Setting Up an AQUARIUM.

Safety First!With any project, there are safety procedures that must be considered.

Below are just a COUPLE of potential safety concerns when working with aquariums:

ELECTROCUTION HAZARDAquariums require filters, pumps, heaters, lights, etc. Most of these require electricity, and, as with any electrical appliance, special care must be taken. Electrical outlets, wires, and components must be kept free from moisture. Directions on use need to be read thoroughly. Drip loops should be used when plugging in any appliance for the aquarium.

SLIPPING HAZARDAquariums need to be cleaned and water must be replaced from time to time. Water can easily be spilled onto the floor and be undetected. Always move water and/or objects carefully so as not to spill water. Always be observant when working around the tank and clean up any spills immediately.

Water + Electricity = Safety Hazard

Fish need SPACE, OXYGEN, CLEAN WATER, and FOOD.Of course, they need other things, but that depends on the particular setup. Every piece of “equipment” will fall under the categories above.

Equipment

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SPACE

SPACEFor every one inch of fish, one gallon of water is needed.

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Oftentimes, fish such as betta and goldfish are placed into tiny bowls

or containers. This is not the appropriate size for a fish.

Negative effects of too little space: overcrowding, oxygen depletion, waste accumulation, overfeeding, etc.

Other space requirements...◉ Enough water.

1 inch fish = 1 gallon◉ A sturdy foundation

Every gallon weighs approximately 10lbs (i.e. 20 gallon tank = 200lbs.)

◉ Background plants, foreground plants, hideouts, etc.

You want to be able to view your fish but also allow them a place to hide out.

How much space?A two-inch guppy? A ten-inch koi? 3 five-inch goldfish? 9 six-inch tetras?

Aquarium space specifics...

BOTTOM DWELLERSTypically have a flat, ventral region. Many have an “inferior” mouth which is used to feed off substrate (sand, rocks, etc.)

MID-LEVEL SWIMMERSThese fish are the focal point of the tank and are usually active. Take caution in choosing tankmates: some nip fins, some eat others, some are relatively peaceful.

TOP-LEVEL FEEDERSTop-level feeders typically have a “superior” mouth and feed on floating food. These fish usually have strong and sometimes elaborate fins to help them swim and stay afloat.

Aquarium space examples...

BOTTOM DWELLERSLoaches, catfish, plecos, discus, corys

MID-LEVEL SWIMMERSTetras, goldfish, barbs, danios

TOP-LEVEL FEEDERSGouramis, bettas, guppies, hatchetfish

Bottom-Dwellers

Clown Loach

Twig Catfish

Tiger Pleco

Mid-Level Swimmers

Neon Tetra

White Goldfish

Cherry Barb

Top-Level Feeders

Crowntail Betta

Hatchetfish

Gourami

GLASSHighly scratch-resistant; heavier due to density (4-10 times heavier than acrylic); prone to cracking/shattering; typically rectangular shape; can support its own weight; lifetime clarity

GLASS VS. ACRYLIC TANKS

ACRYLICEasily scratched by handling, scrubbing, shipping but can be polished; lightweight; crack-resistant; variety of shapes; weakens under weight; yellows with age

Tank Dimensions

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OXYGEN

OXYGENThe concentration of oxygen in water is significantly less than that of air.

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Oxygen makes up about 21% of the air that we breathe. In water, oxygen (dissolved

oxygen) makes up only about .0005% or 5 parts per million (ppm) or higher.

Water flows in through the mouth and out through the gills. Gills contain blood vessels for gas exchange.

*** Inflammed gills, or excessively red gills indicate stress in a fish caused by low oxygen, illness, etc. The redness is due to an increase in blood flow to the gills to acquire more oxygen.

Oxygenation of water.◉ Oxygen naturally dissolves at the surface.

Surface waters typically have higher levels of oxygen than the mid- and bottom levels.

◉ Oxygen can be mixed in by turbulence.Water flow, wind, thrashing fins, cresting waves, etc.

◉ Oxygen can be introduced via photosynthesis.Photosynthetic organisms produce oxygen: water lilies,

algae, cyanobacteria, phytoplankton, etc.

◉ Oxgen can be introduced by diffusion.Limewood (basswood) or porous stone have trapped air.

DE-oxygenation of water.◉ Metabolism uses up dissolved oxygen.

All aquatic organisms (at least the ones we are concerned about) use oxygen.

◉ Temperature is a direct variation.The higher the temperature, the lower the DO level. The lower

the temperature, the higher the DO level.

◉ Decomposition and eutrophication can cause fishkills.Decomposition by bacteria/fungi uses up oxygen (metabolism).

Eutrophication adds nutrients to the water, but organisms die off and decompose.

How can we increase DO?Aquariums don’t experience waves, natural flow, wind, etc. So how can we add dissolved oxygen?

AIR STONESAir stones are made of limewood, glass, porous stone, etc. A continuous stream of tiny bubbles are emitted by the release of trapped air/chemical reactions into the surrounding water.

Artificial Oxygenation

AIR PUMPSThese do not directly add oxygen to the water, but increase the surface area for which gas exchange can occur. Remember that gases naturally dissolve at the surface of water.