How to Maintain a Freshwater Aquarium
They are a good match for other peaceful types of fish that enjoy lingering in different parts of the tank. True to their name, the neon rainbow fish dazzles with its iridescent scales, particularly when they swim against well-planted tanks. Because of their timid nature, we recommend keeping these fish in groups of at least 6 individuals. These cute Catfish only reach around 2.5 inches in length and prefer to be kept in groups. They will be happy with a partner but will become most active in larger groups. These tiny shoaling fish are one of the most recognizable in the aquatics trade.
An aquarium that’s safe for fish will read 0 ppm (parts per million) of ammonia, 0 ppm nitrite, and around 10 ppm of nitrate. Therefore, it’s not recommended to keep fish in an aquarium without a running filter for more than a week and that’s pushing it. Generally, the fish for an aquarium of this size should not be an over-breeder or a fast-grower. A 5-gallon bowl with some live plants would make a good habitat for a single male Betta. Such small volumes of water get polluted by organic waste very quickly and sudden ammonia spikes, deadly for aquatic inhabitants, are often observed. Betta fish, which has a unique organ called the Labyrinth, is one kind of fish that can survive such low-oxygen environments.
Read each description carefully, and be honest about your experience level so you don’t get overwhelmed by a complex turtle species like the Chinese Softshell Turtle as a beginner. First-time aquarists should consider easy options like Red-Eared Slider, Stripe-Neck Musk, and Reeves’ Turtles. Earlier, I highlighted the beauty of colorful aquatic turtles, so let’s shine a light on another sub-variant, the Southern Painted Turtle.Easy to care for and with a unique appearance, the bristlenose plecostomus is a fun addition to any aquarium. You can use marine salt for saltwater tanks, freshwater salt for freshwater systems, kosher salt in emergencies, and Epsom salt for stress relief or specific diseases. Each type serves different purposes, so choose based on your aquarium’s needs.
These are the least expensive option and work very well for smaller tanks. There are several pieces that all come together when you are trying to select your first aquarium setup. You should also consider how much time you have to devote to the upkeep and cleaning of your tank.