Are you ready to start a fresh water aquarium? Let's see, do you have your fish tank? Is it a mid size freshwater aquarium tank or some other size? Have you chosen the type of freshwater aquarium fish you want to keep? How about the plants for your aquarium, do you have them with you? If you have everything that you need, then it's about time to start putting your fresh water aquarium together.
With these simple materials, you can create your own freshwater aquarium setup. For some it may seem complicated or even difficult to accomplish. But with a little guidance, almost anyone can enjoy an aquarium setup that you yourself put together.
To start a fresh water aquarium, you need to first place substrate on your tank. This will be followed by the Tiny Substrates which is usually composed of small rocks and sand. This type of substrate is a favorite choice in making aquariums. Choosing the right type of substrate has their pros and cons. Smaller substrates are favored by fish when nesting. Another advantage is that it is a common material that you can find in almost all aquarium shops. However, when they pick it up and play with it, the smaller substrates can irritate the fish's mouth. Another important consideration is their effects on the types of freshwater aquarium fish and plants that you choose. Here are some materials that you should never put in your aquarium setup: Shells, Onyx, Limestone, Geodes, Dolomite, Quartz, Granite, Slate, Lava rocks, Sand Stone and Onyx.
As much as you want to create a unique aquarium, you should first consider how the materials that you choose affect the whole ecosystem. In creating the best setup, you should keep the potential ill-effects of the material in mind. Whether you are starting a mid size freshwater aquarium or some other size, here are steps to test your materials.
First, do the vinegar test. Put several drops of vinegar on the surface of the rock or stone that you want to use. If it foams more than expected, then it is NOT a good material for your set up. This means that the calcium in it will be detrimental to your aquarium. Another test is to place your substrates in a pail of water and test for pH and hardness. If it does not change after a week, then you're good to go. You can use kits like pH level kits, Ammonia kits and the like. All it takes is a little effort to create a viable habitat for your fish.