What Do I Need For Fresh Water Fish?

You’ve decided to get a fish tank, and now you have a few decisions to make. First is what kind of fish, but that’s a question for another day.

Today, let’s talk about all the other things you’ll need to set up your aquarium

How to Start a Freshwater Aquarium – YouTube

Takeaways
– Understanding the essential requirements for setting up a freshwater fish tank is crucial for the well-being of the fish.
– Proper equipment, such as air pumps and filters, is necessary to maintain a healthy and balanced environment in the fish tank.
– Algae can play a beneficial role in the fish tank ecosystem and should be considered as part of the setup.
– Regular cleaning and maintenance, including water changes, are vital to ensure the health of the fish and the overall condition of the tank.
– Researching the specific needs of the fish species you plan to keep will help create an appropriate habitat and provide the best care possible.

Table of Contents

1. A good-sized tank

You can’t just pick up any old fish tank and expect your new aquaponics system to work. First, you need to make sure that the size of the aquarium is appropriate for your fish.

A good rule of thumb is to start with a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) per adult fish.

This will allow plenty of room for growth, swimming space and hopefully some natural algae growth from sunlight exposure if you’re using an uncovered aquarium (if not, see our article on growing algae indoors).

As a general rule of thumb for any freshwater aquaponics system without plants in it: The larger the tank size, the better!

To calculate how much water you’ll need (in gallons), simply multiply length x width x height divided by 231 = total gallons needed.

For example: A 2 ft x 1 ft x 12 inch deep tank will take up approximately 20 gallons because [(2 ft)x(1 ft)]/(231)=19.972 gals which rounds up to 20 gals total volume needed within that container set up as an aquarium setup before adding anything else into it such as gravel or decorations around its perimeter like rocks/wood chips etc.,

Which would add more weight onto already heavy enough equipment as well – so starting off small with something cheap like 5 gallon buckets works just fine too 🙂

Maintaining a healthy environment for your freshwater fish is crucial. Learn more about the benefits of using air bubbles in your fish tank in our detailed guide on Are Air Bubbles Good for Fish Tanks?.

2. Plant and Aquarium Décor

You may be thinking, “I already know about aquarium plants!” Well, you are right and wrong. Yes, there are many different types of plants that can thrive in your aquarium.

However, there is a specific type of plant that is called the ‘aquarium plant’ and these will give you more benefits than your normal houseplant would.

The reason why this is important is because these plants are designed to live in water not soil and they have been bred to survive under certain conditions (such as low light levels) which makes them perfect for an aquarium environment.

However, there are other things besides just plants that will help create a healthy ecosystem within your fish tank; namely decorations like driftwood and rocks.

These will provide hiding places for smaller fish or those who prefer darker environments such as catfish or loaches, but also provide them with access to food sources such as algae growing on the surface of their chosen piece of rock!

Brand Name	Description
AquaTop	Offers a wide range of aquarium plants and décor items, including artificial plants, driftwood, and rock formations.
Marina	Known for its high-quality aquarium décor, Marina offers a variety of artificial plants, ornaments, and background designs.
Exo Terra	Specializes in terrarium décor, including realistic artificial plants, caves, and hides that can be used creatively in aquarium setups.
Zoo Med	Provides a selection of natural-looking artificial plants, driftwood, and rock formations suitable for both aquariums and terrariums.
Fluval	Offers a range of innovative aquarium décor, including plant ornaments, background scenes, and creative aquascaping tools.

3. An Air Pump

An air pump makes sure the water is clean and healthy for your fish. It also helps maintain the temperature of the water, which is important for keeping your fish alive.

The air pump will oxygenate the water and keep it circulating, which prevents algae from growing in your tank.

By keeping these things in mind when purchasing an air pump, you can ensure that you get one that meets all of your needs:

Make sure it has enough power to move enough water through it at a strong flow rate. If not, it won’t do its job properly (and may cause damage to other equipment).

Choose one with a quiet motor so as not to disturb anyone who lives with you or visit regularly. This also ensures that there aren’t any chance sounds coming from outside sources (such as fans), which could interfere with how quiet or noisy they might be able to hear themselves talk while sitting at dinner together!

Setting up the right equipment for your freshwater fish is essential for their well-being. Discover the advantages of using air pumps in your fish tanks by checking out our informative article on Are Air Pumps Good for Fish Tanks?.

4. A Heater for the Fish Tank

A heater is used to regulate the temperature of your fish tank, and most tanks will need one in order to keep their water at a comfortable level.

The temperature should range between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 Celsius), so if you’re unsure about what size or type of heater to get, consult with someone at your local pet store.

Heaters can be installed on the back wall of your tank, but make sure that they are turned off at night when it’s time for bed!

5. A Submersible Filter

A submersible aquarium filter is a must for your freshwater aquarium. It works by removing debris and waste from your water, which extends the life of your fish and plants.

You’ll need to install an external filter that connects to an air pump or power head (a pump used to circulate water in the tank), just like you would with saltwater setups.

The most common type of external filter is made up of three parts: a foam pad, a sponge cartridge and carbon media.

These components work together to remove dirt and debris from your tank’s water column by trapping it on the surface of their respective areas before it settles back down into the tank.

This process helps keep toxins away from your fish while also providing them with oxygen at all times!

The best way to clean these filters depends on their make-up; if they’re made up solely of sponges or pads, then simply rinse them off in warm tap water until they’re clean again (about once every 2 weeks).

If there are other components like carbon being used too (which acts as biological media) then this should be replaced every 6 months or so because it does not have time enough between uses at about 1/2 gallon per day per 100 gallons capacity…

Choosing the right habitat for your fish is crucial. Dive into our comprehensive guide on Are Aquariums Good for Fish? to learn about the benefits of aquariums and how they contribute to the well-being of your freshwater fish.

6. Live Plants or Fake Plants?

The answer to this question is simple: live plants. They’re a great addition to any fish tank, and can help with everything from the nitrogen cycle to oxygenation of the water (and in turn improve overall health of your fish).

Aspect	Live Plants	Fake Plants
Appearance	Provide a natural and vibrant look, mimicking the underwater environment.	Available in various shapes and colors, offering customizable aesthetics.
Oxygenation	Actively contribute to oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption, promoting a healthier aquarium ecosystem.	Do not contribute to oxygenation or carbon dioxide absorption.
Nutrient Requirements	Require proper lighting, fertilization, and CO2 supplementation for optimal growth.	No specific nutrient requirements, as they do not grow or photosynthesize.
Maintenance	Require regular trimming, pruning, and care to prevent overgrowth and maintain appearance.	Minimal maintenance required, as they do not grow or require specific care.
Fish Interaction	Provide natural hiding spots, grazing areas, and breeding grounds for fish.	May not offer the same level of functionality for fish, but can still provide visual appeal.
Impact on Water Parameters	Help stabilize water chemistry by consuming nitrates and contributing to biological filtration.	Have no impact on water chemistry or filtration capabilities.

7. Gravel of Some Kind

Gravel is used to provide a natural look for the aquarium. Gravel can be purchased at pet stores, or you can find more decorative gravel at a garden store.

The size of the gravel depends on what kind of fish you have in your tank. If you are planning on having large fish or multiple species, use larger gravel so they have room to swim around and breathe easier.

Smaller gravel works great for smaller fish and invertebrates because it makes them feel safer in an area they feel more secure if they are small enough to get stuck under larger rocks.

For example: 3/4″-1″ would be suitable for most goldfish while 1″-2″ would work well with some snails or dwarf shrimp in smaller tanks (10 gallons).

8. Necessary Chemicals to Add to the Tank

Water test kits, pH, ammonia and nitrite testers. These are essential for maintaining the water quality in freshwater aquariums. Without them, you could be putting your fish in danger of infection or death by poisoning.

Fish food: Fish flakes are great for feeding larger fish such as goldfish and koi carp; pellets work well for smaller species like tetras and minnows; there’s even freeze-dried bloodworms that come in a tube! Many types of food come in different sizes so you can pick what is right for your tank inhabitants.

Water conditioners: This includes things like “aquarium salt” which helps maintain buoyancy in some species while also helping with overall health–it’s not necessary but it does make things easier on everyone involved if used properly!

Understanding the role of algae in your fish tank ecosystem is vital for maintaining a balanced environment. Explore our detailed explanation on Are Algae Good for Fish? to learn how algae can benefit your freshwater fish.

9. An Aquarium Hood and Proper Lighting

You’ll need to make sure that you have a proper light source. This will ensure that your fish are comfortable and healthy, as they need to be able to see in the water.

Depending on what kind of fish you have, the lighting requirements may vary; some species require more light than others.

However, it’s important to note that too much or too little light can also be problematic for your aquatic pets (and for you!).

The ideal amount of light is bright enough for you to be able to see what’s going on in the tank but not so bright that it makes them uncomfortable or unable to sleep at night.

If there were no other sources of light in your home, try keeping a lamp on in the room 24/7 and see how long it takes before your pet starts acting weirdly if this happens often enough then maybe try turning off all lights except one small lamp for 12-14 hours each day since this mimics natural daylight cycles outside and would help keep everything feeling balanced inside!

Aspect	Aquarium Hood	Lighting Options
Purpose	Provides a protective covering for the aquarium, preventing fish from jumping out and reducing evaporation.	Illuminates the aquarium, enhancing visibility and supporting the growth of live plants or the overall well-being of fish.
Protection	Helps to keep fish inside the tank, preventing potential accidents or escapes.	No direct role in providing protection, but proper lighting can contribute to a healthy and thriving aquarium environment.
Features	Can include built-in access points for feeding, filtration, and equipment placement.	Can offer adjustable brightness, color spectrum options, and timers for automated lighting cycles.
Compatibility	Available in different sizes to fit specific aquarium dimensions.	Available in various types (LED, fluorescent, etc.) and sizes to accommodate different tank sizes and lighting requirements.
Ease of Installation	Generally straightforward to install and remove when needed.	Installation may vary depending on the lighting option chosen, but typically requires basic setup and electrical connections.
Cost	Costs vary based on size, material, and additional features.	Costs vary depending on the type, brand, and quality of lighting option selected.

10. Fish Food

Now that you have your fish tank, it’s time to think about feeding your fish. The type of food you feed them will depend on the species and age of your fish.

In general, there are two different types of food for freshwater aquariums: floating pellets or sinking pellets.

Floating pellets are designed for carnivorous (meat-eating) fish while sinking pellets are designed for herbivorous (plant-eating) fish.

If you’re unsure which kind is best for your pet, talk with an employee at a pet store about what would be best for their species in terms of nutrition and price per pound!

When it comes time to actually feeding them there are some things that matter when choosing whether this is done by hand or with an automatic feeder: how much they eat and how often do they need fed?

If they eat more than once a day then I recommend using an automatic feeder because otherwise it could get messy since all the other pets might try stealing their food too!

How big is their mouth? Do they have any teeth? These questions will help determine if it’s ok just sticking their nose in there or if maybe using tongs would work better instead since otherwise all those little bits would go down into where no man wants to go.”

Regularly cleaning your fish tank is essential to ensure the health of your freshwater fish. Discover our expert tips and guidelines on How Often Do You Need to Clean a Fish Tank? to keep your fish tank environment pristine and your fish thriving.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the information you need to decide on a fish tank and its contents, it’s time to explore some of the options available.

We’ve reviewed some of the best aquariums on our site, so be sure to check those out before making your final decision.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about setting up a freshwater fish tank:

How long does it take to cycle a fish tank?

The duration of the cycling process can vary, but it typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks to establish a stable nitrogen cycle in a new fish tank.

How many fish can I keep in my freshwater fish tank?

The number of fish you can keep depends on various factors, such as tank size, fish species, and their individual requirements. It’s important to research the specific needs of each fish and ensure the tank provides adequate space and filtration for their well-being.

What is the ideal temperature for a freshwater fish tank?

The ideal temperature for a freshwater fish tank depends on the fish species you intend to keep. However, most tropical freshwater fish thrive in temperatures ranging from 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).

How often should I perform water changes in my fish tank?

Regular water changes are essential for maintaining water quality. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to perform a partial water change of around 10-20% every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the specific needs of your fish and the tank’s condition.

What type of filtration system should I use for a freshwater fish tank?

There are various types of filtration systems available, such as power filters, canister filters, and sponge filters. The choice of filtration system depends on factors like tank size, fish load, and personal preferences. Research the different types to determine which one suits your needs best.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.