How to Set Up a Home Aquarium

 

Did you know that a home aquarium can help reduce stress and anxiety and help you sleep? Studies show that watching your fish swim can lower your blood pressure, allowing you to relax.

Not only are fish tanks beneficial to your mental and physical health, but they are also pretty to look at and a unique hobby. If you’re thinking of setting up an aquarium in your home, you’re in the right place.

Read on to learn how to get started.

Decide What Type of Home Aquarium You Want

There are a few different options, including freshwater or saltwater aquariums, goldfish aquariums, and small tanks for beta fish. If you want tropical fish that are brightly colored and a tank full of coral, plants, and other flora and fauna, a saltwater aquarium might be best for you.

Your budget will also play a role here, as a saltwater aquarium is typically more expensive to set up and maintain. If you’re not sure, talking to an expert at a pet store can help you determine what is reasonable for you, your budget, and how much time you want to devote to caring for your fish and fish tank.

Purchase a Tank and Equipment

Saltwater tanks require quite a bit of equipment, including a tank stand, lighting, and a sump pump. Once you get the basics, then you need to buy coral, such as this voodoo strain, anemones, and other reef items, or if you want a more open tank with larger fish, you need to decide what type of sand bed you want.

Set Up the Tank

There is a lot more that goes into setting up an aquarium than just adding your equipment and water. You’ll need to set everything up, run a wet test to check for leaks, fill the aquarium with water, add substrate and sea salt, and then situate all of your corals, rocks, and other items.

Once you do this, you’ll need to let your aquarium and pump run for at least 24 hours to fully clear the water before you can start adding fish.

Add Your Fish

Once your aquarium water is clear and ready for fish, don’t go crazy. Be intentional about the fish you choose and start small (in number but in size as well). Try out some beginner fish, like a goby, clownfish, or hawkfish. These fish are good starters for an aquarium, and once you are comfortable, you can start adding others in.

Use compatibility charts to make sure your fish will do well together and don’t just choose randomly.

Enjoy Your Home Aquarium

Once you do the research, purchasing, and set-up, you can sit back and enjoy your home aquarium. Your tank will add color and character to your home and help reduce your stress levels.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out some of our others before you go.