So you have decided to change the ambience in your home and what better than a soothing fish tank. You will need to purchase the necessary equipment for both the start-up and maintenance of the fish tank.
Here are essential items you will need:
- Suitable sized tank, made either of glass or acrylic, with a lid. The tank must be an appropriate size for the space you have available in your home or office and must be big enough to house the fish you choose.
- The three types of filtration systems that each tank requires:
- Biological – to promote the growth of good bacteria which will convert ammonia to nitrate, and then nitrate to nitrate which will keep the tank water healthy.
- Chemical – assists in removing ammonia from the water; you can use carbon, zeolite and ceramic rocks
- Mechanical – for aiding in the removal of the larger floating particles
- Fish tank stand (if required)
- Tank light and bulb
- Gravel to line the bottom of the tank
- Ornaments for aesthetics and for the fish to swim through and hide inside
- Pumps can be used to assist water aeration and can be attached to an airstone or ornament to produce beautiful bubbles in your tank
- Aquatic plants both live and ornamental
- Water and gravel syphon
- Forceps
- Fish net
- Bucket for cleaning
- Glass or acrylic algae cleaning pad (the magnetic pads are great for cleaning both sides of the tank glass)
- Water conditioner
- Water testing kit
- Variety of fish food
- Thermometer
- Appropriate heating system
N.B. When purchasing the above, please be sure to ask our in-store assistants which conditioner and food is appropriate for the fish you have chosen.