Here are a few things you should think about
before you rush out and part with your cash.
1)
Where is the aquarium to go?
|2) What size aquarium can you
accommodate/afford? |3) Do
you have a particular fish in mind that you want to keep? |4) Have you spoken to experienced
aquarists? |5) Have
you checked out your local retailers? |6) What is your local water good for? |7) Have you done any research or
reading?
1)
Where is the aquarium to go? Siting an aquarium
can cause a few headaches. A 2' (60cm.) aquarium can weigh120-150lbs.(55-65kg.)
so that space in your bookcase may not be ideal. It needs to be LEVEL. The
water will be and there's no hiding that line. Draughts, loud noises and direct
sunlight are best avoided too. As all aquarium equipment is electrical you
don't want to be too far away from a power supply either.
2)
What size aquarium can you accommodate/afford? The bigger
the better. Larger aquariums have more stable water conditions than smaller
ones. They do involve more work when changing water but are more forgiving of
mistakes.
3)
Do you have a particular fish in mind that you want to keep? This
is related to 2. If you have a particular fish in mind, find out about its
needs before you set up a home for it. Cute young Oscars at 2-3" in the
shop grow into 10-12" territorial adults. 6 in a 2' tank is a recipe for
disaster.
4)
Have you spoken to experienced aquarists? Your inspiration
to keep fish may have come from seeing a friend's tank or one in a restaurant
or office. Ask about it. Most fishkeepers are happy to talk about their hobby.
If the staff in the office etc. don't know they can probably tell you who does
look after the tank. Find out if there is a local club or society.
5)
Have you checked out your local retailers? As in all things
there are good and bad shopkeepers. Ask around, when you talk to other
fishkeepers. Check out the local shops, ask questions, ('Will you sell me a 2'
tank and 6 Oscars'-if the answer is yes, leave.) Is the shop well kept? Do the
fish look bright, active and healthy? Once you do find a good source, stick
with it. The retailer will get to know you, your set-up and your fish. You will
also benefit from consistent, local advice and information.
6) What
is your local water good for? I'm based in Aberdeen, Scotland, where our
tap water is so soft it doesn't register on test kits. This makes it very easy
to keep Amazonian and other rain forest habitat fish. Tap water in other areas
can be hard and alkaline, more to the liking of Central American or Rift Valley
fish. Check this out in the course of your research, it can make all the
difference between success and failure.
7)
Have you done any research or reading? Even if you
don't buy a book, at least check out your local library. Some books will flatly
contradict each other but with some research and the help of a good retailer
and your fellow fishkeepers you'll soon find a system that works for you.