A Few Necessary Tips
There are a few basic pieces of aquarium equipment you need to include in your aquarium setup to make sure that your fish will thrive.
Filters
The main job of aquarium filters is to keep the water clean by correcting unwanted changes to the tank’s water conditions such as physical debris (dirt, fish waste, uneaten food), toxins from decomposition of organic matter like dead fish and plants, and undesired chemicals from additives and medicines. The type of filter you will need will greatly depend on the size of your aquarium, the type of fish you have, and how large their population is. A complete filtration system needs to have all stages of filtration – mechanical, chemical, and biological.
Lighting
Another aquarium equipment you need to install are aquarium lights. These will replicate the lighting conditions in the natural habitat of the fish. Since the aquarium is often placed indoors, aquarium lights are the only means to simulate the 12 hours of daylight the fish need daily. This is so their behavioral cycles, like feeding and spawning, will remain normal. Note that insufficient lighting will cause poor growth, poor health, lessened coloration, and fish stress.
Aquarium heaters
Since most aquarium fish are from the tropics and, generally, fish cannot produce their own body heat, you need a heater to make sure that the water temperature is as close as possible to their natural habitat’s. More than that, the water temperature should be kept stable as the fish will be stressed with fluctuating temperatures. There are two basic styles of heaters: fully submersible and those that are inserted in canister filter or pump. Your choice of heater will generally depend on your budget and your aesthetic preference.
Aquarium thermometer
An aquarium thermometer is one of the cheapest but indispensable aquarium equipment. They are your gauge if your heater is working properly. As the temperature fluctuates depending on the time of the day and the season of the year, your thermometer will help constantly check the temperature so it can be adjusted to an optimum level according to the fish tank’s requirements.
Aquarium air pump
An air pump basically provides aeration inside your tank. This piece of aquarium equipment is needed since it increases water circulation to promote proper gas exchange. An air pump is also used to power aquarium equipment such as some types of filters and protein skimmers.
Decorations
Decorations are essential too. They have practical functions aside from their initial aesthetic uses. They are useful in hiding aquarium equipment like filters and pumps, making your underwater scene look as natural as possible. More importantly, decorations give the fish a place to rest and hide, thus preventing undue stress.
In the case of aquarium plants, you have a choice between real and plastic. Most people prefer plastic plants since they don’t die and add to organic pollution. Live plants are also prone to being eaten and uprooted by the fish.
Bill Fontana is a pet store manager and an aquarium enthusiast who likes to help others succeed in raising their fish as well. He is a featured member and guest speaker at many aquarium clubs, as well as having a few very large tanks of his own. To learn more about aquarium equipment and aquarium products, please go to marinedepot.com.
