Choosing a Freshwater Fish Tank
Just as there are different types, there are different types of aquariums. the purpose for which a tank is being setup can affect the system as much as will the types of fish being included. some of the following setups are unlikely to be first tanks, but all of them could be.
Any division of aquarium types is going to be arbitrary to the extent that many people want to have tanks that serve several functions. the following list of fish tank types is meant to present the various options and functions as independently as possible the list can be mixed and matched.
1. Decorative Tanks
The most common fish tank, a decorative tank is an aquarium designed to be an ornamental addition to a home's decor. Every aquarium can be setup to function as a decorative aquarium. Breeding and fry-raising tanks, however, tend to be less decorative in nature. A typical decorative tank is designed and organized to look decorative and beautiful in the home or office.
One person;s idea of beautiful me be another's idea of hideous, but that is true in tastes in paintings, wallpaper, and many other things. What is most important in designing an ornamental aquarium is ensuring that the components selected please your sense of asthetics and also combine to produce a healthy aquatic environment.
2. Theme Tanks
A "theme" aquarium combines elements around a central idea. You can organize your tank around a color theme or a decorative theme. The possibilities for other types of themes are endless. Some effective tanks focus on a particular geographical region, and are called biotope tanks.
Besides colors, what other theme ideas cna you use to setup an aquarium? Another option is to focus on a particular type of fish. Or a tank in which all the fish are long or striped or catfish and more. A thematic community tans is the most popular, including the fish which appeal most to the fish tank's owner.
3. Biotope Tanks
Many aquarium fish enthusiasts enjoy trying to recreate a very specific natural environment. This is known as a biotope aquarium. The tank can be organized simply as, for example, "plants and fish from Asia" or more specific as fish and plants from Sri Lanka. For a first tank, the easiest apporach is to be somewhat less specific.
4. Species Tanks
Fish can be kept as only a single species in a tank. This is especially true, and preferred, when the fish can be killed by or kill other fish. Many fish don't necessarily have to be kept separate, but can be shown off better when kept by themselves. This is the case with schooling species, where the appearance behavior of the school are as fascinating and interesting as those of individual fish.
5. Instructional Tanks
Aquariums, sometimes with just a few goldfish are used for educational purposes in elementary classrooms, sometimes playing role in the curriculum. Fish tank setups in schools and marine aquariums are tailored to the students at different levels. High school science classes are enhanced when they include one or more aquariums for specific instructional purposes. At the university level, aquariums of various types are used in conjunction with studies in ecology, oceanography, genetics, and various other fields.
6. Breeding Tanks
Most tropical fish are bred on fish farms in Florida an Southeast Asia. Some are wild-caught. Breeding tanks are an important part of many aquarist's setups. The term "breeding tank" is reserved for a tank established expressly for the purpose of propagating a particular species of fish. Many species of fish, however, will breed regularly in any tank. In the community setting, though, few if any of the fry will survive. A breeding tank is set up to maximize the chance of spawning and the chance of survival for the young fish.
7. Fry Rearing Tanks
Fry tanks are normally utilitarian in design, often containing only a filter, the fish, and water. High feeding rates and frequently required water changes facilitate a lack of substrate and decor, which could trap food and waste particles, These tanks don't have to be so sparse. Fry will frow very well in planted tanks tanks - even planted community tanks, provided all the fish placed together are of similar sizes.
Many fish species can be purchases as very young juveniles at discounted prices. when only the fry are places into a tank, the spaciousness of the tank will contribute to rapid growth of the entire group.
8. Pet Tanks
It may be surprising, but many fish become tame pets that can interact with their keepers. It is not unusual for such fish to mope when the owner is away and they are cared for by someone else, or to show excitement when the owner returns.
Cichlids are the most popular pet type of fish, but many large catfish can be kept this way also. Goldfish, Koi, pacu and other large species can be kept as single pets in a big aquarium. Many of these fish school naturally, but as lone pets they will accept the human companion into their school.
Whatever type of fish tank you choose, you must select the proper fish to fit into your plan. There are several ideas for stocking themes to consider.
