How to Plan an Aquarium
Planning your new aquarium is a great opportunity to be creative and have some fun! Start by deciding what kind of fish you want since the rest of your choices will revolve around that particular species. Most fish species crave specific environments, so keep their needs in mind as you brainstorm your design and buy supplies. You could mimic a natural scene, like a mountain, river bottom, or the ocean floor, or use your imagination to create a unique fantasy world.
[Edit]Steps
[Edit]Basic Tank Setup
- Choose what kind of fish or creatures you want. Most of your plans and purchases will revolve around the specific needs of your fish, so start there! Freshwater fish, like goldfish and Betta fish, tend to be hardier, cheaper, and easier to maintain. Tropical fish are colorful and striking, but since they need a saltwater environment, setup is a little harder. Both are awesome choices, so it's completely up to you.[1]
- A freshwater tank is the way to go if you’re interested in a lush planted aquarium; algae is the only plant life that grows in saltwater.[2]
- Snails, shrimp, clams, mussels, crabs, and crayfish make good tank pets if fish aren't your thing.
- Don't buy your fish or creatures yet! Setting up your tank takes a couple of weeks and the fish go in last.[3]
- Get a single fish or a few of the same species to get started. To keep things simple, start with a single species. If you want multiples within a single species, make sure they're all about the same size. Otherwise, bigger fish may attack or try to eat their smaller tank mates.[4] A few species to consider:
- Goldfish, guppies, and swordtails (freshwater) are easy to care for and get along with members of their own species.
- Betta fish (freshwater) are gorgeous and don't need a lot of space to be happy. They're aggressive toward their own kind, though, so keep 1 at a time.[5]
- Celestial Pearl Danios (freshwater) prefer to live in groups of 4-6.[6]
- Four Stripe Damselfish (saltwater) are gorgeous but aggressive. If you have a small tank, try keeping a solitary damselfish.
- Flame Angel Fish (saltwater) are rarely aggressive toward their own kind. You could keep 3-4 of them together.[7]
- Choose community fish with similar needs if you want multiple species. Some fish are aggressive toward their own kind but enjoy living among other species. If you're thinking about mixing up species, make sure they live in the same type of water! Freshwater and saltwater fish can't live together.[8] A few peaceful species that can coexist together include:
- Buy a tank that's large enough for the type and number of fish you want. A 10-gallon (37.8 L) "starter" tank provides plenty of room for 3-4 small fish.[12] At minimum, the tank should hold at least 1 gallon (3.7 L) of water per fish. Some fish have particular needs, though, so be sure to research your species before buying your tank.[13]
- Place the aquarium on a flat, stable surface out of direct sunlight. Clean the tank with warm water and a little salt and rinse it out thoroughly.[16] If you didn't buy an aquarium stand, be sure to put your tank on a level surface that can accommodate its full weight. Put the tank in a low-traffic area where it's less likely to get knocked over. Avoid placing it near sunny windows and doorways.[17]
- Direct sunlight raises the water temperature too much and could harm your fish.
- Avoid drafty areas and areas close to heating/cooling vents.[18]
- Add a layer of substrate to the tank. You have several choices for your aquarium floor, but plain gravel is the cheapest and easiest option for most saltwater and freshwater tanks. Be sure to rinse off the gravel thoroughly before adding it to the tank! For a planted freshwater aquarium, mix equal parts potting soil and peat moss for your substrate.[19] Substrate options include:
- Plain or colored gravel (saltwater and non-planted freshwater tanks)[20]
- Commercial sand (saltwater tanks)
- Crushed coral (saltwater tanks)[21]
- Commercial aquatic soil (freshwater tanks)
- Flourite/seachem (freshwater tanks)
- Plain gravel mixed with aquatic soil (freshwater)
- Clay or laterite (freshwater)[22]
- Small shells or crushed limestone (saltwater)[23]
- Install a fluorescent lighting system that works on a timer. Most aquarium hoods have fluorescent light fixtures, but the basic bulbs included aren’t great if you're adding plants. Switch those out with brighter fluorescent lights. Additional LEDs or fluorescent strips can increase the brightness or concentrate light in certain areas.[24]
- Different fish require different light cycles to thrive. Be sure to research your species so you can set your timer accordingly. If you're doing a planted freshwater tank, take the plant's needs into account, as well.
- Never use incandescent lighting for your tank since those are fire hazards and they heat up the water too much.
- Select and install an appropriate filtration system for your setup. If your tank is 50 gallons (189 L) or less, a filter that hangs or clips to the back of the aquarium is a good choice. For tanks over 50 gallons (189 L), get a canister filter instead. You can buy both types of filters at your local pet store.[25]
- Fill the tank with water and dechlorinate it. Use tap water or drag a hose over to fill up the tank with water. Then, add a dechlorination agent, like the ones that come in tablet form. Follow the package instructions for how much to use per gallon of water.[26]
- For a saltwater tank, mix in pre-packaged commercial ocean salt according to the package instructions.[27]
- Buy these items at your local pet store or online.
[Edit]Plant and Decor Placement
- Keep the preferred environment of your fish species in mind. The goal is to create an ideal space with plenty of room for the fish to move around. Take some time to research before adding any design elements. Some fish love plenty of open space with a smattering of craggy rocks, while others crave dense vegetation and lots of hiding places. Once you know what your fish wants, buy the needed decor and start creating![28]
- Choose a variety of plants with similar needs so they’ll thrive together. Before buying any plants, select a few that you’re interested in and research their water pH, temperature, and light needs. Look into growth speed, as well; planting fast-growers with slow-growers can throw off the balance of available nutrients. Make sure your chosen plants work well together.[31]
- Buy young, healthy plants that won’t overcrowd the tank as they grow.
- Use plastic plants instead of live plants if you have a saltwater tank or a freshwater tank with gravel substrate.[32]
- The design suggestions are the same for plastic and living plants.
- Vary the color and size of decor to create visual interest. Select plants that are different shades of green and throw in a few red or yellow plants for a pop of color. Plants with different leaf shapes tend to look the most natural. Choose a mix of tall, medium, and short plants.[33]
- For saltwater tanks, use different colors of coral and cool-looking shells.
- Driftwood is great for freshwater tanks, but it may rot in saltwater tanks.[34]
- Avoid buying a bunch of similar-looking plants or rocks since the scene will look too structured and unnatural.[35]
- Cover plants, like moss, can look really cool, too.
- Place the tallest, thickest plants in the background. These plants set the main backdrop of the scene, so think about the shape you want to create. Be sure to vary the height of the plants to create contrast. Avoid creating a “hedge” in the background with a row of plants that are all the same height since that looks unnatural.[36] Consider options like:
- Put eye-catching rocks, wood, and plants in the middle ground. Take your time arranging the middle ground since this is the “heart” of your scene. Create a main focal point that’s slightly off-center with your coolest-looking items, like craggy rocks, oddly-shaped driftwood, intricate coral, and unusual plants. Use bushy, medium-sized plants that are shorter than the ones in the background to surround and embellish the focal point.[39] Feel free to get creative with rocks and wood! As for plants, good options include:
- Stem plants like Hornwort
- Java ferns
- Cryptocoryne[40]
- Use large pieces of coral and rock sparsely in a saltwater tank. Go with 2-3 large rock or coral elements and position them wherever you like as long as they aren't sitting close to the glass. Don't forget to keep your fish in mind as you create the environment! If your fish need hiding places, arrange the rock/coral elements accordingly.[41]
- For example, place 1 large rock a little off-center inside the tank. Lean a long, thin rock up against it to create a narrow space for smaller fish who need hideouts or privacy.
- Arrange the shortest plants in the foreground as accents. Use the foreground to add finishing touches to your scene. These plants and objects should shorter than elements in the middle ground, since those are the star of the show. Ground cover plants, like moss, can add another layer of dimension and visual interest.[42] Options to consider:
- Dwarf Lilly
- Dwarf Anubias
- Micro-Sword Grass
- Crypt Wendtii
- Java moss[43]
[Edit]Themed Designs
- Try an underwater castle or sunken ship theme in your saltwater tank. Saltwater fish like plenty of space and tend to prefer rocky or coral decorations over dense plants. Try positioning a large castle or sunken ship a little off-center in the tank as your focal point. Build the rest of the scene around the focal point, keeping other elements fairly sparse.[44]
- For example, support a sunken ship with a few craggy rocks.
- Use a castle as a focal point in an Atlantis-themed scene.
- Pick up tank-safe resin structures at any pet supply store. They usually have lots of holes and passageways for your fish to swim through.
- Set up an Iwagumi aquascape with lots of rocks and a few short plants. This popular style features a variety of rocks as the primary landscape. You need a large “Father” rock to dominate the tank as a focal point, so choose something that looks cool! Balance out the rocky terrain with a couple of small plants.[45]
- The rocks are the most important element, so choose an interesting assortment.
- Use short plants with attractive foliage to highlight the rock features.
- Go with a mountain-style landscape if you have a roomy tank. Select 1 large, sloping rock to be the mountain. Place the rock a little to the left or right of the tank’s center with the most interesting side facing forward. Build the rest of the landscape close to the "mountain." Leave the foreground open and arrange medium and tall plants in the middle ground and background to accentuate the rock.[46]
- Cover plants like moss can also look neat growing on the mountain.
- Try a densely packed jungle backdrop for a lush landscape. Use an assortment of large plants with big leaves in vibrant shades of green for an Amazon jungle vibe. Pack the tallest plants densely in the background and create a focal point around a wood pile or a few rocks in the middle ground. Accentuate the focal point with short plants in the middle ground and foreground.[47]
- For a beachy jungle look, add a thin layer of sand to the foreground.
- Mimic a river bed or lake bottom for an easy, natural look. For a low maintenance design, create a densely-packed focal point with plants, rocks, and driftwood. Place it a little off-center so it doesn’t look too perfect. Use a wide variety of plants and really pack them in so the rock/wood elements barely peek through. Add a thin layer of gravel or sand in the foreground to complete the scene.[48]
- Check out images online for inspiration or build the scene using your imagination.
[Edit]Video
[Edit]Tips
- Invest in a solid tank set up so you won't have to buy additional supplies later.
- Remember to choose compatible fish when you're ready to add them to the tank.
[Edit]Warnings
- Avoid placing your tank in direct sunlight.
[Edit]Things You'll Need
- Tank
- Lighting fixture
- Filter
- Dechlorination tablets
- Plants
- Rocks
- Driftwood
- Substrate
[Edit]Related wikiHows
- Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium
- Set up a Marine Reef Aquarium
- Reduce Saltwater Reef Aquarium Maintenance
- Clean a Fish Tank
- Make Your Fish Tank Look Professionally Designed
- Choose Fish for a Freshwater Aquarium
[Edit]References
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/saltwater-vs-freshwater-aquarium/
- ↑ http://www.reefaquarium.com/2012/ever-wanted-a-planted-saltwater-aquarium/
- ↑ https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/pubs/HO/HO-24.pdf
- ↑ https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/rural-communities/4h/pubs/small-animals-aquarium-fish.pdf
- ↑ https://www.pbspettravel.co.uk/blog/10-best-freshwater-fish-for-beginner-aquariums/
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/small-freshwater-fish/
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/saltwater-aquarium-fish/
- ↑ https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/rural-communities/4h/pubs/small-animals-aquarium-fish.pdf
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/saltwater-aquarium-fish/
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/small-freshwater-fish/
- ↑ https://www.pbspettravel.co.uk/blog/10-best-freshwater-fish-for-beginner-aquariums/
- ↑ https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/Freshwater/Freshwater-Fishes-of-Connecticut/Home-Aquariums
- ↑ https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/rural-communities/4h/pubs/small-animals-aquarium-fish.pdf
- ↑ https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Recreation-and-Leisure/Aquarium-Fish/Aquarium-Components-Tank-Stand-Cover
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/fish.html
- ↑ https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/rural-communities/4h/pubs/small-animals-aquarium-fish.pdf
- ↑ http://www.troutintheclassroom.org/teachers/technical-information/basic-setup
- ↑ http://agrilife.org/fisheries2/files/2013/10/Starting-and-Maintaining-a-Marine-Aquarium.pdf
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/setting-up-planted-aquarium/
- ↑ https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/rural-communities/4h/pubs/small-animals-aquarium-fish.pdf
- ↑ https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Recreation-and-Leisure/Aquarium-Fish/Aquarium-Components-Substrate
- ↑ https://aquariuminfo.org/substrate.html
- ↑ http://agrilife.org/fisheries2/files/2013/10/Starting-and-Maintaining-a-Marine-Aquarium.pdf
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/setting-up-planted-aquarium/
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/setting-up-planted-aquarium/
- ↑ https://aquariuminfo.org/beginner.html
- ↑ http://agrilife.org/fisheries2/files/2013/10/Starting-and-Maintaining-a-Marine-Aquarium.pdf
- ↑ https://animalcorner.org/best-fish-tank-decorations/
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/saltwater-aquarium-fish/
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/small-freshwater-fish/
- ↑ https://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/plants/SelectionandPlantingPlants.htm
- ↑ https://users.cs.duke.edu/~narten/faq/hardware.html
- ↑ https://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/plants/SelectionandPlantingPlants.htm
- ↑ http://agrilife.org/fisheries2/files/2013/10/Starting-and-Maintaining-a-Marine-Aquarium.pdf
- ↑ https://aquariuminfo.org/
- ↑ https://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/plants/SelectionandPlantingPlants.htm
- ↑ https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/pubs/HO/HO-24.pdf
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/setting-up-planted-aquarium/
- ↑ https://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/plants/SelectionandPlantingPlants.htm
- ↑ https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/pubs/HO/HO-24.pdf
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=601&v=fXUNs9_uiU4&feature=youtu.be
- ↑ https://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/plants/SelectionandPlantingPlants.htm
- ↑ https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/setting-up-planted-aquarium/
- ↑ https://animalcorner.org/best-fish-tank-decorations/
- ↑ https://www.tankarium.com/aquascape-ideas/
- ↑ https://aquariuminfo.org/
- ↑ https://www.tankarium.com/aquascape-ideas/
- ↑ https://www.tankarium.com/aquascape-ideas/
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