Pet Fish Supplies: Everything You Need to Know

Fish tanks are a lot of fun to set up as well as to own and admire. There is quite a bit of work that goes into the set up process of a fish tank. This is why it’s important to understand the different supplies that you will need to get, and the different materials fish tanks are made of, and whether you want a saltwater or freshwater tank.

You can find a wide variety of aquarium supplies at your local fish pet store. The employees who work at this specialty store will be a wealth of knowledge for you when you first go in there to begin the process of gathering fish tank supplies. 

Tank vs Bowl - Which One is Better?

Whether you want to have a fish tank or a fishbowl is primarily based on what you are prepared to take care of, but there are pros and cons to either option. A fish tank is a great option if you would like to have multiple fish living in it, you can also have an aquaponic fish tank if you love plants. A fish tank also allows for more room to decorate or add live plants. Fish tanks also are self-cleaning to a degree.

Fish tanks usually come with a filtration system that will help to keep the water clean for your fish the only cleaning maintenance you would really need to do with a tank is replacing the filter every so often. The frequency that you would need to change a filter varies from one system to the next.

On the other hand, a fishbowl is smaller and takes up less room. Fishbowls also don’t require as much technical upkeep since they don't have a filtration system. Usually, a fishbowl just needs a full water change and a light cleaning every week or two as far as upkeep foes. Normally a fishbowl can only hold about 2-3 fish, depending on the species you have in there. You also cannot put bigger fish like the blood parrot fish in a small fish bowl. Fishbowls can easily be used as a simple decoration on a shelf, unlike a tank that tends to take up more space and will need to need to be close to a power source for its filtration system. 

Freshwater Versus Saltwater

It's a well-known fact that a saltwater tank needs more upkeep than a freshwater tank, but there’s more to learn about the difference between saltwater and a freshwater tank, as well as what fish can or cannot go in either one. Just like with a fish tank or a fishbowl there are pros and cons that need to be considered when deciding which one would be the better choice for you. 

One obvious difference is that freshwater tanks are much easier to keep up. Freshwater fish are also typically cheaper and easier to keep alive, meaning a freshwater tank is a cheaper and lower maintenance. Freshwater fish aren’t so easily affected by issues that may occur within a freshwater tank, such as there being a slight delay in changing a filter or a slight imbalance in water pH. Not to say a freshwater tank shouldn't be kept up with on a regular basis. 

Saltwater fish are more particular about their environment and can become ill or die as a result of even the slightest disruption in the tank. Saltwater tanks cost so much more money to keep up with for this reason. Saltwater tank owners need to stay on top of equipment and water maintenance. Once you decide on whether you want to have a freshwater or saltwater tank, that is when you will choose a filtration system and heater that are made for the kind of tank you’d like to have. 

Aquarium Types

There are actually two materials that fish tanks are made out of and that's glass and acrylic. There are pros and cons for each of these tank materials. Acrylic tanks are usually preferred because they don’t weigh as much as glass tanks and are also more durable so they don’t shatter like a glass tank might. However, acrylic tanks need support on all sides, including the bottom or you might find yourself in trouble with your fish tank. 

Aquarium Stands

When choosing a place for your fish tank to call home, you will want to keep in mind that each gallon of water alone weighs about 10lbs. Meaning, that the particleboard bookshelf you have in your living room probably isn’t your best choice of a fish tank stand. You can find an assortment of fish tank stands at your local pet store. Some even come with the tank and look decorative and modern so that they fit perfectly with your home decor. 

Conclusion

Fish tanks bring wonderful colors and a touch of serenity to any home. It's just important that you know what different kinds of fish tanks you have to choose from and the unique maintenance that comes with each before starting such a project.

Having a saltwater tank means being able to choose from hundreds of colorful tropical fish, but also needing to keep up with high maintenance demands. A freshwater tank is easier and cheaper to keep up with, but the fish aren’t always so exotic looking, but they are more durable.

There are plenty of beautiful freshwater fish out there to choose from, however. Fish tanks are a great addition to any household and are something that the whole family will love.

How much does a goldfish cost?

On average a common goldfish only costs between $3 and $7. Goldfish are one of the cheaper kinds of fish that someone can purchase. This is partly due to the fact that some fish tank owners only get goldfish in order to condition a new tank, in preparation for adding a variety of other fish.

Do fish like to be pet?

Some fish are friendly enough or will become comfortable enough with their owner to allow them to pet them. Generally, a fish doesn’t prefer to be petted by humans, but there are many special exceptions to this. There are even some fish owners that have been able to teach their fish to perform tricks like jumping through a hoop just above the water.

What supplies do you need for a betta fish?

For a betta fish, you need a decent-sized bowl because betta fish love to swim around and be active. You’ll also want bowl decorations for them to swim around and hide in. Bettas are also known for enjoying sleeping on surfaces within their bowl. A water thermometer and even a water heater are also good supplies to have when preparing to get a betta fish.