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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Lebensstil
- Sprache: Englisch
Give your underwater pets the best aquatic life ever! Aquarium fish are one of the most popular pets in America, with close to 150 million fish owned in nearly 13 million households. They seem like easy pets to care for, but there's more than meets the eye when it comes to keeping your freshwater friends healthy and happy! Inside, you'll find basic information to start your own freshwater aquarium, purchase and maintain healthy fish and plants, and find tips and tricks on how to introduce new fish and systems into your aquatic family. * Understand the best aquarium set-up practices * Build the luxury tanks of your dreams * Maintain a thriving aquatic environment * Discover many different ways to expand your hobby Perfect for beginner hobbyists and longtime aquarium enthusiasts alike, Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies makes it easier than ever to set up and take care of a freshwater aquarium--and the fish within it.
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Seitenzahl: 601
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019
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Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies®, 3rd Edition
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Copyright © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey
Published simultaneously in Canada
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2019947987
ISBN: 978-1-119-60139-5
ISBN 978-1-119-60140-1 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-119-60137-1 (ebk)
Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies®
To view this book's Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and search for “Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies Cheat Sheet” in the Search box.
Table of Contents
Cover
Introduction
About This Book
Foolish Assumptions
Icons Used in This Book
Where to Go from Here
Part 1: Getting Started with Freshwater Aquarium Basics
Chapter 1: Taking the Plunge: Just the Essentials
Focusing on the Tank, Stand, Accessories, and Equipment
Caring for Your New Aquatic Pets
Understanding Water, Chemicals, and Live Plants
Expanding Your Aquarium Hobby
Chapter 2: The Practice of Aquarium Keeping
Recognizing the Amazing Benefits of Owning an Aquarium
Identifying Aquarium Water Systems
Organization Is the Key to Success
Chapter 3: Finding a Good Location
Making Sure Your Floor Is Sound
Taking Room Temperature and Its Effects into Consideration
High Traffic Areas, Children, and Pets (Spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R)
Contemplating Your Water Source When Placing Your Aquarium
Thinking about Other Household Items
Chapter 4: The Tank and Stand
Buying a Tank: What You Need to Know
Examining the Different Types of Aquariums Available
Considering Different and Unusual Aquarium Styles
Choosing the Right Tank
Picking the Right Stand
Moving an Aquarium
Chapter 5: Aquascaping Your Aquarium: What to Add and Not Add in Your Tank
Taking Clues from Your Fish’s Natural Environment
Getting the Lowdown on Substrates
Considering Rocks, Wood, and Artificial Plants
Contemplating Other Aquarium Decorations
Aquascaping Tips and Tricks
Chapter 6: Selecting the Equipment and Other Stuff Your Aquarium Needs
Taking the Mystery out of Filters
Sifting through Filtration Systems
Gauging Heaters and Thermometers
Making Bubbles with Airstones and Pumps
Connecting Tubing, Valves, and Tees
Creating the Best Lighting
Part 2: Taking a Closer Look at Fish and How to Care for Them
Chapter 7: Fish Anatomy 101
Understanding What Makes a Fish Go
Breathing In and Out — Respiration
Getting Acquainted with the Senses
Comprehending Osmosis and the Salt-to-Water Ratio
Recognizing Traits to Identify Fish
Chapter 8: Figuring Out What Kind of Fish to Buy
Looking Closer at Freshwater Fish
Contemplating Coldwater Fish and Invertebrates
Thinking about Captive-Bred Species
Buying Fish Online
Chapter 9: Working with a Fish Dealer to Purchase Your Fish
Choosing a Quality Fish Dealer
Dealer Practices: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Developing a Good Relationship with Your Fish Dealer
Selecting Healthy Fish
Getting the Right Fish without Going Overboard
Chapter 10: Feeding Your Wet Pets — Diet and Nutrition
Understanding Basic Nutrition
Knowing What Type of Eater You Have
Identifying the Different Types of Food
Feeding Fry
Chapter 11: Recognizing Diseases and Treatments
An Ounce of Prevention …
Identifying Common Ailments and Cures
Keeping an Eye Open for Frequent Causes of Disease
Relying on a Tried-and-True Home Remedy: Giving a Salt Bath
Playing Detective: The Sherlock Holmes Method
Using Quarantine Tanks
Setting Up a Hospital Tank
Understanding Medications
Part 3: The Background Players: Water, Chemicals, and Plants
Chapter 12: All Water Isn’t Created Equal
Comparing Different Water Types
Collecting Water from Bodies of Water (Why You Want to Forget This Bad Idea)
Adding Water to Your Aquarium
Chapter 13: Considering Those Crazy Chemicals
Understanding Chemical Use
Knowing Which Chemicals You Need to Start Your Aquarium
Maintaining Your Aquarium: Chemicals to Use
Using the Right Chemicals for Your Plants
Naming Chemicals Your Fish Need for Medication
Chapter 14: The Nitrogen Cycle and Water Testing
Eliminating Fish Waste
Conditioning Your Tank
Starting the Nitrogen Cycle
Testing Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, and pH
Testing Hardness (dH)
Chapter 15: Putting It All Together
Setting Up Your Tropical Freshwater System
Setting Up a Small Plant Tank
Setting Up Your Coldwater System
Setting Up Your Simple Indoor Goldfish Pond
Chapter 16: What You Need to Know: Live Plants for Aquariums
Understanding What Live Plants Do for Your Aquarium
Identifying Different Plant Types
Maintaining Plant-Friendly Aquarium Conditions
Purchasing and Transporting Your Plants
Noticing Potential Plant Problems
Planting Techniques and Aquascaping
Chapter 17: Choosing Plant Species for Your Tank
Considering Foreground Plants
Looking at Midwater Plants
Contemplating Background Plants
Going with Floating Plants
Envisioning Pond Plants
Starting with Some Easy Plants
Part 4: Breeding and Other Fun Stuff
Chapter 18: Being Prepared When Trouble Strikes
Tackling Physical Fish Problems
Correcting Feeding Problems
Addressing Equipment Problems
Facing Tank and Decoration Problems
Confronting Water Problems
Chapter 19: Setting Up the Breeding Tank
Deciding to Breed Your Aquarium Fish
Choosing Your Equipment for Breeding
Getting the Water Right
Chapter 20: Ready, Set, Spawn
Introducing the Bride and Groom
Understanding Breeding Types
Saving Everyone from Everyone Else
Raising the Fry
Understanding Genetics
Choosing the Right Species for You
Chapter 21: Recording Data and Photographing Fish
Keeping a Logbook
Making Your Fish the Stars They Were Meant to Be
Knowing Where to Take Pictures
Photographing Your Fish with Digital Photography
Photographing Your Fish the Old-Fashioned Way
Considering Lighting
Focusing Your Camera
Understanding Composition Techniques
Shooting the Tank
Chapter 22: Expanding Your Hobby in Fun Ways
Entering a Fish Show
Getting to Know the Types of Shows
Preparing Your Fish for the Show
Transporting Fish to and from a Show
Remembering to Have Fun
Joining an Aquarium Club
Volunteering at an Aquarium or Zoo
Writing an Article
Setting Up a Tank for a Worthy Cause
Sharing Your Love of Aquariums and Science with Others
Chapter 23: Advancing Your Hobby: Other Types of Aquarium Systems
Trying a Brackish Aquarium Setup
Considering a Marine Aquarium System
Comparing Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
Part 5: The Part of Tens
Chapter 24: Ten Cool Aquarium Gadgets
Aquarium Claws (Those Handy Picker-Upper Doodads) to Move Decor
Algae Cleaners to Keep Dry
Extendable Fish Nets, the Long and Short of It
A Tool Box for Storing Stuff
Light Timers for the Win
Aquarium Sealer (Flood Insurance)
Aquascaping Tools to Make You a Star
Digital Water Testing Makes It Easy
Automatic Gravel Cleaners Do the Job
Aquarium Smart Controllers (Spy on Your Fish)
Chapter 25: Ten Ways to Kill Your Fish without Even Trying
Go Away on Vacation and Forget Them
Play Doctor without a License
Give Your Cat a Sushi Bar
Stuff Your Fish with Seven-Course Meals
Mix Apples and Oranges
Add Too Many Fish (the Shoehorn Syndrome)
Don’t Do Your Homework
Let the Neighbor’s Unruly Kid Play with Your Fish
Become a Hypochondriac Hobbyist
Buy Used or Cheap Equipment
Chapter 26: Ten Scientific Fish Laws
The Fish Law of Thermodynamics
The Fish Law of Metamorphosis
The Fish Law of Motion
The Fish Law of Anti-Matter
The Fish Law of Nutrition
The Fish Law of Company
The Fish Law of Potential Energy
The Fish Law of Psychic Felines
The Fish Law of Aggression
The Fish Law of Time
Chapter 27: Ten Aquatic New Year’s Resolutions
Feed the Fish the Good Stuff
Clean the Tank Frequently
Reduce Celibacy
Remove Algae
Monitor Filter Mediums
Turn on the Lights
Use My Test Kits
Pay Attention to My Fish
Redecorate the Tank
Share with Others
Index
About the Author
Advertisement Page
Supplemental Images
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
List of Illustrations
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4-1: Building an aquarium into your wall is one way to solve the problem...
Chapter 5
FIGURE 5-1: This type of piece won’t help your fish get in the mood.
Chapter 6
FIGURE 6-1: A power filter draws water in, passes it through charcoal, and retur...
FIGURE 6-2: An air pump adds bubbles to the water, helping gas exchange at the s...
Chapter 7
FIGURE 7-1: Try to get to know the most important parts of a fish.
FIGURE 7-2: The lateral line system is a different kind of sensing system from y...
FIGURE 7-3: Osmosis in a freshwater fish.
Chapter 8
FIGURE 8-1: A betta lives on average two to three years and grows to about 3 inc...
FIGURE 8-2: Guppies get along with a wide variety of fish.
FIGURE 8-3: Mollies come in a huge variety of colors and patterns.
FIGURE 8-4: Swordtails are active community fish.
FIGURE 8-5: More than 50 species of cories are great for the home aquarium.
FIGURE 8-6: Neon tetras can be fed flake food, tubifex worms, and brine shrimp.
FIGURE 8-7: Clown loaches will eat just about anything.
FIGURE 8-8: Angelfish make great community fish.
FIGURE 8-9: Convicts should be kept in their own species tank.
FIGURE 8-10: Discus are gorgeous and well mannered.
FIGURE 8-11: Tiger barbs are aggressive and need a big tank.
FIGURE 8-12: The Ramshorn is a freshwater snail with a flat coiled shell.
FIGURE 8-13: Koi get too big for an aquarium, but they’re great for ponds.
Chapter 10
FIGURE 10-1: Brine shrimp look different and are tiny compared to the kind you g...
Chapter 11
FIGURE 11-1: This poor fish has just about everything wrong with it.
Chapter 14
FIGURE 14-1: The nitrogen cycle uses bacteria to create a livable environment fo...
Chapter 16
FIGURE 16-1: During daylight hours, plants absorb carbon dioxide and expel oxyge...
Chapter 17
FIGURE 17-1: Madagascar lace is a lattice leaf plant.
FIGURE 17-2: Elodea is a great choice for your tank’s background.
FIGURE 17-3: Giant anubias is tough and grows tall.
FIGURE 17-4: Hornwort is very popular and grows in gravel.
FIGURE 17-5: Oriental sword does best with a rich substrate.
FIGURE 17-6: Water lettuce provides lots of hiding places for your fish.
Chapter 20
FIGURE 20-1: Use a breeding partition to make their hearts grow fonder.
FIGURE 20-2: A net breeder is a simple box shape made out of fine mesh netting.
Chapter 21
FIGURE 21-1: The rule of thirds is a time-honored way of achieving attractive co...
Chapter 23
FIGURE 23-1: A plenum marine system is a typical saltwater aquarium setup.
List of Tables
Chapter 4
TABLE 4-1 Space Requirements for Tanks
Chapter 11
TABLE 11-1 Common Medications
Chapter 19
TABLE 19-1 Plants for Spawning Tanks
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
Begin Reading
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Introduction
Welcome to the wonderful world of freshwater aquariums! This updated edition of Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies is a handy reference guide for those who want the basics of setting up and maintaining an aquarium system. Everything you need to know to get started on your very own freshwater system can be found right here in this book.
In this book, I tell you about tank styles and equipment, disease prevention and cures, aquarium decoration, maintenance routines, species of fish and their habits, test kits for your water, different types of systems, and tips on working with plants. And much, much more. You’re likely to encounter all sorts of equipment and different fish species in pet shops and online, but all you need is the information contained in this book to get you started on the road to successful fishkeeping. After you master the basics, you can venture into new areas of aquarium keeping with confidence.
So sit back and journey into the fascinating world of freshwater aquariums, gathering the basics of keeping your fish healthy and happy the easy way. Your new aquatic pets will love you for it.
About This Book
You may have heard horror stories about your neighbor’s aquarium. Or maybe your best friend told you that his new aquarium that was in his second floor apartment is now decorating the downstairs tenant’s apartment. Okay, problems happen, but these rare aquarium misadventures can be avoided with a proper knowledge of the basics.
About 99 percent of all potential aquarium problems never occur if hobbyists take the time to find out a few simple fishkeeping basics. Wet floors can be mopped, and tanks can be repaired. Aquarium keeping will still move forward, despite the occasional setbacks encountered from time to time.
It’s really very easy to become a successful fishkeeper. All you need is a little bit of help to get you going, which is exactly what this book provides. This third edition of Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies gives you good, basic information and the ammo you need to battle any problems that may occur as you live with your aquarium. You can find plenty of information about the following:
Aquarium 4-1-1:
From choosing and finding a good location for a tank and equipment to adding artificial plants and substrate, you can find everything you need to create a safe home for your fish.
The ABCs of fish:
This book includes handy information about the different kinds of fish species to include in your aquarium, behavior and eating habits, and where to purchase your fish. After you have your fish, you’ll need to know what food options are available, how to feed your aquatic pets properly, and how to identify, treat, and prevent many common illnesses.
Lowdown on water, chemicals, and plants:
You can discover all things water, including how to set up the aquarium with chemicals and what to do if you have problems. This book also gives you details about live plant species that can make your aquarium more beautiful and also more hospitable for your fish.
Birds and the bees:
Get plenty of helpful information about setting the mood to breed your fish.
So much more:
You can discover how to share your newfound hobby with your others. If you’re interested, this book also provides ideas to take your hobby to the next level.
My updates also include fun ways to expand your hobby, new equipment that’s available, and a quick guide to a few more advanced systems. This edition also gives you more information on other species of fish and plants.
Foolish Assumptions
When writing this book, I made the following assumptions about you, my dear reader:
You’re an absolute beginner, have never owned an aquarium before, and never even fed a goldfish.
You may have dabbled a little (perhaps you won goldfish at your school fair when you were young), but you have no real knowledge of how to set up an aquarium or take care of fish.
You know a little about fishkeeping and want to discover more so you can set up your first aquarium.
You’ve attempted setting up an aquarium, but for some reason, your aquarium had tons of algae and your fish were sickly.
You want to start a small aquarium and teach your children some responsibility about taking care of it.
You have a small aquarium and want to take your hobby to the next level.
No matter who you are, you can find all sorts of helpful information here.
Icons Used in This Book
If you’ve flipped through this book at all, you’ve probably noticed little pictures, called icons, in the margins. Here’s what they mean:
This icon indicates good advice and information that will help you keep your fish healthy and safe.
When I discuss a task or procedure that might be problematic, I use this icon. It also points out things that might be dangerous to you or your fish.
This icon flags information that’s, well, technical, and you can go ahead and skip that paragraph if you want to.
When I make a point or offer some information that I feel you should keep with you forever, I toss in this icon.
Where to Go from Here
This book is a reference, not a tutorial. You don’t have to read it from Chapter 1 to the end if you just want to get a glimpse of the hobby before you get down to the basics. Just use the table of contents or index to find the topics that interest you and go from there. Start with your needs and interests.
If you don’t already own fish and don’t know how to set up an aquarium, start with Part 1. If you have a little more background in fishkeeping, maybe you want to check out the species guide in Part 2. Or maybe the chapter on live plants in Part 3 has caught your fancy. Go ahead and skip around. That’s what this book is for.
Part 1
Getting Started with Freshwater Aquarium Basics
IN THIS PART …
Understand the basics of aquarium systems so you can set up an aquarium that runs successfully and is easy to maintain right from the start.
Decide which aquarium system is best for you so you can begin simply and move on to more complex systems as your hobby grows.
Find a good location for your tank so your tank will maintain the proper water temperature and your fish won’t be disturbed.
Choose an aquarium tank and stand that fit your available space and have plenty of room for the species you choose.
Know how to decorate your aquarium so your tank looks good and your fish feel safe and at home.
Grasp the function of aquarium equipment and figure out which equipment is essential (and which equipment isn’t essential) for starting your aquarium.
Chapter 1
Taking the Plunge: Just the Essentials
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding the basics of aquariums
Looking at what goes in an aquarium
Comprehending fish and plant choices
Expanding your hobby
Some of the most pleasurable moments in my live life have involved aquarium keeping. Something special and exciting comes with owning a beautiful tankful of wonderful fish and plants. Most people have either owned an aquarium, lived in a house with a fish tank, or dreamed of putting one together.
Many people think aquarium fish are harder to keep than other pets. This simply isn’t true. Everyone pretty much knows how to feed, water, and walk a dog, but many tend to shy away from setting up an aquarium because they worry about the minor details too much. Never fear, consider this chapter your jumping board into this book. It shows you how simple fishkeeping can really be so that you can start on the right foot and be successful.
MY STORY OF HOW I FELL IN LOVE WITH FISHKEEPING
I still remember the first time my first two guppies had babies. My little heart was ready to burst with excitement and pride. I stayed up all night watching the tiny fry adjusting to their new world. Several years later, I received a $20 gift certificate for my tenth birthday that I could redeem at the local fish store. The following morning I walked to that store feeling like I had just won the lottery. (Okay, I admit that I’m older than dirt, and $20 bought a lot in those days.) But hey, free stuff is always cool.
I entered the store the day after my birthday, feeling like I was in a whirlwind of new and exciting discoveries as I saw aisle after aisle of equipment and tank after tank of fish. Sound like fun? I’ve discovered over the years that aquarium keeping is more than just fun. Aquarium keeping has turned into a lifetime hobby with immense joy, and it can for you too.
Focusing on the Tank, Stand, Accessories, and Equipment
If you look at an aquarium from all sides and from the top, you’ll quickly see that it’s just a glass, plastic, or acrylic box with a bunch of things added to it. It is as simple as that.
You may be asking yourself a few questions like these: What is the function of all this equipment, and how does the tank use them to run? Does it matter which fish and plants I choose? Is there a special type of water in the tank? How do I feed and care for my fish and plants?
You came to the right place for answers. The following sections explain some questions you may have and preview the basics of setting up an aquarium.
If you have other immediate family members living with you, such as children, don’t forget to get them involved in the aquarium decisions as well. By involving others, you can share your new hobby from day one with those you love.
Knowing where to put your tank
People wonder where they should place an aquarium in their home. There are good places and bad places. Place tanks away from direct sunlight and drafts. You also need to take into account household traffic issues and electrical considerations as well to ensure your fish will be safe and happy.
Chapter 3 discusses how certain places in a room can affect your tank’s water temperature. You also discover how high-traffic areas have an impact on your fish, how close your water source needs to be to your tank, what electrical supply is required, how much space will be ample to set up the tank that you want, how to fill your tank, and what cleaning options you can use.
Looking at the tank and stand options
Aquariums and stands have several shapes and sizes available in the marketplace, and you may be wondering if you should start out with a small tank or a large tank. In Chapter 4, you find that starting with a larger tank provides a more stable environment for your fish. Don’t worry though, you don’t have to go crazy and try to set up something that looks like it belongs at SeaWorld right off the bat. Instead, I explore what’s best for the beginner.
In that chapter, you also discover the difference between glass, acrylic, and plastic aquariums. I explain what aquarium stand works best for your needs. Chapter 4 also shows you the different styles of tanks and stands that you can buy to suit your individual needs and how to correctly move an aquarium if you ever decide to set your tank up in a different location or in a new home.
Figuring out what (besides fish) to put in your aquarium
When you look at different aquariums, you can see that they contain many different combinations of rocks, decorations, and interesting objects such as driftwood. No big mystery here. Some items are necessary for your tank to run properly, and others aren’t.
Chapter 5 shows gravel and/or other substrates are recommended for most aquariums. You also discover the type and number of decorations in an aquarium come down to a matter of individual taste (though some species do well with certain additions such as rock caves), and that you can really let your creativity, decorating skills, and good taste shine.
Considering aquarium equipment
Most new hobbyists get confused when deciding what equipment to purchase. You can choose from many different options. Chapter 6 discusses filters, heaters, lighting, pumps, airstones, thermometers, tubes, valves, tank circulation, and hoods. When purchasing equipment, always buy the best that your budget will allow.
When setting up an aquarium, don’t take shortcuts. You can’t rush down to your aquarium store, buy a bunch of stuff, and expect to have fish swimming around in your new tank within an hour. If you take the time to set up an aquarium properly by following a few basic steps, you’ll have fewer problems later on down the road.
Determining what you really need
For beginners, I recommend starting out with the basics: a 20- to 55-gallon tank, a simple power filter system, gravel, a heater, food, declorinator, a thermometer, a couple of nets, simple decorations, and a hood with lighting. Often you can find all these things in an aquarium kit for one price. After you become more comfortable with the basics, you can move to larger or more specialized systems.
Caring for Your New Aquatic Pets
Before you’re ready to purchase fish, you need to know how to take care of the fish you want. You also need a general idea of the type of fish you’ll buy so that you know what types of plants and other items you need and how to set up water conditions that are just right for the species you choose. These sections help you begin.
Eyeing differences in species
A fish’s physical makeup (fin shape and size, body shape, color, and so on) and how a fish uses its body in its natural environment are important when determining what type of fish and what type of aquarium you need for that particular species. For example, long, thin, streamlined fish such as danios tend to be speedy horizontal swimmers and love a tank that is long and not tall.
Chapter 7 explains the physical makeup of aquatic species so that you can understand what system your fish will enjoy most. This chapter also allows you to quickly see if there is a problem, such as stress or disease, by observing any deviation in your fish’s normal body shape, fin shape, and swimming patterns.
Knowledge isn’t only power; it’s also the best preventive method on earth for diagnosing aquarium problems before they get out of hand.
Assessing which types of fish are best for you
You have so many choices in aquarium fish that you may wonder, where is the best place to start? Chapter 8 gives you a good selection of popular and easy-to-keep aquarium fish so that you have a many good options to choose from when you begin.
Of course, I only have so much space to discuss the species. It would take volumes to describe all the species available. Chapter 8 offers excellent choices for beginning hobbyists. These fish are inexpensive, easy to find, forgiving of beginner mistakes, and will help get any aquarium off to a good start. You also can read about a few neat invertebrates (animals that don’t have a spine) to keep your fish company.
Buying fish — what you need to know
The best way to start as a beginning fishkeeper is to develop a good relationship with a local pet store. A quality vendor can help you make decisions on the best way to set up or improve your system. He can also make good suggestions on fish compatibility and lend a hand if your fish become ill.
Chapter 9 helps you figure out how to choose quality dealers and develop good relationships with them. This chapter shows you how to select healthy fish for your new aquarium by providing information on how to evaluate the physical attributes and behavior of fish in a store.
The Internet is a great place to find fish, plants, and equipment for your new aquarium, but nothing beats the wonderful feeling of walking through a tropical fish store and seeing everything up close with a helpful dealer at your side.
Aquarium clubs and societies are another good place to find aquarium stuff. Using a combination of local stores, clubs, and societies, and wonderful dealers online to purchase aquarium fish is always a good choice that will ultimately provide you with the best options for your setup.
Feeding your fish — what types of food to buy
Although you can buy canned fish food, nutrition goes beyond premanufactured dry food. Many species of fish have different nutritional requirements.
Chapter 10 helps you understand basic aquatic nutrition and shows you what and how to feed your fish properly.
A well-balanced diet for you fish can include prepackaged, frozen food, live food, and in some cases fresh vegetables.
Taking care of sick fish
Despite having the best setup possible, fish will eventually contract disease from time to time. This usually isn’t a cause for alarm because many fish illnesses can be cured.
Chapter 11 helps you identify stress, spot common problems ahead of time to prevent disease, treat common illnesses, set up a hospital tank to treat disease, and understand the importance of a quarantine tank to avoid introducing sickness into your main tank with newly purchased fish.
Never buy ill fish with the noble idea of taking them home and nursing them back to health. This practice will endanger your other fish and risk upsetting your current system.
Understanding Water, Chemicals, and Live Plants
One of the most important elements of your aquarium is the water that your fish live in. In order to be a successful fish keeper, you’ll discover the different types of water, testing methods, types of chemicals to treat it, and the way that bacteria in water stabilizes your tank through a nitrogen cycle. In this section, I also look at putting simple systems together, the different types of live plants that can benefit your tank, and what to do if trouble arises.
Grasping everything water
Adding the right water to your aquarium is extremely important for a good start. Chapter 12 explains the different types of water you can use in your aquarium, the best way to make the water safe, and the way to fill your tank.
Using chemicals to improve your aquarium conditions
Many beneficial chemicals can help you start and maintain your tank. Chapter 13 discusses the chemicals you’ll need to start your aquarium, other products that will help you maintain it, chemicals you can use if you decide to keep live plants, and useful medications.
Testing your water
Chapter 14 explains the nitrogen cycle (a natural process that makes aquarium water safe over long periods of time). You find out how to start and maintain the nitrogen cycle and how to test your water to keep track of this biological process.
Getting a system going
Chapter 15 spells out a few basic freshwater aquarium setups. I show you step by step how to get your aquarium up and running, so you can successfully become a fishkeeper right out of the gate.
Adding live plants
If you decide that you want to use live plants in your aquarium, Chapters 16 and 17 show you some different plants you may want to consider and how to purchase and transport plants from a dealer, how to maintain them, and how to take care of any problems that arise.
Fixing common problems
Despite best efforts, problem to pop up from time to time. Chapter 18 helps you solve feeding and aggression problems. You also discover what to do when your equipment, tank, and water have issues.
Expanding Your Aquarium Hobby
Setting up and maintaining an aquarium is only the beginning. If you want to expand your hobby, you can do many fun and interesting projects.
Breeding your fish: Yes or no?
Many hobbyists love to breed their fish for fun and profit. If you become really good at breeding, you may even come up with a new color or pattern for the world to enjoy.
Chapter 19 helps you find the right water conditions, feeding schedule, plants, and equipment for breeding fish. It also tells you how to help coax your fish into mating. When you get to Chapter 20, you can discover how to decide which fish to breed, how to select strong breeding traits, what the best ways are to care for fry and protect them from other fish, and how to succeed in this wonderful and challenging aspect of the hobby. This chapter also gives you breeding tactics for several different easy-to-breed species.
Keeping track of your progress
Many hobbyists are concerned about remembering every fish and the problems and success they have had with each species. Chapter 21 helps you cut through the clutter by explaining how to accurately record fish data and photograph your fish for fun, education, and potential profit.
Broadening your hobby
Chapter 22 explains many different ways to expand your hobby by joining aquariums clubs to interacting with others, volunteering in fish-related enterprises, setting up tanks in places that can heighten the enjoyment of fishkeeping for others, entering your fish in a show, writing about your hobby, and teaching kids about aquarium science to ensure the future of the aquarium industry.
Contemplating other types of aquarium structures
This book focuses on freshwater systems so that you can gain a strong foothold on the basics of keeping a successful aquarium. After you master the basics of freshwater aquariums, your choices will become unlimited, and you may want to continue your adventures in the hobby by trying other types of setups.
If so, look at Chapter 23 that gives you a brief overview and a quick guide to the different types systems you can try, including the brackish and marine (saltwater) side of the hobby. This chapter also shows you where to find good information on setting up an aquarium for those oh-so-beautiful marine species of fish and invertebrates.
SHORT ON CASH?
Okay, if you’re like me and never have any money, you can still set up a halfway decent aquarium system. Probably the least expensive way to get a small system going is to go to a superstore and buy a freshwater aquarium kit. Grab a few bags of gravel, a bottle of dechlorinator, fish food, a net, and a few plants on the way out the door, and you’re ready to go.
Chapter 2
The Practice of Aquarium Keeping
IN THIS CHAPTER
Discovering the benefits of fishkeeping
Differentiating among freshwater, marine, and brackish tank systems
Choosing the freshwater hobby
Getting and staying organized to provide your fish with the best environment
Aquarium keeping continues to be one of the fastest growing hobbies in the world, so get ready to dive right in. As this chapter explains, the fishkeeping hobby has been around for a long time, and many types of aquarium systems are available that include freshwater, saltwater, and brackish. The benefits of owning an aquarium are numerous, so keep reading to find out how to start your own amazing aquarium journey!
Imagine: It’s eight o’clock at night, and you’re just getting home from the office, where you spent the final half hour listening to your irate boss rant and rave about problems beyond your control. Your ears are still ringing, your head is pounding, and your mood is ugly. You walk in the front door of your home, plop down in your best easy chair, and let the healing therapy begin.
Directly in front of you is your beautifully maintained 55-gallon aquarium. In your private underwater world, you can see bright green plants waving softly in the gentle current. The clear water soothes your tired eyes as it swirls endlessly through the tank. A frolicking mix of brightly colored guppies and platys dart merrily through a hole in a piece of driftwood. The smooth pebbles on the aquarium floor gently reflect the dazzling array of fish colors. The faint soothing bubbling from the filter reminds you that there is always a place you can go to relax and get away from it all right in your own home.
Hey, your aquarium sounds fantastic! Can I come over?
Recognizing the Amazing Benefits of Owning an Aquarium
Okay, snag a comfortable chair and travel with me through the marvelous world of freshwater aquarium keeping. People have aquatic pets in their homes for a lot of great reasons. Basically the benefits and advantages are endless. The following are several advantages to having an aquarium in your home:
Fishkeeping is a hobby that the whole family can participate in and enjoy together.
A fish tank is a great way to teach children the responsibility of animal care as well as the biological principles that go with their own species’ daily survival. The older generation can also benefit as well — scientific research shows that aquariums can help lower stress and prolong life.
The tanks don’t require a lot of space.
Fishkeeping is perfect for apartment dwellers who may be prohibited from owning larger, roaming pets, such as dogs and cats. (Make sure if you’re renting an apartment, house, or business building that you have permission from the landlord to set up a tank.) You can match an aquarium to almost any space that you have. You can get a tank that takes up an entire wall in your home or one small enough to fit on your desk — and every size in between. And speaking of desktops, an aquarium in your office is a great way to spend a little bit of time goofing off each day without your boss finding out. Besides, your coworkers will think you’re cool if you have a tank that they can come look at.
Fish don’t make noises or cause distractions.
They don’t bark at the neighbors, caterwaul at the moon, chase the letter carrier, make unsightly messes on the floor, or whimper all night. You’ll probably never have to bail an escaped renegade goldfish out of the local pound, either.
If you need to go on a vacation, fish are the perfect pets to leave home alone.
You can feed and maintain your fish while you’re away in many ways (I discuss a few in
Chapter 10
). No need to find all-day pet sitters for your aquatic friends, because today’s aquarium technology allows you to spend your time enjoying your vacation instead of worrying about your fish.
An aquarium encourages your artistic side to run wild.
Aquariums are great because
aquascaping
(decorating your aquarium’s landscape) allows you some real hands-on interaction with your aquatic pet’s amazing environment.
Chapter 5
gives you lots of aquascaping tips.
Fishkeeping is soothing and relaxing. Nothing compares to dipping your tired arms into nice cool water to do a little underwater planting or rearranging. It beats periodically putting a new collar on your dog and braving the weather to walk her any day.
Furthermore, aquariums can help to calm and soothe pain for people in situations where they need it most. Have you ever been to a hospital or dental waiting room and noticed a cheerful little aquarium system keeping people entertained who are waiting for their turn to enter the torture chamber? I remember being frightened to death at the thought of going to a dentist when I was a kid. While I sat in the waiting room waiting to be dragged kicking and screaming onto a dental chair that promised certain doom, I forgot all my woes as I watched a tankful of playful platys swimming among a beautiful aquascape of live plants.
Daily care and maintenance of a home aquarium is fairly simple and doesn’t require a great deal of time or money. Setting up and maintaining an aquarium is a matter of following basic rules. Knowledge is the key to success, and you’re making a good start by buying this book. You can set up a complete aquarium system with a relatively little investment as long as you don’t go overboard at the beginning and are content to add to your system as you go along. But if you’re like me, you may find yourself paying off several credit cards at your local pet shops, so be careful.
You can also keep current on future fishkeeping trends by joining local fishkeeping societies, talking to your local fish store manager, and relying on other sources, such as libraries, magazines, and the Internet. A little research can go a long way and make all the difference between complete success and unnecessary failure. Do your homework well and you’ll be prepared to handle any aquatic situation.
AQUARIUMS OF OLD
The ancient Egyptians are generally believed to be the first true aquarium keepers. Historical evidence suggests that Egyptians kept fish in ponds as a source of food and smaller species in their homes to impress their friends. (I don’t know if they had pyramid-shaped aquariums back then, but I kind of doubt it.)
High-ranking Roman officials are rumored to have kept ponds full of hungry eels. If an eelkeeping official happened to have a politically uncooperative neighbor … well, the neighbor may have gotten a fish-eye view of their good buddy’s aquatic pets.
From Rome, fishkeeping began spreading in the Far East. Asian aquarists became so fascinated with the common goldfish that they went into aquatic hyperdrive and started selectively breeding them at a rapid rate. Needless to say, they came up with a bunch of cool-looking goldfish.
Public aquariums began to show up in Europe in the late 1800s. Those first aquariums were quite a bit different that the ones today and displayed only a few different species. Later on, expensive glass aquariums were manufactured for the elegant homes of the rich and famous. Unfortunately, because they were heated by open flames or oil lamps, these primitive tanks were unsafe. Often, members of high society with aquariums ended up with a very large pile of ashes where their mansions once stood (and a fish fry dinner).
During these early, dark days of aquarium keeping, hobbyists had to make do with makeshift equipment and scary potions. The situation finally began to improve in the 1900s when fish shows and aquarium societies (fish nerds gathered together in one place) emerged to help the increasing number of hobbyists maintain their tanks.
Today top-of-the-line equipment, caring breeders, and expanding species availability allows anyone to keep a home aquarium with ease. Technology has made it easier than ever to keep your aquatic pets healthy and happy.
Identifying Aquarium Water Systems
Because you’re reading this book, I assume that you’ve decided to start in the freshwater side of the hobby. Good choice!
The aquarium hobby has three general types of systems to set up: freshwater, saltwater, and brackish. Individual types of fish, tanks, equipment, and plants vary dramatically from system to system. Although this book focuses on freshwater systems, the following sections give a brief overview of each type of setup to give you a better idea how space considerations, initial financial outlay, difficulty level, and availability of species may affect your decision to try other systems after freshwater.
If you choose to have an aquarium that contains all plants and no fish, make sure you feed the plants aquarium fertilizer. The plants also need carbon dioxide (CO2) through water changes or a CO2 unit. Ensure that you choose plants that have similar temperature, pH, and lighting requirements, such as anubias, Amazon swords, java moss, java fern, and vallisneria.
Although you can have a freshwater tank with artificial plants, a setup that includes live plants mixed with tropical fish from those particular plants’ native region is better. A complete natural setup is a display of nature at its best.
Freshwater systems
The most popular type of aquarium is a freshwater system. It’s the most practical system for a beginning aquarist for several reasons:
Generally a freshwater system generally isn’t quite as expensive to set up as a saltwater system.
Saltwater systems often require extra equipment; (See the “
Saltwater systems
” section later in this chapter.)
Freshwater fish are generally less expensive than marine fish.
It’s much better to work with less expensive fish when you’re just starting out and still discovering the ins and outs of the hobby.
Freshwater fish are readily available at most aquarium shops and come in a wide variety of colorful species.
Many hardy species, such as guppies, platys, and swordtails, are easy to keep and don’t have difficult special requirements. Saltwater fish are much more sensitive to water conditions and don’t tolerate mistakes as easily.
Many varieties of freshwater fish breed quite easily.
Breeding freshwater fish may provide you with opportunities to sell your overstock (don’t quit your day job, though) and a chance to experiment with new breeds.
You can have more fish.
You can keep significantly more freshwater fish than marine fish in the same amount of space.
Freshwater systems come in either tropical or coldwater varieties. Each has slightly different equipment requirements and houses different types of fish.
Freshwater tropical aquariums are relaxing
Freshwater tropical aquariums house the majority of retail freshwater fish. If you choose a tropical system, you can set up a community aquarium with a variety of species that can coexist peacefully. Or you may decide to try a species tank for a more aggressive fish family, such as cichlids. A freshwater tropical aquarium offers a huge number of choices in livestock and plants to suit everyone’s individual taste.
Most tropical freshwater fish are inexpensive and fairly easy to keep, which is why this is the best system for a beginning hobbyist. You can also purchase an aquarium system at many superstores and pet stores in kit form. A kit generally includes a tank, hood, filter, net, food, instruction book, and the heater necessary for a tropical tank. A kit often doesn’t include gravel, plants, or decorations that must be purchased separately. Always read the box label so that you will know what extras you’ll need to buy to get the tank up and running properly. Pet stores and large retail stores are great places to find these starter kits, which are a good buy for the money.
Popular species of tropical freshwater fish include these items:
Angelfish
Barbs
Bettas
Guppies
Mollies
Platys
Swordtails
Tetras
And that’s just to name a few. You have such a wide variety from which to choose.
Freshwater coldwater aquariums for special fish
A coldwater aquarium usually houses special species of fish and invertebrates such as these:
Goldfish
Koi
Snails and crabs
White cloud mountain minnows
In their native habitat, these fish normally live in lower temperatures than their tropical counterparts. Large koi are often kept in coldwater ponds. The equipment you need for a coldwater aquarium is similar to that for a tropical aquarium, except that coldwater tanks don’t require an extensive heating system. Larger tanks are better for this type of system because coldwater species are generally bigger than most tropicals and consume more oxygen.
Take special consideration when choosing plants for a coldwater system because many plants can’t survive the lower temperatures. Room temperature is a factor in coldwater aquarium setups as well, because many homes are kept very warm which can affect the temperature of your tank. You can purchase a chiller to keep the temperature lower.
Aside from goldfish, coldwater fish can be difficult to obtain in many areas of the country. Setting up a coldwater system drastically reduces your choices of fish and live plants, unless your local dealer can special order them if she doesn’t have them in stock. The Internet is an excellent place to purchase coldwater fish, as I discuss in Chapter 9.
Saltwater systems
Saltwater, or marine systems, not surprisingly, require saltwater. You see marine fish on scuba and underwater nature programs. The most popular ones include the coral reef species such as clownfish and tangs that are often found living in close proximity to various invertebrates (animals without backbones, such as anemones), and are often very colorful and quite beautiful. But don’t fool yourself, beauty has its price. Saltwater fish and invertebrates that go in their aquariums can be extremely expensive if you’re on a budget.
The saltwater used in a marine system is usually obtained by mixing fresh water with a manufactured salt mix. Salinity must be monitored carefully, because even small fluctuations can cause illness and death. (See Chapter 8 for more on salinity testing.) A good filtration system is important in marine tanks to keep the oxygen levels high and the ammonia levels low. Marine fish have a lower tolerance to ammonia (a fish waste product) than freshwater species do, and an inadequate filter soon leads to disaster in a saltwater tank.
Gaining a little experience with a freshwater tropical or coldwater system is a great way to get ready to enter the marine side of the hobby. Don’t get me wrong. A beginner can maintain a successful saltwater tank, but the lessons can be expensive. I’ve seen many new hobbyists become disheartened with fishkeeping because they start out with a marine setup that’s just too much for them to handle. If you have a close friend who is experienced in saltwater systems, ask her for advice — she may be able to help you get started successfully. You can also check out the latest edition of Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies by Gregory Skomal (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.).
Here are three systems I suggest you research further if you’re interested in saltwater systems:
A fish-only saltwater system:
A fish-only saltwater system is a setup that focuses on the fish in the system. It’s usually decorated with coral skeletons or fabricated coral, which is great for beginners because you can keep all your attention on maintaining the fish without worrying about maintaining live corals and other living decorations.
A fish-only system with live rock:
Often referred to as FOWLER (fish-only with live rock), this system is great to start the marine side of the hobby. You need to have at least a 30-gallon tank. The tank should be outfitted with sand and live rock. Calcium-based live rock is taken from the ocean or cultured in a closed environment and contains beneficial bacteria, algae, and small microorganisms that act as a great biological filter. Clownfish and damsels are often great fish for this setup.
Saltwater reef tank:
This one of the most challenging of saltwater setups for beginners, but it’s like taking a vacation at home. This type of system is usually stocked with live coral and invertebrates. Live coral and invertebrates can be sensitive to water conditions, so it requires constant and careful monitoring. Mandarin and gobies are often found in this type of setup.
Brackish systems
The brackish aquarium is the least popular of all the three systems, simply because the fish are generally difficult to find in many local pet stores and are usually more expensive than freshwater tropical fish. The water in a brackish aquarium lies somewhere between fresh and marine in salt content.
Here are some popular species for a brackish system:
Archers
Monos
Puffers
Scats
The equipment for a brackish system is similar to that for a freshwater setup, but only specific live plants can tolerate a brackish system. Refer to Chapter 23 for steps on setting up a brackish system.
Organization Is the Key to Success
One of the keys to success in almost any project is organizing your goals and ideas. Your choices are endless: your smartphone, your laptop, or a planner you carry around with you. This would be a good time to start using it. If you don’t use one and your earliest memory goes back to yesterday’s breakfast, then you should probably begin your aquarium project by making a simple list. Even if you have a good memory, go ahead and make a list anyway.
A good list provides you with a set of short- and long-term goals to help you set up and maintain your new aquarium system. For example, your short-term goals may include purchasing your tank and equipment and picking out a few starter fish. Long-term goals may be breeding your fish and trying different types of systems. By setting a few goals, you give yourself a plan to follow. You can begin your own list of goals as you read through this book.
A little knowledge can spell the difference between success and ultimate failure. I realize that research may bring up frightening memories of school librarians, but there are other practical ways to gain knowledge. You can go online and access current information on the aquarium hobby or check with other fishkeepers.
Keep researching the type of system you’re interested in, even after you have it set up. By researching a fish’s natural environment and finding out how and where it lives in the wild, you’ll have the knowledge to provide your fish with the best aquarium conditions and environment possible. A natural, stress-free environment promotes long and healthy lives for your wet pets.
