Aquarium : What is it?
| Aquariums are transparent tanks containing fish and other forms of aquatic life. They are used both for decoration and fish breeding. The tank is made of acrylic or glass panels, and usually mounted on a cabinet or stand. They may also contain aquatic plants, rocks, and corals for a more natural-looking environment.
Most aquariums have pumps that aerate the water for the fish to breathe, and filters that trap contaminants such as dirt and fish waste. Timer-controlled lights are also installed to simulate natural day-and-night cycles in outdoor habitats. |
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Kinds of Aquariums include the following: |
Freshwater Aquariums
- Freshwater Aquariums contain fish obtained from freshwater bodies, such as lakes and rivers.
- They contain water with a salt level below 0.5 parts per thousand (PPT). This is the same level as regular tap water.
- They use box filters or undergravel filters, which handle lower water densities.
- They are cheaper to maintain and require less frequent cleaning than Saltwater Aquariums.
Saltwater Aquariums
- Saltwater Aquariums, also called marine aquariums, are designed for fish normally found in seas and oceans.
- The water must be mixed with salt to a level of 30 to 40 PPT to imitate natural saltwater, and changed every two weeks.
- They require wet/dry trickle filters or undergravel filters. These filters must also be corrosion-resistant to withstand being submerged in saltwater.
- They are usually preferred by experienced aquarists because they are more challenging to maintain.
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Tank material: Choose an acrylic tank if you want a large aquarium, because these are lighter and easier to maintain. They are also clearer than glass and offer more choices in shape and design. However, glass tanks are more resistant to heat, which makes them a good choice for small aquariums that tend to heat up quickly from the pump and filters.
Capacity: Choose an aquarium with a high-capacity tank if you want to include several fish varieties. Do not pack your tank too densely with fish, as this can cause oxygen shortage and overheating. Make sure the fish have ample room to move inside the tank. Tank capacities usually range from 10 to 180 gallons. |
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