Step by Step Guide to Preparing a Cold Water Aquarium

Firstly, you should determine the size of the fish tank or aquarium depending on the species of fish that you want to keep in it. Find out the details before you take the fish home. For example, if you decide to get a piranha you'll need an enormous aquarium, whereas you'll only need a small aquarium if you want to have a group of white cloud mountain minnows.

If you have doubts about how big should your aquarium for cold water fish be, it's always better to go for a larger one, because the fish will adapt better.

Check out our article for more information about cold water fish tanks.

The second step is to get a filter. Whilst this isn't strictly necessary for a cold water aquarium, the filter will help you to keep your aquarium clean and reduce water consumption. You should get informed on how to set up the different parts required for proper functioning, such as carbon or resin.

There are power filters and waterfall filters on the market which are easy to fit and handle. Furthermore, they're fitted outside the tank so they don't invade the inhabitants' space.

The next step is to buy gravel for the bottom of the tank. You can make your aquarium look really unique, since this kind of gravel and pebbles are available in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes.

We suggest you pay attention to the fish that you'll have in your new aquarium. For example, if you're going to get a crowntail betta fish, it's crucial for the gravel to be fine so that it doesn't damage its delicate fins.

Next, add plants to the aquarium. You can choose between real and artificial plants If you go for real plants, you'll need to place a layer of specially fertilized aquarium soil under the gravel. You'll also need to do some research and make sure that the plant isn't poisonous or toxic for the cold water fish that are going to inhabit the tank.

If you've decided to use artificial plants, make sure that they're soft and won't be able to damage your fish's fins.

While the majority of people don't use it, AnimalWised recommends that you add artificial light to your cold water aquarium. The light should stay on for 8-10 hours a day, without direct contact with the sun.

The light helps to prevent algae from invading the aquarium, whilst still giving your fish a regular routine.

Finally, you can add all sorts of decorative elements such as pirate ships, fake corals, rocks and small statues, etc. You need to choose these carefully if your fish is particularly delicate, as with plants. Be original to make your aquarium unique.

If you want to read similar articles to Step by Step Guide to Preparing a Cold Water Aquarium, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category.

• Try to use good quality water.
• If you use tap water, filter it to avoid lime deposits.
• You should test the water from time to time to make sure that the pH, Kh, nitrite and nitrate levels are correct.
• Change 25% of the tank's water every week using the filter.
• Pay attention to the gravel and clean it if dirty.