Basic guide to Fresh Aquarium setup Part 3

Here come part 3 the last part of the aquarium basic setup guide. In this part, we will talk about thermometer, heater, decoration and stand.

Theromometers are an inexpensive necessity, it monitors the most important attribute of the fish tank. Something can always go wrong with your aquarium heater and you need to know it immediately. Read the thermometer at least once a day is important as if something goes wrong with your heater, it could be deadly. There are many type of aquarium thermometer out there in the market. Choose one that you like best.

Heater
The temperature of the world's ocean, lake and river differs considerably and the fish that inhabit each ecosystem have evolved to thrive in certain temperature range. Fish that we consider to be tropical live in a water temperature of 24-30°C (75 - 86 °F) all year round, with tropical marine fish living in a more stable environment of an almost constant temperature of 24°C (75°F). Heating the water in an aquarium to the temperature required for tropical species is both simple and inexpensive.

There are several types of heating element available, including special mats and cables, but the essential item you need to heat and regulate the temperature in your aquarium is a heater/thermostat. As a heating element at the bottom of the heater heats up, so the water in contact with the outside of the heater warms. A thermostat reads the temperature of the water and turns the heater on and off ot maintain the desired temperature. The heater and thermostat are housed in a glass tube with a sealed top. This piece of equipment is placed fully submerged in the tank, the temperature adjusted and then plugged in for 24 hours a day.

There are many different sizes of heater available. The wattage required depends on the volume of water to be warmed. A 25 Watt size heater is enough for a 30cm (12in) long aquarium while a 300 watt heater is enough for 120cm (48 inc) long tank. Any size later than this will required more than 2 heaters. Look at the table below to have a better view.

Tank Size Heater size
30cm (12in) 25 watts
60cm (24in) 50 watts
75cm (30in) 100 watts
90cm (36in) 150 watts
100cm (39in) 200 watts
120cm (48in) 300 watts

Decorations
There are many types of Aquarium Decoration available to choose from. They are namely substrate ( we mentioned before), rocks, wood,ornaments, artifical/natural plants and backgrounds.

The use of rock in the aquarium is as old as the hobby itself and there are now many types available. Rockwork can provide a backdrop, hiding places for fish and potential spawning sites. More articles about rocks will be posted in future.

Wood can be used very effectively as a design feature in aquariums and helps to provide a natural seting. Not all wood is safe to be used in aquariums, so only obtain wood from aquatic retailers. Fish use wood for camouflage and hiding places and it can also be used to highlight planting. Wood should be presoaked to remove unwanted chemical that it might have.

For a discerning fishkeeper ornaments may have no place in the aquarium, but some do not know what they are missing. Fish are not fussy about what their home looks like, and species that like to hide may just be happily reside under a bridge made from resin as one made from piled stones. For those of you that like a colourful underwater wonderland, they are a must to have.

Artificial plants have come a long way since they were first introduced and now look more realistic than ever. Their durability also makes them suitable to kept with fish that would destroy live plants and those that would eat the real things. They are useful for hiding equipment and making areas feel more secure for nervous fish, and, of course, they will tolerate any type of water.

Aquatic plants can look stunning when they are properly displayed, but they offer many additional benefits to the aquarium and its inhabitants. However, if they are to provide any of the benefits, you will have to meet their needs, which includes providing appropriate lighting, fertilization and substrates. See basic plant guide.

An appropriate background is important if you want to imitate an underwater scene in your aquarium. They can give the effect of increased depth and can also hide any trailing cables. Internal and external backgrounds can be purchased, or you can make one yourself.

Stands
A stand is a basic requirement for an aquarium, as without one it would be sitting on the floor. Stands must be specially made by professionals or purchased from an aquarium retailer because aquariums are heavy enough to buckle living room furniture, potentially causing disaster. A stand for the aquarium can be either a cabinets or a simple stands. Both are appropriate and depends solely on the preference of the hobbyist.

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