Aquarium guide
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AQUARIUM GUIDE |
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AQUARIUM GUIDEAQUARIUM GUIDE | With the outstanding assortment of beautiful fish to choose from, it is no wonder that so many hobbyists dream of maintaining a aquarium. This guide is intended to answer many of the questions a novice aquarist may have, and to provide some basic guidelines for selecting and caring for saltwater and freshwater fish and invertebrates.
In addition, we hope that every saltwater hobbyist will read several good, current books on the subject. Please ask us for suggestions.
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CATALOGSFRESHWATER FISH | These inhabit various biotopes in tropical and equatorial regions. Basically
they may be divided into two groups. The first comprises those for which soft, acidic
conditions are essential. Some require a very low level of hardness, with a typical
pH of around 6. The second group prefers hard, alkaline conditions. For some species
the level of hardness must be extremely high, with a pH of up to 8. A few species
can survive in brackish water. There are some fish which are not dependent on water
quality. These are consequently ideal for the beginner, who can, in principle, fill
the aquarium from the household supply. Though there are over 10,000 species native
to inland waters, only a few hundred need concern the aquarist.
| MARINE FISH | There are almost 20,000 species of marine fish in the world, but only a small
minority is of any interest to the aquarist. Of these, most come from the Pacific
and Indian oceans, although a few are native to Australia and the tropical Atlantic
ocean. Marine fish are usually collected in their natural environment and rarely
reproduce in captivity. They find it more difficult to acclimatize than freshwater
fish, particularly as regards feeding: some refuse to eat artificial food, and others
have very special dietary requirements. The smallest marine fish require a minimum
water volume of 150-200 liters. Medium-sized species (around 20 cm) must he kept
in tanks of 300 liters, or at least 400 liters if they are active. It is advisable
to obtain juvenile (or sub-adult) specimens, as they are generally easier to acclimatize
and feed.
| INVERTEBRATES | These days, more and more aquarists seem to be taking an interest in these animals.
Ecologically speaking, invertebrates represent a natural complement to fish and
plants; in visual terms, you can put on a spectacle of luminous beauty, particularly
in sea water, using anemones and corals, to which can be added small fish, either
lively or placid, but always brightly colored. There are also a few species of freshwater
mollusks and crustaceans which are easy to keep in captivity, although they are
little known and often overlooked.
| AQUARIUM PLANTS | Of the thousands of plants that are genuinely aquatic, or only amphibian, only
a few hundred are to be found in the aquarium trade. The vast majority of these
come from tropical fresh water, with the remainder coming from northern climes,
and therefore suitable for temperate aquariums and garden ponds. The most common
plants are generally the most robust, and are therefore specially suitable for beginners.
Others are best left to committed aquarists keen to create a veritable aquatic garden.
The special plants - the floating species, mosses, and ferns - have been grouped
together, on account of their exceptional lifestyle; they should be of interest
to all aquarists.
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