How do you take care of a zebra loach?

What do you need to keep a pet fish?

Food, water, filtration and heat are the basic elements you’ll need to provide for your pet fish, but the exact specifications will depend on the type of fish you choose, how big it grows and a number of other factors.

What size aquarium kit do I need to keep fish?

If this is your first attempt at fish keeping, unless you’re starting out with a betta, consider an aquarium kit of at least 10 gallons that has all the equipment you’ll need. Remember, the fish you buy probably won’t be full size, so make sure there’s room for them to grow!

What do I need to set up a fish tank?

1 Five-gallon tank or larger 2 Tank hood/light 3 Gravel or other substrate 4 Heater 5 Filter 6 Decorations 7 Real or artificial plants 8 Betta pellets or flake food 9 Mini siphon 10 Digital thermometer 11 Freshwater testing kit 12 Magnetic algae scrubber 13 Water conditioner 14 Small fish net 15 Safe container 16 Reference materials

Why is it important to choose the right size fish tank?

A lot of novice aquarists overlook the importance of getting a fish tank that is the correct size. If you end up getting a fish tank that is too small it can cause lots of problems, think: stunted growth, aggressive fish, and unstable water parameters.

Can fish be kept in tiny tanks?

If some fish stores and aquarium brands are to be believed, they can be kept in tiny cups or 1-gallon tanks. Straight up, this is wrong.

What should I look for when adding fish to my tank?

Make sure that the fish you are adding to your aquarium the tank is of the proper size, and they won’t grow too large for their new environment.

What size fish tank do I need for beginners?

If you already know the type of fish you’re going to keep, check their tank requirements and size your tank accordingly based on the number of fish you want to keep. Even so, I don’t recommend choosing a tank smaller than 10 gallons, in fact a 20-gallon tank is the best for beginner aquarists.

Why do fish need a bigger tank?

Well as we mentioned earlier on: in small, cramped, environments fish become stressed and aggressive. The opposite happens when fish have lots of space. Second, larger tanks are far easier to maintain.

Are larger aquariums easier to maintain?

Second, larger tanks are far easier to maintain. As most aquarists will attest to, the biggest problem we generally face is maintaining the water conditions inside the tank; mainly water chemistry and temperature. Now, the larger the aquarium, the more stable the water is, and crucially, the easier it is to keep stable.

How to choose the right size aquarium for your fish?

You should always buy the right sized tank from the start. Figure out how much space your fish need (as an adult) and place them in a suitably sized aquarium from the get-go. If you put fish in a small aquarium it can cause lots of problems.

Can you keep fish together in the same tank?

Because of their small size, they are often the target of aquarium predators. As such, they are best kept in a single-species tank. The good news is that you can keep several fish together. They thrive in small colonies. Throughout the day, you will witness all kinds of unique group behaviors. The fish are known to shoal.

How to care for a tiny fish in a tank?

These tiny fish do well fed small amounts a couple of times a day. As long as your tank is already well cycled, these fish will do fine in a tank that size. Do some acclimation when transferring home from the LFS and do not pour any of the water from the bag in your tank, use a net.

Is it safe to add more fish to my tank?

I know you might have your eye on a cool looking fish that would look great in your tank but do yourself a favor and save your money and heartache. Wait a while until you are certain it is safe to add more fish to the aquarium.

What are the benefits of a larger tank?

The higher volume of water means the water chemistry and temperature will stay more stable, and the tank will function more easily as a mini-ecosystem with the ability to self-clean, to a certain extent. Larger tanks are actually easier to maintain. There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your tank:

Are bigger aquariums easier to maintain?

Larger aquariums are better able to handle systemic shocks, and for that reason are generally easier to maintain than smaller fish tanks.

Can you fit a fish tank into your life?

Katelyn is an aquarium enthusiast, and she shares tips and advice to help aspiring fish owners learn about the hobby. Even the busiest person can fit a fish tank into their life. Learn some tips to make aquarium maintenance quick and easy. Aquariums have developed the reputation of being murky, algae-covered death traps for fish.

Can you keep fish in a small tank?

This just isn’t possible with very small tanks. They often come with sub-par filters, and it is difficult to heat them. And, most fish species should not be kept in tanks under 10 gallons. This can lead to failure and frustration for the new fish keeper, and cause them to quit.

How long should I wait between adding fish to my tank?

Wait at least two weeks between fish additions. This gives your fish time to adjust, gives you time to observe for illnesses and allows the beneficial bacterial colony to catch up on the added bioload.

What are the benefits of a wider tank for fish?

The most important benefit of a wider tank is that it has a larger water surface area. Fish need oxygen just like we do. Oxygen exchange occurs where the water surface meets the air. More water surface area equates to more oxygen exchange, an important factor for the health of your fish.

Why is surface area important in a fish tank?

More water surface area equates to more oxygen exchange, an important factor for the health of your fish. A taller, narrower tank may be striking in appearance, but it has less water surface area than a shorter wider tank holding the same volume of water. That could cause low dissolved oxygen conditions in an overcrowded aquarium!

How can I increase the surface area of my fish tank?

Airstones and pumps can be useful, however they will only increase the surface area of the aquarium. Plants will chemically saturate the aquarium with O2, which is very beneficial to the fish. Plants respire at night and release Co2 into the water column.

Are larger aquariums easier to take care of?

The truth is, larger aquariums are easier to take care of. You may need to spend a little more time now and then with maintenance, but in the long run larger aquariums are much easier to keep than smaller tanks. Keep reading to learn why.