I Want An Aquarium. Part 1

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Photo: Valyukha

A bit of black humor. “I love fish - perfect pets! They don't wake up in the morning, they don't ask to eat, they die in silence …”There is some truth in every joke, it is the silence of the fish that does not let the novice aquarists understand that something is wrong, and then it’s just too late to correct the situation.

Step 1. Decide which is more important: an aquarium or fish

There are two options for the first step. If there is a specific preference for fish, it's simple. For example, keeping one goldfish requires a volume of 40 liters, coarse gravel and an air pump. So everything is relatively simple. We collect the maximum amount of information about the desired type of fish and go to the pet store with a ready-made list. If this option suits, then skip step # 2, 3 and go directly to # 4. Harder when there is no preference.

Option two. When there is not even the slightest idea and preference, we start by choosing an aquarium. We determine the place where the aquarium will stand, measure the dimensions, clarify the strength of the cabinet (if there is no plan to buy a stand for the aquarium). Particleboard or glass coffee tables are not suitable and often cannot support the weight of the aquarium. When we have finally decided on the aquarium, go to step number 2.

Step 2. Walking through the pet stores

Not one or two, but all the pet stores available to visit are systematically stormed by all family members. We inform the consultants of the estimated volume of the aquarium and ask them to show all the fish that feel comfortable in the chosen volume. We hold a notebook and pen in our hands and write down ALL the names of the fish we like! We check with sales consultants or on the Internet about the type of fish you like (peaceful or predators) and their compatibility. We go home, plunge into the vastness of the Internet. The most difficult thing is to determine the number and types of fish. There are species that need 50 liters per individual, and there are small schooling ones, for which 1 liter per 1 individual is enough, there are those who live quietly without relatives, while others, without brothers, become aggressive. Also, when choosing "assorted", it is worth considering the requirements for temperature, nutrition, aeration and water composition. For example, for thorns, a comfortable temperature of 24-26 ° C and mandatory flocking, and mollies are comfortable even alone, but in slightly salted water with a temperature of 28 ° C. So, going through the thorns of information about the content, we determine the number of species in the aquarium and directly the number of fish of each species. And only having finally decided on the population, we check with the initial plan, we go to purchase an aquarium and proceed to step number 3.

Step 3. Accessories for the aquarium

We buy an aquarium and accessories to it, but without fish !!! On hand, a list of residents and the choice of accessories should be based on it. Do you need coarse, fine gravel or sand. A simple filter is sufficient, or an additional compressor is required for oxygenation. How many shelters are required, how many lamps are needed, whether and how much algae is needed (but algae are not being bought yet!). Congratulations, from now on you are a novice aquarist and even without fish, the first chores appear.

Step 4. Launching the aquarium

We thoroughly rinse the aquarium and all accessories. Coarse soil is also washed until the water becomes clear. If natural materials (driftwood, stones) are used for decorations or shelters, they must be soaked in water for several hours. Coloring water, soak until the water stops coloring. The required amount of water settles for at least an hour and a half, until the water reaches room temperature. We furnish the apartment of future pets: we put soil, decorations on the bottom, install filters, heaters and other devices. Water is poured into the aquarium carefully, without pressure. If sediment has formed on the bottom of the water containers, carefully pour out the water, being careful not to raise the sediment. Ideally, if water is poured over a large decoration, to avoid soil erosion. It is also worth noting that an abruptly poured bucket of water can damage the aquarium. Install the temperature sensor at 25 ° C. So, the aquarium is running and the only desire is to buy fish. No! It is too early!

Step 5. Launching the biosystem of the aquarium

Here he is a handsome aquarium! Gurgles, buzzes, but the aquarium is sterile! It does not yet contain those bacteria that are so important for the normal functioning of a miniature ecosystem, this niche is empty and can lead to the growth of not only beneficial, but also harmful putrefactive bacteria, unicellular. Without lighting, but with the filters on, the aquarium should stand for 3-4 days. If the color and clarity of the water have not changed, and an unpleasant odor has not appeared, algae can be planted in the aquarium. If something went wrong, look for the reason, fix it. Special water conditioners with live bacteria will help novice aquarists. They effectively colonize water with beneficial microflora, leaving no chance for harmful organisms. With the appearance of algae, the lighting turns on for 4-5 hours a day. Gradually, by an hour a day, the duration of daylight hours increases, when the aquarium calmly transfers it in an amount of 9 hours, small animals start up: snails, shrimps, small frogs. The first animals will complete the ecosystem launch cycle. Their excretion will provide the necessary fertilization for the plants, and will show how stable the aquarium is. After approximately 2 weeks, the biosystem is considered stable for the fish to start.

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