1. When choosing an aquarium, give preference to a large aquarium. Do not skimp. Strangely enough, it's easier to take care of a large aquarium. It does not need to be cleaned often, and it is easier to establish biological balance in it. A large aquarium can be referred to an aquarium with a volume of 200 liters or more.
2. If we talk about the shape of the aquarium, then the preference should be given to a rectangular aquarium. At the round aquarium, the glass strongly distorts the view. If the aquarium is narrow and high, then it will be difficult for you to adjust the aeration of the lower layers of water in it. Fish in such aquariums suffer from a lack of oxygen.
3. In addition to the aquarium and fish, you will need a compressor, a thermometer, a heater, a filter and additional lighting.
Design of the aquarium.
1. Herbalist. The emphasis is on beautiful aquatic plants. Fish usually inhabit such an aquarium quite a bit. But do not forget that the power of the lamps in the lid of a regular shop aquarium is not enough for breeding the most beautiful aquatic plants. There are two ways out. You can buy an additional starter at a pet store and install another fluorescent lamp. Or just plant in an aquarium light, undemanding plants. These can be anubias and cryptocoryns. For a new soil under the roots of plants, put the balls of clay. For such a herbalist, it is good to plant Siamese algae, somica-ancestors, girinoheylus. They eat algae. To ensure that they do their job well, they can not be overfed with dry food. In the neighbors to them you can identify guppies, pecilia, neon. These are small and peaceful fish. In the herbalist, it is not necessary to plant large fish, otherwise they can damage your garden. If there is a little fish in such an aquarium, you can even do without a compressor and without a filter. Plants do not need them, and the fish will have enough oxygen and plants.
2. The cichlid. In such an aquarium, large fish are kept - cichlids. They dig through the bottom of the aquarium. For decoration, stones, artificial plants, snags are placed in it. Such an aquarium is usually inhabited by "smart" fish, for example, astronotus. A pair of such fish builds a shelter, cares for the fry, takes the children out for a walk. It's very interesting to watch them. For African cichlids you need hard water. The marble crumb is poured into the ground, and limestone debris is well used as shelters. Usually 2-3 females are planted for one male. They feed on small crustaceans. For the cichlidnik you need a filter, but you do not need additional light. If you breed American cichlids, you need to know that they live only in pairs. But during the spawning period they become especially aggressive towards their neighbors. If the aquarium is designed for 200 liters, then more than two pairs should not start. It is necessary to have more shelters in the aquarium. To do this, you can adjust snags, coconut shells, flower pots.
3. Mixed aquarium. Mixed aquarium is the most common. It houses many plants, and many fish. He is very similar to the herbalist. But because of the large number of fish, it is necessary to install a filter and a compressor. For plants will have to constantly monitor. If any fish start or dig them out or eat, then you'll have to constantly molest.
The most unassuming fishes for a home aquarium. To learn how to properly keep fish, start by caring for the most unpretentious fish. The most unpretentious are:
1. Sawmill mottled. This type of fish is not particularly beautiful. He has an indisputable advantage: because of the peculiarities of his breathing, he is able to live even in very dirty water. These fish in the pack are very peaceful. They easily get along with other types of fish. They prefer to dwell in the aquarium at the bottom in search of food. They like to rummage in the ground. But for their maintenance in an aquarium it is necessary to buy the special forage for bottom kinds of fishes.
2. Danio. These are small and medium sized fish. They lead a gregarious lifestyle. They definitely need a lot of free space. To keep them in the aquarium, do not forget to replace the water every week. They are peaceful and mobile fish.
3. The barbs. These fish also live in flocks. Usually they have striped color. But know that they are able to pluck fins in other species of fish, which are not so mobile character. This applies to fish with veil fins. A neighbor of the aquarium barbs is best suited speckled catfish.
4. The Sword Bearers. Sword-bearers are the closest relatives of guppies. These are fish that are distinguished by their omnivorousness. They refer to viviparous representatives of fish. Lead swordsmen are schooled active way of life. Males, unlike females, have a long "sword" on the caudal fin. From this and their name. Sword bearers get along well with other fish in the aquarium, but they sin that they like to pluck fins in slow-moving fish species.
5. Guppy. Male guppies have a variety of colors, while females, on the contrary, have an unattractive greenish-gray coloring. In size they are larger than males. Guppies are the most unpretentious fish. It is worthwhile for you to have several pairs of such fish in the aquarium, as very soon they will be several times larger. Guppies refer to viviparous fishes. Unfortunately, they eat their children. When breeding a guppy, it is necessary to catch the kids in time.
6. Gurami. Gurami, unlike most aquarium fish, can absorb oxygen from the air. In this regard, they are very tenacious. Relatively peaceful neighbors in the aquarium with other species, are very curious and mobile.
Remember that the size of a fish depends not only on the species. If the aquarium is small, but there are a lot of fish, then the fish grow smaller. To prevent this, you should change the water as often as possible and install the compressor. We believe that our advice to the novice will help.