There are over 20,000 different species of fish, each needing their own specialised conditions for optimal care. The purpose of this article is not to cover all species – we are simply discussing the very basics in aquarium management to get you started.
Because fish do not have coats that protect them, their water temperature is extremely important. If the water temperature is too high it can reduce oxygen supply. But if the water temperature is too low, it can also have adverse effects on the health of your fish.
When purchasing your aquarium, ideally you should also received a manual or some form of instruction guide for it. It’s important to read this guide – along with guides on the specific requirements for your fish species - so you know exactly what temperature and pH, etc, is required in order to maintain your fishes’ health.
For example, if you have goldfish it is recommended to keep the temperature at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However for tropical fish, the ideal temperature may be anywhere between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the particular species.
Along with purchasing an aquarium, you should purchase a thermometer and possibly a heater, although this can depend on the type of fish you have and what location you’re living in. Goldfish are one of the hardier species and can generally tolerate lower temperatures at times.
How is water measured?
Water is measured in pH and the optimal pH level of your aquarium again depends mostly on the type of fish you have. If you have saltwater fish, the water’s pH level should be from 7.8 up to 8.3. Freshwater fish prefer pH levels of 6.8 up to 7.2.
You will need to regularly monitor the pH levels of your aquarium’s water – remembering that the higher the water’s pH, the more ammonia is produced. If the water temperature is too low it can breed excess bacteria which is also not good for your fishes’ health.
Measuring and regulating the pH level of your aquarium is not difficult though. You can easily purchase test kits to maintain pH balance in your aquarium’s water and they don’t need to cost a lot of money.
How much oxygen do fish need?
Although fish live in the water, it’s still critical that they get enough oxygen to survive. Oxygen is supplied through the Water and can be increased by using air pumps. Again these are reasonably inexpensive. They are available in very basic to more intricate, decorative designs. The more intricate and/or decorative, the more you are likely to pay for them.
How is gravity measured?
Gravity is determined by the amount of chemicals that are in the aquarium’s water. If you supply your aquarium with pure water it has a 1.0 gravity in ionic. If your fish come from saltwater you should have a gravity level no higher than 1.023, however saltwater fish are likely to be healthy if you maintain a gravity level of 1.017. Freshwater fish do well with a small amount of salt added to the water – this has also been shown to reduce stress in freshwater fish. The water’s gravity level can be measured and maintained with the help of test kits.
Maintaining aquariums can be challenging – keep in mind that marine creatures live naturally in environments that are consistently changing.
Please take time to browse the information on our site for useful tips and suggestions for maintaining healthy fish and aquariums, along with a broad range of aquarium supplies.