Aquariums and Fish Bowls Buying Guide
Fish 
are fun, silent pets, who bring a lot of pleasure to our living rooms. Beautiful, ferocious, and captivating, fish can provide quiet companionship and contemplation. Aquariums and fish bowls both add a lot to any room they are in, whether it be a basic bowl, a lush underwater forest, or a bare zen rock garden. But, along with the pleasures of owning an underwater habitat, are the not-so-fun activities involved with the upkeep and cleaning. Some choose to hire an aquarium cleaning service to check water levels and make sure that it's a healthy environment for fish, but these are usually only required for saltwater aquariums , yet can also be applied to the freshwater tank.
Different Types of Aquariums
There are three types that are the most basic without getting into aquarium building materials.
You have the ultra basic Fish Bowl : This is just a bowl with water, some rocks in the bottom perhaps, and a fish that does not require a lot of room. These can work with air pumps if necessary, but for the most part are relegated to goldfish , and Bettas (aka Japanese Fighting Fish ), or other fish that can comfortably live in a small bowl. A sales person at a pet store can tell you which fish work with smaller fish bowls. Fish bowls need cleaning, but less often and less severe as a larger aquarium.
Freshwater Aquarium : This is for freshwater fish. If you are unsure which fish will work with this kind of tank, do a little research before-hand, or ask a sales person at the pet store you are going to. Freshwater aquariums can vary in size, from your basic tabletop size, to a room-wrapping aquarium. Choose which one will work best with your flat, your budget, and what you will feel comfortable cleaning. Freshwater fish are very diverse, and frequently quite beautiful.
Saltwater Aquarium : This is for, you guessed it, saltwater fish! These fish generally need a little more care than freshwater fish, and care for an aquarium with salt water is a little more complicated as well. There's a lot of information available, but honestly, asking someone who installs saltwater tanks, or even just someone at a pet store who is well informed can give you a lot more personal information about what's best for your individual tank and fish. Also, there are a lot of beautiful and exotic fish and aquariums available for saltwater types.
Essentials
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Aquarium Filters
These keep your tank free from a lot of filth, and keep your fish healthy and happy. A must have. Check to see which type works for your aquarium type and size. |
Aquarium Water Testers
A very important tool to make sure the water is healthy to sustain your underwater pets. Widely available and very important for aquarium upkeep and fish health. |
Aquarium Thermometer
This monitors the temperatures of your tank, making sure you don't have accidentally frozen or boiled fishes. Make sure it works with your tank type, or it could corrode with salt water if not meant for it. |
Aquarium Cleaning Tube
To keep your tank clean, a routine cleaning with a cleaning tube makes sure filth doesn't build up in your tank. This keeps your fish healthy and your tank clean. |
Aquarium Air Pump
Depending on the size and type of tank you have, an air pump can be essential, check with your aquarium sales person to make sure that it works with your tank and chosen fish. Keeps the water oxygenated. |
Extras
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Aquarium Plants
These can be either organic or plastic, making a lovely background, as well as, sometimes, a nutritious snack for your fish. These are available at most pet stores. |
Weekend Fish Food
These work well for if you have to leave for a weekend, slowly releasing food over three days or so. Make sure that the food is compatible with your tank type and fish. |
Aquarium Rocks
These are great for shy fish, or fish that typically like to hunker down behind a rock, as well as for decoration of your aquarium, giving it a more natural aquatic vibe. |
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