How-To Guides for Starting Your Aquarium
Beginner's Guide: How to set up your first aquarium
Follow along as we list off the supplies you'll need and help
you avoid mistakes that beginner fish keepers make.
Getting the tank
There are many options for fish tanks out there, but a fish bowl
or those portable carriers that fish usually come in are not
proper fish tanks.
We all wish to live in a spacious home, right? Well, fishes do
too. It is recommended to house your fish in a tank of at least
10-20 gallons. For perspective, a 10-gallon tank is roughly the
size of a picnic cooler box.
This provides the space needed for them to swim about freely. An
increased water surface area also promotes oxygen exchange,
allowing them to live healthily. The benefits of living in a
bigger home can be applied to fish tanks too, such as better
waste management and stress reduction. With more water in a
larger tank, waste products like ammonia can be diluted.
Likewise, with a more spacious home, clutter will not be that
obvious.
Overcrowding can lead to increased aggression and stress among
fishes. A larger tank can prevent this and let the fishes swim
their worries away.
Furnishing the tank
Now that you have a tank, what's next? You can start decorating
your fish's new home with functional furniture like substrate
and aquatic plants. The fish's version of vinyl flooring is
substrate, which usually comes in the form of gravel or sand.
Substrate reduces algae buildup and helps to filter the water by
playing host to good bacteria. Aquatic plants contribute to the
aesthetics of the tank while boosting oxygen levels.
Making your job easier
Filters are a great help in maintaining the cleanliness of your
tank, acting as your fish's personal robot vacuum cleaner or air
purifier. There are different types of filters ranging from
sponge filters to hang-on filters. We offer different varieties
for you to choose from, catering to both high and low budgets
(our most affordable filter only costs $7)!
Helping your fish settle in
The last step to do before letting your fish tour its new home
is to treat the tank water. Tap water may contain chemicals such
as chlorine, which can be dangerous for your fish. To prevent
this, consider adding a dose of treatment to the tank once it
has been set up.
In case you are thinking about using distilled water to prevent
this trouble, it is generally advised against as distilled water
does not contain the necessary minerals required for fish
keeping.
You just purchased a new fish friend from us, eager to introduce
it to its new home. Now what? Here is a video that teaches how
to acclimate your new fish to its home.
How to keep my aquarium fishes healthy and happy
Fish are still living beings and have personalities or quirks
too. Is your fish showing signs of distress? Read on to find out
how to enhance the wellbeing of your fish friend.
Decorations
The simplest way to liven up your tank is to add decorations in
the form of plants, logs, or caves. Though it seems obvious,
decorations can go a long way in acclimatising your fish,
helping them feel more at home.
Aquatic plants not only add aesthetics to the tank, but also
help with waste management. An ecosystem is created when they
use your fish's waste as a fertilizer to enable them to release
oxygen, giving your fish a healthy environment to thrive in.
Replicating their natural habitat
Just like humans, fish also seek comfort in hiding places.
Having "tank furniture" such as sunken ships, caves, or clean
driftwood protects your fish from aggression from other fish and
provides comfort.
There are many other ways you can replicate your fish's natural
habitat, research just needs to be done with reference to your
fish's particular breed. You may come to observe that your fish
displays lesser signs of stress when you introduce elements of
their natural environment.
Know their diet
Understanding what, when, and how to feed your fish can do
wonders for its wellbeing. Fish can be underfed and overfed - a
good way to tell if they are overfed is if they appear sluggish
or constipated.
Overfeeding is a common mistake of new fish owners, and it can
lead to fatty liver and poor water quality. Yes, I'm referring
to cloudy tanks with remnants of leftover food. They probably
had good intentions but ultimately different fish have different
appetites and habits.
For example, carnivorous fish don't need to be fed everyday but
herbivorous fish should be fed in small quantities once or twice
everyday. One should do due diligence on their fish's individual
needs.
Keeping their tank clean
The most obvious sign of overfeeding is food leftover at the
bottom of the tank. This can also make the water appear murky
and unsightly, which is why regular water changes are
recommended.
Stabilising the pH levels in the tank is important as
fluctuation can cause your fish to be stressed, making them
susceptible to diseases. However, it's usually not a good idea
to do full water changes at once, as this may also stress out
your fish.
Rather, you should try to change at most 25% of the water at a
time. These partial water changes help to keep the water
conditions in your tank nice and clean without stressing out
your fish.
Keeping your fish healthy and happy is actually easier than it
seems, especially with accessories such as water filters to help
you out. Rearing fish is a growing process, take your time to
understand the personality of your fish friend and it can be
extremely rewarding.
Future addition: If you are ever unsure of your fish's behaviour
and are at your wit's end, join our community (link) to connect
with owners of the same breed and help your fish return to
normal.
How to aquascape my aquarium
We live in a garden city, and it has done wonders for our
mental, social, and physical state. Want to achieve the same for
your fish friends? Read on to find out how to create a mini
Gardens by the Bay in your aquarium!
What is aquascaping?
Simply put, aquascaping is 'underwater gardening', involving
setting up, decorating and arranging decorations to make a tank
aesthetic. Decorations usually include aquatic plants, stone,
and driftwood.
Though it may seem difficult if you aren't creative, aquascaping
isn't hard to pick up as long as you follow these few
principles.
Basics of aquascaping
Simplicity is one of the key facets of decorating your tank.
Often, people think that they should add as many plants as they
can in order to spruce up their tank and add as many decorations
as possible. But sometimes, less is more; keep it simple and
your tank will still look just as beautiful.
Here are some basics you can start with:
Lighting elements
Introducing some light to your tank increases visual appeal, and
makes it easier to see your fish in its full glory.
It can be as simple as this LED clip lamp, that just illuminates
your tank and adds some dimension to the otherwise dim waters.
The additional light will also help influence the health of your
plants, providing more oxygen to the surrounding water.
Water filters
Ensuring circulation in your tank keeps food remnants or other
waste away, making your tank look clean and welcoming. It is
also healthier for your fish, reducing stress.
The additional movement of the water makes the tank look more
lively; you won't get bored looking at your tank for hours.
Substrate
By adding sand or gravel to your tank, more visual elements make
it look attractive and appealing. Apart from this, substrate can
also mimic the natural environment of your fish's habitat,
helping them feel more at home.
For example, arowanas typically live in freshwater environments
such as rivers and lakes. Adding gravel simulates rocks at the
riverbed, making your tank more cohesive and in theme.
Ornaments
After the bare bones of the tank have been landscaped, we can
start introducing "furniture" for your fish. Aquarium driftwood,
rocks, or caves can be added to tie in the overall theme of your
tank. This is the most fun part - take your time to scroll
through our site and pick the most suitable decorations.
Decorations are also functional as they can serve as hiding
spots for your fish friend. They too need some alone time -
these hiding spots provide just that, while acting as shelter
from aggression from other fish.
We hope this guide is useful for you, and can give you respite
from any stress in your life. Aquascaping is a calming and
therapeutic activity to help take things off your mind. If you
have any questions about aquascaping or fish rearing, check out
our community and connect with fellow fish keepers today!
How to choose the right tank mates for my fish
Some fish are just not meant to be together. Here are some tips
on finding friends for your fish and a checklist of important
things to take note of when setting up a 'tank kampong'.
Biggest things to avoid
Ever wondered why bettas are nicknamed "fighting fish"? Well,
they are placed in separate containers at aquariums for good
reason. Bettas are notoriously aggressive and territorial,
fighting to establish dominance over food and access to females.
Male bettas thus need to be kept separately as they often
exhibit aggressive behavior. Female bettas on the other hand,
can be kept in small groups otherwise known as a "sorority".
Another quirk of bettas is they may be triggered by other
brightly colored fish, so it's best not to mix them.
Size
Too many varying sizes in the same tank is not a good sign
either, as larger fish may end up eating smaller ones. Smaller
fish may also end up nipping at the fins and body of the slower
moving fish. It's recommended to put fishes of similar size in
the same tank to prevent any casualties.
Housing more than two large fish in a tank is also not the best
idea, unless you have a good-class-bungalow of a tank to
accommodate them. You should keep to a general rule of one inch
of fish per gallon of water in order to ensure enough space for
everyone.
Overcrowding
Having a whole kampung of fish may add life and color to your
tank, but it may also add competition, stress, and a less
healthy environment. Be careful not to overload your tank; even
small fish like guppies can be one too many, they may not be too
happy living in a dense and crowded environment. Overcrowding
can lead to poor water quality, increased aggression, and a
higher risk of disease. A good rule of thumb is to allow one
inch of fish per gallon of water, though this can vary depending
on the species and their specific needs. For example, a
10-gallon tank could comfortably house about 8-10 neon tetras,
but you’d need to adjust for larger or more territorial fish
like cichlids.
Temperature and nature of water
It may seem obvious, but new fish owners may accidentally put
fish from different environments into one tank. The type and
temperature of water are critical for your fish’s survival
because, well, they’re fish, and water is their lifeblood. We
wouldn’t want to breathe foreign air, right? Be sure to check
the climate and environment your fish are native to (e.g.,
clownfish are saltwater fish, neon tetras are freshwater fish).
These two fish have a preferred water temperature in common
though, that is 20-28°C. We sell thermometers and heaters to
help you maintain the best possible environment for your fish
friend.
To choose suitable tank mates for your fish, follow this simple
guideline:
-
Research your existing fish’s species; are there any big
mistakes to avoid? Are they okay being alone, or is having
company important?
-
Is there an allowance of one inch of fish per gallon of water?
E.g., a 10-gallon tank can house about 10 neon tetras.
-
Would you feel claustrophobic if you put yourself in your
fish’s fins and imagine living with others in your tank?
-
Is the temperature and type of water suitable for my fish(es)?
How to create a low-maintenance aquarium for busy folks
Busy hustling? Want to get into fishkeeping as a hobby? Read to
find out how you can keep your tank low-maintenance.
Creating a workflow for your tank
Aquariums can be difficult to maintain and time-consuming to
upkeep. In our busy lives, we may not always have time to keep
up with all the maintenance necessary, but if you’re able to
plan ahead, you’ll be able to set up your aquarium such that all
it requires is a few minutes of your attention every one or two
weeks. The only daily commitment is feeding your fish, of
course.
Keep your new tank away from direct sunlight
You may think that letting your fish get some sun will help with
its wellbeing, but it doesn’t. In fact, it can lead to the tank
overheating and promote algae growth. An easy-to-maintain tank
and rapid algae growth simply don’t go hand in hand—it’s like
putting two male bettas in the same tank. Instead, consider
adding algae-eating fish to your tank, like plecos or Siamese
algae eaters. They can act as your robot vacuum cleaner and help
to reduce your cleaning time.
Don’t overstock your tank
We all want the best for our fish, but sometimes less is really
more. Keep tank decorations and tank mates to a minimum, as we
don’t want to introduce more waste to the tank. It not only
increases commitment but also creates an unhealthy environment
for your fish. Murky waters are undesirable, and one way to
reduce it is by maintaining a minimalist yet functional tank.
Create 1 to 2 hiding spots for your fish, some aquatic plants
for oxygen, a conservative amount of fish, and you and your tank
filter will thank you. Read our article on how to find suitable
tank mates for your fish
here!
Get a bigger tank, if possible
Larger spaces, much like larger homes, appear less visually
cluttered as there is just more space for things to go. The
larger volume of water also dilutes any waste, making
maintenance easier. In case you’re frowning about this because
it means longer time to do water changes—it doesn’t. Partial but
frequent water changes are always recommended, as it prevents
stressing your fish out. Every other week, you may use a gravel
vacuum or siphon to clean the tank and drain out only 10-20% of
water in the tank. Monotonous actions can feel therapeutic at
times, take this as a break from work.
One shortcut to a clean tank is also by over-filtering your
aquarium. If you have a 20-gallon tank, you can explore looking
for a filter that’s designed for a tank larger than the one you
have, perhaps a 40-gallon filter. If you can maintain this
routine, it negates the need to constantly do full cleans of
your tank, which may stress your fish out.
By keeping your tank away from direct sunlight, practicing a
little bit of minimalism, and getting a bigger tank, you can
create an efficient workflow in tank maintenance. You can now
kick back after a long day of work and admire your fish without
having to worry about constant maintenance. We hope this article
eases you into fishkeeping even if you work a 9-5 job and are
worrying about upcoming deadlines. Reach out to other fish
owners and gain some more tips on low-maintenance fishkeeping
here!
