Housekeeping Made Simple - A Beginner's Guide to Aquarium Care

Aquariums are an excellent way to bring a slice of nature into your home, but with great power comes great responsibility. A fish tank is a living, breathing ecosystem. 

When you bring fish into your home, it is crucial to understand how to care for them properly. This includes providing the right environment, food, and water quality. Let’s take a comprehensive look at how to create the best living space for your new friends.

Setting up the Aquarium

Before you bring any fish to your home, you must prepare a home for them. The first step is to choose the right size for your needs. 

The rule of thumb is to allocate one gallon of water per inch of fish. This formula considers the fish's growth and their waste output. 

Once you have determined the appropriate size, select the right filtration system. A good filter will help to keep the water clean and clear of debris. Keep in mind to purchase a heater to maintain a consistent water temperature.

Maintaining Water Quality

Not all water is the same. Just because they are aquatic animals does not mean they can live in any type of water. Even the water quality in your aquarium is crucial to the health of your aquarium fish. 

You should test the water regularly using a water testing kit to measure the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in the water. Ammonia and nitrite are toxic to fish, so keeping these levels as low as possible is essential. Nitrate is less harmful, but high levels can still cause health problems for your fish.

You should perform regular water changes to keep your water quality in check. The frequency of water changes will depend on the size of your aquarium and the number of fish you have. 

Aim to change 10-20% of the water every week. You should also clean the gravel and any decorations in the tank to remove any built-up debris.

Water changes are essential for the health of your aquarium. Freshwater fish require a stable and clean environment, which can only be achieved by regularly changing the water. 

The frequency and amount of water change your tank needs will depend on the size of your aquarium, the number of fish, and the filtration system you use. As a general rule, changing 10-20% of the water every week is recommended.

Stock Density

This refers to the number of aquarium fish and creatures that can be safely kept in an aquarium. Overcrowding can stress your fish, reduce the oxygen levels in the water, and increase the risk of disease. 

It is advised to have one inch of fish per gallon of water. However, this rule should be used as a guideline only, as their size and activity level should also be taken into consideration.

Monitor the behaviour of your fish and make adjustments as necessary. If you notice signs of stress, such as aggression or lethargy, reducing the number of fish in your tank may be necessary.

Tank Size

The size of your aquarium is also crucial in maintaining a healthy environment for your fish. A larger tank provides more space for your fish to swim and reduces the risk of overcrowding. It also provides more surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow, which helps to maintain a stable nitrogen cycle.

When selecting a tank, you must check the size of the fish you plan to keep. Some fish, such as goldfish, require a larger tank than others due to their size and activity level. Choosing the filtration system you will use is also essential, as a larger tank may require a more powerful filter to maintain a healthy environment.

Choosing the Right Fish and Feeding Process

You can keep many different types of aquarium fish, but not all are suitable for beginners. It is best to stick to hardy, low-maintenance species when starting out. Some excellent options include:

• Goldfish are a classic choice for beginners. They are hardy and can tolerate a range of water conditions.
• Guppies are colourful and low maintenance. They are also prolific breeders, so you may have more fish than you bargained for!
• Betta Fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are famous for their striking appearance and low-maintenance requirements.  

Fishes need a balanced diet to stay healthy. You can purchase commercial fish food from your local pet store or make your own using a combination of protein-rich foods and vegetables. 

Feed your fish once or twice a day, only giving them as much food as they can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding your fish can lead to health problems and poor water quality.

With the proper care, your fish can live long and happy lives. If you are looking for high-quality aquarium fish and equipment, you are in good hands with Hurstville Aquarium. 

We have a wide array of fishes for you to choose from. Whether you are looking at setting up a marine reef tank or your next aquascaped planted tank. Our expert staff are happy to provide you with advice on how to get your next tank thriving.