Statistics show that 85 million US homes are home to some kind of pet. There are currently 139.3 million freshwater aquarium fish being kept as pets in the US.
If you are interested in owning fish, you need to know about the best fish tank options. As a beginner, there are certain details you need to know about before making the purchase.
Like any kind of pet, fish require certain things to thrive in their environment. This guide will help you understand how to create the best fish tank.
Keep reading to find out what tips you need to know about to create the best fish tank environment.
1. Don’t Go Overboard
When it comes to creating the best fish tank, there is one thing to remember. That tip is that you need to avoid going too far when designing your tank.
The majority of fish species do not need much in their environment. When you start to add too many details, the tank will become cluttered.
A lot of fish tank items are merely there for decorative purposes. They aren’t going to provide any real benefits for your pet fish.
How much you add to the tank will depend on the size and the fish. Larger tanks can fit more decorative items without becoming too cluttered.
You can also buy a variety of short and tall items to create a balance. This will give your tank a luxurious design without taking up all the floor space.
It is usually best to start off your fish tank with just a few items. This could include some areas to hide, rocks, and natural plants.
As your fish adjusts and you understand them, you can add more items.
2. Add Plenty of Hiding Areas
Most fish species tend to be a bit shy. Because of this, it is important to provide plenty of hiding areas in the tank.
Fish tanks are quite exposing as they are glass all around. This can make fish a bit anxious since they feel exposed and have nowhere to go.
A lot of fish tank decor provides areas where fish can hide. This is a great option since it creates a beautiful fish tank while also being functional.
As a general rule, you should have enough hiding areas for every fish in the tank. They may not want to share their hiding areas, and they may develop favorites.
If you notice your fish aren’t using their hiding areas, you may want to buy different options. Fish can be picky, and they may want something more similar to their natural environment.
Natural elements like plants are a great way to add variety. A lot of fish species hide in plants and enjoy having this natural element available to them.
3. Oversize the Tank
A lot of beginner fish owners make one huge mistake when it comes to fish care. This mistake is not buying the correct size of the fish tank.
It is understandable that this is a common mistake since there are so many factors to consider. You need to consider how many fish you have and the species of fish.
for instance, some fish are very small but will eventually start to grow. Others may require a larger environment to feel happy and safe.
As a rule of thumb, it is better to have too large of a tank than one that is too small. This allows for plenty of room for your fish, hiding areas, and decorative items.
Having a larger tank also allows room for adding more fish.
4. Use a Gravel Vacuum
Fish tanks have a tendency to get quite dirty at a startling rate. It is a good idea to invest in a gravel vacuum to keep the bottom of the aquarium clean.
A gravel vacuum will pick up fish feces, uneaten food, and plant matter. This removes nasty buildup and any hygienic concerns for your fish.
Gravel vacuums work by rinsing the gravel of all of the debris. They are very cost-effective and can help make cleaning your aquarium much faster.
A gravel vacuum can also do a more thorough job than you would be able to.
5. Upgrade As Necessary
There are a lot of fish tank ideas you may be interested in. But it is important to not get too attached to the design of your fish tank.
A lot of fish owners end up having to change things over time. Your fish may grow or you may want to buy other fish, resulting in you needing to upgrade the size of the tank.
You may also learn what your fish likes and dislikes about their tank. You may have to replace certain items or add more plants to their liking.
It is important to make these changes as you notice the need for them. The main priority of your fish tank is keeping your fish happy and comfortable.
6. Understand What Your Fish Need
Before you ever purchase fish, you need to do research about them. A lot of people make this mistake, thinking that every type of fish needs the same thing.
The reality is that every kind of species requires a certain environment. They may like certain kinds of plants or prefer certain hiding areas or gravel.
To keep your fish happy and healthy, you need to create a natural environment. They should replicate their normal environment as closely as possible.
That is why you should do your research before ever starting the design of your tank. This ensures that it will be beautiful as well as functional for your pets.
Pet Marvelous not only offers a variety of fish tank options, but it also provides fish resources. This is a great place to get started if you don’t know much about fish.
7. Wash the Filter Monthly
Keeping the fish tank clean is a big part of having the best fish tank for your fish. They won’t be happy and healthy if they are exposed to a dirty tank too often.
To keep the tank clean, you need to wash the filter on a monthly basis. A dirty filter will not allow for proper water flow or clean water flow.
Most people clean the water filter when it becomes clogged. But this isn’t always reliable since it is easy to forget about it and not notice.
It is better to have a certain date when you clean the filter monthly. This should align with your normal tank cleaning routine.
8. Avoid Direct Sunlight
When you have fish, it is important to make sure they are in a good location. When they are in their tank, they can’t necessarily go somewhere else if they aren’t comfortable.
The main thing you need to consider is if the tank will be in direct sunlight. This is why experts advise keeping fish tanks away from windows.
Direct sunlight can heat the water and increase algae growth.
9. Defrost Frozen Food
Different species of fish require certain dietary necessities. Some fish require frozen food like brine shrimp and bloodworms.
If that is the case, you should have a specific way that you feed your fish. You don’t want to drop the food directly into the water when it is still frozen.
Frozen fish food floats, making it harder for your fish to get to it. This can also change the temperature of the water for a brief amount of time, making your fish cold.
Because of this, you should defrost frozen fish food before adding it to the tank.
10. Let the Fish Settle In
You are probably excited about getting your new fish. But it is important that you don’t go overboard and stress them out when you first get them.
It is important to make sure the tank is clean before adding the fish. This is usually the case since they have not had time to dirty it up.
Make sure everything you have is already added so you aren’t making adjustments as they’re inside. Don’t worry if the fish hide in the tank for several hours after adding them.
This is a natural response, and they will come out when they feel comfortable.
Best Fish Tank Tips For Beginners
If you are planning on getting fish, you may not know how to get started. To have the best fish tank, you need to study the fish you are buying and understand their needs.
Don’t buy too many tank decor pieces or choose a tank that is too small.
Are you interested in buying a fish tank? Keep reading at Pet Marvelous for other useful articles on pet care.
