This episode guides you through the foundational steps of setting up a successful aquarium. Whether you're a beginner or reasonably experienced aquarist looking to upgrade, this episode is packed with practical advice on essential aquarium equipment.
Join host Arthur Preston of Art's Fish Room in this informative episode to ensure your aquarium is equipped for success and stay tuned for future episodes on cost-effective aquarium setups.
00:00:00 --> 00:00:06 Welcome to this episode of the Aquarist's Edge, a podcast for home aquarists just like you.
00:00:06 --> 00:00:10 Learn more about how to keep a thriving aquarium and discover ideas and tips
00:00:10 --> 00:00:12 to give your aquarium the edge.
00:00:12 --> 00:00:15 And now, over to our host, Arthur Preston.
00:00:17 --> 00:00:23 Today we're going to cover a topic that lays the foundation for any successful fishkeeping journey.
00:00:24 --> 00:00:27 That is the essential equipment you need for your aquarium.
00:00:28 --> 00:00:31 Whether you're just setting up your first tank, or have you been an aquarist
00:00:31 --> 00:00:35 for some years already, and perhaps are looking to upgrade, I'm going to break
00:00:35 --> 00:00:37 down what you really need, why you need it.
00:00:37 --> 00:00:42 So grab a pen and paper, grab your coffee, and let's dive into this particular topic.
00:00:43 --> 00:00:44 No gimmicks, just practical advice.
00:00:45 --> 00:00:49 So where do we start? Well, that's an easy question really, because you can't
00:00:49 --> 00:00:52 keep your fish without a fish tank. So let's start with the actual aquarium itself.
00:00:53 --> 00:00:58 So here's the deal with tanks. A larger tank, say about 6 litres or more,
00:00:58 --> 00:01:00 is actually easier to manage than a tiny one.
00:01:01 --> 00:01:06 So I would say start with a tank of no less than 60 litres in capacity.
00:01:07 --> 00:01:10 But why 60 litres? That seems like quite an arbitrary number.
00:01:10 --> 00:01:16 Well, perhaps it is, but the basic principle here is that the smaller your tank,
00:01:16 --> 00:01:19 the more difficult it is to maintain your water parameters.
00:01:20 --> 00:01:24 The more water you have, the slower the water parameters change.
00:01:25 --> 00:01:29 What you're looking for is stability, and that means fewer sudden shocks to your fish.
00:01:30 --> 00:01:35 So when choosing a tank, you need to consider both the size and the material.
00:01:36 --> 00:01:38 You know, glass tanks are what we commonly see in pet shops.
00:01:38 --> 00:01:42 They're generally scratch resistant, which is a blessing if you've got kids or curious pets.
00:01:43 --> 00:01:46 But they're also acrylic tanks that are lighter and offer clearer views,
00:01:46 --> 00:01:48 but they scratch more easily.
00:01:49 --> 00:01:53 Another thing you've got to make sure of is that whatever type of tank you end up buying,
00:01:53 --> 00:01:57 it needs to be sitting or standing on something
00:01:57 --> 00:02:03 that is sturdy and capable of bearing the weight of a full tank remember that
00:02:03 --> 00:02:08 one liter of water weighs approximately one kilogram so a hundred kilogram tank
00:02:08 --> 00:02:14 will easily be 100 kilograms or more when filled with water substrate decorations
00:02:14 --> 00:02:15 filter equipment and so on.
00:02:16 --> 00:02:21 If space allows, go for a rectangular tank instead of these tall ones or very
00:02:21 --> 00:02:22 unusually shaped tanks.
00:02:22 --> 00:02:27 That is because the greater surface area available to your aquarium fish will
00:02:27 --> 00:02:28 mean better oxygen exchange.
00:02:28 --> 00:02:31 And that, of course, is a must for fish health.
00:02:32 --> 00:02:34 The next item on the list is the lid or the hood.
00:02:35 --> 00:02:39 And don't underestimate this piece of equipment. And that could be one of those
00:02:39 --> 00:02:42 plastic black hoods that you'll buy at the local fish shop.
00:02:42 --> 00:02:45 It could be a glass lid. it could
00:02:45 --> 00:02:48 be glass slides in fact i've seen that's made
00:02:48 --> 00:02:51 out of perspex or out of any kind of
00:02:51 --> 00:02:54 roof covering people give recreative plastic
00:02:54 --> 00:02:59 i've seen bubble wrap used but the bottom line is that a lid or a hood prevents
00:02:59 --> 00:03:04 fish from leafing out it reduces evaporation and keeps unwanted stuff like dust
00:03:04 --> 00:03:09 or curious catpoles out of your tank now if you're using lights it'll also protect
00:03:09 --> 00:03:14 the lights from splashes so let's talk about lights for a second especially if you have live plants,
00:03:14 --> 00:03:16 LED lights are a fantastic option.
00:03:17 --> 00:03:20 They're energy efficient, they're customisable, they won't heat up your water.
00:03:21 --> 00:03:24 It's good to look for options that have, or lights that have adjustable brightness
00:03:24 --> 00:03:27 or colour spectrum settings. Play with these a little bit and you'll see your
00:03:27 --> 00:03:28 fish colours really pop.
00:03:29 --> 00:03:32 And if you're planning on keeping live plants, research their lighting needs.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:36 Some plants thrive under bright lights for 8-10 hours a day,
00:03:36 --> 00:03:40 while there are others that do better with the more subdued illumination.
00:03:41 --> 00:03:46 Let's talk about filtration. and this isn't a piece of equipment you want to
00:03:46 --> 00:03:50 skimp on because your filter is essentially the heart of your aquarium's ecosystem
00:03:50 --> 00:03:53 maintains the water quality and it breaks down waste,
00:03:54 --> 00:03:59 filtration has three components mechanical chemical and biological mechanical
00:03:59 --> 00:04:04 filtration traps solid particles like leftover food and fish waste as you can
00:04:04 --> 00:04:07 think of it as a sieve for your water if you see lots of particles floating
00:04:07 --> 00:04:10 around that's a sign your mechanical filtration might need a boost.
00:04:10 --> 00:04:14 Then there's chemical filtration, which is typically activated carbon.
00:04:14 --> 00:04:16 It removes impurities and toxins.
00:04:16 --> 00:04:20 If you notice discoloration in the water or lingering smells,
00:04:20 --> 00:04:22 this type of filtration can work wonders.
00:04:22 --> 00:04:25 Just keep in mind that it needs regular replacement.
00:04:26 --> 00:04:30 And then of course there's biological filtration. This is all about the beneficial
00:04:30 --> 00:04:35 bacteria that convert harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrites and then nitrates.
00:04:36 --> 00:04:40 This bacterial colony usually grows on media inside your filter,
00:04:40 --> 00:04:43 making it an irreplaceable part of your tank cycle.
00:04:44 --> 00:04:46 And there are various types of filters to choose from.
00:04:47 --> 00:04:49 Hang-on-back filters are user-friendly and great for beginners.
00:04:50 --> 00:04:53 There are canister filters that offer great treating power for big tanks,
00:04:53 --> 00:04:57 and sponge filters are perfect for small tanks and breeding setups because they
00:04:57 --> 00:04:59 provide a gentle, regular flow.
00:05:00 --> 00:05:04 Whatever filter you choose, aim for a turnover rate that circulates your entire
00:05:04 --> 00:05:07 tank volume at least 3-5 times per hour.
00:05:08 --> 00:05:13 A 100-litre tank, for example, should have a filter ratio for at least 300 to 500 litres per hour.
00:05:14 --> 00:05:18 Now what about temperature? We know that the majority of our tropical fish are
00:05:18 --> 00:05:21 going to need some form of heating in their tank.
00:05:21 --> 00:05:24 And if you're keeping those fish, maintaining a stable temperature is crucial.
00:05:25 --> 00:05:29 And most of the species we'll keep in a tropical tank will thrive in temperatures
00:05:29 --> 00:05:31 of between 23 to 27 degrees Celsius.
00:05:32 --> 00:05:36 Submersible heaters with built-in thermostats are definitely the way to go.
00:05:36 --> 00:05:39 That will dramatically maintain your chosen temperature and you don't need to
00:05:39 --> 00:05:42 be fiddling all the time to make sure that your temperature remains constant.
00:05:43 --> 00:05:46 It's a good idea to place your heater near a spot with good water flow,
00:05:46 --> 00:05:51 like for example close to your filter outlet, to distribute heat evenly throughout the tank.
00:05:51 --> 00:05:53 And don't forget to get a thermometer for accurate readings.
00:05:54 --> 00:05:58 There's some debate about whether a digital thermometer or the old-fashioned
00:05:58 --> 00:05:59 mercury thermometer is the way to go.
00:06:00 --> 00:06:04 Many people feel that the digital ones aren't always as accurate If you really
00:06:04 --> 00:06:08 want a great, accurate indicator of your aquarium temperature,
00:06:08 --> 00:06:11 go for the old-fashioned mercury glass thermometer.
00:06:12 --> 00:06:16 So now that we've covered the basics, let's go inside the aquarium and let's
00:06:16 --> 00:06:18 start at the bottom with the substrate.
00:06:18 --> 00:06:23 Now the substrate isn't just about aesthetics. It plays an essential role in
00:06:23 --> 00:06:24 your aquarium's health.
00:06:24 --> 00:06:30 Gravel, sand, soil all provide space for beneficial bacteria to grow.
00:06:32 --> 00:06:35 For planted tanks nutrient-rich substrates are
00:06:35 --> 00:06:38 a great choice because they provide essential minerals and
00:06:38 --> 00:06:41 they help to anchor roots always rinse
00:06:41 --> 00:06:45 your new substrate thoroughly before adding it to your tank to avoid cloudy
00:06:45 --> 00:06:49 water i've certainly made this mistake before and it takes a long time to get
00:06:49 --> 00:06:53 this right it also puts a lot of strain and filter in a new tank if your substrate
00:06:53 --> 00:07:00 is not cleaned and results in a very cloudy tank as you add the water to an unwashed substrate.
00:07:01 --> 00:07:06 Also consider the needs of your fish. Some bottom dwellers prefer softer substrates.
00:07:06 --> 00:07:08 They want to be able to burrow.
00:07:08 --> 00:07:13 They want to be able to fiddle around in the sand. It just depends on the fish
00:07:13 --> 00:07:16 you have and what your needs are. But think carefully about your substrate.
00:07:17 --> 00:07:21 Make sure that it is useful and for goodness sake wash it and rinse it before
00:07:21 --> 00:07:27 you stick it into your tank. What about things like decorations and hiding spots?
00:07:28 --> 00:07:32 Well, this can be very helpful for fish as it can reduce stress by providing hiding places.
00:07:32 --> 00:07:36 Rocks, driftwood, caves, artificial plants, live plants.
00:07:37 --> 00:07:42 They create enrichment for your fish. Make sure any decor you add is aquarium safe though.
00:07:42 --> 00:07:47 And make sure it's thoroughly cleaned to avoid introducing harmful substances into your tank.
00:07:48 --> 00:07:51 A temptation that needs to be avoided, particularly by beginner aquarists,
00:07:51 --> 00:07:56 is to avoid overcrowding the tank with decorations as this can limit swimming space.
00:07:57 --> 00:08:01 Aim for a balance that keeps your fish comfortable but also allows for easy
00:08:01 --> 00:08:03 cleaning and for good water circulation.
00:08:05 --> 00:08:07 One of the things you've got to be aware of is that the more decor you have,
00:08:07 --> 00:08:12 the more difficult it will be to clean your tank and possibly to catch the fish
00:08:12 --> 00:08:15 when you need to. Now, what about the actual water?
00:08:16 --> 00:08:20 This is what our fish live in, and it's important that we have good quality water.
00:08:21 --> 00:08:26 Our local tap water will contain chlorine and other heavy metals and so forth
00:08:26 --> 00:08:27 that may be harmful to our fish.
00:08:27 --> 00:08:31 So it's a good idea to have a water conditioner that can neutralize the chemicals.
00:08:31 --> 00:08:35 I've said before on this podcast, and it's something that I do.
00:08:35 --> 00:08:36 I often will fill up buckets of water.
00:08:37 --> 00:08:39 I don't have an automatic water change system in my fishing room right now.
00:08:39 --> 00:08:43 So I'm still using the good old change water bucket system.
00:08:44 --> 00:08:48 And I will often fill up the buckets of water and leave them for two or three days.
00:08:48 --> 00:08:52 Unfortunately, where I live is of a really decent quality. So there's not too
00:08:52 --> 00:08:55 much more I need to do with the water once the chlorine has evaporated and I
00:08:55 --> 00:08:56 can then use it in my tanks.
00:08:57 --> 00:09:01 But if you are uncertain about the quality of your water, make sure that you
00:09:01 --> 00:09:06 are at least putting some kind of water neutralizer, water conditioner into
00:09:06 --> 00:09:09 your tap water before you put it into your tanks.
00:09:09 --> 00:09:13 You might want to invest in a reliable test kit to monitor water parameters
00:09:13 --> 00:09:17 such as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and the P8.
00:09:18 --> 00:09:21 Consistent water quality is key to the health of your fish.
00:09:22 --> 00:09:26 So test regularly. During water changes, replace about 20 to 25 percent of your
00:09:26 --> 00:09:31 tank's water weekly to maintain stability and use a siphon to remove debris
00:09:31 --> 00:09:33 and vacuum the substrate at the same time.
00:09:33 --> 00:09:39 Now last but definitely not least you'll need fish food for your aquarium inhabitants.
00:09:40 --> 00:09:44 Make sure that all your fish's dietary needs are met by the food that you're putting into your tank.
00:09:46 --> 00:09:50 You're going to need a fishnet for handling your fish. Take them out when they
00:09:50 --> 00:09:53 need to be taken out. Press for a big, thorough cleaning of your tank.
00:09:54 --> 00:09:58 Make sure that you have a few cleaning tools like algae scrapers or brushes.
00:09:58 --> 00:10:03 And you can use things like toothbrushes and so on. Just keep them specifically
00:10:03 --> 00:10:06 for your tank. And don't forget air pumps.
00:10:06 --> 00:10:11 If you're going to be wanting to use a sponge filter or air stones in your tank,
00:10:11 --> 00:10:14 don't forget about a decent quality air pump.
00:10:14 --> 00:10:19 Of course, this also increases water circulation. While not essential for every
00:10:19 --> 00:10:22 tank, they're useful if you have fish that require high oxygen.
00:10:22 --> 00:10:27 So that, in a nutshell, is the essential equipment for setting up a healthy, thriving aquarium.
00:10:28 --> 00:10:34 Tanks, heaters, filters, substrate, each component that we put into our aquarium
00:10:34 --> 00:10:39 plays a role in creating the best environment for our aquatic inhabitants.
00:10:40 --> 00:10:43 And remember, as always, the key is balance.
00:10:43 --> 00:10:47 Quality equipment may cost more up front, but it could save you time,
00:10:48 --> 00:10:49 money, and stress in the long run.
00:10:49 --> 00:10:53 A podcast episode coming up in the future is going to be covering how to equip
00:10:53 --> 00:10:55 our tank cost-effectively.
00:10:55 --> 00:11:00 And there's always a balance between wanting to save what's in our wallet because
00:11:00 --> 00:11:05 that is just a reality, at the same time making sure that we don't fall victim
00:11:05 --> 00:11:07 to that saying of penny-wise pound-foolish.
00:11:09 --> 00:11:12 So that'll be something we address in a future episode. but
00:11:12 --> 00:11:15 as always I remind you the key is always balance
00:11:15 --> 00:11:19 thanks for joining me today I
00:11:19 --> 00:11:21 look forward to seeing you on our next episode feel free
00:11:21 --> 00:11:24 to share this with other aquarists people who are also
00:11:24 --> 00:11:28 involved in this hobby and reach out I'd love to hear from you and so until
00:11:28 --> 00:11:34 next time cheers for now that's it for this episode of the aquarist edge please
00:11:34 --> 00:11:37 consider subscribing to this podcast so that you don't miss further episodes
00:11:37 --> 00:11:41 we would love it if you would also rate and review the podcast as this helps
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00:11:43 --> 00:11:47 Until next time, keep learning and discovering and keep finding your Aquarius
00:11:47 --> 00:11:50 edge in this captivating and fascinating hobby.
00:11:50 --> 00:11:59 Music.