| You might think that the only decision that you have to | | | | But before you get started, here are five tips for fish |
| make when deciding to start an aquarium is whether | | | | tank success |
| you want a freshwater tank or a salt water tank (or | | | | 1. Probably THE most important factor when you begin |
| marine tank). But in reality, there are several different | | | | to explore your fish tank options is making sure that |
| environments within each of these two habitats. In this | | | | you decide what size aquarium you want. This is |
| article, we'll investigate natural habitats found in the | | | | important because it will determine what type and how |
| community tank, as well as those found in the waters | | | | many fish you can keep. It's best to plan ahead so you |
| of the Amazon River basin. These environments can | | | | don't limit your choices down the road. Try to get as |
| be recreated in your tank, and make for very | | | | big a fish tank as you can comfortably afford. In |
| interesting and entertaining aquariums. | | | | general, most people wish they had started with a |
| For example, you can have a freshwater community | | | | bigger tank once they discover the fun and beauty of |
| tank. The desired result is to bring together a collection | | | | setting up and keeping their aquarium. |
| of fish and plants that can thrive in the same tank, but | | | | 2. Another really important decision that you need to |
| do not necessarily share the same origins in the wild. | | | | make is where you'll buy your new fish tank and the |
| Species from all over the world can be mixed. This is | | | | supplies you'll need to go with it. Be sure that you buy |
| the most common type of aquarium tank, especially | | | | from a reputable and knowledgeable supplier, that way |
| for the new fish keeper. | | | | they'll be around to answer any questions that you |
| Another "variety" of freshwater fish tank could be one | | | | might have, and in the event that you need to return |
| stocked with fish and plants often found in streams | | | | something you'll be able to easily. They'll also be there |
| that run through the deep rain forests of the Amazon. | | | | to supply you with any items you'll need to keep your |
| Floating plants and driftwood often make these | | | | fish tank running smoothly. |
| waters acidic and murky, however the Amazon basin | | | | 3. Setting up and maintaining your tank doesn't have to |
| is home to some of the most spectacular fish species | | | | cost a lot of money. You can enjoy fish keeping very |
| found anywhere in the world, including the prized discus | | | | inexpensively. But to do this responsibly, you should |
| fish. | | | | educate yourself, and make sure that you set up your |
| Also found in the forests of the Amazon River are | | | | fish tank the right way from the beginning. |
| thousands of acid-water pools and streams, rich in | | | | 4. One of the easiest ways to get your tank up and |
| humic acids that result from the decomposition of | | | | running fairly quickly is to buy a fish tank kit. Kits come |
| vegetation that falls from the dense forest plant life. | | | | with everything you need, and range from a simple |
| The acids turn the water darkish brown, and much of | | | | "bowl", to larger tanks of just about any size. In most |
| the sunlight is blocked out by the overhead canopy. | | | | cases, they will be designated for use as either |
| Oxygen levels are often very low in these pools and | | | | freshwater fish tanks, or saltwater (marine) fish tanks. |
| streams, however, many species of fish can be found | | | | 5. Many of the new kits and systems make marine |
| here. Swimming happily together, you might see dwarf | | | | reef tank keeping an option that you may not have |
| cichlid, brightly colored tetras, and bottom dwelling | | | | considered before. The new salt water fish tank |
| catfish. This type of fish tank setup is quite interesting, | | | | systems available allow you to bring the colors of the |
| and it's easy to create beautiful habitats. | | | | coral reef into your home or office, without the huge |
| Setting up a fish tank can be a great family activity. | | | | expense and headaches of just a few years ago. |