My Fish Tank Blog

Setting up a tropical freshwater tank: basic equipment

Good preparation will contribute to a fantastic fish tank.  Here are some of the basic things which prospective keepers of tropical fish will need… Aquarium and stand Nowadays, aquariums come in all different shapes and sizes.  Take some time to think about where you will position your tank.  Remember that the tank may need space behind for pipes and wires. Also, the tank will need an electricity...

Cleaning aquarium glass

Although fish are generally not bothered by the clarity of their tank’s glass, unclear glass can hinder our enjoyment of them. The interior glass of a fish tank can become obscured by algae.  This can be easily removed with an algae scraper.  On a glass tank, use a scraper with a metal blade. The exterior glass should not be cleaned with conventional glass cleaners as they contain chemicals...

Advantages and disadvantages of using wood in a freshwater aquarium

Most people consider wood to be an attractive aquarium feature.  There are some significant advantages and disadvantages to using wood in a fish tank. Advantages: Wood will lower the water’s pH level.  As such, it is particularly useful for fish who prefer acidic water (eg angelfish). Some fish, such as plecos, need wood as part of their natural diet. Pieces of wood can provide excellent hiding...

Setting up the Fluval Roma 200 aquarium with Fluval 205 external filter

This has been my first experience of setting up a larger tank with an external filter.  I thought I’d share my experiences for anybody in a similar situation.  So, this is how I set up the tank and filter (with suggestions as to how you could do it better than me!): I carefully positioned the tank (remembering that, when water’s been added, it will be impossible to move!). I wiped the...