What Is an Aquarium?

A fish tank, also known as an aquarium, is a water-filled container that houses live fish. These tanks can be freshwater or saltwater and come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from small desktop aquariums to large public aquarium exhibits. The tank is usually made of glass or acrylic and has a filter that helps maintain water quality suitable for the fish it contains. These filters can be biological, breaking down organic wastes; chemical, removing impurities through chemicals; or a combination of both. Some fish tanks are even equipped with a lighting system.

Aside from providing nourishment and a safe and comfortable habitat, one of the most important duties an aquarist performs is maintaining aquarium water quality. More aquariums fail because of poor water quality than any other reason. This is because most diseases that affect fish are caused by physical stress from living in polluted water.

To ensure aquarium water is pristine, the first step is to change out 10-30% of the water weekly. This process helps eliminate waste products and other organic pollutants that accumulate in the aquarium from the metabolism of fish and from uneaten food that decays in the aquarium’s gravel or substrate. These organic contaminants cause toxic build-up in the aquarium’s water and can be harmful to its occupants. In nature, the water in a river or lake is continually replenished with fresh rainwater and different chemical and biological processes remove organic pollutants from the water. To mimic this natural system in an aquarium, the filtration system must be designed to keep water quality stable.

Adding plants to an aquarium also aids in keeping it healthy. Not only do the green plants provide a beautiful backdrop to the tank, but they also give off oxygen that aids in keeping the water chemistry balanced. This balance is important because oxygen and carbon dioxide are essential gases that must be present in a fish’s environment in order for the fish to thrive. To further increase the health of an aquarium, it is recommended to add scavengers such as snails that help remove waste and excess food from the tank’s substrate.

The best place to house an aquarium is in a location with easy access. If the aquarium is difficult to reach, it will likely get neglected and the occupants of the aquarium will suffer as a result. It is also a good idea to keep the tank away from direct sunlight and other heat sources that can negatively impact the health of the aquarium’s inhabitants.

Lastly, an aquarium must be placed on a stand that is specially designed to support the weight of the water. A standard aquarium can weigh up to 300 pounds, and it is unlikely that most pieces of furniture are able to support such a heavy load. This is especially true if children play around the aquarium and spill or splash water, which is a sure thing to happen at least once in an aquarium’s life.