Page 29 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

WHAT TO CONSIDER 27

Feeding and water chemistry
Food and water requirements can impose real restraints on
the plants and fish that can be used to stock an aquarium. EXTERNAL FISH HOUSE
Some predatory species, for example, can be difficult to As you become more serious about fishkeeping—and particularly
wean off life foods, and may have to be fed small fish— if you want to breed fish—you may find that one tank is just not
not a practical option for a small home setup. Similarly, enough. Additional tanks may be needed to isolate young fish from
if you intend to establish lush, attractive vegetation in adults or to treat sick fish. If space in the home is limited, a fish
house may be the answer. This could be a well-insulated and/or
the tank, you should avoid species that are vegetarian, heated outbuilding, such as a garage or shed, in which tanks can
because they will nibble on the young plants. be supported on racks. Get a building inspector to make sure the
Certain tropical fish are highly particular about building is strong enough to support the weight of tanks and water.
water chemistry, while others are tolerant of
varied water conditions. Discus, for example,
need soft water; if you live in a hard-water area,
you will need to invest in an ion-exchange water
softener to keep these species successfully. However,
your hard water will be ideal for keeping other species
that enjoy these conditions, such as Rift Valley cichlids.

Tanks in the home
Some aquarists are primarily fascinated by the biology of the
fish in their tank, or keep their fish for breeding, and are
almost oblivious to the appearance of the aquarium. But for

the majority, aesthetics are important—creating a harmonious
design using the tank itself, the fish, plants, backgrounds, and
Make sure that the tank furniture is part of the appeal of fishkeeping. Aquariums
stand can take the
weight of the tank are available in all shapes and sizes. Some are designed to rest
on existing furniture, while others can be supported on special
stands or cabinets. Larger tanks can even be used architecturally—
Specially built cabinet incorporated into the fabric of the home as room dividers, for
supports the tank
and conceals pumps example. In general, the tank should be visible at eye level,
filters, and other either when standing or when seated, but otherwise there are
equipment
few rules about tank aesthetics.
The Red-Tailed
Shark is aggressive toward
its own kind, or with other
fish that display a similar
coloration. Sociability is an
important concern when
selecting fish for the tank.

Tanks are available in almost
any size and to fit almost any
budget. Cabinet-mounted
tanks (above) are pieces of
furniture in themselves, while
small “plug-and-go“ tanks (right)
are ideal for the novice (see p.31).

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