Your First Aquarium

by Jay F. Hemdal

Overview

This essential book simplifies the setup of a freshwater aquarium so that first-time aquarium keepers can succeed right from the start. Find out the items necessary to maintain an attractive and thriving aquarium, from equipment and décor to the best food choices for your aquatic pets. This title guides the novice through all the stages of fish-keeping, from selecting the tank to testing the water to scraping off the algae--and every step is explained fully but simply.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780793849154
Publisher:	TFH Publications, Inc.
Publication date:	01/01/2014
Series:	Animal Planet Pet Care Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	9 MB

About the Author

Jay F. Hemdal has been an avid aquarist and pet owner for more than 45 years and has been keeping fish since his childhood. Jay is curator of fishes and invertebrates at the Toledo Zoo with more than 3,000 animals under his supervision. He has written more than 150 articles and 5 books on animal care. He lives with his wife Tammy and their son John Thomas on the banks of the Raisin River in southeastern Michigan.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 An Introduction to Aquariums 4

What Is an Aquarium?

Why Aquariums as a Hobby?

Aquariums Past, Present, and Future

Basic Aquarium Science: Chemistry

Basic Aquarium Science: Biology

Putting Everything Together

Chapter 2 A Place to Stay: Aquariums and Equipment 24

Tank Selection and Placement

Filtration

Aeration

Lighting

Heating

Additional Equipment

Decorations

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

Chapter 3 First Inhabitants: Hardy Fish Choices 40

Angelfish

Barbs

Bettas

Gouramis

Cory Catfish

Suckermouth Catfish

Danios

Goldfish

Guppies

Platies

Swordtails

Loaches

Rainbowfish

Rasboras

Sharks

Tetras

Chapter 4 Ready, Set, Go! Getting Your First Fish 50

Planning Your Collection

How Many Fish of What Size?

Selecting Individual Fish

Acclimation

Quarantine

Observing Your Fish

Chapter 5 Maintaining Your Aquarium 62

Feeding and Nutrition

Disease Control

Aquarium and Equipment Maintenance

Aquarium Safety

Chapter 6 So Many Choices: Species That Are a Bit More Challenging 82

Cichlids

Native Fishes

Aggressive Fishes

Oddballs

Amphibians

Invertebrates

Fishes to Avoid

Chapter 7 Advancing in the Hobby 94

Breeding Fishes

Brackish-Water Aquariums

Marine Aquariums

Careers Working in Aquariums

Glossary 104

Resources 106

Index 107