| So you've decided on which aquarium to buy, | | | | much to cover the filter. |
| been and purchased it, and set it up in a | | | | To complete the decoration you will need some |
| prominent location in your home - what next? | | | | plants, either real or artificial, and you may want |
| Before you rush out and buy your freshwater | | | | to consider some bogwood, which looks attractive |
| tropical fish, you need to make sure you have all | | | | in an aquarium, and as it has been treated it is |
| the equipment necessary. At the very least you | | | | suitable. Do not add shells or coral, as these can |
| need a lid for the aquarium, lighting, heating and a | | | | hurt your fish, and can also change the balance of |
| filtration system. It is very important you buy the | | | | the water, as well as be sharp and may hurt the |
| correct size for your aquarium. | | | | fish. Aquatic dealers also sell other artificial |
| For instance, the lighting needs to be sufficient to | | | | decorations that you may want to purchase. |
| light the entire aquarium, likewise the filter must | | | | Ensure that whatever you do you give your fish |
| be able to cope with the amount of water you | | | | some hiding places. |
| will have, or it will not work to optimum efficiency. | | | | Next, purchase a net, a bucket, a gravel cleaner |
| Buying a heater which will have to work hard to | | | | and a glass cleaner - these are essential tools of |
| keep your aquarium at the correct temperature | | | | the trade, and will be used often. I would also |
| may be cheaper, but will end up a false economy, | | | | recommend buying de-chlorinator - tap water |
| as it will soon break. If you are in any doubt as to | | | | may be great for people, but it was not made |
| what to buy to go with your aquarium, check | | | | for tropical fish. All the chemicals which are put in |
| with a reputable aquatic dealer. | | | | the water are not good for freshwater tropical |
| You will now need to decorate your aquarium. For | | | | fish, so the water will either need to be left |
| this you need gravel, and by this I mean special | | | | standing for a couple of days, and be subjected |
| gravel you buy from an aquatic dealer, the quality | | | | to strong aeration, or have a de-chlorinator added |
| is important. You also need a lot of it, because | | | | to it. |
| you need to cover the base of the aquarium by | | | | Finally, purchase some fish food, so that when |
| at least 2-3 inches (5-7.5cm). This will allow the | | | | you bring your new freshwater tropical fish home |
| plants to root properly, and if you have an | | | | you have something to feed them. |
| under-gravel filtration system you will need this | | | | |