Sunday, June 2, 2013

Buying Guide For Aquarium Supplies Austin TX Customers Will Find Helpful

By Michelle Howe


It can be very exciting to keep tropical fish. An aquarium is a thing of beauty which adds a lot of esthetic value to a room, and it may seem overwhelming to set one up. By knowing the right aquarium supplies Austin TX customers should be able to easily make a safe and healthy home for their new fish.

The actual tank should be the first item selected. There are many different shapes and sizes to choose from, it all depends on where it will be located, the amount and type of fish one wants, and the cost. A strong aquarium is made of glass instead of plastic. A stand may be needed if there is not an ideal structure that can safely withstand its weight.

An air pump and filtration system for the tank is also necessary. There are different designs available, some are placed under the gravel while others hang from the back of the aquarium. These must be capable of circulating water to match the tank's capacity, ideally this works out to 5 gallons per hour for each gallon of volume. Fish often enjoy a bubbling system and will play amongst the air bubbles.

Heating the water in the tank to the correct temperature is essential to the health of the fish. A heater will be needed for this purpose. It should have an adjustable temperature control, as different fish require varying water temperatures. Generally between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended, and a thermometer should be purchased to accurately gauge this.

A substrate to line 2 to 3 inches of the floor of the tank is needed as well. Sand or gravel is normally used for this purpose. Some tank owners prefer gravel as it can be vacuumed with a special apparatus. All different colors are available, but those which best match the ones found in nature are often most suitable for the fish.

Some live plants are also nice to have in the tank. They help cut down on the growth of algae and also act as a good place for the fish to hide. All living plants need a light source, but some require more than others. The canopy must have sufficient lighting to maintain the plants, as they need about 8 hours of light every day to stay healthy.

Ornaments not only add beauty to the tank, they also provide interesting places for the fish to swim through which keeps them entertained and happy. They should be specially made for aquariums and not contain any harmful chemical paints and such. Only a couple of these are needed, or the tank may become crowded and prevent the fish from being able to swim freely.

When buying aquarium supplies Austin TX customers must also be sure to get the necessary tank maintenance items. This includes a scrub brush, gravel vacuum, fish net, water dechlorinator, and master test kit. After obtaining these supplies the aquarium can be set up and fish can be added to their new home.




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