie and wish to set up an aquarium in your home, you may sometimes find it difficult to make the right choice. However, for individuals who are into their very first fish tank, it would be a good idea to go in for one with medium capacity which will reduce the requirement for maintenance while permitting more fishes to be reared.

Reduce The Frequency With Which Water Needs To Be Changed

If you opt for a very small aquarium, you will have to change the water more frequently. There is a thumb rule for changing water in an aquarium. Depending on the effectiveness of the filtration and the species of fishes, you may have to replace at least 15% of the total water in the tank. With a very small aquarium, this frequency will be higher, because the lesser volume of water will required to be changed faster. This is precisely why a 20 gallon fish tank is a good option, which will have ample space while keeping maintenance low.

Pick The Right Species Of Fishes To Inhabit The Aquarium

One of the most important aspects of maintaining an aquarium is the need to choose the species and combination of species of fishes. Overcrowding an aquarium is not a good idea, while at the same time it is necessary to ensure that the right size of schools of fishes are maintained for an healthy environment. Another aspect that needs to be carefully considered is the combination of species that you put inside one tank. Having an aggressive species with others that are more docile can be fatal to the latter.

Choose The Material Of The Aquarium Depending On The Risk Of Scratches

Tanks typically come in two different materials – glass and acrylic. Shaping glass aquarium into particular shapes are a bit of a challenge. Acrylic aquariums come in appealing shapes and designs because it is easy to get the desired design and shape. However the downside to acrylic aquarium are the possibility of scratches. This material is not resistant to scratches and may hence end up getting scratched easily. Glass on the other hand is very stubborn and highly resistant to scratches. There is however a weight difference between the two, with glass buying behaviour.  Choose the right material as per conditions where you intend to place the aquarium.

The Right Size Of Tank Will Permit Placement Of Ornamental Props

An aquarium will look incomplete without the necessary props. Opting for a very small sized aquarium will deny you the option of placing ornamental crops in the aquarium. The featured model of fish tank will offer you adequate space to place the filtration system, the heater, and required props.  The bottom of the tank needs to be covered with a layer of gravel, and will also require space for the fish to move around the props which are natural hiding places. This is precisely why the featured size of tank will be a good choice.

Follow Proper Maintenance And Lighting Requirements

The life of the fishes and the appeal of the tank will entirely depend on the manner in which you maintain the aquarium. The water needs to be heated up to the right temperature depending on the species of fishes you grow, and the aquarium needs to have a proper filtration system. Additionally, the aquarium needs to be lit properly with an energy efficient lighting system. This is necessary for the fish to see the seed as it is being dropped, apart from the necessity for photosynthesis.

By properly maintaining an aquarium you can fully enjoy the benefits of growing exotic species of fishes. Constantly monitor the quality of the water and the health of the fish. It will only be a matter of a few weeks before you understand the nuances of growing fishes better.  As you get used to it, you will be able to easily discern and tell if the fish are healthy or are displaying signs of bad health.