Setting-up Your Healthy Aquarium

Start with the largest aquarium that you have the space and budget to afford. The larger the water volume the more stable of an environment you will be creating, such as temperature stability, territorial stability, stability of water chemistry, etc. Filtration is the heart of your system. It is the life support system for your fish and invertebrates. Filtration consists of primarily three types: chemical, biological, and mechanical. There are many good models of filters on the market these days.

Stay within your budget, but don't skimp on these items of equipment. They are critical to the life of your fish.

Although we live in Florida, an aquarium heater may still be necessary. An aquarium heater's function in our climate is primarily to control fluctuations in temperature. A change of more than two degrees in a 24 hour period is physiologically stressful to your fish and invertebrates.

Of course, you shouldn't forget a dechlorinator, to remove the chlorine from our tap water. Fish do not tolerate untreated tap water.

Once your aquarium is equipped and running, it is time to add your fish. For a new set-up this is the most exciting phase. But this is also the phase that requires the most patience for your success at setting-up a healthy aquarium. When introducing fish, start slowly. In a newly set-up aquarium your water quality will always get worse before it gets better, meaning that your new fish in your new aquarium will be producing ammonia as a waste product, that your system is not established to handle yet. It takes time for a sufficient population of beneficial bacteria to colonize your biological filter. This usually takes weeks to a couple of months depending on your system, the number and types of fish you have added and the amounts and frequency of feeding.

Adding just a few hearty fish, two per ten gallons of freshwater or one per ten gallons of saltwater is recommended. And only feed one small feeding every other day until the aquarium is established. Your fish will not starve on such temporary short rations. Poor water quality from over feeding a new aquarium will kill them more quickly.

Once established, two to three small feedings a day is usually adequate. After having your initial fish for a few weeks test your water or have it tested to determine when it is safe to add more fish. That's the basics, but the more that you read and learn the more successful and rewarding your aquarium will become.

Compliments of Jerry Davis and staff; Pet Safari, 13819 Walsingham Rd, Largo, (727)596-3900.