10 Things To Know Before Keeping Fish In Home Aquarium The Times Of India

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Jun 11, 2024
Keeping fish as a pet in a home aquarium can be a rewarding hobby for many. But did you know it also requires careful planning and maintenance to ensure the well-being of your aquatic pets? Here we list down 10 things one should know before setting up a home aquarium.
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Keeping fish in small bowls is not a good idea in the long run. Having larger tanks not only gives the fish more room to move but is also more stable and easier to maintain. Also, do consider the adult size of the fish and not just their size at the time of purchase.
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Before setting up a fish aquarium for the first time, one needs to cycle it for at least a week before adding the fish. The nitrogen cycle process involves the building up of beneficial bacteria that help in the overall health and longevity of your pet fish.
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Regular testing of aquarium water parameters like pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and hardness, is important to maintain a healthy environment for your fish. One needs to do 20-30% water changes every week to keep the aquarium water clean for the fish.
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Choose a good filtration system that is appropriate for your fish tank’s size and the type of fish you plan to keep. It is also important to regularly clean and maintain the filter so that it functions properly.
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Many fishes thrive in a specific temperature range. Use a blower or a heater as per the weather to maintain consistent water temperature. Invest in a good thermometer to check water temperature regularly. Fishes also need 8-12 hours of light per day to thrive.
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Research fish species before buying them. If you plan to keep more than one fish, ensure they are compatible in terms of their size, temperament, and other requirements.
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Before adding a new fish to your tank, always quarantine them for a few days to ensure they are disease-free. This will prevent the disease from spreading to other fishes, which can also kill them. Look out for spots or fin rots and treat them with proper medication if needed.
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Different fish species have different food requirements, so research them well before purchasing them. Also, feed your fish once or twice a day, and do not overfeed them as it could make them sick and even pollute the aquarium water.
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When you set up a fish tank, apart from cycling the tank it is important to also decorate it with suitable substrate and plants– either live or artificial. Decorations provide hiding spots for fish, which can help in making them feel less stressed.
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Regularly cleaning the tank by removing uneaten food, fish waste, and algae from the glass, substrate, and decorations is also important. Make it a routine and do it every 7 to 10 days, along with partial water changes.
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Thanks For Reading!
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