Millions of people worldwide enjoy the aquarium hobby. For all of them, the most difficult aquarium is generally their first one. There are a variety of reasons for this, but simply being new to fishkeeping and aquariums is a common one. When starting out for the first time, don’t expect to achieve the perfect work of aquarium art within days or weeks. Though there are many techniques for quickly starting a new aquarium, the easiest aquarium to maintain and enjoy is one that has the “green patina of maturity,” so to speak. Think used gravel, aged water and a stable population of the fewest fish and ample plants for low maintenance.
When you’re starting out with that first tank, there are many step-by-step instructions in books, magazines and brochures — and generally they are basically sound — but I would like to add a few of the things that I’ve picked up along the way.
Want to read the full story? Pick up the June 2008 issue of Aquarium Fish International today, or subscribe to get 12 months of articles just like this.