Complete guide to setting up a tropical freshwater aquarium

As we mentioned earlier, at some point in our lives we were all beginners at something. Sometimes we made thousands of mistakes before we realized that instead of doing something right, we were actually doing it wrong.

The purpose of this guide is to help the person who is a beginner in the subject of aquariums so that you can learn about what you should take into account when thinking about having a fish tank at home. Maintaining an aquarium involves responsibility and attention to the life of the fish and other living beings inside it.

Many people think that having an aquarium is just about putting fish in water and letting them swim around, but the reality is more complex. From the first days of setting up the aquarium to regular maintenance, everything must be carefully managed to ensure the well-being of the aquatic inhabitants.

Types of aquariums

When setting up an aquarium, it is important to choose the right type based on our capabilities and the space available in our home. There are several types of aquariums, but we are going to focus on the tropical freshwater aquarium, one of the most traditional and popular.

A tropical freshwater aquarium requires a temperature of between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius, so a good heating system is essential. This type of aquarium can accommodate a variety of species. de peces and plants, creating a visually appealing environment. However, when mixing species it is necessary to take into account the compatibility between them. A very common mistake is to mix goldfish fish with species that require warmer waters. Although they can survive in these conditions for a while, in the long term this could cause health problems.

Selecting the right equipment

To start a tropical freshwater aquarium, you need specific equipment to ensure the well-being of your fish and the stability of the aquatic environment. The most important things are the right filter, heater and substrate.

The filtration system

The filter is the “heart” of the aquarium. Its job is to keep the water clean and ensure that beneficial bacteria thrive. A good filter should be able to process 3-5 times the total volume of water in the aquarium per hour. There are several types of filters, the most common being backpack filters, internal filters, and external filters. An external filter is more powerful and allows for a higher filtration capacity, which is more suitable for larger aquariums.

Backpack filters: easy to maintain and suitable for small to medium sized aquariums.
Internal filters: compact but less powerful than external ones, ideal for small aquariums or as accessories.
External filters: They offer the best filtration capacity and are ideal for large or densely planted aquariums.

Heating system

As mentioned above, one of the most important factors for a tropical freshwater aquarium is to maintain a constant temperature between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. To do this, it is essential to use a heater. Depending on the size of the aquarium, the heater power should be between 1 and 2 watts per liter of water.

In larger aquariums, you may choose to install more than one heater to ensure that the temperature remains constant throughout the aquarium. It is also possible to install bottom heaters, an ideal option for planted aquariums as these encourage better root growth.

Substrate and decoration

Substrate is essential, especially if you have live plants in your aquarium. Not only does it provide support for the plants, but it also serves as a habitat for beneficial bacteria that help maintain water quality.

For planted aquariums, it is recommended to use a nutritious substrate that provides essential minerals. In aquariums without plants, you can opt for decorative gravel that does not alter the chemical conditions of the water.

In addition to the substrate, aquarium décor should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. Live plants, rocks and logs not only beautify the aquarium, but also provide shelter and exploration opportunities for the fish.

Aquarium setup and cycling

Before introducing fish, the aquarium needs to go through a process called cycling. Cycling involves creating a biologically prepared environment to safely support life. This allows beneficial bacteria that process ammonia and nitrite to establish themselves in the aquarium filter and substrate.

A common mistake is to introduce fish immediately after setting up the aquarium. This can result in the build-up of toxic substances in the water and cause the death of the fish. Cycling should last between 2 to 4 weeks, during which regular testing of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels should be performed.

Use water test kits to monitor ammonia (NH3/NH4), nitrites (NO2), and nitrates (NO3) levels.
There are commercial products that can help speed up the process by incorporating nitrifying bacteria.
Avoid overfeeding the fish during the first few weeks and perform partial water changes as needed.

Aquarium maintenance

Maintaining your aquarium properly is an ongoing task that includes cleaning, water changes, and monitoring the parameters that ensure a healthy environment for your fish. Here are the main maintenance tasks:

Daily Review: Check that equipment such as the filter and heater are working properly. Observe the behavior of the fish to ensure that they are not showing signs of stress or illness.
Weekly water changes: Perform water changes of 10% to 25% of the total volume to keep nitrate levels under control and reduce toxin buildup. Use water conditioners to remove chlorine and heavy metals from new tap water.
Pruning plants: If you have a planted aquarium, regularly remove unhealthy leaves and prune plants to ensure healthy growth.
Window cleaning: Use scrapers or cleaning magnets to remove algae and other debris that adhere to the walls of the aquarium.

Choice de peces for the tropical aquarium

One of the best things about a tropical freshwater aquarium is the wide variety of species you can choose from. However, it is essential to select fish that are compatible and suitable for the size of your aquarium and your level of experience.

tetras: Tetras, such as the neon tetra or cardinal tetra, are schooling fish that thrive in groups. They are very colorful and easy to care for.
Guppies: They are ideal for beginners. They are lively, brightly colored fish that are easy to care for. They also reproduce easily.
Angelfish: Although they are larger and require more spacious aquariums, angelfish make an excellent addition to planted aquariums.
Betta fish:This fish is known for its impressive colors, although it has an aggressive character, so it should not coexist with other aggressive or long-finned species.

Tips to avoid diseases in the aquarium

A well-maintained aquarium is key to preventing fish diseases. Some tips to minimize risks include:

Avoid overfeeding, as excess food decomposes and affects water quality.
Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main aquarium.
Monitor ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels regularly to maintain optimal conditions.
Watch for signs of disease such as spots, deteriorated fins or changes in the fish's behavior.

Setting up and maintaining a tropical freshwater aquarium requires dedication and care, but it is an extremely rewarding experience. If you follow the steps and tips provided in this guide, you will be well on your way to enjoying a healthy and aesthetically pleasing environment for your fish and plants.

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