Everything about Aquariums
Most people have an aquarium of some sort in their life. Sometimes it may be a single bowl with a happy little goldfish, or others may have a large stunning salt water tank full of tropical creatures. For some, the idea of getting an aquarium may be a little scary. These fears include many issues from the cost, the maintenance and the general work involved. Your aquarium does not need to be an expensive project; because you really do not need all of the tools and gadgets that are sold at pet stores. As long as your aquarium is stocked and maintained, they it is inexpensive and easy to care for.
Style and Size
When you consider the style and size of an aquarium, you first need to consider the amount of space you have available and how many fish you want to add. There is nothing wrong with a small bowl, but a slightly larger square design makes for a better option. This style is easy to clean, and gives you the optimum view of your aquatic life. These tanks are not very expensive, and can be found new or used.
The Floor
The covering of your aquarium floor is very important. The best material is course sand, like the sand used in concrete. It is loose enough to allow plants to move, but keeps food from being hidden. We would recommend a one to two inch layer on the bottom of the tank. Try to avoid rocks or pebbles, as these will trap both food and droppings, making your tank dirty much quicker.
Maintenance
Cleaning your aquarium is necessary and important, but certainly does not need to be a lot of work. You can clean the aquarium with almost any household cleaner, so long as you rinse it very well before you use it again. Avoid using scrubbing pads like wire wool or sand, because these will damage or scratch your glass.
The water will not remain crystal clear, no matter how much you wish it would. The water will turn a greenish color naturally, due to algae growth. This is not something to be concerned about. If your tank is in a place where it gets a lot of sunlight, algae may grow more profusely, if the water turns opaque, you will want to change it quickly.
If you notice cloudy water, this could be the result of decomposition; either from a fish or plant. You will want to clean the water, to prevent other fish and plant life from becoming sick.
Leaks
Leaks need to be dealt with quickly. However, trying to fix the leak from the outside will not work. If it is only a slight leak, try putting some mud into the water, and let it sit over night. If it is still leaking try a clay or sealant to seal the inside edges. This should do the trick and stop anymore leakage from occurring.
