1 – Research about the subject
Before buying fish, aquariums, feed, furniture and decoration, do a lot of research to understand every nuance of an aquarium system and avoid buying incompatible fish, purchase feeds suitable for the correct species, aquarium size, filtration, water temperature, water preparation and aquarium location.
2 – Fresh or salt water aquarium?
For the beginner in the world of fishkeeping, I recommend starting with freshwater aquariums as they are generally a little less complex than marine aquariums, with fewer water parameters to be monitored and because they are easier to replenish the aquarium water, both in partial exchanges or maintenance.
Remember that in an aquarium, you can have other types of life besides fish. If you opt for a freshwater aquarium, you can have an aquarium planted with varieties of plants and driftwood.
3 – Where to place the aquarium?
Important considerations when choosing a place for your aquarium:
The place must not have direct sunlight;
Need to have close shots;
It needs to be out of reach of animals;
The table or furniture must be stable and secure;
It must be visible from all points;
And no obstacles for handling or cleaning.
4 – Size of the Aquarium?
For you who are new to aquarium, the ideal is to choose aquariums between 38 and 96 liters, as they are not so big and are easy to clean. However, think again about the place you have chosen, as we need to know if the place can withstand the weight of the aquarium.
Test with your own weight to make sure it’s strong enough.
Another information that is interesting for you to know is that the larger the aquarium, the greater its chemical stability.
The shape doesn’t matter, but it’s often used in a cubic and/or rectangular shape.
5 – Lighting
It is also very important to know that the aquarium needs to be in a place without direct sunlight (which can influence the temperature increase in the aquarium and help in the proliferation of unwanted algae), and in a place that allows its handling.
Luminaires such as HQI, T5/T8/PL or LED lamps are the most used in aquariums. Each one has a specific characteristic, with its advantages and disadvantages. Lately, hobbyists tend to prefer LED luminaires due to their durability, brightness and for being more economical.
For planted aquarium, aquarists tend to use light fixtures with T5 or T8 lamps in pink, white and actinic blue. You can also opt for LED luminaires with these same colors.
Remember that you need to keep the habitat as natural as possible, so you must copy nature, increasing fish survival.
6 – Which Gravel to Use?
The choice of substrate will also depend on the choice of your ecosystem.
For the freshwater aquarium, the substrate may vary depending on the types of fish you have chosen, be it acidic or alkaline water fish. If the choice is for acidic water fish, usually use basalt gravel, pebble or river gravel in general.
If it is an aquarium with alkaline water of fish such as African and American cichlids, it is usually used the same type of gravel as the marine aquarium, such as alemda or ground coral bones, as these types of gravel make the water more alkaline.
Once the gravel has been chosen, wash it in order to remove some of the finer and lighter sand that normally makes the water more turbid.
7 – Filtering System
There are several types of filtration, being they filtering through an internal filter, external filter (HangOn), canister and filtering through the sump that applies to both marine and fresh aquarium. All but the sump already have internal pumps which will move the water for filtration, passing through its compartments and consequently oxygenating the water.
In the case of the sump, it will be necessary to place a booster pump, which will send water from under the sump to the aquarium (display) above, and consequently oxygenate the water as well, in addition to filtering using media and filtering elements introduced in the sump.
Filtering is what will remove impurities from the water, remember that quality water is equal to healthy fish.
8 – Monitor the Temperature
You must use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. The beginner in aquarium needs to be aware of the temperature of the aquarium, keeping the temperature as constant as possible, as temperature variations can directly affect the health of your fish, plant or coral.
The water heating is done through a heater that may or may not have a thermostat. If you choose a heater with a thermostat (which is more suitable) this will ensure that the heater automatically turns off when it reaches the temperature you set.
If your heater does not have a thermostat, you should carefully monitor the temperature of your water, as it may heat up more than recommended, harming your fish. If you do not have either heater, you can run the risk of the temperature dropping beyond what is recommended for your fish, which can cause several problems and even cause your death.
The temperature must be suitable according to the species that is living in your aquarium.
9 – Which Fish to Choose?
Try to research and read about the aquatic ecosystem and try to identify with some species.
There are species of fish considered to be ideal for beginners.
10 – Fish Food
Food is very important for several reasons, growth, color and health, and the amount given to the fish is also important.
The secret of correct feeding is a quality feed, and knowing the right amount to give without polluting the water, associating the quality of the chosen feed with the dosage offered to the animals.
11 – Aquarium Maintenance
Change 20% to 30% of the aquarium water weekly, fortnightly or monthly, it all depends on the size of your aquarium, so that possible toxins are neutralized.
Before changing it, it is essential to prepare the water with additives that remove chlorine and heavy metals.