Buying an Aquarium for a Child or Teen in Melbourne Buying an Aquarium for Child or Teen in Melbourne | Page 11
must match the size of the tank. Choose a filter with a flow rate that filters all the
water in your tank at least four times each hour.
Heater: Most fish require a temperature of about 77 F. Unless your house remains
in that range all the time, you'll need a heater. Aquarium heaters come as hang-on-
the-tank or submersible models and may have a numerical setting or simply an up
and down setting. Go for the submersible with a numerical setting. It will cost more
but they are worth it. As for size, a rule of thumb for wattage is to use 5 watts per
gallon for smaller tanks and 3 watts per gallon for larger tanks. However, the room
temperature does affect the wattage needed. When in doubt, refer to the heater
guide under the reference links.
Thermometer: The liquid crystal stick-on thermometers are inexpensive, easy to
read, and generally accurate enough for general use. If you plan to breed fish or keep
delicate fish, you should opt for a thermometer that goes in the water.
Substrate: This is the material that lines the bottom of the aquarium. Generally, a
small, smooth, dark-colored gravel is preferable. Get one pound of gravel for each
gallon of water.
Fish Net: Choose a medium sized, good quality net. Better yet, get two nets. Catching
fish is easier with two nets, and it's always wise to have a spare net on hand. You
never know when you may tear or misplace one of your nets.
Water Conditioner: Unless the water is aged it must be dechlorinated before fish
can be safely added. Choose a product that will take care of chlorine, ammonia, and
heavy metals.
Test KitsL Testing water in a newly set up tank is critical. You should have kits to
test for ammonia, nitrite, and pH. Multi-test strips will do as long as you follow
manufacturers directions and store them properly.
Recently in-tank testing monitors have become popular. These are placed inside the
tank against the aquarium wall and continuously monitor the water chemistry.
Generally, these products are only good for a month or two, so take care to replace
them regularly.
Siphon: A siphon tool is necessary to vacuum the gravel and to do water changes.
There are simple types that use gravity to siphon, and more sophisticated models
that use water pressure from your tap. If you can afford it, purchase the tap run
models as they are much easier to use.
Algae Scrubber: It's a fact of life that algae will grow in an aquarium eventually. An
algae pad or scraper is an important maintenance item. Another option is the algae
magnet. You'll pay a little more, but the convenience is worth it.
Water Bucket: Doesn't everyone have one? Yes, but if it has had soap or other
chemicals in it, the residue could be lethal to fish. Purchase a brand new one to use
only for aquarium maintenance.