Freshwater fish guide

People often have a preference for tropical fish because of their beauty, their spectacular shapes and colors. Tropical fish are considered to be freshwater fish. Freshwater fish are quite easy to maintain, like the saltwater ones, but they needs a great deal of responsibility.

Freshwater aquarium fish reside in a variety of different water habitats from fast-flowing streams, to lakes, and rain forest rivers. So their biotope can be very different from one fish to another. In order to recreate a natural setting for the tropical freshwater fish, it is important for the hobbyist to follow some simple rules. 

How to build your tropical freshwater aquarium

Choose the right aquarium. You can choose between two types of materials either acrylic or glass. This will also depend on your budget, how much you want to spend on your hobby. Acrylic aquariums have a more contemporary look than the glass ones but they are much more expensive.

The size of the aquarium is also very important. The health of the tropical fish can depend on the size of the aquarium, so it is very important for the aquarium to be as large as you can afford. The size of the aquarium determines the amount of oxygen available for the fish, as the oxygen enters the water primarily through the surface. Also the maintenance is easier in a large tank than a smaller tank.

Freshwater Fish Tank Location

Choose the right location for your aquarium. You should find a location that supports a heavy weight. Water is very heavy. Also avoid placing the tank near a source of natural sunlight, as the sunlight can increase the water temperature thus producing algae. Also avoid placing the tank near a door or window where drafts may cool the water.

Freshwater Fish Filtration

The filter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in the aquarium. The filter must be capable of handling fish waste and particles in the aquarium. There are three types of filtration for freshwater aquariums: mechanical, chemical, and biological.

Mechanical filtration refers to the filtering of water through a strainer or filter media, such as filter wool or foam, to remove particles from the water. Chemical filtration refers to the process of removing particles by chemical means.

However the most common is chemical filtration which uses ammonia absorber which binds to free ammonia. Biological filtration is the most important function of the filter for stability and reduction of toxic waste. Biological filtration deals with the growing of good bacteria in filters.

Without biological filtration, ammonia is present from the fish excrement, excess food, and plant matter. Biological filter should be rinsed only every month or two with cool or warm water, so as not to kill off too much of the beneficial bacteria.

Other accessories for quality water

Lighting is very important for water plants. Try not to use colored incandescent lights because they might harm the tropical fish. Fluorescent tubes should be used, as they consume little power, and provide an even distribution of light. Mercury vapor lamps can also be used, but they are not very common, they work very well in deep tanks.

Heaters, there are two main types of glass immersion aquarium heaters, non-submersible and submersible. Most heaters have a thermostatic control, so that the temperature doesn’t vary too much.

Air pumps, it is very important to have an air pump as it creates surface disturbance for oxygenation. Don't ignore this part.

Freshwater fish care

To succeed and have happy tropical fish, it is very important to maintain the quality of the water. The water in which they swim needs special care. Chemical toxins and fluctuation of the pH or temperature can harm the freshwater fish. Everyday tap water will have been treated with chemicals such as chlorine and chloramines, these can kill your freshwater fish, it is therefore very important that you treat the water. You should always monitor water temperature and pH levels.

Also remember move the tank as infrequently as possible as the fish can be easily stressed. 

Aquarium deco

Aquarium deco allows you the opportunity to play and create. Use gravel, plants and rocks that provide hiding places for the fish. Use rocks such as lava, sandstone, granite or quartz. Also use wood as it provides a refuge and nourishment for some fish.

Freshwater fish

The last ingredient for your dream freshwater aquarium is the fish. But think before you buy, do you want aggressive type of fish or passive types of fish? Do you want a diversity of species? The most popular freshwater fish that are found in aquariums are:

Betta fish - is a favorite because of its beauty, has long fins and are easy to care for. But be careful not to place more than one male in the tank.
Blue Gourami or the Three Spots - May be aggressive with males of the same species and with females of the same species after spawning.
The Kissing Gourami - gets its name from the way it will "kiss" other gouramis and other fish in your tank.
Pearl Gourami - is considered peaceful and will share a tank with most community fish types.
Archer fish - is famed for its amazing ability to shoot down resting insects above the water surface.
African Butterfly fish - Might try to eat smaller fish that feed on the surface, or that hang near the surface.
Catfish - Cory Cat is an excellent addition because of their peaceful nature.