Setting up an Aquarium (Part 2)

Technical Equipment Required

- Filter

- Heater

- Thermometer

- Lighting

Filter-

The main function of an aquarium filter is to is not just mechanical filtering, but the disposal and conservation of invisible harmful substances by bacteria.

The best aquarium filters process three types of waste:

- Solid waste is any type of dirt, particle, or debris floating in the water like fish waste and uneaten fish food. This type of waste is removed through mechanical filtration.

- Dissolved waste is organic compounds, such as decaying tissue in tap water, and can cause odor and discoloration of the water. This type of waste is removed through chemical filtration.

- Biological waste includes all unwanted contaminants, like ammonia and nitrate, which have to be biologically processed rather than filtered. This type of waste is removed through biological filtration.

Power filters typically use disposable cartridges and hang on the back edge of your aquarium.

Internal filters are primarily made for smaller aquariums (under 20 gallons) and are placed inside the aquarium to provide water movement.

Canister filters provide excellent filtration for larger aquariums or aquariums with a lot of fish. They are usually placed in a cabinet or stand beneath the aquarium.

Filter maintenance

First, always make sure there is water in the pump chamber. If you don't, the filter will pull in air instead.Keep an eye on how much water is in your aquarium—most filters need the water level to be about one inch from the lip of the filter.Make sure your bubble walls and/or air stones are not directly under the intake tube. If bubbles go up the main tube, it will cause a rattling sound and may stop your filter from working.Always use gravel in your aquarium instead of sand. Sand can cause problems with the impeller, because it gets between the magnetic impeller assembly and the energizer, preventing it from turning. If you do have sand, a good option is to purchase a mesh net from your local pet store, and place it on the strainer. Your filter will pull out the waste, but it won't pull up the sand.

Heaters

The temperature of your aquarium is an important factor in the comfort and well-being of your fish. Unlike humans and other mammals, fish do not produce their own body heat. They must rely on the temperature of the water to maintain their body temperature. This makes it very important that you keep your aquarium at the proper temperature for your pets. A thermometer will help when making the temperature perfect.

Choosing the type of heater to use in your aquarium isn't difficult as long as you know the differences between the varieties of heaters. There are four basic types of aquarium heaters; immersible heaters, submersible heaters, substrate heaters and filter heaters. Knowing what type of heater to buy for your aquarium is only part of the picture. Heaters come in a number of sizes. Not sure what size heater to get for your aquarium? There is a way to calculate the proper size heater, based on the temperature of the room and the volume of water in the tank. You have a heater, but now you are wondering where to put it. Should it be placed in the middle or on the side? Is a front or back placement preferable?

Does it even matter? There are some simple, but important, Even under perfect conditions, problems can arise. One of the most common concerns is heater breakage. If that is a concern for you, perhaps you should consider using a heater guard.

Another heating challenge is during the summer when aquarium water temperature rises too high. Sometimes turning off the heater isn't enough to avoid dangerously high water temperatures, and additional steps are needed to keep your fish cool.

In the winter, the opposite problem can occur. This is especially true if your heater fails during this time of year, and steps must be taken to keep your fish warm.

Lighting

LED aquarium lighting units are suitable for coral and marine fish tanks, catering to marine, cold water and tropical fish tanks of all shapes and sizes. Whether you require LED aquarium lighting, T5 fish tank lighting, tube lighting, clip on lights, reflectors or spare bulbs, Swallow aquatics can help. Check out their website: www.swallowaquatics.co.uk

More and more customers are now looking for LED lights for aquariums, as the low energy consumption of LED fish tank lights makes them highly cost-effective. Be sure to also check out a range of LED spotlights for planted tanks, to bring your aquarium plants to life!

Information Sources

http://www.tetra-fish.comurces

www.swallowaquatics.co.uk

www.thesprucepets.com

Thanks for reading x