Freshwater Aquariums for Dummies - Madelaine Francis Heleine

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Résumé :

Introduction 1

About This Book 1

Foolish Assumptions 2

Icons Used in This Book 3

Where to Go from Here 4

Part 1: Getting Started with Freshwater Aquarium Basics 5

Chapter 1: Taking the Plunge: Just the Essentials 7

Focusing on the Tank, Stand, Accessories, and Equipment 8

Knowing where to put your tank 8

Looking at the tank and stand options 9

Figuring out what (besides fish) to put in your aquarium 9

Considering aquarium equipment 9

Determining what you really need 10

Caring for Your New Aquatic Pets 10

Eyeing differences in species 10

Assessing which types of fish are best for you 10

Buying fish - what you need to know 11

Feeding your fish - what types of food to buy 11

Taking care of sick fish 12

Understanding Water, Chemicals, and Live Plants 12

Grasping everything water 12

Using chemicals to improve your aquarium conditions 12

Testing your water 13

Getting a system going 13

Adding live plants 13

Fixing common problems 13

Expanding Your Aquarium Hobby 13

Breeding your fish: Yes or no? 13

Keeping track of your progress 14

Broadening your hobby 14

Contemplating other types of aquarium structures 14

Chapter 2: The Practice of Aquarium Keeping 15

Recognizing the Amazing Benefits of Owning an Aquarium 16

Identifying Aquarium Water Systems 18

Freshwater systems 19

Saltwater systems 21

Brackish systems 22

Organization Is the Key to Success 23

Chapter 3: Finding a Good Location 25

Making Sure Your Floor Is Sound 26

Taking Room Temperature and Its Effects into Consideration 26

Wicked windows 27

Deadly doors 28

High Traffic Areas, Children, and Pets (Spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R) 28

Contemplating Your Water Source When Placing Your Aquarium 30

Thinking about Other Household Items 30

Furniture and space 30

Electrical outlets and TVs 31

Overhead lighting 32

Cleaning considerations 32

Chapter 4: The Tank and Stand 33

Buying a Tank: What You Need to Know 33

Water is heavy 34

Watching the tendency to overspend 35

Checking out starter kits 35

Size matters - gauging space requirements 36

Taking people into consideration 37

Deciding where to buy 38

Examining the Different Types of Aquariums Available 39

Glass aquariums 40

Acrylic aquariums 41

Plastic aquariums (bowls and small tanks) 42

Rimless tanks 42

Considering Different and Unusual Aquarium Styles 43

Wall-mounted aquariums 43

In-wall tanks 43

Furniture aquariums 44

Tower aquariums 44

Indoor pond barrels 45

All-in-one tanks 45

Betta tanks and water gardens 45

Special tanks from the pros 45

Choosing the Right Tank 46

Tank size 46

Tank shape 47

Carrying capacity 47

Picking the Right Stand 47

Wooden cabinet stands 48

Angle and wrought iron stands 48

Aluminum stands 49

Do-it-yourself stands 49

Material-based stands 49

Bow-front stands 49

Moving an Aquarium 50

Chapter 5: Aquascaping Your Aquarium: What to Add and Not Add in Your Tank 51

Taking Clues from Your Fish's Natural Environment 52

Getting the Lowdown on Substrates 53

Starting with the basics: Gravel, aqua soil, and fluorite 54

Thinking about pH with your substrates 54

Knowing which substrates to avoid 55

Being aware of gravel s...

Biographie:

Madelaine Francis Heleine has been involved with aquariums and fish-keeping for more than 40 years. She has been a contributing writer and columnist for various magazines dealing with the aquatic world and has written several books about aquarium fish. Madelaine even enjoys exploring the underwater world firsthand as a scuba diver....

Sommaire:

Give your underwater pets the best aquatic life ever!

Aquarium fish are one of the most popular pets in America, with close to 150 million fish owned in nearly 13 million households.?They seem like easy pets to care for, but there's more than meets the eye when it comes to keeping your freshwater friends healthy and happy!

Inside, you'll find basic information to start your own freshwater aquarium, purchase and maintain healthy fish and plants, and find tips and tricks on how to introduce new fish and systems into your aquatic family.

• Understand the best aquarium set-up practices
• Build the luxury tanks of your dreams
• Maintain a thriving aquatic environment ?
• Discover many different ways to expand your hobby

Perfect for beginner hobbyists and longtime aquarium enthusiasts alike, Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies makes it easier than ever to set up and take care of a freshwater aquarium-and the fish within it.