Tropical freshwater fish aquariums offer an extension of the collection of freshwater aquatic organisms, small animals and plants for aesthetic or research purposes.
Freshwater aquariums could contain either tropical or cold-waterspecimens. It is best not to mix them because of their different temperature requirements. Aquariums may be made of acrylic glass, transparent or plastic glass. Keeping fish in aquariums orsimilar enclosures has been the source of entertainment and pleasure for humankind sincetime immemorial. The Egyptians and the Chinese started the practice. Slowly, aquarium culture spread from the East to the West.
Initially, people kept locally available fish in aquariums. Later, in later centuries, Westerners started importing tropical species and created something similar to the fish's original environment in the aquarium to help them survive longer. Originally, there was no efficient means of warming tropicalfreshwater aquariums and people used open flames to heat water. This was very dangerous.
Their filters were noisy and the water conditioners were absent. Dietary deficiencies were rampant due to insufficient knowledge. Mortality rates were high during transportation. Captive breeding was almost nonexistent. This meant maintaining a tropical freshwater aquarium was a hobby of the rich. However, with the passing of centuries, there have been considerable improvements in aquarium technology and awareness. Most tropical breeds are still bred in Asia while a few are bred in Florida. Captive breeding helps in easy availability of fish that are areless expensive and have less parasites. This makes tropical freshwater aquariums a hobby that many people can enjoy.
Maintaining a tropical freshwater aquarium presently brings huge illumination and relaxation to people of all ages andcircumstances. Many shy away from maintaining aquariums, thinking it to be a costly and time-consuming hobby, which is far from true. Fish keeping doesn't take much of your time. An aquarium adds tothe décor of your room. Increased environmental awareness and the relative ease of maintaining a tropical freshwater fish aquarium is attracting manyto the hobby. Tropical freshwater fish aquariums require warm temperature levels around 24 to 27 ° C. Aquariums require plastic or live plants, a thermometer, lighting accessories, filtration apparatuses, a fish net, water conditioner, heater, gravel with cleaner, fish food, aquarium stand or base, canopy or hood as an aquarium cover, water quality testing kits, and air pumps or air stones.
Large aquariums have a value that is more aesthetic and prove more enjoyable as you can house many varieties of fish. An all-glass aquarium is beneficial because it is resistant to discoloring and scratching. Indoor aquariums should be placed away from direct sunlight and temperature changes as excessive sunlight is harmful to fish and causes rapid growth of undesirable algae. Taller aquariums offer more circulation of water. Similarly, a large surface area provides better in-tank oxygenation. It additionallyoffers wider scope for the creation of many different aquatic themes. Large and tall aquariums offer a better water world. Overall costalso proves advantageous and affordable.
You can accumulate different species over a period of time. Maintaining a tropical freshwater fish aquarium is not very difficult if you ensure the tank goes through the nitrogen cycle thoroughly. Tank cycling is an important aspect of the tropical freshwater fishaquarium. This helps set up a good bacteria bed for maintenance of good food and healthy water in your aquarium. This process conducive forth the health of your fish within. The number of fish in your aquarium will be proportionate to the size of the aquarium. Regular maintenance of the tropical fish aquarium can ensure good health of all your fish.
The brackish water fish keeping involves a combination of freshwater and saltwater elements. Fish kept in such aquariums are normally from habitats with varying degrees of salinity as in estuaries and mangroves. These fish cannot survive in freshwater aquarium surrounds. Monos, gobies, freshwater soles, scats, and a few fish buffer are happy in such an environment. This form of fishkeeping is not very popular and few fish keepers are aware of it. Marine or saltwater fish keeping is the forte of experienced fishkeepers. These fish are expensive and normally cannot live at room temperature.
It is essential to maintain chilled water conditions as available in unheated basements or through the use of artificial chilling agents. Attractive coral reef adds to the beauty of such aquariums. Some fish keepers highlight aquatic plants through their aquariums. The concentrate on different water plants while fish is kept at a minimum. This aquarium is the popular 'Dutch Aquarium'.
Adding bicarbonate, phosphate, and other buffers to tap water cannot maintain the pH level needed in the aquarium. Decaying materials in an aquarium can reduce the pH level needed and increase ammonium levels. Adding baking soda or removing organic buildup can change the pH content of aquarium water well. If the pH level is very high, use phosphate-based chemicals that are available at fish aquarium stores. However, phosphate can increase algal growth. Softening water is very important before you take any treatment to change the pH level.
The biological cycle starts when you add some hard fish to your aquarium. These have bacteria in their digestive tract, which then put water into the aquarium. These bacteria are Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. They need continuousoxygen to survive, which is available through an air pump or powerhead. Adding gravel from an existing tank can speed up the biological cycle. Stress Zyme® can also increase the biological cycle.
Water testing kits are available to test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels in the aquarium. Testing every few days can indicate the start of a biological cycle. When changing water every week, it is important to change about ten to twenty percent of theaquarium water. This ensures maintenance of the required nitrite and nitrate levels. Ammonia is available through fish respiration, decomposition of organic waste, through fish droppings and food particles starting the biological cycle. After the nitrogen cycle has settled and maintained the required nitrite and nitrate levels, you can add new fish. It is safe to add two or three fish every few weeks until you reach the idealal population density for your freshwater aquarium.
Freshwater aquariums could contain either tropical or cold-waterspecimens. It is best not to mix them because of their different temperature requirements. Aquariums may be made of acrylic glass, transparent or plastic glass. Keeping fish in aquariums orsimilar enclosures has been the source of entertainment and pleasure for humankind sincetime immemorial. The Egyptians and the Chinese started the practice. Slowly, aquarium culture spread from the East to the West.
Initially, people kept locally available fish in aquariums. Later, in later centuries, Westerners started importing tropical species and created something similar to the fish's original environment in the aquarium to help them survive longer. Originally, there was no efficient means of warming tropicalfreshwater aquariums and people used open flames to heat water. This was very dangerous.
Their filters were noisy and the water conditioners were absent. Dietary deficiencies were rampant due to insufficient knowledge. Mortality rates were high during transportation. Captive breeding was almost nonexistent. This meant maintaining a tropical freshwater aquarium was a hobby of the rich. However, with the passing of centuries, there have been considerable improvements in aquarium technology and awareness. Most tropical breeds are still bred in Asia while a few are bred in Florida. Captive breeding helps in easy availability of fish that are areless expensive and have less parasites. This makes tropical freshwater aquariums a hobby that many people can enjoy.
Maintaining a tropical freshwater aquarium presently brings huge illumination and relaxation to people of all ages andcircumstances. Many shy away from maintaining aquariums, thinking it to be a costly and time-consuming hobby, which is far from true. Fish keeping doesn't take much of your time. An aquarium adds tothe décor of your room. Increased environmental awareness and the relative ease of maintaining a tropical freshwater fish aquarium is attracting manyto the hobby. Tropical freshwater fish aquariums require warm temperature levels around 24 to 27 ° C. Aquariums require plastic or live plants, a thermometer, lighting accessories, filtration apparatuses, a fish net, water conditioner, heater, gravel with cleaner, fish food, aquarium stand or base, canopy or hood as an aquarium cover, water quality testing kits, and air pumps or air stones.
Large aquariums have a value that is more aesthetic and prove more enjoyable as you can house many varieties of fish. An all-glass aquarium is beneficial because it is resistant to discoloring and scratching. Indoor aquariums should be placed away from direct sunlight and temperature changes as excessive sunlight is harmful to fish and causes rapid growth of undesirable algae. Taller aquariums offer more circulation of water. Similarly, a large surface area provides better in-tank oxygenation. It additionallyoffers wider scope for the creation of many different aquatic themes. Large and tall aquariums offer a better water world. Overall costalso proves advantageous and affordable.
You can accumulate different species over a period of time. Maintaining a tropical freshwater fish aquarium is not very difficult if you ensure the tank goes through the nitrogen cycle thoroughly. Tank cycling is an important aspect of the tropical freshwater fishaquarium. This helps set up a good bacteria bed for maintenance of good food and healthy water in your aquarium. This process conducive forth the health of your fish within. The number of fish in your aquarium will be proportionate to the size of the aquarium. Regular maintenance of the tropical fish aquarium can ensure good health of all your fish.
What is Fish keeping?
Fish keeping traces its origins back to medieval and prehistoricages. At that time, carp pools were a common feature. Fish raised in such pools proved to be an alternative for meat on specific abstinenceays. Although these pools are catered primarily for consumption purposes, some fish keepers among them are kept brightly colored and attractive species for decorative and ornamental purposes. Notablebreeds among them are koi, carp and goldfish. These benefitedthrough selective breeding. Similar cases are true regardingsaltwater fish.Types of Fish keeping
Fish keeping has three broad classifications. These are freshwater, brackish, and marine or saltwater fish keeping. Freshwater fishkeeping proves to be the most popular. It consists of having a variety of freshwater species that include guppies, goldfish, and angelfish. Some aquarists prefer keeping a single variety of fish while others prefer keeping many different varieties of fish together. The main benefit of keeping a single-variety fish is the ease of breeding them in captivity.The brackish water fish keeping involves a combination of freshwater and saltwater elements. Fish kept in such aquariums are normally from habitats with varying degrees of salinity as in estuaries and mangroves. These fish cannot survive in freshwater aquarium surrounds. Monos, gobies, freshwater soles, scats, and a few fish buffer are happy in such an environment. This form of fishkeeping is not very popular and few fish keepers are aware of it. Marine or saltwater fish keeping is the forte of experienced fishkeepers. These fish are expensive and normally cannot live at room temperature.
It is essential to maintain chilled water conditions as available in unheated basements or through the use of artificial chilling agents. Attractive coral reef adds to the beauty of such aquariums. Some fish keepers highlight aquatic plants through their aquariums. The concentrate on different water plants while fish is kept at a minimum. This aquarium is the popular 'Dutch Aquarium'.
Basic Anatomy of Freshwater Fish
The basic anatomy of fish includes a variety of characteristics for aquarians, as usually according to their habitat. Different sports species have different characteristics.Fish anatomy center
Body shape
This determines the normal fish environment. These fish can live better in moving waters while tall and compressed lateral species adapt better to slow-moving waters. Fish that live on the surface of the water have a flat back with an inverted mouth. Fish that live in the sea or at the bottom of the water have a flat stomach with different swimming bags that allow them to jump rather than swim at the bottom.Head
The location of the fish's mouth shows its eating habits. The fish's mouth is abnormal and it feeds in the middle of the water. Surface-fed fish have upturned mouths to feed on insects. Fish that are fed at the bottom have touch organs and barbells to look for food in muddy waters. Some also have suction cups to attract small invertebrates. Omnivorous fish have small mouths while predatoryfish have large mouths.Fin
Fish fins help them move. Fish with branched fins are fast swimmers, while round fins can move fast. Fish bred in aquariums have long, fatty fins. Anal fins help stabilize improvements when swimming.Body color
The color of the fish's body shows its health. Some fish can change their color while some change their color at night. Colors receive additional increase during the spawning period. Preferred water conditions, a variety of food choices, and compatibility with friends in an aquarium gives the fish the best color.Gill
Gills are the main respiratory organ of fish. Gills are sometimes useful for trapping prey in the oral cavity. Freshwater fish release water through their gills to maintain body salt concentration.Bladder Swimming
Swimming bags in fish contain air and allow fish to swim without thinking or floating. This allows the fish to sleep in the middle of the water. Some species have special swimming pockets, which take oxygen and help breathing.Lateral Line
The rib line located below the scale consists of a series of channels filled with liquid to take vibrations from the water. This vibration shows the fish about predators, the presence of food, and allows easy navigation.Chemistry and Quality of Tropical Freshwater Aquarium Fish
Fish in an aquarium need the same environment as their natural habitat in order to survive. It's important to create a similar environment in the aquarium to provide a stable body. Tropical freshwater fish live in lakes, ponds, and natural rivers. These waters resist change due to the large volume of water. Therefore, fish keepers need chemical knowledge and water quality to ensure healthy life and fish breeding in the aquarium. Important factors center on water hardness, water pH, and the nitrogen cycle.Water hardness
The hardness of water corresponds to the presence of dissolved minerals, especially calcium and magnesium in water. The hardness of water corresponds to the amount of calcium carbonate. Some minerals dissolved in water make it soft water while many dissolved minerals make it hard water. Excessive soft water in the aquarium can cause problems for fish. Calcium carbonate is proven to be a natural buffer and provides natural buoyancy for fish. Soft water has a low calcium carbonate content and can cause a decrease in pH content. This has proven detrimental to fish in the aquarium.Change the Hardness of Water to Fit Fish
You can change the hardness of the water in various ways to suit your fish. Ion exchange resins, filtering water through peat moss and reverse osmosis systems, or prolonged boiling water can substantially reduce hardness and make it soft. Filtering water through destroyed dolomites or corals can increase violence.PH of water
The scale that measures the alkalinity or acidity of a substance is the pH scale. The scale ranges between 0 and 14 with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most basic. Water has a neutral pH of 7.0 with the same ratio of H + ions as OH- ions. Therefore, water with apH below 7.0 is acidic because it has more H + ions than OH- ions. Water with a pH above 7.0 is alkaline because it has more OH ions than H + ions. Freshwater fish grow best in water with a pH of 5.0-9.0, although most have a greater preference for water with little acid content, such as water which has a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6-7.5.Maintaining the pH content in the aquarium
Adding bicarbonate, phosphate, and other buffers to tap water cannot maintain the pH level needed in the aquarium. Decaying materials in an aquarium can reduce the pH level needed and increase ammonium levels. Adding baking soda or removing organic buildup can change the pH content of aquarium water well. If the pH level is very high, use phosphate-based chemicals that are available at fish aquarium stores. However, phosphate can increase algal growth. Softening water is very important before you take any treatment to change the pH level.
Nitrogen Cycle
Fish excretion causes food spoilage and plant damage. Bacteria can break down nitrogen compounds in fish waste into nitrates, which are easily absorbed by plants. You can move on from this through siphon gravel. The process of converting fish waste into NO3 is a nitrification process. Nitrifying bacteria do not exist when you set up your aquarium. Starting with some sturdy fish can begin the process. Although ammonia levels can initially be very toxic, soon after the development of the Nitrosomonas bacteria, these levels begin to decrease. Ammoni breaks into nitrite and then nitrate, which is the least toxic. Algae and plants absorb this nitrate. Maintaining normal nitrate levels is very important for the health of your fish in the aquarium. Too much hoarding, overfeeding, and improper water changes can cause interference with nitrate levels. Returning it early can prove useful.Biological Cycle or Nitrogen Cycle
Biological cycle is a natural process that starts functioning in your aquarium in four to six weeks. The biological cycle consists of beneficial bacteria that break down toxic organic compounds into lower toxic compounds. After that, it is possible to manipulate poison levels in aquarium water through weekly water changes.The biological cycle starts when you add some hard fish to your aquarium. These have bacteria in their digestive tract, which then put water into the aquarium. These bacteria are Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. They need continuousoxygen to survive, which is available through an air pump or powerhead. Adding gravel from an existing tank can speed up the biological cycle. Stress Zyme® can also increase the biological cycle.
Water testing kits are available to test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels in the aquarium. Testing every few days can indicate the start of a biological cycle. When changing water every week, it is important to change about ten to twenty percent of theaquarium water. This ensures maintenance of the required nitrite and nitrate levels. Ammonia is available through fish respiration, decomposition of organic waste, through fish droppings and food particles starting the biological cycle. After the nitrogen cycle has settled and maintained the required nitrite and nitrate levels, you can add new fish. It is safe to add two or three fish every few weeks until you reach the idealal population density for your freshwater aquarium.
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