How do you start a fish tank for beginners?

Do you need anything under a fish tank?

But, if you have a rimless aquarium, a mat is a must! Many fish keepers skip the mat entirely, mostly because they don’t know better. In fact, I have seen beginners throw away the mat that came with their new tank because they thought it was part of the packaging! But I am going to get you started the right way!

Does a fish tank need a heater?

Heaters. If you are keeping tropical fish, you will need a heater. A heater insures that a tank doesn’t get too cool, and that the temperature stays steady during the course of the day, even when the room cools off (e.g., at night). For many tropical fish, a temperature of 78F is ideal.

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of a fish tank?

What is Aquarium Gravel? Aquarium gravel, or any other material placed on the bottom of the tank, is referred to as substrate. Beneficial bacteria reside in your aquarium’s substrate and break down fish waste, leftover food, and plant debris to keep the water conditions healthy.

What can I stand my fish tank on?

Plywood is the standard when it comes to quality aquarium stand building. It is typically used in higher end branded stands and is the go-to material if you are considering a DIY stand. Plywood is a very strong building material and less susceptible to water damage then MDF.

Where does an aquarium need support?

You have to use a little common sense with this. The manufacturer will say the tank requires direct vertical support (bottom of the tank to the floor) at all four corners. This requirement is to “prevent” folks from floating a tank in the middle of a sheet of plywood, with no direct vertical support under the corners.

What can I use instead of gravel in my fish tank?

Sand has a couple of other benefits when compared to gravel. Many aquarium owners think it looks more natural, better mimicking the lakes or riverbeds that make up fish’ natural habitats. In addition, closely packed sand substrate needs to be changed less frequently.

Do betta fish need gravel?

Technically, bettas do not need gravel. But they will do better with gravel or a similar substrate in their aquariums. They also do not technically need planted aquariums to survive.

Do you have to clean gravel in fish tank?

Aquarium gravel should be cleaned at least once a month using an aquarium vacuum. A few times a year, it can be beneficial to drain all of the water from the tank and remove the gravel, thoroughly cleaning and rinsing it with clean water.

Do betta fish like sand or gravel?

Gravel is the best option for betta tanks if you want to avoid maintenance. Sand is the next best choice but it can compact and needs raking for a healthy aquarium. Marble is not a great choice as it traps lots of betta debris and must be moved around to clean properly.

How often do you need to clean gravel in a fish tank?

If you have a healthy and well-balanced fish tank, you may be able to go for several months without cleaning the gravel. However, even with a highly efficient tank, it is a good idea to clean gravel at least once every two to three months.

Is sand good for aquarium plants?

Sand is usually so compact that plant roots have difficulty growing and spreading out. Like gravel, sand also does not provide nutrients for the plants. Even with the addition of root tabs, it is not the best option for a planted aquarium.

Do bettas get lonely?

Do They Get Lonely? Betta fish are naturally territorial and should not be housed with any other betta fish because they will fight and injure each other, often resulting in death. They are unlikely to get lonely in their tank; however, if they are in a small tank, they may get bored.

Do bettas need live plants?

Betta fish need plants to replicate their natural habitat and to provide hiding and resting areas. Despite their fighter fish name, betta fish are actually relatively shy and skittish under normal circumstances. Plants are especially important in divided tanks and community tanks to provide safety and reduce stress.

What do bettas like in their tanks?

Your Betta will love swimming in a tank which contains caves to hide in and plants that provide plenty shady areas. Betta’s enjoy lounging on leaves and have comfortable places to hide and sleep. It’s important you check ornaments for spots that could snag or tear your Bettas delicate fins.

Can betta fish bite you?

A betta might bite you sometimes because it views your approaching hand as a potential threat. So it reacts defensively by nipping at you. It’s also why you shouldn’t stick your hand into the aquarium too often, as it stresses the fish. The fish can bite you by accident if your finger has food on it.

What are betta Balls?

These soft biodegradable balls create a fun enrichment activity for bettas while also encouraging their natural foraging behavior. Watch your betta play in the beads like a fun ball pit as they dive in and out. Replace the beads monthly and remove uneaten food for optimal results.

Why is my fish trying to jump out?

Improperly cycling your aquarium can cause fish to jump out as can high concentrations of ammonia or improper pH levels. Fish do breathe oxygen, and when water is dirty, there is less oxygen in the fish tank for the fish to breathe. Lack of fish tank accessories or hiding spots can contribute to fish jumping.

Can fish cry?

As we mentioned before, fish cannot cry because they lack the part of the brain which allows mammals to produce tears. This part of the brain is called the cerebral cortex. Besides, fish lack both the emotional depth and mental complexity to be able to cry.