Your First Freshwater or Saltwater Tropical Fish Aquarium

How many of you have thought about having your first aquarium? Have you ever thought of having such beautiful fancy fishes in your bedroom or living room? Setting up your first aquarium maybe an easy job, but it’s not.

The guide to setting up your first aquarium will be the first step into the aquarium hobby.

Asking yourself what size tank you want is a must. Many aquarists recommend a larger size because it is easier to maintain, whereas, a smaller aquarium will be more difficult to take care. In my experience, my first tank was a 10 gallon tank. At your local fish store, an experience individual will help you select what is right for you. Many aquarium come with the hood and light.

The next thing that needs to be decided is the type of substrates use. I would recommend gravel because it is easier to clean. Sand is harder to clean.
Then, there is the filter. The size of the filter will depend on the size of the tank you have. There are many types of filters on the market. Again, your local fish store sales person will best to assist you.

As a beginner, I would recommend raising freshwater tropical or goldfish. These fishes are fancy and colorful, and a beauty for your surroundings. Tropical fish needs to be situated at around 78 degrees. Goldfish needs to be kept at around 40 – 60 degrees.
A heater is needed for tropical fishes. There are many different types of heaters out there. The most popular heaters are under-tank heaters, under-gravel heaters, and submersible heaters. Under-tank heaters are kept inside the tank, and heat is transmitted through the glass. Under-gravel heaters are usually cables under aquarium gravel. Lastly, submersible heaters are placed towards the walls of the aquarium. Please remember not to run them out of water. The glass will crack.

Finally, what are fishes without decorations? The selections of decorations are up to your choice. Fishes tend to hide often so a place for them to hide is necessary. I would recommend a log with colorful plants.

During the setup, you might consider getting a background. The background can be any of your choice. After the setup, it is time to put in the water. After the water has been completely put in, let it sit for 24 hours, and make sure you treat the water. Finally, your tank is ready for fish. Remember not to add too many fish at once. Slowly, the fish will help you develop a tank cycle. Aquarium