tropical fish

There is a point in our lives wherein we have this particular inclination to something that we cannot resist until we get to experience it. Man is fond of pets and it
tropical fish
is a fact. It ranges from dogs, cats, reptiles, to fishes. Name it, and I assure you, somewhere here in the planet rise hose pets. It might be not so goo pets and odd

ones like snakes, tigers, lions, and other jungle animals, but mind you there are people who raise those animals because they are into the impression that it is a way

of self-satisfaction and they have a very big inclination to that particular hobby. Yes, it might be a hobby, or an obsession, however, pets make them happy.

Let us take for instance for growing fishes at home. Who says it is complicated? Of course it is if it is your first time growing those little creatures but if you are

used to it, and you already know the ins and outs of it, it is hassle free and as easy as one-two-three. We will be discussing how to grow Tropical Fish. We will have

lesson 101-growing tropical fishes.

First, choose and buy an aquarium. This aquarium should be based on the number of fishes that you would want to raise and the type of fishes of course that you want to

grow. There are some tropical fishes that could grow with schools of different species, however there are some fishes who are loners, they don't want companion. If

ever they have one, since they are carnivorous, they are eating those. There are also types of fishes which are getting bigger faster than others and take note the

maximum that they could grow.
tropical fish
You might end up going to the pet shop from time to time to replace your aquarium. That is not a good idea after all. So, first step, buy an aquarium.Second step is to

buy filters and other underwater gadgets for your pet's maintenance. Of course you don't just rush to the department store or pet shop and buy one. You have to make

sure what you are looking for. I hope that budget is not an issue for you.

If it is, then I think you have to do your homework first. Have a self-research about everything including all applicable costs from the aquariums, filters, and down

to the fishes and fish foods as well. You have to get a better estimate of your expenses.Once everything is settled, you have the aquarium, filters, foods for your

pets, and other considerations, it is time to keep it operational.

Purchase you Tropical Fish this time. Since you already have an idea what to get, make that dream happen and put it into your ready aquarium. Add water, and let them

grow. You will never imagine how fishes will make your life even better.
1. Tank Decisions

Decide on the size of tank you want and the material its made of. Choose from glass or acrylic, with and without metal frames. Acrylic will be lighter but tends to

scratch. You will not want a tank less than 45 cm long, 30 cm wide and 30 cm deep unless you are buying it as a hospital, quarantine or breeding tank.

Because the numbers of fish you can have in a tank is based on the surface area of your aquarium (width x length) the depth is irrelevant. As a rule, divide the

surface area by 12 to get the length in fish you can accommodate. For example a 24 x 12 x 12 (inches) tank has a surface area of 288 sq ins and will accommodate 24

inches of fish; 24 x 1 inch or 12 x 2 inch fish etc etc.

But bear in mind that you should use the adult length of the fish in your calculations. Otherwise your aquarium will become overcrowded as the your fish grow and there

will probably not be enough oxygen to sustain them.

2. Heating System
Unless you are planning to stock cold water fish only, then you will need to install a heater and thermostat (separate or combined). Often a glass tube with both of

them in will be used with temperature control on the top of it and a separate thermometer installed.

You may need to fit two heaters in larger tanks to ensure the heat is distributed evenly. Allowing 10 watts per gallon of water would mean a 150 watt heater for a 12

gallon tank.

3. Lighting System
Lighting is necessary for plant growth and also shows off the fish at their colorful best. Fluorescent tubes are available for this purpose and give off less heat than

other types of bulb. The lights are usually installed into your tank cover. And remember that fish don't want a tank lit up for 24 hours.

Mimic nature by subduing the light or turning it off in the evenings. Your ventilated cover will not only hold the lighting system but also protect the fish from

household pollutants (sprays, dust, dirt etc) but keep them from jumping out and prevent loss of water by evaporation.

4. Aeration and Filtration
An air pump is not essential and if it used to get more oxygen (and therefore more fish) into your tank and it fails then your fish will die! But it can be used in

combination with a filter to clean up the water. For example a filter may have a combination of a physical layer of material to collect fine solids and a layer of

charcoal to chemically adsorb organic pollutants and maintain the water quality.

Air can be passed into the tank via air stones on the end of the tubing. Ensure you have a n anti-siphon valve for the air pump. Use of an under gravel filter (a

biological filter) system involves a flat plate with outlets that goes under the gravel substrate and is powered by an air pump pushing air and water through the

substrate which encourages bacteria to develop in it that will break down the toxic waste products from the fish, dead plants etc.

5. Tank Aquascaping
Decorations cover real rocks, synthetic rocks, real wood, synthetic wood and background panorama. They act as areas for the fish to hide and for shelter if they feel

like it. Also as a resting area at night or in the day for nocturnal species. Look out for rocks with a high calcium content (limestone) as that will make your water

hard and unless a specific requirement will not do any good. And do not use any that appear to have metallic content in them.

Caves can be set up for cave-dwelling species by joining a few rocks together with silicone sealant or you could buy a purpose made one. Rocks can be built up to form

the background or you could employ a photographic underwater scene wrapped around the back and sides of the tank to great effect. Use your rocks and logs etc to hide

your equipment from view.

Remember to wash not only your decorations but also your substrate gravel which will slope from about 2 inches deep at the front to 3 inches deep at the back. Run

water through the gravel until it becomes clear.

You are only restricted by your imagination when developing your aquascape. But bear in mind that you want to maintain a balance and keep a realistic amount of free

swimming area for both the fish and you to see them enjoying themselves.

The remaining five steps in setting up your tropical fish tank covering water quality, aquarium plants,fitting out your aquarium, selecting healthy fish and adding

fish to your tank, can be accessed below.