Having an aquarium in the house offers many benefits. It also doesn't take too much of your time to maintain. (Photo by VINCE G. LOPEZ)

Having a tropical fish aquarium in the house has many benefits. Just observing a lighted aquarium with a lush landscape of water plants and a school of colorful fish helps relieve tension and stress. And it certainly makes a beautiful centerpiece for any room.

One doesn’t have to be too much of an expert to maintain an aquarium. It won’t take too much time either. These tips ought to help one create an attractive aquarium with a lot of pretty and healthy fish.

Choose the right tank

When buying an aquarium, consider the tank material and shape.  Although aquariums come in many shapes and sizes, first-timers are advised to go for a glass aquarium. It’s less expensive than acrylic types and is less prone to scratches and discoloration.

Go for the rectangular shape. Narrow, cylindrical and spherical aquariums may be more pleasing to the eye but they’re not always suitable for fish. They have too little water surface open to air, which can suffocate the aquarium’s inhabitants. Fish get oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide through the water surface.

Location, location

Choose a secure and ideal spot. Get it right the first time and avoid moving the aquarium to other locations. Glass aquariums are heavy and prone to breaking and leaking, especially when filled with water.

The best spot is always anywhere that’s far from wind and heat-generating equipment and places constantly exposed to sunlight. This prevents the water in the tank from overheating. It also prevents rapid algae growth. The presence of algae can be beneficial but having too much of these will turn the tank water green. Aside from their unattractive physical attributes, algae also consume the nutrients the fish and other plants need. For light, you may use artificial aquarium lighting instead.

To protect the fish and plants, place a glass cover on top. This will prevent the entry of dust and prevent the fish from jumping out of the tank.

Keep the chlorine out

To remove the chlorine in tap water, store the water in the aquarium or in a container with the aerator operating a day before placing the fish.  This will allow the dissolved chlorine in the water to gas out or evaporate.  Add a few drops of anti-chlorine chemical and a few drops of  methylene blue to sterilize the water.  Also add a few crystals of table salt, which is beneficial to the fish.

The air in there

Unlike the natural habitat of fish, the open surface of an aquarium is limited. Water is often stagnant. Aeration is the artificial oxygen-providing process for aquariums. This entails re-oxygenating the aquarium water using a system that uses air stone, regulator diffusers or tubing clamp that pumps air.

The electric air pump is hooked to a material that doesn’t vibrate and ensconced above the water level. The air is pumped into the tank to oxygenate bring upon movement in the water.  Most aquariums have a traditional under-gravel filtering system that moves and filters the water when the aerator is on.  Beneficial bacteria usually colonize the under-gravel filter and help detoxify the water. There are also some specialized filters with filter pads, which are more efficient in cleaning the water.

Upkeep rules

Wipe the glass exterior of the aquarium with a damp cloth every day to remove fingerprints and dust.

A partial water change is required every week to keep nitrate levels down and keep essential dissolved minerals at a healthy level for the fish.  Change 30 to 50 percent of the total water volume using a plastic siphon.  You may need to clean the whole tank if it gets too dirty.

Algae should be manually scraped off with a scraper sponge. Filter pads should be rinsed out in a dish of aquarium water to remove excess organic material and then placed back in the filter.  Add more water to replace any that has evaporated and the amount used to rinse out the filter pad.

It is best to have a fishnet to aid in removing the fish when it’s time to clean the tank. Using a fishnet will prevent bruises.

Aquarium plants

Fake or real plants can be used in aquariums. You can opt to do without them too.  This decision is usually influenced by the type of fish you choose. Some fish will benefit more from having live plants in the aquarium while others will eat them quicker than they have a chance to lay their roots. There are also a great many different species of plants available in a wide array of colors and features.

Rocks

Like plants, the use of rocks depends on the species of fish you have. For example, some species such as cichlids and angel fish need sheltered areas to claim their own territories. Otherwise, they become aggressive towards the more timid fish in the aquarium. On the other hand, there are species such as shoaling fish that thrive in wide open areas. Just make sure the rocks you choose are safe for use in aquariums. If in doubt, use fake rocks.

Shopping for fish

If you choose to have a variety of fish species, make sure they are compatible. Predators should never share space with calm and sociable fish. If you are a beginner, choose a species that doesn’t require too much care and doesn’t need special living conditions. Examples are guppies, goldfish, swordtails, and angel fish and tiger barbs. Also, choose a docile and friendly fish because it won’t cause trouble.  There are also some fish that readily breed and produce fingerlings in an aquarium, especially live-bearers.

Buy a healthy fish.  Shop only at pet stores and established breeders.  Learn how to spot “defects.” Like there is always something fishy with a fish that prefers to swim at the bottom of the tank or is too active and jumps around all over the aquarium.

The fish you have must be monitored daily. Feed them at a time you have a few minutes to observe behavior and health conditions. A healthy fish should be free of any marks, especially red or white marks that suggest infections or parasites. They should not struggle to swim in any way and their fins should never be clamped down.

It’s important to know how large the fish you buy can grow. Choose a fish that is appropriate for your tank size or vice versa. It is better to buy a big tank. Start with a small one and you risk having to replace it with a bigger tank in the future.

Other tips

Make sure you know what your fish likes to eat. Feeding it the wrong type of food could seriously damage its health. Fish have different eating habits.   Ask your local pet store what the best food is and how often you need to feed it.

As for the décor, it all boils down to personal taste.  Decorating an aquarium provides the chance to experiment and discover your creative side.

And please don’t tap the glass. Fish are sensitive to loud sounds. As stated earlier in this article, aquariums can relieve your stress. It’s thus your duty to not to give the fish any.