The easiest type of aquarium to maintain is a freshwater aquarium with live plants and a few hardy fish species. This type of aquarium requires less equipment, less frequent water changes, and less hassle than other types of aquariums. In this article, we will explain why freshwater planted aquariums are easy to maintain, what you need to set up one, and what fish and plants are suitable for beginners.
Why Freshwater Planted Aquariums are Easy to Maintain
Freshwater planted aquariums are easy to maintain for several reasons. First, they require less equipment than saltwater or reef aquariums, which need special filters, heaters, pumps, lights, and additives to maintain the water quality and chemistry. Freshwater planted aquariums only need a basic filter, a heater, a light, and a substrate. Second, they require less frequent water changes than other types of aquariums, because the live plants help to absorb the waste products and toxins produced by the fish and the bacteria. Live plants also produce oxygen and reduce algae growth, which improves the water quality and clarity. Third, they require less hassle than other types of aquariums, because they have fewer problems with diseases, pests, and algae. Live plants provide natural hiding places and food sources for the fish, which reduces stress and aggression. Live plants also compete with algae for nutrients and light, which prevents algae from taking over the tank.
What You Need to Set Up a Freshwater Planted Aquarium
To set up a freshwater planted aquarium, you will need the following items:
A tank of suitable size and shape. The size of the tank depends on how many fish and plants you want to keep, but a general rule is to have at least one gallon of water per inch of fish. The shape of the tank should be long and wide rather than tall and narrow, to provide more surface area for gas exchange and light penetration.
A filter that can provide mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. Mechanical filtration removes solid particles from the water, biological filtration converts ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate, and chemical filtration removes dissolved substances such as metals, chlorine, and medications. You can choose from different types of filters, such as hang-on-back filters, canister filters, sponge filters, or undergravel filters, depending on your preference and budget.
A heater that can maintain a stable water temperature. The ideal temperature for most freshwater fish and plants is between 72°F and 78°F, but some species may have different requirements. You should check the temperature regularly with a thermometer and adjust the heater accordingly.
A light that can provide sufficient illumination and spectrum for the plants. The amount and quality of light affects the growth and health of the plants, as well as the color and behavior of the fish. You can choose from different types of lights, such as fluorescent, LED, or incandescent, depending on your preference and budget. You should also use a timer to control the photoperiod, which is the duration of light and dark cycles. A typical photoperiod is 10 to 12 hours of light and 12 to 14 hours of dark per day.
A substrate that can support the roots and growth of the plants. The substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the tank, such as gravel, sand, soil, or clay. The substrate should be fine enough to allow the roots to penetrate, but coarse enough to allow water circulation and prevent compaction. The substrate should also be nutrient-rich and pH-neutral, to provide the plants with essential minerals and avoid fluctuations in the water chemistry.
Live plants that can thrive in your water conditions and complement your fish. The choice of plants depends on your personal taste and the theme of your aquarium, but some factors to consider are the size, shape, color, growth rate, and maintenance level of the plants. You should also consider the lighting, temperature, and nutrient requirements of the plants, and how they match with your tank setup. Some examples of easy and popular plants for beginners are java fern, anubias, java moss, hornwort, and amazon sword.
Fish that can coexist peacefully and adapt to your water conditions and plants. The choice of fish depends on your personal taste and the theme of your aquarium, but some factors to consider are the size, shape, color, temperament, and compatibility of the fish. You should also consider the water parameters, such as pH, hardness, temperature, and ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, and how they match with your fish’s preferences. Some examples of easy and hardy fish for beginners are guppies, platies, mollies, tetras, danios, and corydoras.
Once you have set up your freshwater planted aquarium, you will need to perform some routine maintenance tasks to keep it healthy and beautiful. These tasks include:
Testing the water quality regularly with a test kit or strips. You should monitor the levels of pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, and make adjustments if necessary. The ideal ranges for most freshwater fish and plants are: pH 6.5 to 7.5, hardness 4 to 12 dGH, ammonia 0 ppm, nitrite 0 ppm, and nitrate below 20 ppm.
Changing the water partially every week or two. You should replace about 25% to 50% of the water with fresh, dechlorinated water, using a gravel vacuum to siphon out the dirt and debris from the substrate. This will help to reduce the accumulation of waste products and toxins, and replenish the minerals and trace elements that the plants need.
Pruning and trimming the plants as needed. You should remove any dead, dying, or overgrown leaves and stems, and replant any cuttings that you want to propagate. This will help to maintain the shape and appearance of the plants, and prevent them from blocking the light and flow of the tank.
Feeding the fish appropriately and moderately. You should feed the fish with a high-quality, varied diet, consisting of flakes, pellets, frozen, live, or freeze-dried foods, depending on their needs and preferences. You should feed the fish only as much as they can consume in a few minutes, once or twice a day, and remove any uneaten food to prevent pollution and algae growth.
Cleaning the filter media and components periodically. You should rinse the filter media and components with tank water, not tap water, to preserve the beneficial bacteria that colonize them. You should also replace the filter media and components as recommended by the manufacturer, or when they become clogged or worn out. This will help to maintain the efficiency and performance of the filter, and prevent the buildup of harmful substances in the water.
A freshwater planted aquarium is the easiest type of aquarium to maintain, because it requires less equipment, less frequent water changes, and less hassle than other types of aquariums. A freshwater planted aquarium also provides a natural and beautiful environment for the fish and the plants, and offers many benefits for the hobbyist, such as relaxation, enjoyment, and learning. To set up and maintain a freshwater planted aquarium, you will need a tank, a filter, a heater, a light, a substrate, live plants, and fish, and follow some simple guidelines and tips. With a little time and effort, you can create and enjoy your own freshwater planted aquarium, and experience the wonders of aquatic life.
