Freshwater Aquarium

Are you looking for something beautiful and lively to decorate a room in your home? Are you looking for a tranquil little corner of the world where you can sit back, relax, and let your blood pressure drop a little? Maybe you want to find a new hobby, one that lets you explore at your own pace a virtually unlimited universe of possible adventures. Whatever your desires, a tropical aquarium may be what you need. A Petland pet counsellor can give you the advice and detailed assistance you need to enter the tropical fish hobby with little effort.

To provide a healthy, happy atmosphere for your fish, Petland recommends the following necessary equipment and accessories. We have listed them as your fish’s 4 Basic Needs: Environmental, Behavioural, Nutritional, and Maintenance. When you meet these needs, your hobby will be an enjoyable one!

ENVIRONMENTAL

The Aquarium – A well-made aquarium is essential for supporting the weight of water. Most aquariums consist of glass or acrylic. They range in sizes from 7.6 L (2 gal) to 760 L (200 gal).

Amazingly, the larger the aquarium, the easier it is to maintain! The larger the aquarium, the healthier the environment is for your fish. A tank between 38 L (10 gal) and 125.4 L (33 gal) is ideal for someone starting their first aquarium.

Aquarium Stand – Water is heavy! It weighs more than 3.63 kg (8 lbs) per 3.8 L (1 gal). For example, a 75.7 L (20 gal) aquarium with gravel will weigh approximately 90.7 kg (200 lbs). Many bookshelves or side tables will not support that much weight.

Aquarium Canopy – A well fitting cover protects the fish from outside contaminants and helps to reduce temperature fluctuation and evaporation.

Light Fixture and Bulb(s) – Aquarium light fixtures come in LED, fluorescent, and incandescent types. LED and fluorescent lights provide bright, natural illumination while running cooler and using energy efficiently, with LEDs offering greater efficiency and customization. Incandescent bulbs are cheaper upfront but produce more heat, offer weaker lighting, and need more frequent replacement. Illuminate the aquarium for 10-12 hours a day.

If you are considering live plants in your aquarium, see our Keeping Live Aquatic Plants Tip Sheet for information regarding lighting.

Substrate – Gravel is the most common type of aquarium substrate. It will retain solid debris and can be used with substrate fertilizer for live plants to grow in (see our Keeping Live Aquatic Plants Tip Sheet for more information). The average amount of gravel required is 0.6 to 0.9 kg per 3.7 L of water (1 ½ to 2 lbs per gal), creating approximately 5 cm (2 in.) on the bottom of the aquarium. Many colours and varieties are available to choose from.

Heater and Thermometer – A heater is necessary to maintain a constant temperature of 24°–25°C (76°–78°F), which is comfortable for most freshwater fish. Fish are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so investing in a quality heater that is easy to set and adjust is good sense. You need a thermometer to read the temperature of the water.

BEHAVIOURAL

Decorations – The more secure your fish feels with accessible hiding places, the more confident they will feel to swim around, which means you will see your fish more! Live or artificial plants, driftwood, artificial decorations, and aquarium-safe rocks enhance the beauty of your freshwater aquarium. The general rule is to create one hiding spot per fish.

NUTRITIONAL

A Variety of Food – Fish are always looking for food, and thrive with variety in their balanced diet. Use flakes or pellets as their main food and add treats like worms or algae discs for variety and better health. Feed them 2–3 times a day, but only as much as they can eat to avoid polluting the tank. See our Do Your Fish Look Hungry? Tip Sheet for more information.

MAINTENANCE

Filter Systems – A filter serves to remove toxic waste in the water created by your fish and decaying fish foods. Many styles are available including filters that can be placed inside (internal), hang-on-the-back (external), or sit underneath the aquarium (canister). An internal motor powers these for quiet operation. They have convenient cartridges to clean or replace. Filters use three styles of filtration: mechanical, chemical and biological. Ask a Petland pet counsellor which filter would be best for your aquarium.

Gravel Cleaning Siphon – A gravel cleaner works like a vacuum to remove hidden dirt, debris, and toxins from the gravel and water. Doing a partial water change of 20–25% every three to four weeks helps reduce waste buildup and is one of the most important parts of aquarium care.

Water Conditioner – This removes the chlorine and chloramine, and neutralizes heavy metals in the water. Many also have a natural additive that replaces “slime” lost by stressed out fish.

Bacteria Supplement – The use of a bottled bacteria additive will help kick start your aquarium by eating up the harmful toxins produced by your fish and assist in developing a biological cycle. It also maintains optimum filtration in existing aquariums.

Aquarium Salt – This can be used to support fish health during times of stress and as a treatment from various fish diseases, making it beneficial to have on hand. See our Aquarium Salt Tip Sheet for more information.

Net – This can remove debris and transfer fish.

Algae Scraper – This removes unwanted algae growth that may appear on your ornaments and tank glass. Algae scrapers are available with or without handles or on magnets to make it easier to clean off the algae.

Water Test Kit – Testing water allows you to troubleshoot problems, know if you can add new fish or should add supplements, and know which fertilizers to add for live plants. Petland offers free water testing for Club Pet members.

Oh Yes, The Fish!

Wait a few days after setting up your aquarium before adding fish so it can stabilize. Start with a few hardy fish, following the rule of one 3 cm (1") fish per 38 L (10 US gallons). A healthy biological balance takes 5–7 weeks to develop, so add fish and plants gradually. Explore the hobby and enjoy the journey!

Introducing New Fish into Your Aquarium

Travelling from one aquarium to another can be very stressful for fish. Extreme temperature changes (hot or cold) can adversely affect your fish’s health. Try to avoid exposing your new fish to these hot or cold conditions when taking them home.

During this period fish may be unable to produce or repair their slime coat. A fish’s slime coat is their natural protection against injury to skin, scales and parasitic infestations such as Ich (which can be present in established aquariums).

To help minimize the stress on your fish and protect its slime coat, adhere to the following steps:

Wrap up your fish bag in paper or keep them inside your warm jacket. Go directly home to lessen the transport time.
When you arrive at home, float the sealed bag of fish in your aquarium for 10 – 15 minutes to allow the water temperature in the fish bag to adjust to the aquarium’s temperature.
While you are waiting, add new decorations or rearrange the decorations in your aquarium to create new hiding places for all your fish.
Use an aquarium fish net to transfer only the fish from the fish bag into your aquarium. Discard the water and the bag. Then add a bacterial supplement to boost the biological filtration in your aquarium, which will benefit all your fish.
To help reduce health problems, we recommend adding a full dose of water conditioner as a slime coat additive, and aquarium salt (if permitted) as an electrolyte booster.

Monitor your new arrivals, along with your other fish, for the first 48 hours. Look for signs of stress, such as loss of colour, clamped or frayed fins, unusual grey patches or white spots and a lack of appetite. Contact your local Petland store immediately if you have any concerns.

Pets for Life

We at Petland believe strongly in “Pets for a Lifetime”. We want our guests to be certain the pet they are adopting will remain in their family for the lifetime of the pet. However, we understand that there may be unforeseen circumstances that may interfere with your best intentions to keep your pet. For fish, setting them loose in natural waterways, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, or storm drains, can have catastrophic consequences on ecosystems. The best alternative is to bring the fish back to Petland. As Petland will incur all expenses in caring for and rehoming the pet, the pet owner understands there will be no refund.

Cleanliness and Safety

All pets must be kept in a clean environment to avoid the spread of dirt and contaminants to yourself and others. Always keep your pet’s home clean, and wash your hands before and after handling your aquarium.

CHECKLIST FOR YOUR AQUARIUM

Aquarium
Aquarium stand
Aquarium canopy
Light fixture and bulb
Heater and thermometer
Substrate (gravel or sand)
Plants (live or artificial)
Decorations (i.e. driftwood, rocks or artificial resin-based decorations. At least one hiding spot per fish)
A variety of fish food
Aquarium filter (submersible, hang-on-back, or canister)
Gravel cleaning siphon
Water conditioner
Bacteria supplement
(Optional) Aquarium salt
Fish net
Algae scraper
Water test kit

Please ask your pet counsellor what other items pertain to your particular fish’s needs.

Click here to see fish products available.

To provide a healthy, happy atmosphere for your fish, Petland recommends the following necessary equipment and accessories. We have listed them as your fish’s 4 Basic Needs: Environmental, Behavioural, Nutritional, and Maintenance. When you meet these needs, your hobby will be an enjoyable one!

ENVIRONMENTAL

The Aquarium – A well-made aquarium is essential for supporting the weight of water. Most aquariums consist of glass or acrylic. They range in sizes from 7.6 L (2 gal) to 760 L (200 gal).

Amazingly, the larger the aquarium, the easier it is to maintain! The larger the aquarium, the healthier the environment is for your fish. A tank between 38 L (10 gal) and 125.4 L (33 gal) is ideal for someone starting their first aquarium.

Aquarium Stand – Water is heavy! It weighs more than 3.63 kg (8 lbs) per 3.8 L (1 gal). For example, a 75.7 L (20 gal) aquarium with gravel will weigh approximately 90.7 kg (200 lbs). Many bookshelves or side tables will not support that much weight.

Aquarium Canopy – A well fitting cover protects the fish from outside contaminants and helps to reduce temperature fluctuation and evaporation.

If you are considering live plants in your aquarium, see our Keeping Live Aquatic Plants Tip Sheet for information regarding lighting.

BEHAVIOURAL

NUTRITIONAL

MAINTENANCE

Gravel Cleaning Siphon – A gravel cleaner works like a vacuum to remove hidden dirt, debris, and toxins from the gravel and water. Doing a partial water change of 20–25% every three to four weeks helps reduce waste buildup and is one of the most important parts of aquarium care.

Water Conditioner – This removes the chlorine and chloramine, and neutralizes heavy metals in the water. Many also have a natural additive that replaces “slime” lost by stressed out fish.

Bacteria Supplement – The use of a bottled bacteria additive will help kick start your aquarium by eating up the harmful toxins produced by your fish and assist in developing a biological cycle. It also maintains optimum filtration in existing aquariums.

Aquarium Salt – This can be used to support fish health during times of stress and as a treatment from various fish diseases, making it beneficial to have on hand. See our Aquarium Salt Tip Sheet for more information.

Net – This can remove debris and transfer fish.

Algae Scraper – This removes unwanted algae growth that may appear on your ornaments and tank glass. Algae scrapers are available with or without handles or on magnets to make it easier to clean off the algae.

Water Test Kit – Testing water allows you to troubleshoot problems, know if you can add new fish or should add supplements, and know which fertilizers to add for live plants. Petland offers free water testing for Club Pet members.

Oh Yes, The Fish!

Introducing New Fish into Your Aquarium

Travelling from one aquarium to another can be very stressful for fish. Extreme temperature changes (hot or cold) can adversely affect your fish’s health. Try to avoid exposing your new fish to these hot or cold conditions when taking them home.

During this period fish may be unable to produce or repair their slime coat. A fish’s slime coat is their natural protection against injury to skin, scales and parasitic infestations such as Ich (which can be present in established aquariums).

To help minimize the stress on your fish and protect its slime coat, adhere to the following steps:

Wrap up your fish bag in paper or keep them inside your warm jacket. Go directly home to lessen the transport time.

When you arrive at home, float the sealed bag of fish in your aquarium for 10 – 15 minutes to allow the water temperature in the fish bag to adjust to the aquarium’s temperature.

While you are waiting, add new decorations or rearrange the decorations in your aquarium to create new hiding places for all your fish.

Use an aquarium fish net to transfer only the fish from the fish bag into your aquarium. Discard the water and the bag. Then add a bacterial supplement to boost the biological filtration in your aquarium, which will benefit all your fish.

To help reduce health problems, we recommend adding a full dose of water conditioner as a slime coat additive, and aquarium salt (if permitted) as an electrolyte booster.

Monitor your new arrivals, along with your other fish, for the first 48 hours. Look for signs of stress, such as loss of colour, clamped or frayed fins, unusual grey patches or white spots and a lack of appetite. Contact your local Petland store immediately if you have any concerns.

Pets for Life