Aquarium Accessories - What Fish Need

Aquarium Accessories - What Fish Need

By: Dr. Greg Lewbart

Your pet fish require more than just clean water, good food and an adequately functioning filterSubCurrent Surface Skimming Aquarium Filter
The Next Evolution In Aquarium Filtration is Crystal ClearThe SubCurrent sets a new standard in aquarium filtration. Unmatched by traditional power fi... and heater. Nearly all pet fish have a better life if some items and ornaments are added to their aquariums.

With thousands of different types of pet fish, it would be impossible to list every specific tankEclipse Curved-Front Aquarium System
Marineland/Aquaria Eclipse Aquarium System has unique combinations of beauty, precision and 3-stage BIO- Wheel filtration efficiency, the Eclipse Aqua... need. However, certain generalizations are possible when it comes to "accessorizing" your aquarium. Here are some important do's and don'ts of selecting aquarium accessories.

Safety First

All items placed in an aquarium must be safe for your fish and, if possible, make their life in captivity less stressful. You should avoid any items, such as rocks or driftwood, that could carry diseases from a natural body of water (ocean, lake, pond or stream); items that may give off a toxin, like garden or field stonesFlat Marbles 80 Count Bags - (Choose Color)
Mega Marbles flat marbles will brighten aquariums with sparkling colors. Made of 100% glass, they can be used in floral and eye-catching centerpi... exposed to fertilizers or pesticides; and objects that are sharp or that could trap your pet fish.


Hideouts Are Important

Items that provide a sense of security, breeding habitat and a resting place for your pet include plastic plantsAquarium Plants Mini Encyclopedia
Barron's Aquarium Plants Mini Encyclopedia includes hundreds of different aquarium plants are illustrated in color with detailed descriptions of e..., PVC tubes, decontaminated coral, aquarium-safe driftwood and specially designed ceramic ornaments.

For the Pet Owner

Aesthetics are important to many people who keep pet fish. They want their aquariums to look nice. At the very least, aquarium items should "do no harm" to your fish. Once you've met this requirement, then decorating your aquarium can be fun, rewarding and beneficial to your pet fish. A knowledgeable pet store clerk can help you in selecting accessories that are appropriate for your particular pets.

Examples of What Some Fish Need

  • Black Ghost Knife fish. These South American freshwater fish only thrive if provided with a plastic or PVC tube within which to hide.

  • Spiny Eels. These Asian fish feel secure when they can burrow in fine gravel or sand.

  • African CichlidsCichlid Flake
    Wardley Cichlid FlakesIn their natural habitat, Cichlids tend to feed more on animal rather than plant materials. Because of their predatory nature, t...    .     Fish belonging to this popular group tend to be rather territorial and do best when plants, flat rocks and other "structures" are provided so they can seek refuge from more dominant fish in the aquarium. Certain species in this group require cryptic areas where they can lay eggs and/or rear their young.

     
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